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Ciszewski WM, Woźniak LA, Sobierajska K. Diverse roles of SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Nucleocapsid proteins in EndMT stimulation through the TGF-β-MRTF axis inhibited by aspirin. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:296. [PMID: 38807115 PMCID: PMC11134719 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01665-z] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes severe COVID-19 in one-fifth of patients. In addition to high mortality, infection may induce respiratory failure and cardiovascular complications associated with inflammation. Acute or prolonged inflammation results in organ fibrosis, the cause of which might be endothelial disorders arising during the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). METHODS HUVECs and HMEC-1 cells were stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 S (Spike) and N (Nucleocapsid) proteins, and EndMT induction was evaluated by studying specific protein markers via Western blotting. Wound healing and tube formation assays were employed to assess the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to stimulate changes in cell behaviour. MRTF nuclear translocation, ROS generation, TLR4 inhibitors, TGF-β-neutralizing antibodies, and inhibitors of the TGF-β-dependent pathway were used to investigate the role of the TGF-β-MRTF signalling axis in SARS-CoV-2-dependent EndMT stimulation. RESULTS Both viral proteins stimulate myofibroblast trans-differentiation. However, the N protein is more effective at EndMT induction. The TGF-β-MRTF pathway plays a critical role in this process. The N protein preferentially favours action through TGF-β2, whose secretion is induced through TLR4-ROS action. TGF-β2 stimulates MRTF-A and MRTF-B nuclear translocation and strongly regulates EndMT. In contrast, the Spike protein stimulates TGF-β1 secretion as a result of ACE2 downregulation. TGF-β1 induces only MRTF-B, which, in turn, weakly regulates EndMT. Furthermore, aspirin, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, might prevent and reverse SARS-CoV-2-dependent EndMT induction through TGF-β-MRTF pathway deregulation. CONCLUSION The reported study revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection induces EndMT. Moreover, it was demonstrated for the first time at the molecular level that the intensity of the EndMT triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection may vary and depend on the viral protein involved. The N protein acts through TLR4-ROS-TGF-β2-MRTF-A/B, whereas the S protein acts through ACE2-TGF-β1-MRTF-B. Furthermore, we identified aspirin as a potential anti-fibrotic drug for treating patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech M Ciszewski
- Department of Molecular Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka Str. 6/8, Lodz, 92- 215, Poland
| | - Lucyna A Woźniak
- Department of Structural Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego Str. 7/9, Lodz, 90-752, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sobierajska
- Department of Molecular Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka Str. 6/8, Lodz, 92- 215, Poland.
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Chmielewska-Kassassir M, Sobierajska K, Ciszewski WM, Kryczka J, Zieleniak A, Wozniak LA. Evening Primrose Extract Modulates TYMS Expression via SP1 Transcription Factor in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5003. [PMID: 37894370 PMCID: PMC10605291 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the mechanism of EPE in downregulating TYMS in MPM cancer. METHODS The TYMS mRNA expression with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition biomarkers and nuclear factor SP1 was assessed using the GEO database in a data set of MPM patients (GSE51024). Invasive MPM cell lines were in vitro models for the investigation of TYMS expression after EPE treatment. The tyms promoter SP1 binding sequences were determined using Genomatix v 3.4 software Electrophoretic mobility shift and dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed specific SP1 motifs in the interaction of EPE and reference compounds. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and Re-ChIP were used for the co-occupancy study. RESULTS In MPM patients, a positive correlation of overexpressed TYMS with mesenchymal TWIST1, FN1 and N-cadherin was observed. EPE and its major components, gallic and ellagic acid (GA and EA, respectively), downregulated TYMS in invasive MPM cells by interacting with particular SP1 motifs on the tyms promoter. The luciferase constructs confirmed the occupation of two SP1 regulatory regions critical for the promotion of TYMS expression. Both EPE and reference standards influenced SP1 translocation into the nucleus. CONCLUSION EPE components reduced TYMS expression by occupation of SP1 motifs on the tyms promoter and reversed the EMT phenotype of invasive MPM cells. Further in-depth analysis of the molecular docking of polyphenol compounds with SP1 regulatory motifs is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarzyna Sobierajska
- Department of Molecular Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.S.); (W.M.C.)
| | - Wojciech M. Ciszewski
- Department of Molecular Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.S.); (W.M.C.)
| | - Jakub Kryczka
- Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Zieleniak
- Department of Structural Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (M.C.-K.); (A.Z.)
| | - Lucyna A. Wozniak
- Department of Structural Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (M.C.-K.); (A.Z.)
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Patnaik E, Lyons M, Tran K, Pattanaik D. Endothelial Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14385. [PMID: 37762689 PMCID: PMC10531630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, commonly known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular abnormalities, autoimmunity, and multiorgan fibrosis. The exact etiology is not known but believed to be triggered by environmental agents in a genetically susceptible host. Vascular symptoms such as the Raynaud phenomenon often precede other fibrotic manifestations such as skin thickening indicating that vascular dysfunction is the primary event. Endothelial damage and activation occur early, possibly triggered by various infectious agents and autoantibodies. Endothelial dysfunction, along with defects in endothelial progenitor cells, leads to defective angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Endothelial to mesenchymal cell transformation is another seminal event during pathogenesis that progresses to tissue fibrosis. The goal of the review is to discuss the molecular aspect of the endothelial dysfunction that leads to the development of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshaan Patnaik
- Department of Biology, Memphis University School, Memphis, TN 38119, USA;
| | - Matthew Lyons
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
| | - Kimberly Tran
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
| | - Debendra Pattanaik
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
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4
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Ko J, Noviani M, Chellamuthu VR, Albani S, Low AHL. The Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: The Origin of Fibrosis and Interlink with Vasculopathy and Autoimmunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14287. [PMID: 37762589 PMCID: PMC10532389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated with increased mortality and poor morbidity, impairing the quality of life in patients. Whilst we know that SSc affects multiple organs via vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis, its exact pathophysiology remains elusive. Microvascular injury and vasculopathy are the initial pathological features of the disease. Clinically, the vasculopathy in SSc is manifested as Raynaud's phenomenon (reversible vasospasm in reaction to the cold or emotional stress) and digital ulcers due to ischemic injury. There are several reports that medications for vasculopathy, such as bosentan and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulators, improve not only vasculopathy but also dermal fibrosis, suggesting that vasculopathy is important in SSc. Although vasculopathy is an important initial step of the pathogenesis for SSc, it is still unclear how vasculopathy is related to inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we focused on the clinical evidence for vasculopathy, the major cellular players for the pathogenesis, including pericytes, adipocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), and myofibroblasts, and their signaling pathway to elucidate the relationship among vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsuk Ko
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
| | - Maria Noviani
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Vasuki Ranjani Chellamuthu
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Salvatore Albani
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Andrea Hsiu Ling Low
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
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5
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Örd T, Lönnberg T, Nurminen V, Ravindran A, Niskanen H, Kiema M, Õunap K, Maria M, Moreau PR, Mishra PP, Palani S, Virta J, Liljenbäck H, Aavik E, Roivainen A, Ylä-Herttuala S, Laakkonen JP, Lehtimäki T, Kaikkonen MU. Dissecting the polygenic basis of atherosclerosis via disease-associated cell state signatures. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:722-740. [PMID: 37060905 PMCID: PMC10183377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a pandemic disease where up to half of the risk is explained by genetic factors. Advanced insights into the genetic basis of CAD require deeper understanding of the contributions of different cell types, molecular pathways, and genes to disease heritability. Here, we investigate the biological diversity of atherosclerosis-associated cell states and interrogate their contribution to the genetic risk of CAD by using single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of mouse and human lesions. We identified 12 disease-associated cell states that we characterized further by gene set functional profiling, ligand-receptor prediction, and transcription factor inference. Importantly, Vcam1+ smooth muscle cell state genes contributed most to SNP-based heritability of CAD. In line with this, genetic variants near smooth muscle cell state genes and regulatory elements explained the largest fraction of CAD-risk variance between individuals. Using this information for variant prioritization, we derived a hybrid polygenic risk score (PRS) that demonstrated improved performance over a classical PRS. Our results provide insights into the biological mechanisms associated with CAD risk, which could make a promising contribution to precision medicine and tailored therapeutic interventions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiit Örd
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tapio Lönnberg
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku
| | - Valtteri Nurminen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aarthi Ravindran
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Henri Niskanen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Miika Kiema
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kadri Õunap
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maleeha Maria
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pierre R Moreau
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pashupati P Mishra
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland
| | - Senthil Palani
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Jenni Virta
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Heidi Liljenbäck
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Einari Aavik
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne Roivainen
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna P Laakkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Terho Lehtimäki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland
| | - Minna U Kaikkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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Sotodosos-Alonso L, Pulgarín-Alfaro M, Del Pozo MA. Caveolae Mechanotransduction at the Interface between Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060942. [PMID: 36980283 PMCID: PMC10047380 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane (PM) is subjected to multiple mechanical forces, and it must adapt and respond to them. PM invaginations named caveolae, with a specific protein and lipid composition, play a crucial role in this mechanosensing and mechanotransduction process. They respond to PM tension changes by flattening, contributing to the buffering of high-range increases in mechanical tension, while novel structures termed dolines, sharing Caveolin1 as the main component, gradually respond to low and medium forces. Caveolae are associated with different types of cytoskeletal filaments, which regulate membrane tension and also initiate multiple mechanotransduction pathways. Caveolar components sense the mechanical properties of the substrate and orchestrate responses that modify the extracellular matrix (ECM) according to these stimuli. They perform this function through both physical remodeling of ECM, where the actin cytoskeleton is a central player, and via the chemical alteration of the ECM composition by exosome deposition. Here, we review mechanotransduction regulation mediated by caveolae and caveolar components, focusing on how mechanical cues are transmitted through the cellular cytoskeleton and how caveolae respond and remodel the ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sotodosos-Alonso
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Laboratory, Novel Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Pulgarín-Alfaro
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Laboratory, Novel Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Del Pozo
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Laboratory, Novel Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Tubulin TUBB4B Is Involved in Spermatogonia Proliferation and Cell Cycle Processes. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061082. [PMID: 35741845 PMCID: PMC9222938 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubb4b (tubulin β-4b chain) is essential for cell growth and development as a microtubule network protein. Previous studies have shown that TUBB4B affects mouse pronucleus migration, but the gene function has yet to be elucidated. To study TUBB4B-related functions in mouse reproductive development, we designed a single sgRNA in chromosome 2 and generated a knockout spermatogonia cell line of the β-tubulin isoform Tubb4b by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Tubb4b-KO spermatogonia recognized abnormal lysosomal membranes and cell morphology defects. Compared to control mouse spermatogonia, the proliferation rate was significantly slower and cycling stagnated in the G1/0 population. Although spermatogonia lacking TUBB4B have abnormal divisions, they are not lethal. We detected the mRNA levels of the cell-regulating cyclins CyclinsD1, CyclinsE, Cdk2, Cdk4, P21, Skp2 and the cell growth factors C/EBP α, C/EBP β, and G-CSF in the spermatogonia of Tubb4b-KO and found that the expressions of CyclinsD1, Skp2 and cell growth factors were significantly reduced. Further analysis revealed that 675 genes were expressed differently after Tubb4b deletion and were enriched in negative regulation of cell population proliferation (GO:0008285), negative regulation of cell cycle G2/M phase transition (GO:1902750), and positive regulation of cell death (GO: 0010942). We also found that there is a common gene Cdkn1a (P21) in these three GO pathways related to cell proliferation and cell cycle, and both quantitative analysis and transcriptome sequencing results showed that the expression of this gene was up-regulated in Tubb4b knockout cells. This implies that Tubb4b may be involved in the division of spermatogonia with multiple cell cycle regulatory proteins. Overall, these data indicate that Tubb4b has a specific role in regulating spermatogonia proliferation and cell cycle.
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Thymidylate Synthase Overexpression Drives the Invasive Phenotype in Colon Cancer Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061267. [PMID: 35740289 PMCID: PMC9219882 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) is the crucial enzymatic precursor for DNA biosynthesis and, therefore, the critical target for numerous types of chemotherapy, including the most frequently applied agent in colon cancer treatment 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). TYMS also seems to be associated with cancer metastasis and acquiring mesenchymal character by tumor cells during epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Based on that knowledge, we decided to investigate the role of TYMS in the modulation of invasive ability in colon cancer cells, where its effect on cancer metastasis has not been studied in detail before. We employed colon cancer cells isolated from different stages of tumor development, cells undergoing EMT, and TYMS overexpressing cells. The elongation ratio, cell migration, invasion assay, and MMP-7 secretion were applied to analyze the cell behavior. Important epithelial and mesenchymal markers characteristic of EMT were examined at the protein level by Western blot assay. Overall, our study showed a correlation between TYMS level and invasion ability in colon cancer cells and, above all, a crucial role of TYMS in the EMT regulation. We postulate that chemotherapeutics that decrease or inhibit TYMS expression could increase the effectiveness of the therapy in patients with colon cancer, especially in the metastatic stage.
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Ciszewski WM, Włodarczyk J, Chmielewska-Kassassir M, Fichna J, Wozniak LA, Sobierajska K. Evening primrose seed extract rich in polyphenols modulates the invasiveness of colon cancer cells by regulating the TYMS expression. Food Funct 2022; 13:10994-11007. [DOI: 10.1039/d2fo01737g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Natural polyphenols are plant metabolites exhibiting a broad range of biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech M. Ciszewski
- Department of Molecular Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jakub Włodarczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Jakub Fichna
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Lucyna A. Wozniak
- Department of Structural Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sobierajska
- Department of Molecular Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
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10
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Di Benedetto P, Ruscitti P, Berardicurti O, Vomero M, Navarini L, Dolo V, Cipriani P, Giacomelli R. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 205:12-27. [PMID: 33772754 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13599] [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: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant vascular alterations and multi-organ fibrosis. Microvascular alterations are the first event of SSc and injured endothelial cells (ECs) may transdifferentiate towards myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis and collagen deposition. This process is identified as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and understanding of its development is pivotal to identify early pathogenetic events and new therapeutic targets for SSc. In this review, we have highlighted the molecular mechanisms of EndMT and summarize the evidence of the role played by EndMT during the development of progressive fibrosis in SSc, also exploring the possible therapeutic role of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Di Benedetto
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Ruscitti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - O Berardicurti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Vomero
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - L Navarini
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - V Dolo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Cipriani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Giacomelli
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
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11
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Wang Q, Xie X, Li H, Hao S. Discovery of microRNA expression profiles involved in regulating TGF- β2 expression in the tears of dry eye patients. Ann Clin Biochem 2020; 57:420-428. [PMID: 32936670 DOI: 10.1177/0004563220961746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, the difference in microRNA expression profiles in tears of dry eye patients and healthy people has not been reported. In current study, we evaluated the significance of microRNAs and transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-β2) in distinguishing dry eye. METHODS A total of 138 patients with dry eye from October 2017 to October 2018 were selected. During the same period, 138 healthy persons were collected. All patients were followed up for 12 months through outpatient, telephone or medical records and the time of corneal injury was recorded. RESULTS Compared with healthy people, TGF-β2 concentrations in dry eye patients were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Array analysis, predictive software and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-450b-5p, miR-1283 and miR-3671 can target TGF-β2 expression. Tear miR-450b-5p, miR-1283 and miR-3671 concentrations were significantly higher in dry eye patients than healthy people. A logistic regression model combining miR-450b-5p, miR-1283, miR-3671 and TGF-β2 was performed. This model presented a high discriminating value (AUC: 0.907, 0.876-0.939, P < 0.001) than any single indicator, and the sensitivity and specificity were 77.7% and 92.7%, respectively. Compared with the low miR-450b-5p, low miR-1283, low miR-3671 and high TGF-β2 groups, the high miR-450b-5p, high miR-1283, high miR-3671 and low TGF-β2 groups had a significantly higher probability of corneal injury (TGF-β2: χ2 = 5.762, P = 0.016; miR-450b-5p: χ2 = 13.267, P < 0.001; miR-1283: χ2 = 19.431, P < 0.001; miR-3671: χ2 = 8.131, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION Current model combining tear miR-450b-5p, miR-1283, miR-3671 and TGF-β2 had important values in the identification of dry eye and was of great value in evaluating the risk of corneal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Heji Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, P.R. China
| | - Xiangrong Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Heji Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, P.R. China
| | - Huilin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Heji Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, P.R. China
| | - Shaofeng Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Heji Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, P.R. China
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The New Model of Snail Expression Regulation: The Role of MRTFs in Fast and Slow Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165875. [PMID: 32824297 PMCID: PMC7461591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a crucial phenomenon in regulating the development of diseases, including cancer metastasis and fibrotic disorders. The primary regulators of disease development are zinc-finger transcription factors belonging to the Snail family. In this study, we characterized the myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-dependent mechanisms of a human snail promoter regulation in TGF-β-stimulated human endothelial cells. Although in silico analysis revealed that the snail promoter’s regulatory fragment contains one GCCG and two SP1 motifs that could be occupied by MRTFs, the genetic study confirmed that MRTF binds only to SP1 sites to promote snail expression. The more accurate studies revealed that MRTF-A binds to both SP1 elements, whereas MRTF-B to only one (SP1near). Although we found that each MRTF alone is capable of inducing snail expression, the direct cooperation of these proteins is required to reinforce snail expression and promote the late stages of EndMT within 48 hours. Furthermore, genetic and biochemical analysis revealed that MRTF-B alone could induce the late stage of EndMT. However, it requires a prolonged time. Therefore, we concluded that MRTFs might cause EndMT in a fast- and slow-dependent manner. Based on MRTF-dependent Snail upregulation, we recognized that TGF-β1, as an MRTF-B regulator, is involved in slow EndMT induction, whereas TGF-β2, which altered both MRTF-A and MRTF-B expression, promotes a fast EndMT process.
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