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Gong J, Ding G, Hao Z, Li Y, Deng A, Zhang C. Elucidating the mechanism of corneal epithelial cell repair: unraveling the impact of growth factors. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1384500. [PMID: 38638937 PMCID: PMC11024251 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1384500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The repair mechanism for corneal epithelial cell injuries encompasses migration, proliferation, and differentiation of corneal epithelial cells, and extracellular matrix remodeling of the stromal structural integrity. Furthermore, it involves the consequential impact of corneal limbal stem cells (LSCs). In recent years, as our comprehension of the mediating mechanisms underlying corneal epithelial injury repair has advanced, it has become increasingly apparent that growth factors play a pivotal role in this intricate process. These growth factors actively contribute to the restoration of corneal epithelial injuries by orchestrating responses and facilitating specific interactions at targeted sites. This article systematically summarizes the role of growth factors in corneal epithelial cell injury repair by searching relevant literature in recent years, and explores the limitations of current literature search, providing a certain scientific basis for subsequent basic research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Gong
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People’s Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Gang Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People’s Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Zhongkai Hao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People’s Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yuchun Li
- Wuxi No. 2 Chinese Medicine Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Aijun Deng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chenming Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People’s Hospital, Jinan, China
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Tarvestad-Laise KE, Ceresa BP. Modulating Growth Factor Receptor Signaling to Promote Corneal Epithelial Homeostasis. Cells 2023; 12:2730. [PMID: 38067157 PMCID: PMC10706396 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is the first anatomical barrier between the environment and the cornea; it is critical for proper light refraction onto the retina and prevents pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses) from entering the immune-privileged eye. Trauma to the highly innervated corneal epithelium is extremely painful and if not resolved quickly or properly, can lead to infection and ultimately blindness. The healthy eye produces its own growth factors and is continuously bathed in tear fluid that contains these proteins and other nutrients to maintain the rapid turnover and homeostasis of the ocular surface. In this article, we review the roles of growth factors in corneal epithelial homeostasis and regeneration and some of the limitations to their use therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E. Tarvestad-Laise
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Brian P. Ceresa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Li Y, Giovannini S, Wang T, Fang J, Li P, Shao C, Wang Y, Shi Y, Candi E, Melino G, Bernassola F. p63: a crucial player in epithelial stemness regulation. Oncogene 2023; 42:3371-3384. [PMID: 37848625 PMCID: PMC10638092 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02859-4] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial tissue homeostasis is closely associated with the self-renewal and differentiation behaviors of epithelial stem cells (ESCs). p63, a well-known marker of ESCs, is an indispensable factor for their biological activities during epithelial development. The diversity of p63 isoforms expressed in distinct tissues allows this transcription factor to have a wide array of effects. p63 coordinates the transcription of genes involved in cell survival, stem cell self-renewal, migration, differentiation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Through the regulation of these biological processes, p63 contributes to, not only normal epithelial development, but also epithelium-derived cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of p63 in epithelial stemness regulation, including self-renewal, differentiation, proliferation, and senescence. We describe the differential expression of TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms and their distinct functional activities in normal epithelial tissues and in epithelium-derived tumors. Furthermore, we summarize the signaling cascades modulating the TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms as well as their downstream pathways in stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Sara Giovannini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tingting Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Peishan Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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Luo G, Xu W, Chen X, Xu W, Yang S, Wang J, Lin Y, Reinach PS, Yan D. The RNA m5C Methylase NSUN2 Modulates Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:5. [PMID: 36862118 PMCID: PMC9983701 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.3.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The emerging epitranscriptomics offers insights into the physiopathological roles of various RNA modifications. The RNA methylase NOP2/Sun domain family member 2 (NSUN2) catalyzes 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification of mRNAs. However, the role of NSUN2 in corneal epithelial wound healing (CEWH) remains unknown. Here we describe the functional mechanisms of NSUN2 in mediating CEWH. Methods RT-qPCR, Western blot, dot blot, and ELISA were used to determine the NSUN2 expression and overall RNA m5C level during CEWH. NSUN2 silencing or overexpression was performed to explore its involvement in CEWH both in vivo and in vitro. Multi-omics was integrated to reveal the downstream target of NSUN2. MeRIP-qPCR, RIP-qPCR, and luciferase assay, as well as in vivo and in vitro functional assays, clarified the molecular mechanism of NSUN2 in CEWH. Results The NSUN2 expression and RNA m5C level increased significantly during CEWH. NSUN2 knockdown significantly delayed CEWH in vivo and inhibited human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) proliferation and migration in vitro, whereas NSUN2 overexpression prominently enhanced HCEC proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, we found that NSUN2 increased ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) translation through the binding of RNA m5C reader Aly/REF export factor. Accordingly, UHRF1 knockdown significantly delayed CEWH in vivo and inhibited HCEC proliferation and migration in vitro. Furthermore, UHRF1 overexpression effectively rescued the inhibitory effect of NSUN2 silencing on HCEC proliferation and migration. Conclusions NSUN2-mediated m5C modification of UHRF1 mRNA modulates CEWH. This finding highlights the critical importance of this novel epitranscriptomic mechanism in control of CEWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangying Luo
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiwei Xu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenji Xu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Laboratory of RNA Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Lin
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peter S. Reinach
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongsheng Yan
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Barrientez B, Nicholas SE, Whelchel A, Sharif R, Hjortdal J, Karamichos D. Corneal injury: Clinical and molecular aspects. Exp Eye Res 2019; 186:107709. [PMID: 31238077 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Currently, over 10 million people worldwide are affected by corneal blindness. Corneal trauma and disease can cause irreversible distortions to the normal structure and physiology of the cornea often leading to corneal transplantation. However, donors are in short supply and risk of rejection is an ever-present concern. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, the wound healing cascade remains complex and not fully understood. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are currently at the apex of investigation in the pursuit of novel corneal therapeutics. This review uniquely integrates the clinical and cellular aspects of both corneal trauma and disease and provides a comprehensive view of the most recent findings and potential therapeutics aimed at restoring corneal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brayden Barrientez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Sarah E Nicholas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Amy Whelchel
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Rabab Sharif
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Jesper Hjortdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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