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Ren M, Yao S, Chen T, Luo H, Tao X, Jiang H, Yang X, Zhang H, Yu S, Wang Y, Lu A, Zhang G. Connective Tissue Growth Factor: Regulation, Diseases, and Drug Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4692. [PMID: 38731911 PMCID: PMC11083620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094692] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In drug discovery, selecting targeted molecules is crucial as the target could directly affect drug efficacy and the treatment outcomes. As a member of the CCN family, CTGF (also known as CCN2) is an essential regulator in the progression of various diseases, including fibrosis, cancer, neurological disorders, and eye diseases. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of CTGF in different diseases may contribute to the discovery of novel drug candidates. Summarizing the CTGF-targeting and -inhibitory drugs is also beneficial for the analysis of the efficacy, applications, and limitations of these drugs in different disease models. Therefore, we reviewed the CTGF structure, the regulatory mechanisms in various diseases, and drug development in order to provide more references for future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meishen Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shanshan Yao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tienan Chen
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hang Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaohui Tao
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hewen Jiang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huarui Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sifan Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Takigawa M. CCN Proteins (Cellular Communication Network Factors): Expanding Their Repertoire Toward a New Concept. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2582:1-10. [PMID: 36370338 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2744-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
I herein report the general structures and functions of CCN proteins and possible molecular mechanisms involved in the unique biological actions of this family of intercellular signaling regulators, which are considered matricellular proteins and were once referred to as "signal conductors" but have recently been renamed "Cellular Communication Network Factors." Their repertoire of functions beyond their role as matricellular proteins is also described to aid in future studies. Advanced research concerning their relevance to pathology is briefly introduced as well. The information provided in this chapter is expected to be useful for readers of subsequent chapters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu Takigawa
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School/Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
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3
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Aoyama E, Takigawa M. Evaluation of the Molecular Interaction Between CCN Protein and Its Binding Partners: A Solid-Phase Binding Assay and Surface Plasmon Resonance. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2582:77-86. [PMID: 36370345 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2744-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
CCN proteins are known to bind to various growth factors, cytokines, and membrane proteins. Since these bindings are closely involved in the function of CCN proteins, the analysis of the binding partners is the first step toward understanding the mechanisms of actions of CCN proteins. This chapter describes two approaches used for such analyses: a solid-phase binding assay, which is suitable for confirming the binding easily because of its simplicity and cost advantage, and a surface plasmon resonance assay, which can determine the binding affinities between CCN proteins and their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Aoyama
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Masaharu Takigawa
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School, Okayama, Japan
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4
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Istiaq A, Ohta K. A review on Tsukushi: mammalian development, disorders, and therapy. J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:505-513. [PMID: 35233735 PMCID: PMC9733752 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tsukushi (TSK), a leucine-rich peptidoglycan in the extracellular compartment, mediates multiple signaling pathways that are critical for development and metabolism. TSK regulates signaling pathways that eventually control cellular communication, proliferation, and cell fate determination. Research on TSK has become more sophisticated in recent years, illustrating its involvement in the physiology and pathophysiology of neural, genetic, and metabolic diseases. In a recent study, we showed that TSK therapy reversed the pathophysiological abnormalities of the hydrocephalic (a neurological disorder) brain in mice. This review summarizes the roles of TSK in key signaling processes in the mammalian development, disorders, and evaluating its possible therapeutic and diagnostic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Istiaq
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, 819-0395 Fukuoka, Japan ,Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 860-8555 Kumamoto, Japan ,HIGO Program, Kumamoto University, 860-8555 Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kunimasa Ohta
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, 819-0395 Fukuoka, Japan
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Istiaq A, Umemoto T, Ito N, Suda T, Shimamura K, Ohta K. Tsukushi proteoglycan maintains RNA splicing and developmental signaling network in GFAP-expressing subventricular zone neural stem/progenitor cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:994588. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.994588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tsukushi (TSK) proteoglycan dysfunction leads to hydrocephalus, a condition defined by excessive fluid collection in the ventricles and lateral ventricular enlargement. TSK injections into the LV at birth are effective at rescuing the lateral ventricle (LV). TSK regulates the activation of the Wnt signaling to facilitate the proper expansion of the LV and maintain the fate of the neural stem cell lineage. However, the molecular mechanism by which TSK acts on neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) during LV development is unknown. We demonstrated that TSK is crucial for the splicing and development-associated gene regulation of GFAP-expressing subventricular zone (SVZ) NSCs. We isolated GFAP-expressing NSCs from the SVZ of wild-type (GFAPGFP/+/TSK+/+) and TSK knock-out (GFAPGFP/+/TSK−/−) mice on postnatal day 3 and compared their transcriptome and splicing profiles. TSK deficiency in NSCs resulted in genome-wide missplicing (alteration in exon usage) and transcriptional dysregulation affecting the post-transcriptional regulatory processes (including splicing, cell cycle, and circadian rhythm) and developmental signaling networks specific to the cell (including Wnt, Sonic Hedgehog, and mTOR signaling). Furthermore, TSK deficiency prominently affected the splicing of genes encoding RNA and DNA binding proteins in the nervous SVZ and non-nervous muscle tissues. These results suggested that TSK is involved in the maintenance of correct splicing and gene regulation in GFAP-expressing NSCs, thereby protecting cell fate and LV development. Hence, our study provides a critical insight on hydrocephalus development.
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Draicchio F, Behrends V, Tillin NA, Hurren NM, Sylow L, Mackenzie R. Involvement of the extracellular matrix and integrin signalling proteins in skeletal muscle glucose uptake. J Physiol 2022; 600:4393-4408. [PMID: 36054466 PMCID: PMC9826115 DOI: 10.1113/jp283039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-body euglycaemia is partly maintained by two cellular processes that encourage glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, the insulin- and contraction-stimulated pathways, with research suggesting convergence between these two processes. The normal structural integrity of the skeletal muscle requires an intact actin cytoskeleton as well as integrin-associated proteins, and thus those structures are likely fundamental for effective glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. In contrast, excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling and integrin expression in skeletal muscle may contribute to insulin resistance owing to an increased physical barrier causing reduced nutrient and hormonal flux. This review explores the role of the ECM and the actin cytoskeleton in insulin- and contraction-mediated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. This is a clinically important area of research given that defects in the structural integrity of the ECM and integrin-associated proteins may contribute to loss of muscle function and decreased glucose uptake in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvia Draicchio
- School of Life and Health SciencesWhitelands CollegeUniversity of RoehamptonLondonUK
| | - Volker Behrends
- School of Life and Health SciencesWhitelands CollegeUniversity of RoehamptonLondonUK
| | - Neale A. Tillin
- School of Life and Health SciencesWhitelands CollegeUniversity of RoehamptonLondonUK
| | - Nicholas M. Hurren
- School of Life and Health SciencesWhitelands CollegeUniversity of RoehamptonLondonUK
| | - Lykke Sylow
- Molecular Metabolism in Cancer & Ageing Research GroupDepartment of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Richard Mackenzie
- School of Life and Health SciencesWhitelands CollegeUniversity of RoehamptonLondonUK
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Chen H, Cui Y, Zhang D, Xie J, Zhou X. The role of fibroblast growth factor 8 in cartilage development and disease. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:990-999. [PMID: 35001536 PMCID: PMC8831980 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF‐8), also known as androgen‐induced growth factor (AIGF), is presumed to be a potent mitogenic cytokine that plays important roles in early embryonic development, brain formation and limb development. In the bone environment, FGF‐8 produced or received by chondrocyte precursor cells binds to fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), causing different levels of activation of downstream signalling pathways, such as phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ)/Ca2+, RAS/mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐extracellular regulated protein kinases (RAS/MAPK‐MEK‐ERK), and Wnt‐β‐catenin‐Axin2 signalling, and ultimately controlling chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, cell survival and migration. However, the molecular mechanism of FGF‐8 in normal or pathological cartilage remains unclear, and thus, FGF‐8 represents a novel exploratory target for studies of chondrocyte development and cartilage disease progression. In this review, studies assessing the relationship between FGF‐8 and chondrocytes that have been published in the past 5 years are systematically summarized to determine the probable mechanism and physiological effect of FGF‐8 on chondrocytes. Based on the existing research results, a therapeutic regimen targeting FGF‐8 is proposed to explore the possibility of treating chondrocyte‐related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Demao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Yeger H, Perbal B. The CCN axis in cancer development and progression. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:491-517. [PMID: 33877533 PMCID: PMC8642525 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00618-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the authors first reviewed this subject in 2016 significant progress has been documented in the CCN field with advances made in the understanding of how members of the CCN family of proteins, CCN1-6, contribute to the pathogenesis and progression, positive and negative, of a larger variety of cancers. As termed matricellular proteins, and more recently the connective communication network, it has become clearer that members of the CCN family interact complexly with other proteins in the extracellular microenvironment, membrane signaling proteins, and can also operate intracellularly at the transcriptional level. In this review we expand on this earlier information providing new detailed information and insights that appropriate a much greater involvement and importance of their role in multiple aspects of cancer. Despite all the new information many more questions have been raised and intriguing results generated that warrant greater investigation. In order to permit the reader to smoothly integrate the new information we discuss all relevant CCN members in the context of cancer subtypes. We have harmonized the nomenclature with CCN numbering for easier comparisons. Finally, we summarize what new has been learned and provide a perspective on how our knowledge about CCN1-6 is being used to drive new initiatives on cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Yeger
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Research Institute, SickKids, Toronto, Canada
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Takeuchi-Igarashi H, Tachibana T, Murakashi E, Kubota S, Numabe Y. Effect of cellular communication network factor 2/connective tissue growth factor on tube formation by endothelial cells derived from human periodontal ligaments. Arch Oral Biol 2021; 132:105279. [PMID: 34628139 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2021.105279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clarify the role of cellular communication network factor 2/connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) in periodontal tissue regeneration by investigating, the proliferative and tubulogenic responses of human endothelial cells obtained from the periodontal ligament to CCN2/CTGF. DESIGN Endothelial cells were seeded on agar gel medium with or without 50 ng/mL recombinant CCN2/CTGF (rCCN2/CTGF) and cultured for 6 h. Cells were morphologically and phenotypically analyzed by immunofluorescent microscopy. A colorimetric assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for ultrastructural analysis. RESULTS The proliferation of endothelial cells was best promoted by rCCN2/CTGF at 50 ng/mL. In the control group, tube formation was not observed within 6 h. In contrast, endothelial cells seeded on the agar with 50 ng/mL rCCN2/CTGF clearly showed proliferation with network formation. Under a two-dimensional culture condition, a dense network of endothelial cells was not constructed on the plastic bottom. However, drastic morphological change was observed in the endothelial cells on the agar containing rCCN2/CTGF. The endothelial cells in the dense network were interconnected with each other and showed a tube-like structure. Tight junctions or adherens junctions were observed between the adjoining endothelial cells in the dense network. CONCLUSIONS CCN2/CTGF was found to promote the proliferation and tubulogenesis of endothelial cells from the periodontal ligament. These results suggest that CCN2/CTGF may contribute to the regeneration of damaged periodontal tissue by activating the remaining endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Takeuchi-Igarashi
- Department of Periodontology, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8159, Japan; Core Research Facilities for Basic Science, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Toshiaki Tachibana
- Core Research Facilities for Basic Science, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Etsuko Murakashi
- Department of Periodontology, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8159, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Kubota
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8525, Japan.
| | - Yukihiro Numabe
- Department of Periodontology, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8159, Japan.
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Deng X, Li Y, Guo C, Zhao Z, Yuan G. Novel roles of Tsukushi in signaling pathways and multiple disease processes. Biofactors 2021; 47:512-521. [PMID: 33759220 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tsukushi (TSK), a newly identified hepatokine, is a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) family. TSK was originally isolated and identified in the lens of the chicken. Preliminary research on TSK has focused on its role in various physiological processes such as growth and development, wound healing, and cartilage formation. In recent years, the role of TSK in regulating cell signaling pathways, cell proliferation, and differentiation has been studied. In addition, the research has gradually expanded to the fields of glycolipid metabolism and energy balance. This article briefly reviews the role of TSK in the physiological and pathological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Deng
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Guo
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhicong Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoyue Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Matsushima N, Miyashita H, Kretsinger RH. Sequence features, structure, ligand interaction, and diseases in small leucine rich repeat proteoglycans. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:519-531. [PMID: 33860400 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00616-4] [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: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Small leucine rich repeat proteoglycans (SLRPs) are a group of active components of the extracellular matrix in all tissues. SLRPs bind to collagens and regulate collagen fibril growth and fibril organization. SLRPs also interact with various cytokines and extracellular compounds, which lead to various biological functions such cell adhesion and signaling, proliferation, and differentiation. Mutations in SLRP genes are associated with human diseases. Now crystal structures of five SLRPs are available. We describe some features of amino acid sequence and structures of SLRPs. We also review ligand interactions and then discuss the interaction surfaces. Furthermore, we map mutations associated with human diseases and discuss possible effects on structures by the mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norio Matsushima
- Division of Bioinformatics, Institute of Tandem Repeats, Noboribetsu, 059-0464, Japan.
- Center for Medical Education, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Miyashita
- Division of Bioinformatics, Institute of Tandem Repeats, Noboribetsu, 059-0464, Japan
- Hokubu Rinsho Co., Ltd, Sapporo, 060⎼0061, Japan
| | - Robert H Kretsinger
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
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Haythorn A, Young M, Stanton J, Zhang J, Mueller POE, Halper J. Differential gene expression in skin RNA of horses affected with degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis. J Orthop Surg Res 2020; 15:460. [PMID: 33028365 PMCID: PMC7541307 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-020-01994-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a systemic connective tissue disorder first identified in Peruvian Paso horses but afflicting other horse breeds as well. Inappropriate accumulation of proteoglycans in connective tissues, most prominently in tendons and ligaments, leads to progressive and debilitating lameness and pain. It is largely unknown what drives the overproduction of proteoglycans, but our previous studies suggest involvement of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family, impacting synthesis of proteoglycans. To identify potential players in pathogenesis of DSLD a new approach utilizing next generation sequencing was undertaken. METHODS Next generation sequencing was performed using RNA extracted from skin biopsies of six control Peruvian Pasos and six horses with DSLD (4 Peruvian Pasos and 2 warmbloods). The CuffDiff result sets were validated with algorithms used to run them. This was based on the determined false discovery rates derived from the P values adjusted for multiple testing for any given result. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomes revealed differential expression of over 1500 genes, including increased expression of genes for several growth factors (most prominently BMP2, FGF5, CTGF, many members of the EGF family), and mediators of signaling (Fos, Myc, MAPK system), and keratins. Two genes encoding for enzymes involved in synthesis of hyaluronan were also overexpressed. Gene expression was decreased for protein cores of many proteoglycans, several growth factors, most collagens, and many peptides with immune function. CONCLUSIONS The overexpression of BMP2 correlates well with our previous data. However, the decrease in expression of numerous proteoglycans was unexpected. A mutation in a gene of a less characterized proteoglycan and/or glycosyltransferase with subsequent increased production of hyaluronan and/or a proteoglycan(s) undetected in our study could account for the systemic proteoglycan deposition. Decreased collagen gene expression indicates abnormal connective tissue metabolism. The increased expression of keratin genes and FGF5 supports reports of skin abnormalities in DSLD. Underexpression of immune function genes corresponds with lack of inflammation in DSLD tissues. Finally, though the proteoglycan and/or glycosaminoglycan abundant in DSLD has not been identified, we validated our previous data, including overexpression of BMP2, and systemic nature of DSLD due to disturbed metabolism of the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Haythorn
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Madeline Young
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - James Stanton
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - P. O. E. Mueller
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Jaroslava Halper
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
- AU/UGA Medical Partnership, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
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Bone marrow niche crosses paths with BMPs: a road to protection and persistence in CML. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 47:1307-1325. [PMID: 31551354 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a paradigm of precision medicine, being one of the first cancers to be treated with targeted therapy. This has revolutionised CML therapy and patient outcome, with high survival rates. However, this now means an ever-increasing number of patients are living with the disease on life-long tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy, with most patients anticipated to have near normal life expectancy. Unfortunately, in a significant number of patients, TKIs are not curative. This low-level disease persistence suggests that despite a molecularly targeted therapeutic approach, there are BCR-ABL1-independent mechanisms exploited to sustain the survival of a small cell population of leukaemic stem cells (LSCs). In CML, LSCs display many features akin to haemopoietic stem cells, namely quiescence, self-renewal and the ability to produce mature progeny, this all occurs through intrinsic and extrinsic signals within the specialised microenvironment of the bone marrow (BM) niche. One important avenue of investigation in CML is how the disease highjacks the BM, thereby remodelling this microenvironment to create a niche, which enables LSC persistence and resistance to TKI treatment. In this review, we explore how changes in growth factor levels, in particular, the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, impact on cell behaviour, extracellular matrix deposition and bone remodelling in CML. We also discuss the challenges in targeting LSCs and the potential of dual targeting using combination therapies against BMP receptors and BCR-ABL1.
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Ahmad SAI, Anam MB, Istiaq A, Ito N, Ohta K. Tsukushi is essential for proper maintenance and terminal differentiation of mouse hippocampal neural stem cells. Dev Growth Differ 2020; 62:108-117. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shah Adil Ishtiyaq Ahmad
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology Graduate School of Life Sciences Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
- Stem Cell‐Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University Tangail Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Badrul Anam
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology Graduate School of Life Sciences Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
- Stem Cell‐Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
- HIGO Program Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
| | - Arif Istiaq
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology Graduate School of Life Sciences Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
- Stem Cell‐Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
- HIGO Program Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
| | - Naofumi Ito
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology Graduate School of Life Sciences Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
- Stem Cell‐Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
| | - Kunimasa Ohta
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology Graduate School of Life Sciences Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
- Stem Cell‐Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
- HIGO Program Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
- AMED Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED‐CREST) Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) Tokyo Japan
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