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Ko EJ, Kim MH, Kim DY, An H, Leem SH, Choi YH, Kim HS, Cha HJ. The Role of Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV)-K119 env in THP-1 Monocytic Cell Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15566. [PMID: 37958549 PMCID: PMC10648273 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115566] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K was reportedly inserted into the human genome millions of years ago and is closely related to various diseases, including cancer and immune regulation. In our previous studies, CRISPR-Cas9-enabled knockout (KO) of the HERV-K env gene was found to potentially reduce cell proliferation, cell migration, and invasion in colorectal and ovarian cancer cell lines. The immune response involves the migration and invasion of cells and is similar to cancer; however, in certain ways, it is completely unlike cancer. Therefore, we induced HERV-K119 env gene KO in THP-1, a monocytic cell that can be differentiated into a macrophage, to investigate the role of HERV-K119 env in immune regulation. Cell migration and invasion were noted to be significantly increased in HERV-K119 env KO THP-1 cells than in MOCK, and these results were contrary to those of cancer cells. To identify the underlying mechanism of HERV-K119 env KO in THP-1 cells, transcriptome analysis and cytokine array analysis were conducted. Semaphorin7A (SEMA7A), which induces the production of cytokines in macrophages and monocytic cells and plays an important role in immune effector cell activation during an inflammatory immune response, was significantly increased in HERV-K119 env KO THP-1 cells. We also found that HERV-K119 env KO THP-1 cells expressed various macrophage-specific surface markers, suggesting that KO of HERV-K119 env triggers the differentiation of THP-1 cells from monocytic cells into macrophages. In addition, analysis of the expression of M1 and M2 macrophage markers showed that M1 macrophage marker cluster of differentiation 32 (CD32) was significantly increased in HERV-K119 env KO cells. These results suggest that HERV-K119 env is implicated in the differentiation of monocytic cells into M1 macrophages and plays important roles in the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ji Ko
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.K.); (M.-H.K.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.A.)
| | - Min-Hye Kim
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.K.); (M.-H.K.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.A.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea;
| | - Do-Ye Kim
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.K.); (M.-H.K.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.A.)
| | - Hyojin An
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.K.); (M.-H.K.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.A.)
| | - Sun-Hee Leem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Oriental Medicine, Dongeui University, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea;
| | - Heui-Soo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.K.); (M.-H.K.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.A.)
- Institute for Medical Science, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea
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Zhang R, Hu Z, Wang Y, Qiu R, Wang G, Wang L, Hu B. A biomimetic double network hydrogel ameliorates renal fibrosis and promotes renal regeneration. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:9424-9437. [PMID: 36378134 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01939f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are serious global public health issues. Both interconnect closely, and AKI-CKD transition significantly increases the morbidity of CKD and inevitably progresses to end stage renal disease. However, with the current drug delivery system it is hard to achieve precise delivery and apply it to clinical practice due to the local fibrotic milieu of the AKI-CKD transition procedure. Consequently, new treatment options to halt or even reverse AKI-CKD transition are urgently needed. Curcumin and Ac-SDKP were proved to be capable of ameliorating renal injury and restoring renal biological function. However, due to the water-insolubility, poor absorption and ease of degradation features, their utilization based on traditional drug delivery systems was still confined to the laboratory. A new approach for the targeted delivery of curcumin and Ac-SDKP into kidneys is needed. Hydrogels, owing to their capability of targeted-drug delivery and bio-favorable nature, emerge as a promising resolution. Herein, we developed a bioinspired double network hydrogel scaffold loaded with curcumin and N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) to explore the feasibility of drug-loaded hydrogels for treatment of AKI-CKD transition. This double network hydrogel (GCS) was prepared based on gelatin and curcumin-zinc with polydopamine (DOPA) coating and then immobilized with Ac-SDKP on the surface. The prepared hydrogels possessed appropriate porosity, suitable mechanical properties, and excellent biocompatibility. In vitro, the GCS hydrogel was demonstrated to be pro-angiogenic, anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic. In vivo, after the GCS hydrogel was implanted into partially nephrectomized rat kidneys, local renal fibrosis was observed to be improved significantly, and neo-blood vessels and neonatal renal tubules appeared around the implanted area. We speculated that the GCS hydrogel could ameliorate renal fibrosis and injury significantly and stimulate regeneration in situ. Taken together, this study demonstrated the promising potential of this bioinspired hydrogel scaffold for renal injury repair and renal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Key Lab for Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Zifan Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Yongqin Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Key Lab for Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Renjie Qiu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Guobao Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Key Lab for Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Leyu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Bianxiang Hu
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Key Lab for Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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Sharma V, Manhas A, Gupta S, Dikshit M, Jagavelu K, Verma RS. Fabrication, characterization and in vivo assessment of cardiogel loaded chitosan patch for myocardial regeneration. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:3045-3056. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Ko EJ, Kim ET, Kim H, Lee CM, Koh SB, Eo WK, Kim H, Oh YL, Ock MS, Kim KH, Cha HJ. Effect of human endogenous retrovirus-K env gene knockout on proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:1091-1097. [PMID: 35802343 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01280-7] [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] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among various human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), the HERV-K (HML-2) group has been reported to be highly related to cancer. In pancreatic cancer cells, shRNA-mediated downregulation of HERV-K env RNA decreases cell proliferation and tumor growth through the RAS-ERK-RSK pathway; in colorectal cancer, CRISPR-Cas9 knockout (KO) of the HERV-K env gene affects tumorigenic characteristics through the nupr-1 gene. OBJECTIVE The effect of HERV-K env KO has not been studied in ovarian cancer cell lines. In this study, we analyzed the tumorigenic characteristics of ovarian cancer cell lines, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and the expression patterns of related proteins after CRISPR-Cas9 KO of the HERV-K env gene. METHODS The HERV-K env gene KO was achieved using the CRISPR-Cas9 system in ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and OVCAR3. Tumorigenic characteristics including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were analyzed, and related protein expression was investigated by western blot analysis. RESULTS The expression of the HERV-K env gene in KO cells was significantly reduced at RNA and protein levels, and tumorigenic characteristics including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were significantly reduced. In HERV-K env KO SKOV3 cells, the expression of the RB protein was significantly up-regulated and the cyclin B1 protein level was significantly reduced. In contrast, in HERV-K env KO OVCAR3 cells, the level of phospho-RB protein was significantly reduced, but other protein levels were not changed. CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that HERV-K env gene KO affects cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of ovarian cells through RB and Cyclin B1 proteins, but the specific regulation pattern can differ by cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ji Ko
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Eun Taeg Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute and Pusan Cancer Center, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Heungyeol Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannah Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Chul Min Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cha University, Ilsan Medical Center School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suk Bong Koh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Wan Kyu Eo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hongbae Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Young Lim Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Mee Sun Ock
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ki Hyung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute and Pusan Cancer Center, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea.
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea.
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Yoon HJ, Oh YL, Ko EJ, Kang A, Eo WK, Kim KH, Lee JY, Kim A, Chun S, Kim H, Ock MS, Cha HJ. Effects of thymosin β4-derived peptides on migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Genes Genomics 2021; 43:987-993. [PMID: 34170491 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-021-01127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a highly conserved actin binding protein associated with the metastatic potential of tumor cells by stimulating cell migration. The role of Tβ4 and its derived fragment peptides in migration of ovarian cancer cells has not been studied. OBJECTIVE To analyze the effects of Tβ4 and its derived fragment peptides on ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion, we applied Tβ4 and three Tβ4-derived synthetic peptides to SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. METHOD The migration and invasion of SKOV3 cells treated with Tβ4(1-43), Tβ4(1-15), Tβ4(12-26), Tβ4(23-), and untreated control were analyzed by in vitro migration and invasion assay with transwell plate. Cell proliferation assay was conducted to identify the effect of Tβ4 and its derived peptide on SKOV3 cell proliferation. The expression of Tβ4 related proteins related with cell proliferation was analyzed by Western blot after treatment with Tβ4 and its derived peptides. RESULTS Cell migration and invasion were significantly increased in Tβ4 peptide-treated SKOV3 cells compared with untreated control. All three Tβ4-derived fragment peptides including those without an actin binding site significantly stimulated migration and invasion of SKOV3 cells. Tβ4 and its derived peptide significantly stimulated SKOV3 cell proliferation and up-regulated the expression of RACK-1 protein. CONCLUSIONS The Tβ4 peptide and all of its derived fragment peptides including those without an actin binding motif stimulate migration and invasion of SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. All peptides significantly increased RACK-1 expression and cell proliferation of SKOV3 cells. These results suggest that Tβ4 stimulates migration and invasion of SKOV3 cells by stimulation of cell proliferation through up-regulation of RACK-1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Joon Yoon
- Department of Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Young Lim Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Ko
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ahyun Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Wan Kyu Eo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki Hyung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ari Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sungwook Chun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hongbae Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hallym University Medical Center, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mee Sun Ock
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea.
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Tang S, Fan C, Iroegbu CD, Zhou W, Zhang Z, Wu M, Chen W, Wu X, Peng J, Li Z, Yang J. TMSB4 Overexpression Enhances the Potency of Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Myocardial Repair. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:670913. [PMID: 34178995 PMCID: PMC8221609 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.670913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The actin-sequestering proteins, thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, are known to be associated with angiogenesis after myocardial infarction (MI). Herein, we aimed to identify the mechanism of HIF-1α induction by Tβ4 and investigate the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) transfected with the Tβ4 gene (TMSB4) in a rat model of MI. Methods Rat BMMSCs were isolated, cultured, and transfected with the TMSB4 gene by using the lentivirus-mediated method. Rats with surgically induced MI were randomly divided into three groups (n = 9/group); after 1 week, the rats were injected at the heart infarcted border zone with TMSB4-overexpressed BMMSCs (BMMSC-TMSB4OE), wild-type BMMSCs that expressed normal levels of TMSB4 (BMMSC-TMSB4WT), or medium (MI). The fourth group of animals (n = 9) underwent all surgical procedures necessary for MI induction except for the ligation step (Sham). Four weeks after the injection, heart function was measured using transthoracic echocardiography. Infarct size was calculated by TTC staining, and collagen volume was measured by Masson staining. Angiogenesis in the infarcted heart area was evaluated by CD31 immunofluorescence histochemistry. In vitro experiments were carried out to observe the effect of exogenous Tβ4 on HIF-1α and explore the various possible mechanism(s). Results In vivo experiments showed that vascular density 4 weeks after treatment was about twofold higher in BMMSC-TMSB4OE-treated animals than in BMMSC-TMSB4WT-treated animals (p < 0.05). The cardiac function and infarct size significantly improved in both cell-treatment groups compared to controls. Notably, the cardiac function and infarct size were most prominent in BMMSC-TMSB4OE-treated animals (both p < 0.05). HIF-1α and phosphorylated HIF-1α (p-HIF-1α) in vitro were significantly enhanced by exogenous Tβ4, which was nonetheless blocked by the factor-inhibiting HIF (FIH) promoter (YC-1). The expression of prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHD) was decreased upon treatment with Tβ4 and further decreased with the combined treatment of Tβ4 and FG-4497 (a specific PHD inhibitor). Conclusion TMSB4-transfected BMMSCs might significantly improve recovery from myocardial ischemia and promote the generation of HIF-1α and p-HIF-1α via the AKT pathway, and inhibit the degradation of HIF-1α via the PHD and FIH pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyuan Tang
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chengming Fan
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chukwuemeka Daniel Iroegbu
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenwu Zhou
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery of the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zhigong Zhang
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery of the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Wu
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery of the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Wangping Chen
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoming Wu
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Changsha, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- Institute of Senile and Aging Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinfu Yang
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Changsha, China
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Ko EJ, Ock MS, Choi YH, Iovanna JL, Mun S, Han K, Kim HS, Cha HJ. Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV)-K env Gene Knockout Affects Tumorigenic Characteristics of nupr1 Gene in DLD-1 Colorectal Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083941. [PMID: 33920455 PMCID: PMC8070087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are suggested to be involved in the development of certain diseases, especially cancers. To elucidate the function of HERV-K Env protein in cancers, an HERV-K env gene knockout (KO) in DLD-1 colorectal cancer cell lines was generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Transcriptome analysis of HERV-K env KO cells using next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to identify the key genes associated with the function of HERV-K Env protein. The proliferation of HERV-K env KO cells was significantly reduced in in vitro culture as well as in in vivo nude mouse model. Tumorigenic characteristics, including migration, invasion, and tumor colonization, were also significantly reduced in HERV-K env KO cells. Whereas, they were enhanced in HERV-K env over-expressing DLD-1 cells. The expression of nuclear protein-1 (NUPR1), an ER-stress response factor that plays an important role in cell proliferation, migration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in cancer cells, significantly reduced in HERV-K env KO cells. ROS levels and ROS-related gene expression was also significantly reduced in HERV-K env KO cells. Cells transfected with NUPR1 siRNA (small interfering RNA) exhibited the same phenotype as HERV-K env KO cells. These results suggest that the HERV-K env gene affects tumorigenic characteristics, including cell proliferation, migration, and tumor colonization through NUPR1 related pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ji Ko
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Korea; (E.-J.K.); (M.-S.O.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
| | - Mee-Sun Ock
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Korea; (E.-J.K.); (M.-S.O.)
| | - Yung-Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Oriental Medicine, Dongeui University, Busan 47227, Korea;
| | - Juan L. Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille, France;
| | - Seyoung Mun
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
- Center for Bio-Medical Engineering Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
| | - Kyudong Han
- Center for Bio-Medical Engineering Core Facility, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
- Department of Microbiology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Heui-Soo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.-S.K.); (H.-J.C.); Tel.: +82-51-510-2259 (H.-S.K.); +82-51-990-6428 (H.-J.C.)
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Korea; (E.-J.K.); (M.-S.O.)
- Correspondence: (H.-S.K.); (H.-J.C.); Tel.: +82-51-510-2259 (H.-S.K.); +82-51-990-6428 (H.-J.C.)
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Dai B, Sha R, Yuan J, Liu D. Multiple potential roles of thymosin β4 in the growth and development of hair follicles. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1350-1358. [PMID: 33393222 PMCID: PMC7875905 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hair follicle (HF) is an important mini-organ of the skin, composed of many types of cells. Dermal papilla cells are important signalling components that guide the proliferation, upward migration and differentiation of HF stem cell progenitor cells to form other types of HF cells. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is involved in various cellular responses and has recently been shown to play key roles in HF growth and development. Endogenous Tβ4 can activate the mouse HF cycle transition and affect HF growth and development by promoting the migration and differentiation of HF stem cells and their progeny. In addition, exogenous Tβ4 increases the rate of hair growth in mice and promotes cashmere production by increasing the number of secondary HFs (hair follicles) in cashmere goats. However, the molecular mechanisms through which Tβ4 promotes HF growth and development have rarely been reported. Herein, we review the functions and mechanisms of Tβ4 in HF growth and development and describe the endogenous and exogenous actions of Tβ4 in HFs to provide insights into the roles of Tβ4 in HF growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Dai
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Reproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Ri‐Na Sha
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Pathology departmentThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Jian‐Long Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Clinical laboratoryThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Dong‐Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
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Zhang GH, Murthy KD, Binti Pare R, Qian YH. Protective effect of Tβ4 on central nervous system tissues and its developmental prospects. EUR J INFLAMM 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2058739220934559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue repair and regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) remains a serious medical problem. CNS diseases such as traumatic and neurological brain injuries have a high mortality and disability rate, thereby bringing a considerable amount of economic burden to society and families. How to treat traumatic and neurological brain injuries has always been a serious issue faced by neurosurgeons. The global incidence of traumatic and neurological brain injuries has gradually increased and become a global challenge. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is the main G-actin variant molecule in eukaryotic cells. During the development of the CNS, Tβ4 regulates neurogenesis, tangential expansion, tissue growth, and cerebral hemisphere folding. In addition, Tβ4 has anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes angiogenesis, wound healing, stem/progenitor cell differentiation, and other characteristics of cell migration and survival, providing a scientific basis for the repair and regeneration of injured nerve tissue. This review provides evidence to support the role of Tβ4 in the protection and repair of nervous tissue in CNS diseases, especially with the potential to control brain inflammatory processes, and thus open up new therapeutic applications for a series of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-hong Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xi’an International University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Krishna Dilip Murthy
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Rahmawati Binti Pare
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Yi-hua Qian
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
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Renga G, Oikonomou V, Moretti S, Stincardini C, Bellet MM, Pariano M, Bartoli A, Brancorsini S, Mosci P, Finocchi A, Rossi P, Costantini C, Garaci E, Goldstein AL, Romani L. Thymosin β4 promotes autophagy and repair via HIF-1α stabilization in chronic granulomatous disease. Life Sci Alliance 2019; 2:2/6/e201900432. [PMID: 31719116 PMCID: PMC6851533 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study demonstrates that thymosin β4 stabilizes HIF-1a to promote autophagy and up-regulate genes involved in tissue and mucosal barrier protection in chronic granulomatous disease. Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a genetic disorder of the NADPH oxidase characterized by increased susceptibility to infections and hyperinflammation associated with defective autophagy and increased inflammasome activation. Herein, we demonstrate that thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a g-actin sequestering peptide with multiple and diverse intracellular and extracellular activities affecting inflammation, wound healing, fibrosis, and tissue regeneration, promoted in human and murine cells noncanonical autophagy, a form of autophagy associated with phagocytosis and limited inflammation via the death-associated protein kinase 1. We further show that the hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)α was underexpressed in CGD but normalized by Tβ4 to promote autophagy and up-regulate genes involved in mucosal barrier protection. Accordingly, inflammation and granuloma formation were impaired and survival increased in CGD mice with colitis or aspergillosis upon Tβ4 treatment or HIF-1α stabilization. Thus, the promotion of endogenous pathways of inflammation resolution through HIF-1α stabilization is druggable in CGD by Tβ4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Renga
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Vasilis Oikonomou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Marina M Bellet
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marilena Pariano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Bartoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Mosci
- Internal Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Finocchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Immune and Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Immune and Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Costantini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- University San Raffaele and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Allan L Goldstein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, the George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Luigina Romani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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11
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Sayed A, Valente M, Sassoon D. Does cardiac development provide heart research with novel therapeutic approaches? F1000Res 2018; 7. [PMID: 30450195 PMCID: PMC6221076 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.15609.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonic heart progenitors arise at specific spatiotemporal periods that contribute to the formation of distinct cardiac structures. In mammals, the embryonic and fetal heart is hypoxic by comparison to the adult heart. In parallel, the cellular metabolism of the cardiac tissue, including progenitors, undergoes a glycolytic to oxidative switch that contributes to cardiac maturation. While oxidative metabolism is energy efficient, the glycolytic-hypoxic state may serve to maintain cardiac progenitor potential. Consistent with this proposal, the adult epicardium has been shown to contain a reservoir of quiescent cardiac progenitors that are activated in response to heart injury and are hypoxic by comparison to adjacent cardiac tissues. In this review, we discuss the development and potential of the adult epicardium and how this knowledge may provide future therapeutic approaches for cardiac repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliqua Sayed
- Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Mechanisms of Heart Failure, Paris-Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC), European Georges Pompidou Hospital (HEGP), INSERM U970, F-75737 Paris Cedex 15, Paris, France
| | - Mariana Valente
- Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Mechanisms of Heart Failure, Paris-Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC), European Georges Pompidou Hospital (HEGP), INSERM U970, F-75737 Paris Cedex 15, Paris, France
| | - David Sassoon
- Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Mechanisms of Heart Failure, Paris-Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC), European Georges Pompidou Hospital (HEGP), INSERM U970, F-75737 Paris Cedex 15, Paris, France
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12
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Zhao Y, Song J, Bi X, Gao J, Shen Z, Zhu J, Fu G. Thymosin β4 promotes endothelial progenitor cell angiogenesis via a vascular endothelial growth factor‑dependent mechanism. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:2314-2320. [PMID: 29956769 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a promising cell source for tissue repair and regeneration, predominantly through angiogenesis promotion. Paracrine functions serve a pivotal role in EPC‑mediated angiogenesis, which may be impaired by various cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, it is important to identify a solution that optimizes the paracrine function of EPCs. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a peptide with the potential to promote tissue regeneration and wound healing. A previous study demonstrated that Tβ4 enhances the EPC‑mediated angiogenesis of the ischemic myocardium. In the present study, whether Tβ4 improved angiogenesis by enhancing the paracrine effects of EPCs was investigated. A tube formation assay was used to assess the effect of angiogenesis, and the paracrine effects were measured using an ELISA kit. The results indicated that Tβ4 improved the paracrine effects of EPCs, evidenced by an increase in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). EPC‑conditioned medium (EPC‑CM) significantly promoted human umbilical vein endothelial cell angiogenesis in vitro, which was further enhanced by pretreatment with Tβ4. The effect of Tβ4 pretreated EPC‑CM on angiogenesis was abolished by VEGF neutralizing antibody in vitro, indicating that increased VEGF secretion had a pivotal role in Tβ4‑mediated EPC angiogenesis. Furthermore, transplantation of EPCs pretreated with Tβ4 into infarcted rat hearts resulted in significantly higher VEGF expression in the border zone, compared with EPC transplantation alone. To further investigate whether the Akt/eNOS pathway was involved in Tβ4‑induced VEGF secretion in EPCs, the expression levels of VEGF in EPC‑CM were significantly decreased following knockdown of Akt or eNOS by small interfering RNA transfection. In conclusion, Tβ4 significantly increased angiogenesis by enhancing the paracrine effects of EPCs, evidenced by the increased expression of VEGF. The RAC‑α serine/threonine‑protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase signal transduction pathway was involved in the regulation of Tβ4‑induced VEGF secretion in EPCs. Further studies are required to investigate the long‑term prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease following Tβ4‑pretreated EPC transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research (Therapy) Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Jiale Song
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research (Therapy) Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Xukun Bi
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research (Therapy) Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research (Therapy) Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Zhida Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research (Therapy) Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Junhui Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research (Therapy) Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Guosheng Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Biomedical Research (Therapy) Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
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Synthesis and Characterization of Injectable Hydrogels with Varying Collagen⁻Chitosan⁻Thymosin β4 Composition for Myocardial Infarction Therapy. J Funct Biomater 2018; 9:jfb9020033. [PMID: 29710844 PMCID: PMC6023318 DOI: 10.3390/jfb9020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thirty percent of global mortalities are caused by cardiovascular disease, and 54% of the aforementioned amount is instigated by ischemic heart disease that triggered myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction is due to blood flow cessation in certain coronary arteries that causes lack of oxygen (ischemia) and stimulates myocardial necrosis. One of the methods to treat myocardial infarction consists in injecting cells or active biomolecules and biomaterials into heart infarction locations. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of a collagen–chitosan-based hydrogel with variations in its chitosan composition. The prepared hydrogels contained thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a 43-amino acid peptide with angiogenic and cardioprotective properties which can act as a bioactive molecule for the treatment of myocardial infarction. A morphological structure analysis showed that the hydrogels lacked interconnecting pores. All samples were not toxic on the basis of a cytotoxicity test. A histopathological anatomy test showed that the collagen–chitosan–thymosin β4 hydrogels could stimulate angiogenesis and epicardial heart cell migration, as demonstrated by the evaluation of the number of blood vessels and the infiltration extent of myofibroblasts.
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14
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Global Proteomics-based Identification and Validation of Thymosin Beta-4 X-Linked as a Prognostic Marker for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9031. [PMID: 28831179 PMCID: PMC5567379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09539-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a major health concern worldwide. We applied the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) to analyze paired normal (N) and tumor (T) samples from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as well as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis in HNSCC cell lines to identify tumor-associated biomarkers. Our results showed a number of proteins found to be over-expressed in HNSCC. We identified thymosin beta-4 X-linked (TMSB4X) is one of the most significant candidate biomarkers. Higher TMSB4X expression in the tumor was found by N/T-paired HNSCC samples at both RNA and protein level. Overexpression of TMSB4X was found significantly associated with poor prognosis of overall survival (OS, P = 0.006) and recurrence-free survival (RFS, P = 0.013) in HNSCC patients. Silencing of TMSB4X expression in HNSCC cell line reduced the proliferation and invasion ability in vitro, as well as inhibited the cervical lymph node metastasis in vivo. Altogether, our global proteomics analysis identified that TMSB4X is a newly discovered biomarker in HNSCC whose functions resulted in enhanced proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. TMSB4X may be a potential therapeutic target for treating HNSCC patients.
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15
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Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of thymosin beta-4 (TB4) involved in regulating hepatic stellate cell (HSC) functions remain unclear. Therefore, we hypothesize that TB4 influences HSC activation through hedgehog (Hh) pathway. HSC functions declined in a TB4 siRNA-treated LX-2. TB4 suppression down-regulated both integrin linked kinase (ILK), an activator of smoothened, and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (pGSK-3B), an inactive form of GSK-3B degrading glioblastoma 2 (GLI2), followed by the decreased expression of both smoothened and GLI2. A TB4 CRISPR also blocked the activation of primary HSCs, with decreased expression of smoothened, GLI2 and ILK compared with cells transfected with nontargeting control CRISPR. Double immunostaining and an immunoprecipitation assay revealed that TB4 interacted with either smoothened at the cytoplasm or GLI2 at the nucleus in LX-2. Smoothened suppression in primary HSCs using a Hh antagonist or adenovirus transduction decreased TB4 expression with the reduced activation of HSCs. Tb4-overexpressing transgenic mice treated with CCl4 were susceptible to the development hepatic fibrosis with higher levels of ILK, pGSK3b, and Hh activity, as compared with wild-type mice. These findings demonstrate that TB4 regulates HSC activation by influencing the activity of Smoothened and GLI2, suggesting TB4 as a novel therapeutic target in liver disease.
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16
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxygen (O2) homeostasis is an indispensable requirement of eukaryotes. O2 concentration in cellular milieu is defined as normoxia (∼21% O2), physoxia (∼1-13% O2) or hypoxia (∼0.1-1% O2). Hypoxia, a striking micro-environmental feature in tumorigenesis, is countered by tumor cells via induction of O2 governed transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). Post discovery, HIF-1 has emerged as a promising anticancer therapeutic target during the last two decades. Recent reports have highlighted that enhanced levels of HIF-1 correlate with tumor metastasis leading to poor patient prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic search in PubMed and SciFinder for the literature on HIF-1 biology and therapeutic importance in cancer was carried out. RESULTS This review highlights the initial description as well as the recent insights into HIF-1 biology and regulation. We have focused on emerging data regarding varied classes of HIF-1 target genes affecting various levels of crosstalk among tumorigenic pathways. We have emphasized on the fact that HIF-1 acts as a networking hub coordinating activities of multiple signaling molecules influencing tumorigenesis. Emerging evidences indicate role of many HIF-induced proteomic and genomic alterations in malignant progression by mediating a myriad of genes stimulating angiogenesis, anaerobic metabolism and survival of cancer cells in O2-deficient microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS Better understanding of the crucial role of HIF-1 in carcinogenesis could offer promising new avenues to researchers and aid in elucidating various open issues regarding the use of HIF-1 as an anticancer therapeutic target. In spite of large efforts in this field, many questions still remain unanswered. Hence, future investigations are necessary to devise, assess and refine methods for translating previous research efforts into novel clinical practices in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Soni
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Lab, Food and Nutraceuticals Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Yogendra S. Padwad
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Lab, Food and Nutraceuticals Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, New Delhi, India
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17
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Lee SY, Park MJ, Lee HK, Son HJ, Kim CN, Kim JH, Kang DW. Increased Expression of Thymosin β 4 Is Independently Correlated with Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) and Worse Clinical Outcome in Human Colorectal Cancer. J Pathol Transl Med 2016; 51:9-16. [PMID: 27744656 PMCID: PMC5267536 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2016.08.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thymosin β4 is a multi-functional hormone-like polypeptide, being involved in cell migration, angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis. This study was undertaken to clarify the clinicopathologic implications of thymosin β4 expression in human colorectal cancers (CRCs). Methods We investigated tissue sections from 143 patients with CRC by immunohistochemistry. In addition, we evaluated the expression patterns and the clinico-pathological significance of thymosin β4 expression in association with hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in the CRC series. Results High expression of thymosin β4 was significantly correlated with lymphovascular invasion, invasion depth, regional lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and TNM stage. Patients with high expression of thymosin β4 showed poor recurrence-free survival (p = .001) and poor overall survival (p = .005) on multivariate analysis. We also found that thymosin β4 and HIF-1α were overexpressed and that thymosin β4 expression increased in parallel with HIF-1α expression in CRC. Conclusions A high expression level of thymosin β4 indicates poor clinical outcomes and may be a useful prognostic factor in CRC. Thymosin β4 is functionally related with HIF-1α and may be a potentially valuable biomarker and possible therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yun Lee
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Mee Ja Park
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hye Kyung Lee
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Son
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Chang Nam Kim
- Department of Surgery, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joo Heon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kang
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
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18
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The Role of Oxidative Stress in Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury and Remodeling: Revisited. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2016; 2016:1656450. [PMID: 27313825 PMCID: PMC4897712 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1656450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative and reductive stress are dual dynamic phases experienced by the cells undergoing adaptation towards endogenous or exogenous noxious stimulus. The former arises due to the imbalance between the reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defenses, while the latter is due to the aberrant increase in the reducing equivalents. Mitochondrial malfunction is the common denominator arising from the aberrant functioning of the rheostat that maintains the homeostasis between oxidative and reductive stress. Recent experimental evidences suggest that the maladaptation during oxidative stress could play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of major cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infraction, atherosclerosis, and diabetic cardiovascular complications. In this review we have discussed the role of oxidative and reductive stress pathways in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Furthermore, we have provided impetus for the development of subcellular organelle targeted antioxidant drug therapy for thwarting the deterioration of the failing myocardium in the aforementioned cardiovascular conditions.
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19
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Abstract
No agent has been identified that significantly accelerates the repair of chronic dermal wounds in humans. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is a small, abundant, naturally occurring regenerative protein that is found in body fluids and inside cells. It was found to have angiogenic and antiinflammatory activity and to be high in platelets that aggregate at the wound site. Thus we used Tβ4 initially in dermal healing. It has since been shown to have many activities important in tissue protection, repair, and regeneration. Tβ4 increases the rate of dermal healing in various preclinical animal models, including diabetic and aged animals, and is active for burns as well. Tβ4 also accelerated the rate of repair in phase 2 trials with patients having pressure ulcers, stasis ulcers, and epidermolysis bullosa wounds. It is safe and well tolerated and will likely have additional uses in the skin and in injured organs for tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Kleinman
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - G Sosne
- Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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20
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Huang CY, Yu LCH. Pathophysiological mechanisms of death resistance in colorectal carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:11777-11792. [PMID: 26557002 PMCID: PMC4631976 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i41.11777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colon cancers develop adaptive mechanisms to survive under extreme conditions and display hallmarks of unlimited proliferation and resistance to cell death. The deregulation of cell death is a key factor that contributes to chemoresistance in tumors. In a physiological context, balance between cell proliferation and death, and protection against cell damage are fundamental processes for maintaining gut epithelial homeostasis. The mechanisms underlying anti-death cytoprotection and tumor resistance often bear common pathways, and although distinguishing them would be a challenge, it would also provide an opportunity to develop advanced anti-cancer therapeutics. This review will outline cell death pathways (i.e., apoptosis, necrosis, and necroptosis), and discuss cytoprotective strategies in normal intestinal epithelium and death resistance mechanisms of colon tumor. In colorectal cancers, the intracellular mechanisms of death resistance include the direct alteration of apoptotic and necroptotic machinery and the upstream events modulating death effectors such as tumor suppressor gene inactivation and pro-survival signaling pathways. The autocrine, paracrine and exogenous factors within a tumor microenvironment can also instigate resistance against apoptotic and necroptotic cell death in colon cancers through changes in receptor signaling or transporter uptake. The roles of cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E2, growth factors, glucose, and bacterial lipopolysaccharides in colorectal cancer will be highlighted. Targeting anti-death pathways in the colon cancer tissue might be a promising approach outside of anti-proliferation and anti-angiogenesis strategies for developing novel drugs to treat refractory tumors.
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21
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Jackson KW, Christiansen VJ, Yadav VR, Silasi-Mansat R, Lupu F, Awasthi V, Zhang RR, McKee PA. Suppression of tumor growth in mice by rationally designed pseudopeptide inhibitors of fibroblast activation protein and prolyl oligopeptidase. Neoplasia 2015; 17:43-54. [PMID: 25622898 PMCID: PMC4309729 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironments (TMEs) are composed of cancer cells, fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, microvessels, and endothelial cells. Two prolyl endopeptidases, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), are commonly overexpressed by epithelial-derived malignancies, with the specificity of FAP expression by cancer stromal fibroblasts suggesting FAP as a possible therapeutic target. Despite overexpression in most cancers and having a role in angiogenesis, inhibition of POP activity has received little attention as an approach to quench tumor growth. We developed two specific and highly effective pseudopeptide inhibitors, M83, which inhibits FAP and POP proteinase activities, and J94, which inhibits only POP. Both suppressed human colon cancer xenograft growth > 90% in mice. By immunohistochemical stains, M83- and J94-treated tumors had fewer microvessels, and apoptotic areas were apparent in both. In response to M83, but not J94, disordered collagen accumulations were observed. Neither M83- nor J94-treated mice manifested changes in behavior, weight, or gastrointestinal function. Tumor growth suppression was more extensive than noted with recently reported efforts by others to inhibit FAP proteinase function or reduce FAP expression. Diminished angiogenesis and the accompanying profound reduction in tumor growth suggest that inhibition of either FAP or POP may offer new therapeutic approaches that directly target TMEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth W Jackson
- William K. Warren Medical Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Victoria J Christiansen
- William K. Warren Medical Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Vivek R Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Robert Silasi-Mansat
- Cardiovascular Biology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Florea Lupu
- Cardiovascular Biology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Vibhudutta Awasthi
- College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Roy R Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Patrick A McKee
- William K. Warren Medical Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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22
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Kim DH, Moon EY, Yi JH, Lee HE, Park SJ, Ryu YK, Kim HC, Lee S, Ryu JH. Peptide fragment of thymosin β4 increases hippocampal neurogenesis and facilitates spatial memory. Neuroscience 2015; 310:51-62. [PMID: 26363149 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although several studies have suggested the neuroprotective effect of thymosin β4 (TB4), a major actin-sequestering protein, on the central nervous system, little is understood regarding the action of N-acetyl-serylaspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), a peptide fragment of TB4 on brain function. Here, we examined neurogenesis-stimulative effect of Ac-SDKP. Intrahippocampal infusion of Ac-SDKP facilitated the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus. Ac-SDKP-treated mouse hippocampus showed an increase in β-catenin stability with reduction of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity. Moreover, inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling blocked Ac-SDKP-facilitated neural proliferation. Subchronic intrahippocampal infusion of Ac-SDKP also increased spatial memory. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Ac-SDKP functions as a regulator of neural proliferation and indicate that Ac-SDKP may be a therapeutic candidate for diseases characterized by neuronal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- D H Kim
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea; Dong-A Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea
| | - E-Y Moon
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Republic of Korea.
| | - J H Yi
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - H E Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea; Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - S J Park
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea; Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Y-K Ryu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Republic of Korea
| | - H-C Kim
- Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Taejeon 305-806, Republic of Korea
| | - S Lee
- Faculty of Marine Biomedical Science, Cheju National University, Jeju 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - J H Ryu
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea; Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.
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Kim S, Kwon J. Thymosin β4 has a major role in dermal burn wound healing that involves actin cytoskeletal remodelling via heat-shock protein 70. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2015; 11:1262-1273. [PMID: 25921810 DOI: 10.1002/term.2028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rapid vascular remodelling of damaged dermal tissue is required to heal burn wounds. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a growth factor that has been shown to promote angiogenesis and dermal wound repair. However, the underlying mechanisms based on Tβ4 function have not yet been fully investigated. In the present study, we investigated how Tβ4 improves dermal burn wound healing via actin cytoskeletal remodelling and the action of heat-shock proteins (HSPs), which are a vital set of chaperone proteins that respond to heat shock. Our in vitro results achieved with the use of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) revealed a possible signal between Tβ4 and HSP70. Moreover, we confirmed that remodelling of filamentous actin (F-actin) was regulated by Tβ4-induced HSP70 in HUVECs. Based on these in vitro results, we confirmed the healing effects of Tβ4 in an adapted dermal burn wound in vivo model. Tβ4 improved wound-healing markers, such as wound closure and vascularization. Moreover, Tβ4 maintained the long-term expression of HSP70, which is associated with F-actin regulation during the wound-healing period. These results suggest that an association between Tβ4 and HSP70 is responsible for the healing of burn wounds, and that this association may regulate F-actin remodelling. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokho Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, 561-156, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungkee Kwon
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, 561-156, Republic of Korea
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Ryu YK, Lee JW, Moon EY. Thymosin Beta-4, Actin-Sequestering Protein Regulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression via Hypoxia-Inducible Nitric Oxide Production in HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2015; 23:19-25. [PMID: 25593639 PMCID: PMC4286745 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2014.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important regulator of neovascularization. Hypoxia inducible nitric oxide (NO) enhanced the expression of VEGF and thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), actin sequestering protein. Here, we investigated whether NO-mediated VEGF expression could be regulated by Tβ4 expression in HeLa cervical cancer cells. Hypoxia inducible NO production and VEGF expression were reduced by small interference (si) RNA of Tβ4. Hypoxia response element (HRE)-luciferase activity and VEGF expression were increased by the treatment with N-(β-D-Glucopyranosyl)-N2-acetyl-S-nitroso-D, L-penicillaminamide (SNAP-1), to generate NO, which was inhibited by the inhibition of Tβ4 expression with Tβ4-siRNA. In hypoxic condition, HRE-luciferase activity and VEGF expression were inhibited by the treatment with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor to nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which is accompanied with a decrease in Tβ4 expression. VEGF expression inhibited by L-NMMA treatment was restored by the transfection with pCMV-Tβ4 plasmids for Tβ4 overexpression. Taken together, these results suggest that Tβ4 could be a regulator for the expression of VEGF via the maintenance of NOS activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Kyoung Ryu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Wook Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Yi Moon
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Republic of Korea
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Santhakumar R, Vidyasekar P, Verma RS. Cardiogel: a nano-matrix scaffold with potential application in cardiac regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114697. [PMID: 25521816 PMCID: PMC4270637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
3-Dimensional conditions for the culture of Bone Marrow-derived Stromal/Stem Cells (BMSCs) can be generated with scaffolds of biological origin. Cardiogel, a cardiac fibroblast-derived Extracellular Matrix (ECM) has been previously shown to promote cardiomyogenic differentiation of BMSCs and provide protection against oxidative stress. To determine the matrix composition and identify significant proteins in cardiogel, we investigated the differences in the composition of this nanomatrix and a BMSC-derived ECM scaffold, termed as ‘mesogel’. An optimized protocol was developed that resulted in efficient decellularization while providing the maximum yield of ECM. The proteins were sequentially solubilized using acetic acid, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and Dithiothreitol (DTT). These proteins were then analyzed using surfactant-assisted in-solution digestion followed by nano-liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS). The results of these analyses revealed significant differences in their respective compositions and 17 significant ECM/matricellular proteins were differentially identified between cardiogel and mesogel. We observed that cardiogel also promoted cell proliferation, adhesion and migration while enhancing cardiomyogenic differentiation and angiogenesis. In conclusion, we developed a reproducible method for efficient extraction and solubilization of in vitro cultured cell-derived extracellular matrix. We report several important proteins differentially identified between cardiogel and mesogel, which can explain the biological properties of cardiogel. We also demonstrated the cardiomyogenic differentiation and angiogenic potential of cardiogel even in the absence of any external growth factors. The transplantation of Bone Marrow derived Stromal/Stem Cells (BMSCs) cultured on such a nanomatrix has potential applications in regenerative therapy for Myocardial Infarction (MI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajalakshmi Santhakumar
- Stem cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prasanna Vidyasekar
- Stem cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rama Shanker Verma
- Stem cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- * E-mail:
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Kimura W, Muralidhar S, Canseco DC, Puente B, Zhang CC, Xiao F, Abderrahman YH, Sadek HA. Redox signaling in cardiac renewal. Antioxid Redox Signal 2014; 21:1660-73. [PMID: 25000143 PMCID: PMC4175032 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.6029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Utilizing oxygen (O2) through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation enables organisms to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with a higher efficiency than glycolysis, but it results in increased reactive oxygen species production from mitochondria, which can result in stem cell dysfunction and senescence. RECENT ADVANCES In the postnatal organism, the hematopoietic system represents a classic example of the role of stem cells in cellular turnover and regeneration. However, in other organs such as the heart, both the degree and source of cellular turnover have been heavily contested. CRITICAL ISSUES Although recent evidence suggests that the major source of the limited cardiomyocyte turnover in the adult heart is cardiomyocyte proliferation, the identity and potential role of undifferentiated cardiac progenitor cells remain controversial. Several types of cardiac progenitor cells have been identified, and several studies have identified an important role of redox and metabolic regulation in survival and differentiation of cardiac progenitor cells. Perhaps a simple way to approach these controversies is to focus on the multipotentiality characteristics of a certain progenitor population, and not necessarily its ability to give rise to all cell types within the heart. In addition, it is important to note that cycling cells in the heart may express markers of differentiation or may be truly undifferentiated, and for the purpose of this review, we will refer to these cycling cells as progenitors. FUTURE DIRECTIONS We propose that hypoxia, redox signaling, and metabolic phenotypes are major regulators of cardiac renewal, and may prove to be important therapeutic targets for heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Kimura
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas
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Kuzaj P, Kuhn J, Michalek RD, Karoly ED, Faust I, Dabisch-Ruthe M, Knabbe C, Hendig D. Large-scaled metabolic profiling of human dermal fibroblasts derived from pseudoxanthoma elasticum patients and healthy controls. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108336. [PMID: 25265166 PMCID: PMC4181624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the ABC transporter ABCC6 were recently identified as cause of Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive mineralization of elastic fibers. We used an untargeted metabolic approach to identify biochemical differences between human dermal fibroblasts from healthy controls and PXE patients in an attempt to find a link between ABCC6 deficiency, cellular metabolic alterations and disease pathogenesis. 358 compounds were identified by mass spectrometry covering lipids, amino acids, peptides, carbohydrates, nucleotides, vitamins and cofactors, xenobiotics and energy metabolites. We found substantial differences in glycerophospholipid composition, leucine dipeptides, and polypeptides as well as alterations in pantothenate and guanine metabolism to be significantly associated with PXE pathogenesis. These findings can be linked to extracellular matrix remodeling and increased oxidative stress, which reflect characteristic hallmarks of PXE. Our study could facilitate a better understanding of biochemical pathways involved in soft tissue mineralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Kuzaj
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Joachim Kuhn
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Ryan D. Michalek
- Metabolon, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Edward D. Karoly
- Metabolon, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Isabel Faust
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Mareike Dabisch-Ruthe
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Doris Hendig
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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Over-expression of thymosin β4 in granulomatous lung tissue with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2014; 94:323-31. [PMID: 24556076 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that thymosin β4 (Tβ4) stimulates angiogenesis by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and stabilizing hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), a type of granulomatous disease, is accompanied by intense angiogenesis and VEGF levels have been reported to be elevated in serum or tissue inflamed by pulmonary tuberculosis. We investigated the expression of Tβ4 in granulomatous lung tissues at various stages of active pulmonary tuberculosis, and we also examined the expression patterns of VEGF and HIF-1α to compare their Tβ4 expression patterns in patients' tissues and in the tissue microarray of TB patients. Tβ4 was highly expressed in both granulomas and surrounding lymphocytes in nascent granulomatous lung tissue, but was expressed only surrounding tissues of necrotic or caseous necrotic regions. The expression pattern of HIF-1α was similar to that of Tβ4. VEGF was expressed in both granulomas and blood vessels surrounding granulomas. The expression pattern of VEGF co-localized with CD31 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, PECAM-1), a blood endothelial cell marker, and partially co-localized with Tβ4. However, the expression of Tβ4 did not co-localize with alveolar macrophages. Stained alveolar macrophages were present surrounding regions of granuloma highly expressing Tβ4. We also analyzed mRNA expression in the sputum of 10 normal and 19 pulmonary TB patients. Expression of Tβ4 was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis than in normal controls. These data suggest that Tβ4 is highly expressed in granulomatous lung tissue with active pulmonary TB and is associated with HIF-1α- and VEGF-mediated inflammation and angiogenesis. Furthermore, the expression of Tβ4 in the sputum of pulmonary tuberculosis patients can be used as a potential marker for diagnosis.
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Ock MS, Cha HJ, Choi YH. Verifiable hypotheses for thymosin β4-dependent and -independent angiogenic induction of Trichinella spiralis-triggered nurse cell formation. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:23492-8. [PMID: 24351861 PMCID: PMC3876058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141223492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichinella spiralis has been reported to induce angiogenesis for nutrient supply and waste disposal by the induction of the angiogenic molecule vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) during nurse cell formation. However, the action mechanism to induce VEGF in nurse cells by T. spiralis is not known. Hypoxia in nurse cells was suggested as a possible mechanism; however, the presence of hypoxic conditions in infected muscle or nurse cells and whether hypoxia indeed induces the expression of VEGF and subsequent angiogenesis in the infected muscle are both a matter of debate. Our recent studies have shown that thymosin β4, a potent VEGF inducing protein, is expressed in the very early stages of T. spiralis muscle infection suggesting the induction of VEGF in early stage nurse cells. Nevertheless, we now show that hypoxic conditions were not detected in any nurse cell stage but were detected only in the accumulated inflammatory cells. These studies propose that induction of angiogenesis by VEGF in T. spiralis-infected nurse cells was mediated by thymosin β4 and is unrelated to hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Sun Ock
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 602-702, Korea; E-Mail:
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 602-702, Korea; E-Mail:
- Institute for Medical Science, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 602-702, Korea
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: (H.-J.C.); (Y.H.C.); Tel.: +82-51-990-6428 (H.-J.C.); +82-51-850-7413 (Y.H.C.); Fax: +82-51-990-3081 (H.-J.C.); +82-51-853-4036 (Y.H.C.)
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Oriental Medicine, Anti-Aging Research Center, Dongeui University, Busan 614-052, Korea
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: (H.-J.C.); (Y.H.C.); Tel.: +82-51-990-6428 (H.-J.C.); +82-51-850-7413 (Y.H.C.); Fax: +82-51-990-3081 (H.-J.C.); +82-51-853-4036 (Y.H.C.)
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Thymosin β4 and its degradation product, Ac-SDKP, are novel reparative factors in renal fibrosis. Kidney Int 2013; 84:1166-75. [PMID: 23739235 PMCID: PMC3830708 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2013.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Previously we found thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is up-regulated in glomerulosclerosis and required for angiotensin II-induced expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in glomerular endothelial cells. Tβ4 has beneficial effects in dermal and corneal wound healing and heart disease yet its effects in kidney disease are unknown. Here we studied renal fibrosis in wild type and PAI-1 knockout mice following unilateral ureteral obstruction to explore the impact of Tβ4 and its prolyl oligopeptidase tetrapeptide degradation product, Ac-SDKP, in renal fibrosis. Additionally, we explored interactions of Tβ4 with PAI-1. Treatment with Ac-SDKP significantly decreased fibrosis in both wild type and PAI-1 knockout mice, as observed by decreased collagen and fibronectin deposition, fewer myofibroblasts and macrophages, and suppressed pro-fibrotic factors. In contrast, Tβ4 plus a prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor significantly increased fibrosis in wild type mice. Tβ4 alone also promoted repair and reduced late fibrosis in wild type mice. Importantly, both pro-fibrotic effects of Tβ4 plus the prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor, and late reparative effects of Tβ4 alone, were absent in PAI-1 knockout mice. Thus, Tβ4 combined with prolyl oligopeptidase inhibition, is consistently pro-fibrotic, but by itself, has anti-fibrotic effects in late stage fibrosis, while Ac-SDKP has consistent anti-fibrotic effects in both early and late stages of kidney injury. These effects of Tβ4 are dependent on PAI-1.
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Nemolato S, Ekstrom J, Cabras T, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Di Felice E, Locci A, Messana I, Castagnola M, Faa G. Immunoreactivity for thymosin beta 4 and thymosin beta 10 in the adult rat oro-gastro-intestinal tract. Eur J Histochem 2013; 57:e17. [PMID: 23807296 PMCID: PMC3794343 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2013.e17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) and thymosin beta 10 (Tβ10) are two members of the β-thymosin family, involved in multiple cellular activities in different organs in multiple animal species. Here we report the expression pattern of Tβ4 and Tβ10 in rat tissues, in the gut and in annexed glands. The two peptide were differently expressed: Tβ4 was absent in salivary glands whereas Tβ10 was expressed in parotid and in submandibular glands. Tβ4 was mildly expressed in the tongue and in the esophagus, where Tβ10 was absent. A similar expression was found in the stomach, ileum and colon mucosa. In pancreas Tβ4 reactivity was restricted to the Langerhans islet cells; Tβ4 was also detected in the exocrine cells. Both peptide were not expressed in liver cells. When the rat expression pattern in rat organs was compared to reactivity for Tβ4 and Tβ10 in humans, marked differences were found. Our data clearly indicate a species-specific expression of Tβ4 and Tβ10, characterized by the actual unpredictability of the expression of these peptides in different cells and tissues. The common high expression of Tβ4 in mast cells, both in humans and in rats, represents one of the few similarities between these two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nemolato
- Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, PO S. Giovanni di Dio, Università di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
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Sribenja S, Wongkham S, Wongkham C, Yao Q, Chen C. Roles and Mechanisms of β-Thymosins in Cell Migration and Cancer Metastasis: An Update. Cancer Invest 2013; 31:103-10. [DOI: 10.3109/07357907.2012.756111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Hinkel R, Trenkwalder T, Kupatt C. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of thymosin β4-mediated cardioprotection. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1269:102-9. [PMID: 23045977 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06693.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Coronary heart disease is still the leading cause of death in industrialized nations. Reduction of infarct size after acute myocardial infarction and, in addition, improvement of myocardial function and perfusion in acute and chronic myocardial ischemia would enhance cardiac survival. Thymosin β4, a 43-amino acid water-soluble peptide with pleiotropic abilities seems to be a promising candidate for the treatment of ischemic heart disease. During cardiac development, thymosin β4 is essential for vascularization of the myocardium, by targeting all three parts of vessel development, that is, vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and arteriogenesis. In the adult, thymosin β4 is capable of inducing angiogenesis via activation of survival kinases in an actin-dependent and -independent manner. In addition, thymosin β4 has anti-inflammatory properties by reducing NF-κB p65 activation. These protective effects are further enhanced through increased myocyte and endothelial cell survival accompanied by differentiation of epicardial progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabea Hinkel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.
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Ock MS, Song KS, Kleinman H, Cha HJ. Thymosin β4 stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor-1α protein in an oxygen-independent manner. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1269:79-83. [PMID: 23045974 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06657.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The small actin-binding protein thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is understood to stimulate angiogenesis. Previously, we reported that Tβ4 induces angiogenesis by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, but the mechanism underlying how Tβ4 upregulates VEGF expression remain unknown. To identify the mechanism of VEGF induction by Tβ4, we measured VEGF promoter activity and analyzed the effect of Tβ4 on VEGF RNA stability. The Tβ4 peptide had no effect on either VEGF promoter activity or VEGF RNA stability. We focused on the possibility that Tβ4 may indirectly induce VEGF expression via hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. We determined that Tβ4 increased the stability of HIF-1α protein under normoxic conditions. These data suggest that Tβ4 indirectly induces VEGF expression by increasing the protein stability of HIF-1α in an oxygen-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Sun Ock
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
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Chiu LLY, Reis LA, Radisic M. Controlled delivery of thymosin β4 for tissue engineering and cardiac regenerative medicine. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1269:16-25. [PMID: 23045966 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06718.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a peptide with multiple biological functions. Here, we focus on the role of Tβ4 in vascularization, and review our studies of the controlled delivery of Tβ4 through its incorporation in biomaterials. Tβ4 promotes vascularization through VEGF induction and AcSDKP-induced migration and differentiation of endothelial cells. We developed a collagen-chitosan hydrogel for the controlled release of Tβ4 over 28 days. In vitro, the Tβ4-encapsulated hydrogel increased migration of endothelial cells and tube formation from epicardial explants that were cultivated on top of the hydrogel, compared to Tβ4-free hydrogel and soluble Tβ4 in the culture medium. In vivo, subcutaneously injected Tβ4-containing collagen-chitosan hydrogel in rats led to enhanced vascularization compared to Tβ4-free hydrogel and collagen hydrogel with Tβ4. Furthermore, the injection of the Tβ4-encapsulated hydrogel in the infarct region improved angiogenesis, reduced tissue loss, and retained left ventricular wall thickness after myocardial infarction in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loraine L Y Chiu
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Can B, Karagoz F, Yildiz L, Yildirim A, Kefeli M, Gonullu G, Kandemir B. Thymosin β4 is a novel potential prognostic marker in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. APMIS 2012; 120:689-98. [PMID: 22882257 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2012.02887.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ(4)) is a major actin-sequestering molecule that contributes to cell growth, differentiation, motility, survival, mitosis and angiogenesis. It is overexpressed in certain type of carcinoma and fibrosarcoma cell lines and is associated with metastatic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Tβ(4) expression and clinicopathologic features and VEGF status in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Retrospectively, 60 GISTs were re-examined and immunohistochemistry for Tβ(4) and VEGF was performed. Increased expression of Tβ(4) and VEGF was observed in 26 (43.3%) and in 19 (31.6%) of the tumors, respectively. Tβ(4) expression was positively correlated with VEGF expression (p < 0.01). Tβ(4) and VEGF expression were significantly associated with tumor size (p = 0.00 and p = 0.02, respectively) and high mitosis (p = 0.03 and p = 0.00, respectively). Although Tβ(4) expression was positively associated with pleomorphism (p = 0.01), VEGF expression was positively associated with necrosis (p = 0.03). Tβ(4) expression was related with local recurrence and/or metastasis (p = 0.03), but VEGF expression was not (p = 0.12). We firstly demonstrate the presence of Tβ(4) protein in GISTs. Our study reveals that increased expression of Tβ(4) could be considered as an indicator of aggressive behavior of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilge Can
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
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Chiu LLY, Radisic M. Controlled release of thymosin β4 using collagen-chitosan composite hydrogels promotes epicardial cell migration and angiogenesis. J Control Release 2011; 155:376-85. [PMID: 21663777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Rapid vascularization at the infarcted site is crucial for cardiac repair following myocardial infarction. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a 43-amino acid peptide, is both angiogenic and cardioprotective. Tβ4 in soluble form was previously shown to promote cell migration from quiescent adult cardiac explants. Here we developed a collagen-chitosan hydrogel for the encapsulation of Tβ4, which allowed its controlled release over 28days to elicit localized and prolonged effects. Contrastingly, Tβ4 was fully released over 3days when encapsulated in collagen-only hydrogels due to charge repulsion and lack of interconnected pores as shown by SEM. The charge of encapsulated molecules affected their release from collagen-chitosan hydrogels. While the release of neutral polyalanine was size-controlled diffusion, that of negatively-charged Tβ4 and positively-charged polylysine was affected by electrostatic interactions of peptides with collagen/chitosan molecules. Hydrogels with encapsulated Tβ4 significantly increased cell migration and outgrowth of CD31-positive capillaries from mouse and rat epicardial explants in vitro, compared to Tβ4-free and soluble controls. Potential advantage of Tβ4 over commonly-used angiogenic growth factors is that it can induce recruitment and differentiation of both endothelial and smooth muscle cells necessary for vascular stability. Importantly, Tβ4-encapsulated collagen-chitosan hydrogels promoted angiogenesis in vivo upon subcutaneous injection, compared to collagen-only hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loraine L Y Chiu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kang YJ, Jo JO, Cho MK, Yu HS, Ock MS, Cha HJ. Trichinella spiralis infection induces angiogenic factor thymosin β4 expression. Vet Parasitol 2011; 181:222-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2011] [Revised: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Abstract
Thymosins are a family of highly conserved small peptides originally isolated from calf thymus. One representative member of the family is thymosin-β₄ (Tβ₄), a major G-actin-sequestering peptide present in many tissues. In the last decade, various studies have uncovered several important functions for Tβ₄ related to the regeneration of injured tissues including skin and heart. In particular, Tβ₄ promotes endothelial cell migration via the activation of Akt2 kinase at the leading edge of the cell. In the case of skeletal muscle injury, increased levels of Tβ₄ are produced by muscle fibers and surrounding immune cells. Satellite cell-derived myoblasts and myocytes are chemoattracted by Tβ₄, which facilitates skeletal muscle regeneration. Recently, it was reported that Tβ₄ interacts physically with F₁-F₀ ATP synthase on the plasma membrane to increase the local concentration of ATP, which stimulates the P2X₄ purinergic receptor to elicit a migratory response from endothelial cells. Thus, it is clear that Tβ₄ is an important chemotactic factor involved in stem/progenitor cell-mediated tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Hara
- Stem Cell Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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