Deficits in Col5a2 Expression Result in Novel Skin and Adipose Abnormalities and Predisposition to Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections

Short-Term Disruption of TGFβ Signaling in Adult Mice Renders the Aorta Vulnerable to Hypertension-Induced Dissection

Hypertension and transient increases in blood pressure from extreme exertion are risk factors for aortic dissection in patients with age-related vascular degeneration or inherited connective tissue disorders. Yet, the common experimental model of angiotensin II-induced aortopathy in mice appears independent of high blood pressure as lesions do not occur in response to an alternative vasoconstrictor, norepinephrine, and are not prevented by co-treatment with a vasodilator, hydralazine. We investigated vasoconstrictor administration to adult mice 1 week after disruption of TGFβ signaling in smooth muscle cells. Norepinephrine increased blood pressure and induced aortic dissection by 7 days and even within 30 minutes that was rescued by hydralazine; results were similar with angiotensin II. Changes in regulatory contractile molecule expression were not of pathological significance. Rather, reduced synthesis of extracellular matrix yielded a vulnerable aortic phenotype by decreasing medial collagen, most dynamically type XVIII, and impairing cell-matrix adhesion. We conclude that transient and sustained increases in blood pressure cause dissection in aortas rendered vulnerable by inhibition of TGFβ-driven extracellular matrix production by smooth muscle cells. A corollary is that medial fibrosis, a frequent feature of medial degeneration, may afford some protection against aortic dissection.

Whole Exome Sequencing Uncovers the Genetic Complexity of Bicuspid Aortic Valve in Families with Early Onset Complications

Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) is the most common adult congenital heart lesion with an estimated population prevalence of 1%. We hypothesize that early onset complications of BAV (EBAV) are driven by specific impactful genetic variants. We analyzed whole exome sequences (WES) to identify rare coding variants that contribute to BAV disease in 215 EBAV families. Predicted pathogenic variants of causal genes were present in 111 EBAV families (51% of total), including genes that cause BAV (8%) or heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD, 17%). After appropriate filtration, we also identified 93 variants in 26 novel genes that are associated with autosomal dominant congenital heart phenotypes, including recurrent deleterious variation of FBN2, MYH6, channelopathy genes, and type 1 and 5 collagen genes. These findings confirm our hypothesis that unique rare genetic variants contribute to early onset complications of BAV disease.

Identification of a Candidate Gene Regulating Intramuscular Fat Content in Pigs through the Integrative Analysis of Transcriptomics and Proteomics Data

Pork is a widely consumed source of animal protein worldwide, and the intramuscular fat (IMF) content in pork plays a crucial role in determining its quality. In this study, we sought to identify candidate genes that regulate IMF deposition in pigs. We performed tandem mass tags (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics analysis using Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples obtained from eight pigs with extremely high and low IMF content among a group of 28 Duroc pigs and identified 50 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). Additionally, we compared the proteomics data with RNA-sequencing data obtained in our previous study and identified TUSC5 as a differentially expressed gene corresponding to the relevant DAP. To investigate the potential role of TUSC5 in adipogenesis, we suppressed TUSC5 expression in mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and observed a significant reduction in the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into adipocytes, as indicated by Oil Red O staining and triglyceride content. Moreover, we observed a reduction in the expression of genes associated with adipogenesis (PPARG, CEBPA, FABP4, and FASN) following TUSC5 suppression. Through an integrative analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics data, our study identified TUSC5 as a crucial candidate gene associated with the regulation of IMF content in pigs.

Collagens Regulating Adipose Tissue Formation and Functions

The globally increasing prevalence of obesity is associated with the development of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver. Excess adipose tissue (AT) often leads to its malfunction and to a systemic metabolic dysfunction because, in addition to storing lipids, AT is an active endocrine system. Adipocytes are embedded in a unique extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides structural support to the cells as well as participating in the regulation of their functions, such as proliferation and differentiation. Adipocytes have a thin pericellular layer of a specialized ECM, referred to as the basement membrane (BM), which is an important functional unit that lies between cells and tissue stroma. Collagens form a major group of proteins in the ECM, and some of them, especially the BM-associated collagens, support AT functions and participate in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation. In pathological conditions such as obesity, AT often proceeds to fibrosis, characterized by the accumulation of large collagen bundles, which disturbs the natural functions of the AT. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the vertebrate collagens that are important for AT development and function and include basic information on some other important ECM components, principally fibronectin, of the AT. We also briefly discuss the function of AT collagens in certain metabolic diseases in which they have been shown to play central roles.

Comprehensive analysis to identify pseudogenes/lncRNAs-hsa-miR-200b-3p-COL5A2 network as a prognostic biomarker in gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer. The molecular mechanism of gastric cancer progression remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four hub genes were identified through GEO and TCGA database screening and analysis. Prognostic analysis revealed that COL5A2 was the most likely to affect the prognosis of gastric cancer among the four hub genes. The relationships between COL5A2 and clinical variables and immune cell infiltration were analyzed. Then, COL5A2 was analyzed for single-gene differences and related functional enrichment. Using the starBase database for prediction and analysis, miRNAs and pseudogenes/lncRNAs that might combine with COL5A2 were identified; thus, the ceRNA network was constructed. Finally, the network was verified by Cox analysis and qPCR, and a nomogram was constructed.

RESULTS

First, we found that COL5A2, COL12A1, BGN and THBS2 were highly expressed in gastric cancer. COL5A2 had statistical significance in overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free interval (PFI) analysis. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that COL5A2 might influence the changes in the tumor immune microenvironment. The StarBase database was used to predict that 3 pseudogenes and 7 lncRNAs might inhibit the hsa-miR-200b-3p-COL5A2 axis in gastric cancer. The pseudogenes/lncRNA-hsa-miR-200b-3p-COL5A2 ceRNA network was identified and verified using Cox regression analysis and PCR. Finally, we constructed a nomogram.

CONCLUSIONS

We elucidated the regulatory role of the pseudogenes/lncRNA-hsa-miR-200b-3p-COL5A2 network in gastric cancer progression and constructed a nomogram. These studies may provide effective treatments and potential prognostic biomarkers for gastric cancer.

Upregulation of key genes Eln and Tgfb3 were associated with the severity of cardiac hypertrophy

Background

Hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy is one of the most common pre-conditions that accompanies heart failure. This study aimed to identify the key pathogenic genes in the disease process.

Methods

GSE18224 was re-analyzed and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were carried out. Networks of transcription factor (TF)-mRNA, microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA and Protein-Protein interaction (PPI) were constructed, and a key module was further screened out from PPI network. GSE36074 dataset and our transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mouse model were used to validate gene expression in the module. Finally, the correlation between the genes and biomarkers of cardiac hypertrophy were evaluated.

Results

Totally, there were 348 DEGs in GSE18224, which were mainly enriched in biological processes including collagen fibril organization, cellular response to transforming growth factor-beta stimulus and were involved in ECM-receptor interaction and Oxytocin signaling pathway. There were 387 miRNAs targeted by 257 DEGs, while 177 TFs targeted 71 DEGs. The PPI network contained 222 nodes and 770 edges, with 18 genes screened out into the module. After validation, 8 genes, which were also significantly upregulated in the GSE36074 dataset, were selected from the 18 DEGs. 2 of the 8 DEGs, including Eln and Tgfb3 were significantly upregulated in our mouse model of myocardial hypertrophy. Finally, the expression of Eln and Tgfb3 were found to be positively correlated with the level of the disease biomarkers.

Conclusions

Upregulated key genes Eln and Tgfb3 were positively correlated with the severity of cardiac hypertrophy, which may provide potential therapeutic targets for the disease.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08778-0.

Integrated bioinformatics analysis for the identification of hub genes and signaling pathways related to circANRIL

Background

Antisense noncoding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) is located on human chromosome 9p21, and modulation of ANRIL expression mediates susceptibility to some important human disease, including atherosclerosis (AS) and tumors, by affecting the cell cycle circANRIL and linear ANRIL are isoforms of ANRIL. However, it remains unclear whether these isoforms have distinct functions. In our research, we constructed a circANRIL overexpression plasmid, transfected it into HEK-293T cell line, and explored potential core genes and signaling pathways related to the important differential mechanisms between the circANRIL-overexpressing cell line and control cells through bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

Stable circANRIL-overexpressing (circANRIL-OE) HEK-293T cells and control cells were generated by infection with the circANRIL-OE lentiviral vector or a negative control vector, and successful transfection was confirmed by conventional flurescence microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Next, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between circANRIL-OE cells and control cells were detected. Subsequently, Gene Ontology (GO) biological process (BP) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore the principal functions of the significant DEGs. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network were constructed in Cytoscape to determine circularRNA (circRNA)- microRNA(miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions and hub genes, and qRT-PCR was used to verify changes in the expression of these identified target genes.

Results

The successful construction of circANRIL-OE cells was confirmed by plasmid sequencing, visualization with fluorescence microscopy and qRT-PCR. A total of 1745 DEGs between the circANRIL-OE group and control were identified, GO BP analysis showed that these genes were mostly related to RNA biosynthesis and processing, regulation of transcription and signal transduction. The KEGG pathway analysis showed that the up regulated DEGs were mainly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. Five associated target genes were identified in the ceRNA network and biological function analyses. The mRNA levels of these five genes and ANRIL were detected by qRT-PCR, but only COL5A2 and WDR3 showed significantly different expression in circANRIL-OE cells.

Fibrillar Collagen Variants in Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

IMPORTANCE

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly recognized nonatherosclerotic cause of acute myocardial infarction enriched among individuals with early-onset myocardial infarction but is of unclear etiology.

OBJECTIVE

To assess which genes contribute to the development of SCAD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

To prioritize genes influencing risk for SCAD, whole-exome sequencing was performed among individuals with SCAD in the discovery and replication cohorts from a tertiary care hospital outpatient specialty clinic, and gene set enrichment analyses were also performed for disruptive coding variants. All patients were sequentially enrolled beginning July 2013. Aggregate prevalence of rare disruptive variants for prioritized gene sets was compared between individuals with SCAD with population-based controls comprising 46 468 UK Biobank participants with whole-exome sequencing. Complementary mice models were used for in vivo validation. Analysis took place between June 2020 and January 2021.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The frequency and identity of rare genetic variants in individuals with SCAD.

RESULTS

Of 130 patients, 109 (83.8%) were female (26 of 32 [81.2%] in the discovery cohort and 83 of 98 [84.7%] in the replication cohort) with mean (SD) age at first SCAD event of 48.41 (8.76) years in the discovery cohort and 47.74 (10.09) years in the replication cohort. Across all patients with SCAD, rare disruptive variants were found within 10 collagen genes (COL3A1, COL5A1, COL4A1, COL6A1, COL5A2, COL12A1, COL4A5, COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL27A1) were 17-fold (P = 1.5 × 10-9) enriched among individuals with SCAD compared with a background of 2506 constrained genes expressed in coronary artery. Furthermore, compared with individuals from the UK Biobank, individuals with SCAD were 1.75-fold (P = .04) more likely to carry disruptive rare variants within fibrillar collagen genes. Complementary mice models haploinsufficient for Col3a1 or Col5a1, the 2 most common collagen gene variants identified in SCAD cases, demonstrated increased risk of arterial dissection and increased size of arterial diameters especially in female mice, with resulting changes in collagen fibril organization and diameter.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Unbiased gene discovery in patients with SCAD with independent human and murine validation highlights the role of the extracellular matrix dysfunction in SCAD.

Animal Models of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: Phenotype, Pathogenesis, and Translational Potential

The Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable connective tissues disorders mainly characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and generalized tissue fragility. Currently, 14 EDS subtypes each with particular phenotypic features are recognized and are caused by genetic defects in 20 different genes. All of these genes are involved in the biosynthesis and/or fibrillogenesis of collagens at some level. Although great progress has been made in elucidating the molecular basis of different EDS subtypes, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypes remain poorly understood, and consequentially, adequate treatment and management options for these conditions remain scarce. To date, several animal models, mainly mice and zebrafish, have been described with defects in 14 of the 20 hitherto known EDS-associated genes. These models have been instrumental in discerning the functions and roles of the corresponding proteins during development, maturation and repair and in portraying their roles during collagen biosynthesis and/or fibrillogenesis, for some even before their contribution to an EDS phenotype was elucidated. Additionally, extensive phenotypical characterization of these models has shown that they largely phenocopy their human counterparts, with recapitulation of several clinical hallmarks of the corresponding EDS subtype, including dermatological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and ocular features, as well as biomechanical and ultrastructural similarities in tissues. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of animal models manifesting phenotypes that mimic EDS with a focus on engineered mouse and zebrafish models, and their relevance in past and future EDS research. Additionally, we briefly discuss domestic animals with naturally occurring EDS phenotypes. Collectively, these animal models have only started to reveal glimpses into the pathophysiological aspects associated with EDS and will undoubtably continue to play critical roles in EDS research due to their tremendous potential for pinpointing (common) signaling pathways, unveiling possible therapeutic targets and providing opportunities for preclinical therapeutic interventions.

Involvement of COL5A2 and TGF-β1 in pathological scarring

Dysregulation in the cutaneous wound-healing process is a consequence of alterations in the efficiency and activity of the various components involved in the healing process. This dysregulation may result in various clinical appearances of a lesion, such as skin ulcers, keloids, hypertrophic and atrophic scars. The collagen type V alpha 2 (COL5A2) gene provides a template for a component of type V collagen, found primarily within the skin basement membrane. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, proliferation of fibroblasts, collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. Hypertrophic scar fibroblasts possess a disrupted expression pattern of the TGF-β signaling compared to normal healing, while an increased TGF-β signaling reduces the epidermal proliferation rate, triggering atrophic scarring. In the present study, 71 female patients who had undergone planned Caesarean section, without postoperative complications, were examined. These patients were clinically and molecularly evaluated after developing scars in order to determine the role of TGF-β1 (rs201700967 and rs200230083) and COL5A2 (rs369072636) in pathological scarring. Clinical scar evaluation was carried out using SCAR and POSAS scales and genotyping was performed by RT-PCR. No statistical differences were found between the subgroups regarding the genotype and the pathological scarring, since all the patients included were wild-type allele carriers. Further investigations and a more representative study group may highlight the involvement of COL5A2 and TGF-β1 single nucleotide variants in pathological scarring.

Bioinformatic Identification of Potential Hub Genes in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma

Despite aggressive treatment approaches, muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma (MIBC) patients still have a 50% chance of developing general incurable metastases. Therefore, there is an urgent need for candidate markers to enhance diagnosis and generate effective treatments for this disease. We evaluated four mRNA microarray datasets to find differences between non-MIBC (NMIBC) and MIBC tissues. Through a gene expression profile analysis via the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we identified 56 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment analysis of gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Reactome pathways revealed the interactions between these DEGs. Next, we established a protein-protein interaction network to determine the interrelationship between the DEGs and selected 10 hub genes accordingly. Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) patients with COL1A2, COL5A1, and COL5A2 alterations showed poor disease-free survival rates, while BLCA patients with COL1A1 and LUM alterations showed poor overall survival rates. Oncomine analysis of MIBC versus NMIBC tissues showed that COL1A1, COL5A2, COL1A2, and COL3A1 were consistently among the top 20 overexpressed genes in different studies. Using the TCGAportal, we noted that the high expression of each of the four genes led to shorter BLCA patient overall survival. It was evident that BLCA patients with an elevated high combined gene expression had significantly shorter overall survival and relapse-free survival than those with low combined gene expression using PROGgeneV2. Using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, we noted that COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, and COL5A2 were positively correlated with each other in BLCA. These genes are considered as clinically relevant genes, suggesting that they may play an important role in the carcinogenesis, development, invasion, and metastasis of MIBC. However, considering we adopted a bioinformatic approach, more research is crucial to confirm our results. Nonetheless, our findings may have important prospective clinical implementations.

COL5A1 Variants Cause Aortic Dissection by Activating TGF-β-Signaling Pathway

Background

Aortic dissection (AD) is one of the most life‐threatening cardiovascular diseases that exhibit high genetic heterogeneity. However, it is unclear whether variants within the COL5A1 gene can cause AD. Therefore, we intend to determine whether COL5A1 is a causative gene of AD.

Methods and Results

We performed targeted sequencing in 702 patients with unrelated sporadic AD and 163 matched healthy controls using a predesigned panel with 152 vessel matrix‐related genes. As a result, we identified that 11 variants in COL5A1 caused AD in 11 out of the 702 patients with AD. Furthermore, Col5a1 knockout (Col5a1^+/−) rats were generated through the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Although there was no spontaneous AD, electron microscopy revealed a fracture of elastic fibers and disarray of collagenous fibers in 6‐week‐old Col5a1^+/− rats, but not in WT rats (93.3% versus 0.0%, P<0.001). Three‐week‐old rats were used to induce the AD phenotype with β‐aminopropionitrile monofumarate for 4 weeks followed by angiotensin II for 72 hours. The β‐aminopropionitrile monofumarate and angiotensin II‐treated rat model confirmed that Col5a1^+/− rats had considerably higher AD incidence than WT rats. Subsequent mechanism analyses demonstrated that the transforming growth factor‐β‐signaling pathway was significantly activated in Col5a1^+/− rats.

Conclusions

Our findings, for the first time, revealed a relationship between variants in COL5A1 and AD via targeted sequencing in 1.57% patients with sporadic aortic dissection. The Col5a1 knockout rats exhibited AD after an intervention, indicating that COL5A1 is a causative gene of AD. Activation of the transforming growth factor‐β‐signaling pathway may be implicated in the pathogenesis of this kind of AD.

Bioactive fragments of laminin and collagen chains: lesson from the testis

Recent studies have shown that the testis is producing several biologically active peptides, namely the F5- and the NC1-peptides from laminin-γ3 and collagen α3 (IV) chain, respectively, that promotes blood-testis barrier (BTB) remodeling and also elongated spermatid release at spermiation. Also the LG3/4/5 peptide from laminin-α2 chain promotes BTB integrity which is likely being used for the assembly of a 'new' BTB behind preleptotene spermatocytes under transport at the immunological barrier. These findings thus provide a new opportunity for investigators to better understand the biology of spermatogenesis. Herein, we briefly summarize the recent findings and provide a critical update. We also present a hypothetical model which could serve as the framework for studies in the years to come.

COL5A2 Promotes Proliferation and Invasion in Prostate Cancer and Is One of Seven Gleason-Related Genes That Predict Recurrence-Free Survival

Extensive research has revealed that the score derived from the Gleason grading system plays a pivotal role in predicting prostate cancer (PCa) progression. However, the underlying involvement of Gleason-related genes in PCa requires further investigation. This study aimed to identify Gleason-related genes with the potential to guide PCa therapy and future research. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing PCa tissues with high or low Gleason scores using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. R v3.6.1, SPSS v23, and ImageJ software were used for all analyses. An effective recurrence-free survival (RFS) predictive model based on seven Gleason-related genes was established and validated (TCGA, AUC = 0.803; five years, AUC = 0.740; three years, AUC = 0.722; one year, AUC = 0.711; GSE46602, AUC = 0.766; five years, AUC = 0.808; three years, AUC = 0.723; one year, AUC = 0.656; GSE116918, AUC = 0.788; five years, AUC = 0.704; three years, AUC = 0.693; one year, AUC = 0.996). Calibration and nomogram plots were conducted. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used, and COL5A2 was selected for further analysis. The results from in vitro experiments demonstrated that COL5A2 was upregulated in PCa with high Gleason scores. The knockdown of COL5A2 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in PC-3 and LNCaP cell lines. Meanwhile, COL5A2 displayed a strong association with immune infiltration, which might be an underlying immunotherapy target for PCa. We successfully established a robust RFS predictive model. The findings from this study indicated that COL5A2 could promote cell proliferation and invasion in PCa.

COL5A2 as a potential clinical biomarker for gastric cancer and renal metastasis

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer, characterized by insidious onset and multiple metastasis, is almost incurable and has poor prognosis, and also one of the leading causes of treatment failure and death in patients with gastric cancer (GC). However, the prognosis of collagen type V alpha2 chain (COL5A2) in GC and renal metastasis is unknown.

METHODS

Recruited 148 patients who underwent GC. The diagnosis of GC was confirmed by ultrasound imaging and pathological examination. Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were performed to exam the expression level of COL5A2. The statistical methods included Pearson chi-square test, Spearman-rho correlation test, univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis. Finally, this research constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and applied the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Based on Pearson's chi-square test, Spearman-rho test, and univariate/multivariate cox regression, pathologic grade (P < .001), renal metastasis (P < .001) and staging (P < .001) were significantly related to COL5A2. And COL5A2 expression (hazard ratio [HR]: 18.834, P < .001) is an independent risk factor of GC. The AUC was used as the degree of confidence in judging each factor: COL5A2 (AUC = 0.878, P < .001), COL1A1 (AUC = 0.636, P = .006), COL1A2 (AUC = 0.545, P = .368), and COL3A1 (AUC = 0.617, P = .019). Through the ROC result, COL5A2 had more advantage as a biomarker for GC than other collagens.

CONCLUSIONS

COL5A2 gene expression level might be a risk factor for GC. COL5A2 has a strong correlation with the prognosis of the disease.

Identification of Potential Core Genes Associated With the Progression of Stomach Adenocarcinoma Using Bioinformatic Analysis

Purpose

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world with both high mortality and high metastatic capacity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers that can be used for STAD treatment.

Materials and Methods

We acquired four original gene chip profiles, namely GSE13911, GSE19826, GSE54129, and GSE65801 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The datasets included a total of 114 STAD tissues and 110 adjacent normal tissues. The GEO2R online tool and Venn diagram software were used to discriminate differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) enriched pathways were also performed for annotation and visualization with DEGs. The STRING online database was used to identify the functional interactions of DEGs. Subsequently, we selected the most significant DEGs to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and to reveal the core genes involved. Finally, the Kaplan-Meier Plotter online database and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) were used to analyze the prognostic information of the core DEGs.

Results

A total of 114 DEGs (35 upregulated and 79 downregulated) were identified, which were abnormally expressed in the GEO datasets. GO analysis demonstrated that the majority of the upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in collagen trimer, cell adhesion, and identical protein binding. The downregulated DEGs were involved in extracellular space, digestion, and inward rectifier potassium channel activity. Signaling pathway analysis indicated that upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in receptor interaction, whereas downregulated DEGs were involved in gastric acid secretion. A total of 80 DEGs were screened into the PPI network complex, and one of the most important modules with a high degree was detected. Furthermore, 10 core genes were identified, namely COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1, COL5A2, BGN, COL6A3, COL12A1, THBS2, CDH11, and SERPINH1. Finally, the results of the prognostic information further demonstrated that all 10 core genes exhibited significantly higher expression in STAD tissues compared with that noted in normal tissues.

Conclusion

The multiple molecular mechanisms of these novel core genes in STAD are worthy of further investigation and may reveal novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for STAD treatment.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm gene dictionary

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is typically clinically silent, with a natural history of progressive enlargement until a potentially lethal complication such as rupture or dissection occurs. Underlying genetic predisposition strongly influences the risk of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. Familial cases are more virulent, have a higher rate of aneurysm growth, and occur earlier in life. To date, over 30 genes have been associated with syndromic and non-syndromic thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. The causative genes and their specific variants help to predict the disease phenotype, including age at presentation, risk of dissection at small aortic sizes, and risk of other cardiovascular and systemic manifestations. This genetic "dictionary" is already a clinical reality, allowing us to personalize care based on specific causative mutations for a substantial proportion of these patients. Widespread genetic sequencing of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection patients has been and continues to be crucial to the rapid expansion of this dictionary and ultimately, the delivery of truly personalized care to every patient.

Comprehensive Analysis of Non-coding RNA Profiles of Exosome-Like Vesicles From the Protoscoleces and Hydatid Cyst Fluid of Echinococcus granulosus

Cystic echinococcosis is a worldwide chronic zoonotic disease that threatens human health and animal husbandry. Exosome-like vesicles (ELVs) have emerged recently as mediators in the parasite-parasite intercommunication and parasite-host interactions. Exosome-like vesicles from parasites can transfer non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) into host cells to regulate their gene expression; however, the ncRNAs profiles of the ELVs from Echinococcus granulosus remain unknown. Here, we isolated protoscolece (PSC)-ELVs and hydatid fluid (HF)-ELVs from the culture medium for E. granulosus PSCs in vitro and the HF of fertile sheep cysts, respectively. The microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA) profiles of the two types of ELVs were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, and their functions were predicted using Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. In PSC-ELVs and HF-ELVs, 118 and 58 miRNAs were identified, respectively, among which 53 miRNAs were present in both ELVs, whereas 65 and 5 miRNAs were unique to PSC-ELVs and HF-ELVs, respectively; 2,361 and 1,254 lncRNAs were identified in PSC-ELVs and HF-ELVs, respectively, among which 1,004 lncRNAs were present in both ELVs, whereas 1,357 and 250 lncRNAs were unique to PSC-ELVs and HF-ELVs, respectively. Intriguingly, the spilled PSCs from cysts excrete ELVs with higher numbers of and higher expression levels of miRNAs and circRNAs than HF-ELVs. The miRNA sequencing data were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the target lncRNAs and mRNAs regulated by the 20 most abundant miRNAs were screened, and a ceRNA regulatory network containing 5 miRNAs, 41 lncRNAs, and 23 mRNAs was constructed, which provided new ideas and the molecular basis for further clarification of the function and mechanism of E. granulosus ELVs ncRNAs in the parasite-host interactions. Egr-miR-125-5p and egr-miR-10a-5p, sharing identical seed sites with host miRNAs, were predicted to mediate inflammatory response, collagen catabolic process, and mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade during parasite infections. In conclusion, for the first time, we identified the ncRNAs profiles in PSC-ELVs and HF-ELVs that might be involved in host immunity and pathogenesis, and enriched the ncRNAs data of E. granulosus. These results provided valuable resources for further analysis of the regulatory potential of ncRNAs, especially miRNAs, in both types of ELVs at the parasite-host interface.

Systematic investigation of the skin in Chst14-/- mice: A model for skin fragility in musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos syndrome caused by CHST14 variants (mcEDS-CHST14)

Loss-of-function variants in CHST14 cause a dermatan 4-O-sulfotransferase deficiency named musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-CHST14 (mcEDS-CHST14), resulting in complete depletion of the dermatan sulfate moiety of decorin glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains, which is replaced by chondroitin sulfate. Recently, we uncovered structural alteration of GAG chains in the skin of patients with mcEDS-CHST14. Here, we conducted the first systematic investigation of Chst14 gene-deleted homozygote (Chst14-/-) mice. We used skin samples of wild-type (Chst14+/+) and Chst14-/- mice. Mechanical fragility of the skin was measured with a tensile test. Pathology was observed using light microscopy, decorin immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy (EM) including cupromeronic blue (CB) staining. Quantification of chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate was performed using enzymatic digestion followed by anion-exchange HPLC. In Chst14-/- mice, skin tensile strength was significantly decreased compared with that in Chst14+/+ mice. EM showed that collagen fibrils were oriented in various directions to form disorganized collagen fibers in the reticular layer. Through EM-based CB staining, rod-shaped linear GAG chains were found to be attached at one end to collagen fibrils and protruded outside of the fibrils, in contrast to them being round and wrapping the collagen fibrils in Chst14+/+ mice. A very low level of dermatan sulfate disaccharides was detected in the skin of Chst14-/- mice by anion-exchange chromatography. Chst14-/- mice, exhibiting similar abnormalities in the GAG structure of decorin and collagen networks in the skin, could be a reasonable model for skin fragility of patients with mcEDS-CHST14, shedding light on the role of dermatan sulfate in maintaining skin strength.

Multinutrient Supplementation Increases Collagen Synthesis during Early Wound Repair in a Randomized Controlled Trial in Patients with Inguinal Hernia

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia disease is associated with an imbalanced collagen metabolism. Surgical stress has a negative impact on nutrients important for collagen synthesis.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that supplementation with a combination of nutrients would enhance collagen biosynthesis in inguinal hernia disease patients when undergoing hernia repair.

METHODS

In this exploratory randomized controlled trial, 21 men (age: 55.2 ± 2.8 y; BMI: 25.0 ± 0.7 kg/m2) scheduled for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair were assigned to multinutrient supplementation (n = 10; multinutrient group) or no multinutrient supplementation (n = 11; control group). The multinutrient group received 14 g l-arginine, 14 g l-glutamine, 1250 mg vitamin C, and 55 mg zinc daily starting 14 d before surgery and ending 14 d after surgery. The multinutrient and control groups received high-quality protein to ensure a daily intake of 1.5 g protein/kg. Collagen biosynthesis was measured by the biomarkers type I procollagen propeptide (CICP), type III procollagen propeptide (PRO-C3), and type V procollagen propeptide (PRO-C5) in the sera on days -14, 0, and 1, and in the wound fluids on postoperative days 1 and 2. Compliance was recorded after the 28-d intervention period.

RESULTS

Serum PRO-C5 concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) postoperatively in the control but not the multinutrient group. Neither CICP nor PRO-C3 serum concentrations differed significantly between the 2 groups. In wound fluid, the CICP concentrations increased (P < 0.05) from days 1 to 2 in the multinutrient group and were 49% higher (P = 0.10) than those in the control group on day 2. Wound fluid concentrations PRO-C3 and PRO-C5 showed no significant time or group differences. The 28-d compliance was similar (P = 0.27) in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Oral supplementation with arginine, glutamine, vitamin C, and zinc augment collagen synthesis during the first 2 d after inguinal hernia repair. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03221686.

Genes Associated with Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection: 2019 Update and Clinical Implications

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is a typically silent disease characterized by a lethal natural history. Since the discovery of the familial nature of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) almost 2 decades ago, our understanding of the genetics of this disorder has undergone a transformative amplification. To date, at least 37 TAAD-causing genes have been identified and an estimated 30% of the patients with familial nonsyndromic TAAD harbor a pathogenic mutation in one of these genes. In this review, we present our yearly update summarizing the genes associated with TAAD and the ensuing clinical implications for surgical intervention. Molecular genetics will continue to bolster this burgeoning catalog of culprit genes, enabling the provision of personalized aortic care.

Genomic analysis reveals selection signatures of the Wannan Black pig during domestication and breeding

Objective

The Wannan Black pig is a typical Chinese indigenous, disease-resistant pig breed with high fertility, and a crude-feed tolerance that has been bred by artificial selection in the south of Anhui province for a long time. However, genome variation, genetic relationships with other pig breeds, and domestication, remain poorly understood. Here, we focus on elucidating the genetic characteristics of the Wannan Black pig and identifying selection signatures during domestication and breeding.

Methods

We identified the whole-genome variation in the Wannan Black pig and performed population admixture analyses to determine genetic relationships with other domesticated pig breeds and wild boars. Then, we identified the selection signatures between the Wannan Black pig and Asian wild boars in 100-kb windows sliding in 10 kb steps by using two approaches: the fixation index (F_ST) and π ratios.

Results

Resequencing the Wannan Black pig genome yielded 501.52 G of raw data. After calling single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and insertions/deletions (InDels), we identified 21,316,754 SNVs and 5,067,206 InDels (2,898,582 inserts and 2,168,624 deletions). Additionally, we found genes associated with growth, immunity, and digestive functions.

Conclusion

Our findings help in explaining the unique genetic and phenotypic characteristics of Wannan Black pigs, which in turn can be informative for future breeding programs of Wannan Black pigs.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Classical, Vascular, and Hypermobile Ehlers‒Danlos Syndromes

The Ehlers‒Danlos syndromes (EDS) constitute a heterogenous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin abnormalities, and vascular fragility. The latest nosology recognizes 13 types caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding collagens and other molecules involved in collagen processing and extracellular matrix (ECM) biology. Classical (cEDS), vascular (vEDS), and hypermobile (hEDS) EDS are the most frequent types. cEDS and vEDS are caused respectively by defects in collagen V and collagen III, whereas the molecular basis of hEDS is unknown. For these disorders, the molecular pathology remains poorly studied. Herein, we review, expand, and compare our previous transcriptome and protein studies on dermal fibroblasts from cEDS, vEDS, and hEDS patients, offering insights and perspectives in their molecular mechanisms. These cells, though sharing a pathological ECM remodeling, show differences in the underlying pathomechanisms. In cEDS and vEDS fibroblasts, key processes such as collagen biosynthesis/processing, protein folding quality control, endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, autophagy, and wound healing are perturbed. In hEDS cells, gene expression changes related to cell-matrix interactions, inflammatory/pain responses, and acquisition of an in vitro pro-inflammatory myofibroblast-like phenotype may contribute to the complex pathogenesis of the disorder. Finally, emerging findings from miRNA profiling of hEDS fibroblasts are discussed to add some novel biological aspects about hEDS etiopathogenesis.

Molecular insights in the pathogenesis of classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome from transcriptome-wide expression profiling of patients' skin fibroblasts

Classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cEDS) is a dominant inherited connective tissue disorder mainly caused by mutations in the COL5A1 and COL5A2 genes encoding type V collagen (COLLV), which is a fibrillar COLL widely distributed in a variety of connective tissues. cEDS patients suffer from skin hyperextensibility, abnormal wound healing/atrophic scars, and joint hypermobility. Most of the causative variants result in a non-functional COL5A1 allele and COLLV haploinsufficiency, whilst COL5A2 mutations affect its structural integrity. To shed light into disease mechanisms involved in cEDS, we performed gene expression profiling in skin fibroblasts from four patients harboring haploinsufficient and structural mutations in both disease genes. Transcriptome profiling revealed significant changes in the expression levels of different extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, such as SPP1, POSTN, EDIL3, IGFBP2, and C3, which encode both matricellular and soluble proteins that are mainly involved in cell proliferation and migration, and cutaneous wound healing. These gene expression changes are consistent with our previous protein findings on in vitro fibroblasts from other cEDS patients, which exhibited reduced migration and poor wound repair owing to COLLV disorganization, altered deposition of fibronectin into ECM, and an abnormal integrin pattern. Microarray analysis also indicated the decreased expression of DNAJB7, VIPAS39, CCPG1, ATG10, SVIP, which encode molecular chaperones facilitating protein folding, enzymes regulating post-Golgi COLLs processing, and proteins acting as cargo receptors required for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteostasis and implicated in the autophagy process. Patients’ cells also showed altered mRNA levels of many cell cycle regulating genes including CCNE2, KIF4A, MKI67, DTL, and DDIAS. Protein studies showed that aberrant COLLV expression causes the disassembly of itself and many structural ECM constituents including COLLI, COLLIII, fibronectin, and fibrillins. Our findings provide the first molecular evidence of significant gene expression changes in cEDS skin fibroblasts highlighting that defective ECM remodeling, ER homeostasis and autophagy might play a role in the pathogenesis of this connective tissue disorder.

Collagen type V a2 (COL5A2) is decreased in steroid-induced necrosis of the femoral head

Collagen is essential for bone adhesion and formation. In the present study, proteomic analysis suggested that collagen type V a2 (COL5A2) was significantly decreased in the necrotic area of patients with steroid-induced necrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). In vitro, the effects of methylprednisolone (MP) on the proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were investigated. The expression of the osteogenic-related proteins, Runx2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC) and COL5A2 was significantly downregulated post-MP treatment. In vivo analyses revealed that post-MP treatment, rats showed typical signs of ONFH by micro-CT scanning and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the expression of COL5A2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly decreased post-MP treatment. In conclusion, the expression COL5A2 was lower in patients with steroid-induced ONFH, hence COL5A2 may be a promising therapeutic target for steroid induced ONFH treatment.

Vascular aspects of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes

The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes comprise a heterogeneous group of rare monogenic conditions that are characterized by joint hypermobility, skin and vascular fragility and generalized connective tissue friability. The latest classification recognizes 13 clinical subtypes, with mutations identified in 19 different genes. Besides defects in fibrillar collagens (collagen types I, III and V), their modifying enzymes (ADAMTS-2, lysylhydroxylase 1 (LH1)), and molecules involved in collagen folding (FKBP22), defects have recently been identified in other constituents of the extracellular matrix (e.g. Tenascin-X, collagen type XII), enzymes involved in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis (β4GalT7 and β3GalT6), dermatan 4-O-sulfotransferase-1 (D4ST1), dermatan sulfate epimerase (DSE)), (putative) transcription factors (ZNF469, PRDM5), components of the complement pathway (C1r, C1s) and an intracellular Zinc transporter (ZIP13). Easy bruising is, to a variable degree, present in all subtypes of EDS. A variable bleeding tendency, manifesting e.g. as gum bleeding, menometrorraghia, postnatal or peri-operative hemorrhage is observed in many EDS-patients of varying EDS subtypes. Life-threatening arterial aneurysms, dissections and ruptures of medium-sized and large arteries are a hallmark of the vascular subtype of EDS, caused by a molecular defect in collagen type III, an important constituent of blood vessel walls and hollow organs. They may however also occur in other EDS subtypes, especially in classical EDS, caused by defects in type V collagen or, rarely, type I collagen, and in kyphoscoliotic EDS, caused by defects in LH1 or FKBP22. These manifestations of vascular fragility and bleeding are usually attributed to fragility of the blood vessel walls and the perivascular connective tissues, but the molecular pathomechanisms underlying these complications are poorly studied. This review summarizes current knowledge on manifestations of vascular fragility in the different EDS subtypes.

Genes Associated with Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection: 2018 Update and Clinical Implications

Thoracic aortic aneurysms, with an estimated prevalence in the general population of 1%, are potentially lethal, via rupture or dissection. Over the prior two decades, there has been an exponential increase in our understanding of the genetics of thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or dissection (TAAD). To date, 30 genes have been shown to be associated with the development of TAAD and ∼30% of individuals with nonsyndromic familial TAAD have a pathogenic mutation in one of these genes. This review represents the authors' yearly update summarizing the genes associated with TAAD, including implications for the surgical treatment of TAAD. Molecular genetics will continue to revolutionize the approach to patients afflicted with this devastating disease, permitting the application of genetically personalized aortic care.