1
|
Zheng D, Elnegiry AA, Luo C, Bendahou MA, Xie L, Bell D, Takahashi Y, Hanna E, Mias GI, Tsoi MF, Gu B. Brd4::Nutm1 fusion gene initiates NUT carcinoma in vivo. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402602. [PMID: 38724194 PMCID: PMC11082452 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC) is an aggressive cancer with no effective treatment. About 70% of NUT carcinoma is associated with chromosome translocation events that lead to the formation of a BRD4::NUTM1 fusion gene. Because the BRD4::NUTM1 gene is unequivocally cytotoxic when ectopically expressed in cell lines, questions remain on whether the fusion gene can initiate NC. Here, we report the first genetically engineered mouse model for NUT carcinoma that recapitulates the human t(15;19) chromosome translocation in mice. We demonstrated that the mouse t(2;17) syntenic chromosome translocation, forming the Brd4::Nutm1 fusion gene, could induce aggressive carcinomas in mice. The tumors present histopathological and molecular features similar to human NC, with enrichment of undifferentiated cells. Similar to the reports of human NC incidence, Brd4::Nutm1 can induce NC from a broad range of tissues with a strong phenotypical variability. The consistent induction of poorly differentiated carcinoma demonstrated a strong reprogramming activity of BRD4::NUTM1. The new mouse model provided a critical preclinical model for NC that will lead to better understanding and therapy development for NC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dejin Zheng
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Ahmed A Elnegiry
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Home Institution: Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Chenxiang Luo
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Home Institution: Center for Reproductive Medicine and Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mohammed Amine Bendahou
- Infection Biology and Cancer Biology Program, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Liangqi Xie
- Infection Biology and Cancer Biology Program, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Diana Bell
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pathology, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Yoko Takahashi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ehab Hanna
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George I Mias
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Nature Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mayra F Tsoi
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Bin Gu
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Maia-Silva D, Cunniff PJ, Schier AC, Skopelitis D, Trousdell MC, Moresco P, Gao Y, Kechejian V, He XY, Sahin Y, Wan L, Alpsoy A, Liverpool J, Krainer AR, Egeblad M, Spector DL, Fearon DT, Dos Santos CO, Taatjes DJ, Vakoc CR. Interaction between MED12 and ΔNp63 activates basal identity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Nat Genet 2024:10.1038/s41588-024-01790-y. [PMID: 38886586 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01790-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The presence of basal lineage characteristics signifies hyperaggressive human adenocarcinomas of the breast, bladder and pancreas. However, the biochemical mechanisms that maintain this aberrant cell state are poorly understood. Here we performed marker-based genetic screens in search of factors needed to maintain basal identity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This approach revealed MED12 as a powerful regulator of the basal cell state in this disease. Using biochemical reconstitution and epigenomics, we show that MED12 carries out this function by bridging the transcription factor ΔNp63, a known master regulator of the basal lineage, with the Mediator complex to activate lineage-specific enhancer elements. Consistent with this finding, the growth of basal-like PDAC is hypersensitive to MED12 loss when compared to PDAC cells lacking basal characteristics. Taken together, our genetic screens have revealed a biochemical interaction that sustains basal identity in human cancer, which could serve as a target for tumor lineage-directed therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Allison C Schier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Philip Moresco
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Yuan Gao
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | | | - Xue-Yan He
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Yunus Sahin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Ledong Wan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Aktan Alpsoy
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Mikala Egeblad
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dylan J Taatjes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kim DH, Yoon JY, Lee JH, Suh DH. Alterations in epidermal stem cells within the pilosebaceous unit in atrophic acne scars. Australas J Dermatol 2024; 65:311-318. [PMID: 38419202 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.14224] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrophic acne scarring is a common sequela of inflammatory acne, causing significant problems for affected patients. Although prolonged inflammation and subsequent aberrant tissue regeneration are considered the underlying pathogenesis, the role of epidermal stem cells, which are crucial to the regeneration of pilosebaceous units, remains unknown. OBJECTIVES To examine the changes occurring in epidermal stem cells in atrophic acne scars. METHODS Changes in collagen, elastic fibre and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR expression were analysed in normal skin and inflammatory acne lesions at days 1, 3 and 7 after development. The expression of epidermal stem cell markers and proliferation markers was compared between normal skin and mature atrophic acne scar tissue. RESULTS In acne lesions, inflammation had invaded into pilosebaceous units over time. Their normal structure had been destructed and replaced with a reduced amount of collagen and elastic fibre. Expression of stem cell markers including CD34, p63, leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor (LGR)6 and LGR5, which are expressed in the interfollicular epidermis, isthmus and bulge of hair follicles, significantly decreased in atrophic acne scar tissue compared to normal skin. Epidermal proliferation was significantly reduced in scar tissue. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that as inflammatory acne lesions progress, inflammation gradually infiltrates the pilosebaceous unit and affects the resident stem cells. This disruption impedes the normal regeneration of the interfollicular epidermis and adnexal structures, resulting in atrophic acne scars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hyo Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Acne, Rosacea, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Research Laboratory, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Young Yoon
- Acne, Rosacea, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Research Laboratory, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Hyo Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Acne, Rosacea, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Research Laboratory, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Hun Suh
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Acne, Rosacea, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Research Laboratory, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Reeder TL, Zarlenga DS, Dyer RM. Molecular evidence sterile tissue damage during pathogenesis of pododermatitis aseptica hemorrhagica circumscripta is associated with disturbed epidermal-dermal homeostasis. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00842-7. [PMID: 38825113 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24577] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Podermatitis aseptica hemorrhagica circumscripta is associated with metalloproteinase 2 weakening of distal phalangeal suspensory structures and sinkage of the distal phalanx in the claw capsule. Pressure from the tuberculum flexorium on the sole epidermis and dermis produces hemorrhagic tissue injury and defective horn production appearing as yellow-red, softened claw horn in region 4 of the sole. A model of the MAPK/ERK signal cascade orchestrating epidermal-dermal homeostasis was employed to determine if sterile inflammatory responses are linked to disturbed signal transduction for epidermal homeostasis in sole epidermis and dermis. The objective was to assess shifts in target genes of inflammation, up- and downstream MAPK/ERK signal elements, and targeted genes supporting epidermal proliferation and differentiation. Sole epidermis and dermis was removed from lateral claws bearing lesions of podermatitis aseptica hemorrhagica circumscripta, medial claws from the same limb and lateral claws from completely normal limbs of multiparous, lactating Holstein cows. The abundance levels of targeted transcripts were evaluated by real-time QPCR. Lesion effects were assessed by ANOVA, and mean comparisons were performed with t-tests to assess variations between mean expression in ulcer-bearing or medial claw dermis and epidermis and completely normal lateral claw dermis and epidermis or between ulcer-bearing dermis and epidermis and medial claw dermis and epidermis. The lesions were sterile and showed losses across multiple growth factors, their receptors, several downstream AP1 transcription components, CMYC, multiple cell cycle and terminal differentiation elements conducted by MAPK/ERK signals and β 4, α 6 and collagen 17A hemidesmosome components. These losses coincided with increased cytokeratin 6, β 1 integrin, proinflammatory metalloproteinases 2 and 9, IL1B and physiologic inhibitors of IL1B, the decoy receptor and receptor antagonist. Medial claw epidermis and dermis from limbs with lateral claws bearing podermatitis aseptica hemorrhagica circumscripta showed reductions in upstream MAPK/ERK signal elements and downstream targets that paralleled those in hemorrhagic lesions. Inhibitors of IL1B increased in the absence of real increases in inflammatory targets in the medial claw dermis and epidermis. Losses across multiple signal path elements and downstream targets were associated with negative effects on targeted transcripts supporting claw horn production and wound repair across lesion-bearing lateral claws and lesion-free medial claw dermis and epidermis. It was unclear if the sterile inflammation was causative or a consequence of these perturbations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T L Reeder
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19717-1303
| | - D S Zarlenga
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350
| | - R M Dyer
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19717-1303.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Reeder TL, Zarlenga DS, Zeigler AL, Dyer RM. Transcriptional responses consistent with perturbation in dermo-epidermal homeostasis in septic sole ulceration. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00843-9. [PMID: 38825108 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24578] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate transcriptional changes in sole epidermis and dermis of bovine claws with septic sole ulceration of the lateral claw. Assessment included changes in transcripts orchestrating epidermal homeostatic processes including epidermal proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and cell signaling. Sole epidermis and dermis was removed from region 4 of lesion-bearing lateral and lesion-free medial claws of pelvic limbs in multiparous, lactating Holstein cows. Control sole epidermis and dermis was obtained from region 4 of lateral claws of normal pelvic limbs. Transcript abundances were evaluated by real-time QPCR and relative expression analyzed by ANOVA. Relative to normal lateral claws, sole epidermis and dermis in ulcer-bearing claws exhibited downregulation of genes associated with growth factors, growth factor receptors, activator protein 1 (AP-1) and proto-oncogene (CMYC) transcription components, cell cycle elements, lateral cell-to-cell signaling elements and structures of early and late keratinocyte differentiation. These changes were accompanied by upregulation of pro-inflammatory transcripts interleukin 1 α (IL1A), interleukin1 β (IL1B), interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL1R1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), the inflammasome components NOD like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), pyrin and caspase recruitment domain (PYCARD), and caspase-1 interleukin converting enzyme (CASPASE), the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9), and anti-inflammatory genes interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) and interleukin1 receptor 2 (IL1R2). Transcript abundance varied across epidermis and dermis from the ulcer center, margin and epidermis and dermis adjacent to the lesion. Sole epidermis and dermis of lesion-free medial claws exhibited changes paralleling those in the adjacent lateral claws in an environment lacking inflammatory transcripts and downregulated IL1A, interleukin 18 (IL18), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFA) and NOS2. These data imply perturbations in signal pathways driving epidermal proliferation and differentiation are associated with, but not inevitably linked to epidermis and dermis inflammation. Further work is warranted to better define the role of crushing tissue injury, sepsis, metalloproteinase activity, and inflammation in sole ulceration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T L Reeder
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19717-1303
| | - D S Zarlenga
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350
| | - A L Zeigler
- Comparative Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - R M Dyer
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19717-1303.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qi W, Bai J, Wang R, Zeng X, Zhang L. SATB1, senescence and senescence-related diseases. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38801120 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Aging leads to an accumulation of cellular mutations and damage, increasing the risk of senescence, apoptosis, and malignant transformation. Cellular senescence, which is pivotal in aging, acts as both a guard against cellular transformation and as a check against cancer progression. It is marked by stable cell cycle arrest, widespread macromolecular changes, a pro-inflammatory profile, and altered gene expression. However, it remains to be determined whether these differing subsets of senescent cells result from unique intrinsic programs or are influenced by their environmental contexts. Multiple transcription regulators and chromatin modifiers contribute to these alterations. Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1) stands out as a crucial regulator in this process, orchestrating gene expression by structuring chromatin into loop domains and anchoring DNA elements. This review provides an overview of cellular senescence and delves into the role of SATB1 in senescence-related diseases. It highlights SATB1's potential in developing antiaging and anticancer strategies, potentially contributing to improved quality of life and addressing aging-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Qi
- Department of Bioscience, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jinping Bai
- Department of Bioscience, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ruoxi Wang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xianlu Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Lihui Zhang
- Department of Bioscience, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Suanno G, Genna VG, Maurizi E, Dieh AA, Griffith M, Ferrari G. Cell therapy in the cornea: The emerging role of microenvironment. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101275. [PMID: 38797320 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101275] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The cornea is an ideal testing field for cell therapies. Its highly ordered structure, where specific cell populations are sequestered in different layers, together with its accessibility, has allowed the development of the first stem cell-based therapy approved by the European Medicine Agency. Today, different techniques have been proposed for autologous and allogeneic limbal and non-limbal cell transplantation. Cell replacement has also been attempted in cases of endothelial cell decompensation as it occurs in Fuchs dystrophy: injection of cultivated allogeneic endothelial cells is now in advanced phases of clinical development. Recently, stromal substitutes have been developed with excellent integration capability and transparency. Finally, cell-derived products, such as exosomes obtained from different sources, have been investigated for the treatment of severe corneal diseases with encouraging results. Optimization of the success rate of cell therapies obviously requires high-quality cultured cells/products, but the role of the surrounding microenvironment is equally important to allow engraftment of transplanted cells, to preserve their functions and, ultimately, lead to restoration of tissue integrity and transparency of the cornea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Suanno
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''S. Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anas Abu Dieh
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - May Griffith
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Giulio Ferrari
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wrynn T, Min S, Horeth E, Osinski J, Sinha S, Romano RA. ΔNp63 regulates Sfrp1 expression to direct salivary gland branching morphogenesis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301082. [PMID: 38722977 PMCID: PMC11081224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Branching morphogenesis is a complex process shared by many organs including the lungs, kidney, prostate, as well as several exocrine organs including the salivary, mammary and lacrimal glands. This critical developmental program ensures the expansion of an organ's surface area thereby maximizing processes of cellular secretion or absorption. It is guided by reciprocal signaling from the epithelial and mesenchymal cells. While signaling pathways driving salivary gland branching morphogenesis have been relatively well-studied, our understanding of the underlying transcriptional regulatory mechanisms directing this program, is limited. Here, we performed in vivo and ex vivo studies of the embryonic mouse submandibular gland to determine the function of the transcription factor ΔNp63, in directing branching morphogenesis. Our studies show that loss of ΔNp63 results in alterations in the differentiation program of the ductal cells which is accompanied by a dramatic reduction in branching morphogenesis that is mediated by dysregulation of WNT signaling. We show that ΔNp63 modulates WNT signaling to promote branching morphogenesis by directly regulating Sfrp1 expression. Collectively, our findings have revealed a novel role for ΔNp63 in the regulation of this critical process and offers a better understanding of the transcriptional networks involved in branching morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Wrynn
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Sangwon Min
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Erich Horeth
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Jason Osinski
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Satrajit Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Rose-Anne Romano
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lim S, J F van Son G, Wisma Eka Yanti NL, Andersson-Rolf A, Willemsen S, Korving J, Lee HG, Begthel H, Clevers H. Derivation of functional thymic epithelial organoid lines from adult murine thymus. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114019. [PMID: 38551965 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114019] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) orchestrate T cell development by imposing positive and negative selection on thymocytes. Current studies on TEC biology are hampered by the absence of long-term ex vivo culture platforms, while the cells driving TEC self-renewal remain to be identified. Here, we generate long-term (>2 years) expandable 3D TEC organoids from the adult mouse thymus. For further analysis, we generated single and double FoxN1-P2A-Clover, Aire-P2A-tdTomato, and Cldn4-P2A-tdTomato reporter lines by CRISPR knockin. Single-cell analyses of expanding clonal organoids reveal cells with bipotent stem/progenitor phenotypes. These clonal organoids can be induced to express Foxn1 and to generate functional cortical- and Aire-expressing medullary-like TECs upon RANK ligand + retinoic acid treatment. TEC organoids support T cell development from immature thymocytes in vitro as well as in vivo upon transplantation into athymic nude mice. This organoid-based platform allows in vitro study of TEC biology and offers a potential strategy for ex vivo T cell development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangho Lim
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs J F van Son
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands
| | - Ni Luh Wisma Eka Yanti
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amanda Andersson-Rolf
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sam Willemsen
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Korving
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hong-Gyun Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harry Begthel
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Montero-Herradón S, García-Ceca J, Villarejo-Torres M, Zapata AG. Peripheral T-cell responses of EphB2- and EphB3-deficient mice in a model of collagen-induced arthritis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:159. [PMID: 38558087 PMCID: PMC10984909 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05197-0] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Both EphB2- and EphB3-deficient mice exhibit profound histological alterations in the thymic epithelial network but few changes in T-cell differentiation, suggesting that this organization would be sufficient to produce functional T lymphocytes. Also, other antigen-presenting cells involved in immunological education could substitute the thymic epithelium. Accordingly, we found an increased frequency of plasmacytoid dendritic cells but not of conventional dendritic cells, medullary fibroblasts or intrathymic B lymphocytes. In addition, there are no lymphoid infiltrates in the organs of mutant mice nor do they contain circulating autoantibodies. Furthermore, attempts to induce arthritic lesions after chicken type II collagen administration fail totally in EphB2-deficient mice whereas all WT and half of the immunized EphB3-/- mice develop a typical collagen-induced arthritis. Our results point out that Th17 cells, IL4-producing Th2 cells and regulatory T cells are key for the induction of disease, but mutant mice appear to have deficits in T cell activation or cell migration properties. EphB2-/- T cells show reduced in vitro proliferative responses to anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies, produce low levels of anti-type II collagen antibodies, and exhibit low proportions of T follicular helper cells. On the contrary, EphB3-/- lymph node cells respond accurately to the different immune stimuli although in lower levels than WT cells but show a significantly reduced migration in in vitro transwell assays, suggesting that no sufficient type II collagen-dependent activated lymphoid cells reached the joints, resulting in reduced arthritic lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Montero-Herradón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier García-Ceca
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Villarejo-Torres
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín G Zapata
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Health Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ohigashi I, White AJ, Yang MT, Fujimori S, Tanaka Y, Jacques A, Kiyonari H, Matsushita Y, Turan S, Kelly MC, Anderson G, Takahama Y. Developmental conversion of thymocyte-attracting cells into self-antigen-displaying cells in embryonic thymus medulla epithelium. eLife 2024; 12:RP92552. [PMID: 38466627 PMCID: PMC10928509 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92552] [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] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymus medulla epithelium establishes immune self-tolerance and comprises diverse cellular subsets. Functionally relevant medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) include a self-antigen-displaying subset that exhibits genome-wide promiscuous gene expression promoted by the nuclear protein Aire and that resembles a mosaic of extrathymic cells including mucosal tuft cells. An additional mTEC subset produces the chemokine CCL21, thereby attracting positively selected thymocytes from the cortex to the medulla. Both self-antigen-displaying and thymocyte-attracting mTEC subsets are essential for self-tolerance. Here, we identify a developmental pathway by which mTECs gain their diversity in functionally distinct subsets. We show that CCL21-expressing mTECs arise early during thymus ontogeny in mice. Fate-mapping analysis reveals that self-antigen-displaying mTECs, including Aire-expressing mTECs and thymic tuft cells, are derived from CCL21-expressing cells. The differentiation capability of CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs is verified in reaggregate thymus experiments. These results indicate that CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs carry a developmental potential to give rise to self-antigen-displaying mTECs, revealing that the sequential conversion of thymocyte-attracting subset into self-antigen-displaying subset serves to assemble functional diversity in the thymus medulla epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Mei-Ting Yang
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
| | - Yu Tanaka
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Alison Jacques
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchHyogoJapan
| | - Yosuke Matsushita
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
| | - Sevilay Turan
- Sequencing Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteFrederickUnited States
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [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] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gambino G, Iacopetti P, Ippolito C, Salvetti A, Rossi L. Starvation resistance in planarians: multiple strategies to get a thrifty phenotype. FEBS J 2024; 291:965-985. [PMID: 38037534 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17020] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Starvation resistance is a life-saving mechanism for many organisms facing food availability fluctuation in the natural environment. Different strategies have been episodically identified for some model organisms, the first of which was the ability to suppress metabolic rate. Among the identified strategies, the ability of planarians to shrink their body under fasting conditions and revert the process after feeding (the growth-degrowth process) represents a fascinating mechanism to face long periods of fasting. The growth-degrowth process is strictly related to the capability of planarians to continuously maintain tissue homeostasis and body proportions even in challenging conditions, thanks to the presence of a population of pluripotent stem cells. Here, we take advantage of several previous studies describing the growth-degrowth process and of recent progress in the understanding of planarian homeostasis mechanisms, to identify tissue-selective transcriptional downregulation as a driving strategy for the development of a thrifty phenotype, and the p53 transcription factor as a player in adjusting tissue homeostasis in accordance with food availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaetana Gambino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Iacopetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ragnoli B, Fusco F, Pignatti P, Cena T, Valente G, Malerba M. Bronchial Progenitor Cells in Obstructive and Neoplastic Lung Disease: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:609. [PMID: 38276115 PMCID: PMC10816161 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020609] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The alteration of progenitor/stem cells present in the airway epithelium has been observed in patients with COPD. Smoking exposure induces remodeling patterns in bronchial progenitor cells (BPCs), encompassing squamous metaplasia, hyperplasia of basal and of mucus-secreting cells, and the depletion of ciliated and non-mucous secretory cells. Our aim was to assess the expression of p63 and vimentin as potential markers of airway remodeling and the regulation of stem cell populations in obstructive and neoplastic lung disease patients. A retrospective single-center observational study was conducted, including patients undergoing bronchoscopy with bronchial biopsies for suspected lung cancer. p63 and vimentin expression were evaluated via immunohistochemical analysis. There were 25 patients, of which 21 with COPD were included, and 17 were diagnosed with lung cancer. We observed that FEV1% was negatively correlated with p63+ basal cell number (r = -0.614, p = 0.019) and positively correlated with vimentin expression (r = 0.670; p = 0.008). p63 was significantly higher in biopsies from the trachea and main bronchi compared to more distal areas (p = 0.040), whereas vimentin was prevalent in the more distal areas (p = 0.042). Our preliminary data suggest the initial evidence of structural changes in BPCs among patients with COPD and lung cancer. Further research efforts are warranted to investigate additional morphologic and functional respiratory parameters in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Fusco
- Laboratory of Pathology, Az. Ospedaliera Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Pignatti
- Allergy and Immunology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Cena
- Epidemiological Observatory Service, ASL VC, 13100 Vercelli, Italy;
| | - Guido Valente
- Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Traslational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Mario Malerba
- Respiratory Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, 13100 Vercelli, Italy;
- Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Traslational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Eyermann CE, Chen X, Somuncu OS, Li J, Joukov AN, Chen J, Alexandrova EM. ΔNp63 Regulates Homeostasis, Stemness, and Suppression of Inflammation in the Adult Epidermis. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:73-83.e10. [PMID: 37543242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
The p63 transcription factor is critical for epidermis formation in embryonic development, but its role in the adult epidermis is poorly understood. In this study, we show that acute genetic ablation of ΔNp63, the main p63 isoform, in adult epidermis disrupts keratinocyte proliferation and self-maintenance and, unexpectedly, triggers an inflammatory psoriasis-like condition. Mechanistically, single-cell RNA sequencing revealed the downregulation of cell cycle genes, upregulation of differentiation markers, and induction of several proinflammatory pathways in ΔNp63-ablated keratinocytes. Intriguingly, ΔNp63-ablated cells disappear by 3 weeks after ablation, at the expense of the remaining nonablated cells. This is not associated with active cell death and is likely due to reduced self-maintenance and enhanced differentiation. Indeed, in vivo wound healing, a physiological readout of the epidermal stem cell function, is severely impaired upon ΔNp63 ablation. We found that the Wnt signaling pathway (Wnt10A, Fzd6, Fzd10) and the activator protein 1 (JunB, Fos, FosB) factors are the likely ΔNp63 effectors responsible for keratinocyte proliferation/stemness and suppression of differentiation, respectively, whereas IL-1a, IL-18, IL-24, and IL-36γ are the likely negative effectors responsible for suppression of inflammation. These data establish ΔNp63 as a critical node that coordinates epidermal homeostasis, stemness, and suppression of inflammation, upstream of known regulatory pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Eyermann
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA; Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA; Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Ozge S Somuncu
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA; Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Jinyu Li
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA; Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | | | - Jiang Chen
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA; Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Evguenia M Alexandrova
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA; Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ohigashi I, White AJ, Yang MT, Fujimori S, Tanaka Y, Jacques A, Kiyonari H, Matsushita Y, Turan S, Kelly MC, Anderson G, Takahama Y. Developmental conversion of thymocyte-attracting cells into self-antigen-displaying cells in embryonic thymus medulla epithelium. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.03.560657. [PMID: 37873155 PMCID: PMC10592888 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.560657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Thymus medulla epithelium establishes immune self-tolerance and comprises diverse cellular subsets. Functionally relevant medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) include a self-antigen-displaying subset that exhibits genome-wide promiscuous gene expression promoted by the nuclear protein Aire and that resembles a mosaic of extrathymic cells including mucosal tuft cells. An additional mTEC subset produces the chemokine CCL21, thereby attracting positively selected thymocytes from the cortex to the medulla. Both self-antigen-displaying and thymocyte-attracting mTEC subsets are essential for self-tolerance. Here we identify a developmental pathway by which mTECs gain their diversity in functionally distinct subsets. We show that CCL21-expressing mTECs arise early during thymus ontogeny. Fate-mapping analysis reveals that self-antigen-displaying mTECs, including Aire-expressing mTECs and thymic tuft cells, are derived from CCL21-expressing cells. The differentiation capability of CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs is verified in reaggregate thymus experiments. These results indicate that CCL21-expressing embryonic mTECs carry a developmental potential to give rise to self-antigen-displaying mTECs, revealing that the sequential conversion of thymocyte-attracting subset into self-antigen-displaying subset serves to assemble functional diversity in the thymus medulla epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Andrea J. White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mei-Ting Yang
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Yu Tanaka
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Alison Jacques
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yosuke Matsushita
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Sevilay Turan
- Sequencing Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Michael C. Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mirhashemi M, Sadeghi M, Ghazi N, Saghravanian N, Dehghani M, Aminian A. Prognostic value of CD44 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis. Ann Diagn Pathol 2023; 67:152213. [PMID: 37856951 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2023.152213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
CD44 as a marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs) may be correlated with tumor growth, cell migration, metastasis and chemo-radiotherapy resistance of cancers. However, the prognostic value of CD44 in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) remains controversial. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the correlation of CD44 expression with the prognosis of OSCC through a meta-analysis. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Central databases for relevant studies up to November 2022. We included 11 articles with immunohistochemistry (IHC) method involving 1084 OSCC patients. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were calculated to assess the association between CD44 expression and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results showed that high expression of CD44 was a poor prognostic marker for OS in OSCC patients (HR: 1.71, 95 % CI: 1.18-2.47). Also results for DFS demonstrated that in patients with high CD44 expression who received treatment, the probability of tumor recurrence or death was 1.66 times and in the worst case this ratio can reach 2.39 (HR: 1.66, 95 % CI: 1.15-2.39). High CD44 expression associated with metastasis to lymph nodes and distant metastasis, poorer survival of the patients, tumor recurrence, higher tumor stage and grade and aggressive clinicopathological features. Therefore CD44 can be used as a valuable independent marker in predicting the prognosis of OSCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majid Mirhashemi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Sadeghi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Narges Ghazi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Nasrollah Saghravanian
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Dehghani
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amin Aminian
- School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Della Salda L, Bongiovanni L, Massimini M, Romanucci M, Vercelli A, Colosimo A, Di Matteo R, Defourny SVP. p63 immunoexpression in hair follicles of normal and alopecia X-affected skin of Pomeranian dogs. Vet Dermatol 2023; 34:567-575. [PMID: 37518946 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13195] [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: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alopecia X in Pomeranians is caused by a hair cycle deregulation, associated with downregulation of key regulatory genes of the Wnt and Shh pathways, and stem-cell markers. However, the pathogenesis remains unclear. p63 is an important transcription factor correlated with the aforementioned hair cycle modulating genes. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to highlight possible changes of p63 immunohistochemical expression within the hair follicles in canine alopecia X compared with normal skin. ANIMALS Skin biopsies from 19 alopecia X-affected and six control Pomeranians were analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serial histological sections of skin biopsies harbouring anagen, telogen and kenogen hair follicles were immunohistochemically evaluated for differences in p63 expression in the affected and control samples. RESULTS Dogs with alopecia X had a significantly decreased immunoexpression of p63 in telogen and kenogen hair follicles. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The decrease of p63 immunoexpression observed in canine alopecia X suggests an involvement of p63 in hair cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Bongiovanni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Antonella Vercelli
- Veterinary Clinic and Analysis Laboratory 'Città di Torino', Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Colosimo
- Department of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ramona Di Matteo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Keratinocyte senescence contributes to skin ageing and epidermal dysfunction. According to the existing knowledge, the transcription factor ΔNp63α plays pivotal roles in differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes. It is traditionally accepted that ΔNp63α exerts its functions via binding to promoter regions to activate or repress gene transcription. However, accumulating evidence demonstrates that ΔNp63α can bind to elements away from promoter regions of its target genes, mediating epigenetic regulation. On the other hand, several epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone modification and variation, chromatin remodelling, as well as enhancer-promoter looping, are found to be related to cell senescence. To systematically elucidate how ΔNp63α affects keratinocyte senescence via epigenetic regulation, we comprehensively compiled the literatures on the roles of ΔNp63α in keratinocyte senescence, epigenetics in cellular senescence, and the relation between ΔNp63α-mediated epigenetic regulation and keratinocyte senescence. Based on the published data, we conclude that ΔNp63α mediates epigenetic regulation via multiple mechanisms: recruiting epigenetic enzymes to modify DNA or histones, coordinating chromatin remodelling complexes (CRCs) or regulating their expression, and mediating enhancer-promoter looping. Consequently, the expression of genes related to cell cycle is modulated, and proliferation of keratinocytes and renewal of stem cells are maintained, by ΔNp63α. During skin inflammaging, the decline of ΔNp63α may lead to epigenetic dysregulation, resultantly deteriorating keratinocyte senescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linghan Kuang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chenghua Li
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Polisetti N, Martin G, Ulrich E, Glegola M, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Schlunck G, Reinhard T. Influence of Organ Culture on the Characteristics of the Human Limbal Stem Cell Niche. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16856. [PMID: 38069177 PMCID: PMC10706739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316856] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ culture storage techniques for corneoscleral limbal (CSL) tissue have improved the quality of corneas for transplantation and allow for longer storage times. Cultured limbal tissue has been used for stem cell transplantation to treat limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) as well as for research purposes to assess homeostasis mechanisms in the limbal stem cell niche. However, the effects of organ culture storage conditions on the quality of limbal niche components are less well described. Therefore, in this study, the morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of organ-cultured limbal tissue are investigated and compared to fresh limbal tissues by means of light and electron microscopy. Organ-cultured limbal tissues showed signs of deterioration, such as edema, less pronounced basement membranes, and loss of the most superficial layers of the epithelium. In comparison to the fresh limbal epithelium, organ-cultured limbal epithelium showed signs of ongoing proliferative activity (more Ki-67+ cells) and exhibited an altered limbal epithelial phenotype with a loss of N-cadherin and desmoglein expression as well as a lack of precise staining patterns for cytokeratin ((CK)14, CK17/19, CK15). The analyzed extracellular matrix composition was mainly intact (collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin chains) except for Tenascin-C, whose expression was increased in organ-cultured limbal tissue. Nonetheless, the expression patterns of cell-matrix adhesion proteins varied in organ-cultured limbal tissue compared to fresh limbal tissue. A decrease in the number of melanocytes (Melan-A+ cells) and Langerhans cells (HLA-DR+, CD1a+, CD18+) was observed in the organ-cultured limbal tissue. The organ culture-induced alterations of the limbal epithelial stem cell niche might hamper its use in the treatment of LSCD as well as in research studies. In contrast, reduced numbers of donor-derived Langerhans cells seem associated with better clinical outcomes. However, there is a need to consider the preferential use of fresh CSL for limbal transplants and to look at ways of improving the limbal stem cell properties of stored CSL tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva Ulrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mateusz Glegola
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ragazzini R, Boeing S, Zanieri L, Green M, D'Agostino G, Bartolovic K, Agua-Doce A, Greco M, Watson SA, Batsivari A, Ariza-McNaughton L, Gjinovci A, Scoville D, Nam A, Hayday AC, Bonnet D, Bonfanti P. Defining the identity and the niches of epithelial stem cells with highly pleiotropic multilineage potency in the human thymus. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2428-2446.e9. [PMID: 37652013 PMCID: PMC10957394 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.017] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Thymus is necessary for lifelong immunological tolerance and immunity. It displays a distinctive epithelial complexity and undergoes age-dependent atrophy. Nonetheless, it also retains regenerative capacity, which, if harnessed appropriately, might permit rejuvenation of adaptive immunity. By characterizing cortical and medullary compartments in the human thymus at single-cell resolution, in this study we have defined specific epithelial populations, including those that share properties with bona fide stem cells (SCs) of lifelong regenerating epidermis. Thymic epithelial SCs display a distinctive transcriptional profile and phenotypic traits, including pleiotropic multilineage potency, to give rise to several cell types that were not previously considered to have shared origin. Using here identified SC markers, we have defined their cortical and medullary niches and shown that, in vitro, the cells display long-term clonal expansion and self-organizing capacity. These data substantively broaden our knowledge of SC biology and set a stage for tackling thymic atrophy and related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ragazzini
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK
| | - Stefan Boeing
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Luca Zanieri
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK
| | - Mary Green
- Experimental Histopathology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Giuseppe D'Agostino
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Plasticell Limited, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Kerol Bartolovic
- Flow Cytometry Core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ana Agua-Doce
- Flow Cytometry Core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Maria Greco
- Single Cell Facility, MRC WIMM, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Sara A Watson
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Antoniana Batsivari
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Linda Ariza-McNaughton
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Asllan Gjinovci
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK
| | | | - Andy Nam
- NanoString Technologies Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adrian C Hayday
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dominique Bonnet
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Malin J, Martinez-Ruiz GU, Zhao Y, Shissler SC, Cowan JE, Ding Y, Morales-Sanchez A, Ishikawa M, Lavaert M, Das A, Butcher D, Warner AC, Kallarakal M, Chen J, Kedei N, Kelly M, Brinster LR, Allman D, Bhandoola A. Expression of the transcription factor Klf6 by thymic epithelial cells is required for thymus development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg8126. [PMID: 37967174 PMCID: PMC10651122 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg8126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) control T cell development and play essential roles in establishing self-tolerance. By using Foxn1-Cre-driven ablation of Klf6 gene in TEC, we identified Klf6 as a critical factor in TEC development. Klf6 deficiency resulted in a hypoplastic thymus-evident from fetal stages into adulthood-in which a dramatic increase in the frequency of apoptotic TEC was observed. Among cortical TEC (cTEC), a previously unreported cTEC population expressing the transcription factor Sox10 was relatively expanded. Within medullary TEC (mTEC), mTEC I and Tuft-like mTEC IV were disproportionately decreased. Klf6 deficiency altered chromatin accessibility and affected TEC chromatin configuration. Consistent with these defects, naïve conventional T cells and invariant natural killer T cells were reduced in the spleen. Late stages of T cell receptor-dependent selection of thymocytes were affected, and mice exhibited autoimmunity. Thus, Klf6 has a prosurvival role and affects the development of specific TEC subsets contributing to thymic function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Malin
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gustavo Ulises Martinez-Ruiz
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Children’s Hospital Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yongge Zhao
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Susannah C. Shissler
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Cowan
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yi Ding
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Abigail Morales-Sanchez
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Children’s Hospital Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Masaki Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marieke Lavaert
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arundhoti Das
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Donna Butcher
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Andrew C. Warner
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Melissa Kallarakal
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jingqiu Chen
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- ACROBiosystems, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Noemi Kedei
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lauren R. Brinster
- Division of Veterinary Resources, Office of Research Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang S, Niroula S, Hoffman A, Khorrami M, Khorrami M, Yuan F, Gasser GN, Choi S, Liu B, Li J, Metersky ML, Vincent M, Crum CP, Boucher RC, Karmouty-Quintana H, Huang HJ, Sheshadri A, Dickey BF, Parekh KR, Engelhardt JF, McKeon FD, Xian W. Inflammatory Activity of Epithelial Stem Cell Variants from Cystic Fibrosis Lungs Is Not Resolved by CFTR Modulators. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 208:930-943. [PMID: 37695863 PMCID: PMC10870857 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202305-0818oc] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) modulator drugs restore function to mutant channels in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and lead to improvements in body mass index and lung function. Although it is anticipated that early childhood treatment with CFTR modulators will significantly delay or even prevent the onset of advanced lung disease, lung neutrophils and inflammatory cytokines remain high in patients with CF with established lung disease despite modulator therapy, underscoring the need to identify and ultimately target the sources of this inflammation in CF lungs. Objectives: To determine whether CF lungs, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lungs, harbor potentially pathogenic stem cell "variants" distinct from the normal p63/Krt5 lung stem cells devoted to alveolar fates, to identify specific variants that might contribute to the inflammatory state of CF lungs, and to assess the impact of CFTR genetic complementation or CFTR modulators on the inflammatory variants identified herein. Methods: Stem cell cloning technology developed to resolve pathogenic stem cell heterogeneity in COPD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lungs was applied to end-stage lungs of patients with CF (three homozygous CFTR:F508D, one CFTR F508D/L1254X; FEV1, 14-30%) undergoing therapeutic lung transplantation. Single-cell-derived clones corresponding to the six stem cell clusters resolved by single-cell RNA sequencing of these libraries were assessed by RNA sequencing and xenografting to monitor inflammation, fibrosis, and mucin secretion. The impact of CFTR activity on these variants after CFTR gene complementation or exposure to CFTR modulators was assessed by molecular and functional studies. Measurements and Main Results: End-stage CF lungs display a stem cell heterogeneity marked by five predominant variants in addition to the normal lung stem cell, of which three are proinflammatory both at the level of gene expression and their ability to drive neutrophilic inflammation in xenografts in immunodeficient mice. The proinflammatory functions of these three variants were unallayed by genetic or pharmacological restoration of CFTR activity. Conclusions: The emergence of three proinflammatory stem cell variants in CF lungs may contribute to the persistence of lung inflammation in patients with CF with advanced disease undergoing CFTR modulator therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Suchan Niroula
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Ashley Hoffman
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Melika Khorrami
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Melina Khorrami
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Feng Yuan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Gene Therapy Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Other Genetic Diseases, and
| | - Grace N. Gasser
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Gene Therapy Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Other Genetic Diseases, and
| | - Soon Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Gene Therapy Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Other Genetic Diseases, and
| | - Bovey Liu
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Mark L. Metersky
- Center for Bronchiectasis Care, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | | | - Christopher P. Crum
- Women’s and Perinatal Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Richard C. Boucher
- Cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Research and Treatment Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Harry Karmouty-Quintana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Howard J. Huang
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Ajay Sheshadri
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Burton F. Dickey
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kalpaj R. Parekh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Gene Therapy Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Other Genetic Diseases, and
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - John F. Engelhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Gene Therapy Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Other Genetic Diseases, and
| | - Frank D. McKeon
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Wa Xian
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li YR, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Thymus aging and immune reconstitution, progresses and challenges. Semin Immunol 2023; 70:101837. [PMID: 37659170 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Thymus is a primary lymphoid organ essential for the development of T lymphocytes. Age-related thymic involution is a prominent feature of immune senescence. The thymus undergoes rapid growth during fetal and neonatal development, peaks in size before puberty and then begins to undergo a decrease in cellularity with age. Dramatic changes occur with age-associated thymic involution. The most prominent features of thymic involution include: (i) epithelial structure disruption, (ii) adipogenesis, and (iii) thymocyte development arrest. There is a sex disparity in thymus aging. It is a multifactorial process controlled and regulated by a series of molecules, including the transcription factor FOXN1, fibroblast and keratinocyte growth factors (FGF and KGF, respectively), sex steroids, Notch signaling, WNT signaling, and microRNAs. Nevertheless, there is still no satisfactory evolutionary or physiological explanation for age-associated thymic involution, and understanding the precise mechanism(s) for thymus aging remains challenging. Sustained thymic regeneration has yet to be achieved by sex steroid ablation. Recent preclinical studies indicate that long-term thymic reconstitution can be achieved via adoptive transfer of in vitro-generated progenitor T (proT) cells, and improvements in the methods for the generation of human proT cells make this an attractive approach. Future clinical applications may rely on new applications integrating proT cells, cytokine support and sex-steroid inhibition treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ru Li
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Maia-Silva D, Schier AC, Skopelitis D, Kechejian V, Alpsoy A, Liverpool J, Taatjes DJ, Vakoc CR. Marker-based CRISPR screening reveals a MED12-p63 interaction that activates basal identity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.24.563848. [PMID: 37961243 PMCID: PMC10634811 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.563848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The presence of basal lineage characteristics signifies hyper-aggressive human adenocarcinomas of the breast, bladder, and pancreas. However, the biochemical mechanisms that maintain this aberrant cell state are poorly understood. Here we performed marker-based genetic screens in search of factors needed to maintain basal identity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This approach revealed MED12 as a powerful regulator of the basal cell state in this disease. Using biochemical reconstitution and epigenomics, we show that MED12 carries out this function by bridging the transcription factor p63, a known master regulator of the basal lineage, with the Mediator complex to activate lineage-specific enhancer elements. Consistent with this finding, the growth of basal-like PDAC is hypersensitive to MED12 loss when compared to classical PDAC. Taken together, our comprehensive genetic screens have revealed a biochemical interaction that sustains basal identity in human cancer, which could serve as a target for tumor lineage-directed therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Aktan Alpsoy
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gutkind JS, Faraji F, Ramirez S, Clubb L, Sato K, Quiroz PA, Galloway W, Mikulski Z, Hoang T, Medetgul-Ernar K, Marangoni P, Jones K, Officer A, Molinolo A, Kim K, Sakaguchi K, Califano J, Smith Q, Klein O, Tamayo P. YAP-Driven Malignant Reprogramming of Epithelial Stem Cells at Single Cell Resolution. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3426301. [PMID: 37961717 PMCID: PMC10635308 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3426301/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Tumor initiation represents the first step in tumorigenesis during which normal progenitor cells undergo cell fate transition to cancer. Capturing this process as it occurs in vivo, however, remains elusive. Here we employ cell tracing approaches with spatiotemporally controlled oncogene activation and tumor suppressor inhibition to unveil the processes underlying oral epithelial progenitor cell reprogramming into cancer stem cells (CSCs) at single cell resolution. This revealed the rapid emergence of a distinct stem-like cell state, defined by aberrant proliferative, hypoxic, squamous differentiation, and partial epithelial to mesenchymal (pEMT) invasive gene programs. Interestingly, CSCs harbor limited cell autonomous invasive capacity, but instead recruit myeloid cells to remodel the basement membrane and ultimately initiate tumor invasion. CSC transcriptional programs are conserved in human carcinomas and associated with poor patient survival. These findings illuminate the process of cancer initiation at single cell resolution, thus identifying candidate targets for early cancer detection and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhoud Faraji
- University of California San Diego Health Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Moores Cancer Center
| | | | - Lauren Clubb
- University of California San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center
| | - Kuniaki Sato
- University of California San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center
| | | | - William Galloway
- University of California Irvine Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
| | | | - Thomas Hoang
- University of California San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center
| | | | - Pauline Marangoni
- Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Kyle Jones
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
| | - Adam Officer
- University of California San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Quinton Smith
- University of California Irvine Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Joon HK, Thalor A, Gupta D. Machine learning analysis of lung squamous cell carcinoma gene expression datasets reveals novel prognostic signatures. Comput Biol Med 2023; 165:107430. [PMID: 37703712 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage and have poor prognoses. Thus, identifying novel biomarkers for the LUSC is of utmost importance. METHODS Multiple datasets from the NCBI-GEO repository were obtained and merged to construct the complete dataset. We also constructed a subset from this complete dataset with only known cancer driver genes. Further, machine learning classifiers were employed to obtain the best features from both datasets. Simultaneously, we perform differential gene expression analysis. Furthermore, survival and enrichment analyses were performed. RESULTS The kNN classifier performed comparatively better on the complete and driver datasets' top 40 and 50 gene features, respectively. Out of these 90 gene features, 35 were found to be differentially regulated. Lasso-penalized Cox regression further reduced the number of genes to eight. The median risk score of these eight genes significantly stratified the patients, and low-risk patients have significantly better overall survival. We validated the robust performance of these eight genes on the TCGA dataset. Pathway enrichment analysis identified that these genes are associated with cell cycle, cell proliferation, and migration. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that an integrated approach involving machine learning and system biology may effectively identify novel biomarkers for LUSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Kumar Joon
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India; Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Anamika Thalor
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Dinesh Gupta
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yu X, Yuan H, Yang Y, Zheng W, Zheng X, Lu SH, Jiang W, Yu X. Mammalian esophageal stratified tissue homeostasis is maintained distinctively by the epithelial pluripotent p63 +Sox2 + and p63 -Sox2 + cell populations. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:305. [PMID: 37752383 PMCID: PMC11072776 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04952-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Self-renewing, damage-repair and differentiation of mammalian stratified squamous epithelia are subject to tissue homeostasis, but the regulation mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we investigate the esophageal squamous epithelial tissue homeostasis in vitro and in vivo. We establish a rat esophageal organoid (rEO) in vitro system and show that the landscapes of rEO formation, development and maturation trajectories can mimic those of rat esophageal epithelia in vivo. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), snapshot immunostaining and functional analyses of stratified "matured" rEOs define that the epithelial pluripotent stem cell determinants, p63 and Sox2, play crucial but distinctive roles for regulating mammalian esophageal tissue homeostasis. We identify two cell populations, p63+Sox2+ and p63-Sox2+, of which the p63+Sox2+ population presented at the basal layer is the cells of origin required for esophageal epithelial stemness maintenance and proliferation, whereas the p63-Sox2+ population presented at the suprabasal layers is the cells of origin having a dual role for esophageal epithelial differentiation (differentiation-prone fate) and rapid tissue damage-repair responses (proliferation-prone fate). Given the fact that p63 and Sox2 are developmental lineage oncogenes and commonly overexpressed in ESCC tissues, p63-Sox2+ population could not be detected in organoids formed by esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines. Taken together, these findings reveal that the tissue homeostasis is maintained distinctively by p63 and/or Sox2-dependent cell lineage populations required for the tissue renewing, damage-repair and protection of carcinogenesis in mammalian esophagi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Yu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xuejing Zheng
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Departments of Orthopedics, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shih-Hsin Lu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Xiying Yu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Oyelakin A, Sosa J, Nayak K, Glathar A, Gluck C, Sethi I, Tsompana M, Nowak N, Buck M, Romano RA, Sinha S. An integrated genomic approach identifies follistatin as a target of the p63-epidermal growth factor receptor oncogenic network in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad038. [PMID: 37492374 PMCID: PMC10365026 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although numerous putative oncogenes have been associated with the etiology of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the mechanisms by which these oncogenes and their downstream targets mediate tumor progression have not been fully elucidated. We performed an integrative analysis to identify a crucial set of targets of the oncogenic transcription factor p63 that are common across multiple transcriptomic datasets obtained from HNSCC patients, and representative cell line models. Notably, our analysis revealed FST which encodes follistatin, a secreted glycoprotein that inhibits the transforming growth factor TGFβ/activin signaling pathways, to be a direct transcriptional target of p63. In addition, we found that FST expression is also driven by epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR signaling, thus mediating a functional link between the TGF-β and EGFR pathways. We show through loss- and gain-of-function studies that FST predominantly imparts a tumor-growth and migratory phenotype in HNSCC cells. Furthermore, analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data from HNSCC patients unveiled cancer cells as the dominant source of FST within the tumor microenvironment and exposed a correlation between the expression of FST and its regulators with immune infiltrates. We propose FST as a prognostic biomarker for patient survival and a compelling candidate mediating the broad effects of p63 on the tumor and its associated microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akinsola Oyelakin
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Sosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kasturi Bala Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra Glathar
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Christian Gluck
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Isha Sethi
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Maria Tsompana
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Norma Nowak
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Michael Buck
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Rose-Anne Romano
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Satrajit Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Vanderschelden RK, Rodriguez-Escriba M, Chan SH, Berman AJ, Rajkovic A, Yatsenko SA. Heterozygous TP63 pathogenic variants in isolated primary ovarian insufficiency. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2211-2218. [PMID: 37453019 PMCID: PMC10440319 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02886-w] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our study aimed to identify the genetic causes of non-syndromic primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in female patients. METHODS We performed whole exome sequencing in females suffering from isolated POI and in their available family members. Copy number variations were validated by long-range PCR and Sanger sequencing, and conservation analysis was used to evaluate the impact of sequence variants on protein composition. RESULTS We detected two pathogenic TP63 heterozygous deleterious single nucleotide variants and a novel TP63 intragenic copy number alteration in three unrelated women with isolated POI. Two of these genetic variants are predicted to result in loss of transactivation inhibition of p63, whereas the third one affects the first exon of the ΔNp63 isoforms. CONCLUSION Our results broaden the spectrum of TP63-related disorders, which now includes sporadic and familial, isolated, and syndromic POI. Genomic variants that impair the transactivation inhibitory domain of the TAp63α isoform are the cause of non-syndromic POI. Additionally, variants affecting only the ΔNp63 isoforms may result in isolated POI. In patients with isolated POI, careful evaluation of genomic variants in pleiotropic genes such as TP63 will be essential to establish a full clinical spectrum and atypical presentation of a disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Serena H Chan
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrea J Berman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aleksandar Rajkovic
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Svetlana A Yatsenko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Golebiewski C, Gastaldi C, Vieu DL, Mari B, Rezzonico R, Bernerd F, Marionnet C. Identification and functional validation of SRC and RAPGEF1 as new direct targets of miR-203, involved in regulation of epidermal homeostasis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14006. [PMID: 37635193 PMCID: PMC10460794 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40441-w] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermis is mostly composed of keratinocytes and forms a protecting barrier against external aggressions and dehydration. Epidermal homeostasis is maintained by a fine-tuned balance between keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. In the regulation of this process, the keratinocyte-specific miR-203 microRNA is of the outmost importance as it promotes differentiation, notably by directly targeting and down-regulating mRNA expression of genes involved in keratinocyte proliferation, such as ΔNp63, Skp2 and Msi2. We aimed at identifying new miR-203 targets involved in the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation/differentiation balance. To this end, a transcriptome analysis of human primary keratinocytes overexpressing miR-203 was performed and revealed that miR-203 overexpression inhibited functions like proliferation, mitosis and cell cycling, and activated differentiation, apoptosis and cell death. Among the down-regulated genes, 24 putative target mRNAs were identified and 8 of them were related to proliferation. We demonstrated that SRC and RAPGEF1 were direct targets of miR-203. Moreover, both were down-regulated during epidermal morphogenesis in a 3D reconstructed skin model, while miR-203 was up-regulated. Finally silencing experiments showed that SRC or RAPGEF1 contributed to keratinocyte proliferation and regulated their differentiation. Preliminary results suggest their involvement in skin carcinoma hyperproliferation. Altogether this data indicates that RAPGEF1 and SRC could be new mediators of miR-203 in epidermal homeostasis regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cécile Gastaldi
- Medical Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
- LIA BAHN, CSM-UVSQ, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | | | - Bernard Mari
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7275, IPMC, Valbonne, France
| | - Roger Rezzonico
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7275, IPMC, Valbonne, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kim J, Jung E, Yang W, Kim CK, Durnaoglu S, Oh IR, Kim CW, Sinskey AJ, Mihm MC, Lee JH. A Novel Multi-Component Formulation Reduces Inflammation In Vitro and Clinically Lessens the Symptoms of Chronic Eczematous Skin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12979. [PMID: 37629159 PMCID: PMC10454735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612979] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term treatments for inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis or eczema can cause adverse effects. Super Protein Multifunction (SPM) was investigated as a potential treatment for managing skin inflammation by monitoring the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced using LPS and poly(I:C)/TNFα in HaCaT keratinocytes and Hs27 fibroblasts as measured via RT-PCR. SPM solution was also assessed for its effect on cytokine release, measured using ELISA, in a UVB-irradiated 3D human skin model. To evaluate the efficiency of SPM, 20 patients with mild eczematous skin were randomized to receive SPM or vehicle twice a day for three weeks in a double-blind controlled trial. In vitro studies showed SPM inhibited inflammation-induced IL-1β, IL-6, IL-33, IL-1α, TSLP, and TNFα expression or release. In the clinical study, the SPM group showed significant improvements in the IGA, PA, and DLQI scores compared to the vehicle group. Neither group showed significant differences in VAS (pruritus). Histological analysis showed reduced stratum corneum thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration. The results suggest that SPM may reduce inflammation in individuals with chronic eczematous skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihee Kim
- Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Scar Laser and Plastic Surgery Center, Yonsei Cancer Hospital, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjoong Jung
- Biocoz Global Korea, R & D Center, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (W.Y.); (C.-K.K.); (S.D.); (I.-R.O.); (C.-W.K.)
| | - Wonmi Yang
- Biocoz Global Korea, R & D Center, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (W.Y.); (C.-K.K.); (S.D.); (I.-R.O.); (C.-W.K.)
| | - Chun-Kang Kim
- Biocoz Global Korea, R & D Center, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (W.Y.); (C.-K.K.); (S.D.); (I.-R.O.); (C.-W.K.)
| | - Serpen Durnaoglu
- Biocoz Global Korea, R & D Center, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (W.Y.); (C.-K.K.); (S.D.); (I.-R.O.); (C.-W.K.)
| | - In-Rok Oh
- Biocoz Global Korea, R & D Center, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (W.Y.); (C.-K.K.); (S.D.); (I.-R.O.); (C.-W.K.)
| | - Chan-Wha Kim
- Biocoz Global Korea, R & D Center, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (W.Y.); (C.-K.K.); (S.D.); (I.-R.O.); (C.-W.K.)
| | - Anthony J. Sinskey
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Martin C. Mihm
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Ju Hee Lee
- Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Scar Laser and Plastic Surgery Center, Yonsei Cancer Hospital, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Faraji F, Ramirez SI, Clubb LM, Sato K, Quiroz PYA, Galloway WMG, Mikulski Z, Hoang TS, Medetgul-Ernar K, Marangoni P, Jones KB, Officer A, Molinolo AA, Kim K, Sakaguchi K, Califano JA, Smith Q, Klein OD, Tamayo P, Gutkind JS. Direct reprogramming of oral epithelial progenitor cells to cancer stem cells at single cell resolution in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.24.550427. [PMID: 37546810 PMCID: PMC10402053 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.24.550427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor initiation represents the initial step in tumorigenesis during which normal progenitor cells undergo cell fate transition to cancer. Most studies investigating cancer-driving mechanisms in solid tumors rely on analyses of established malignant lesions, and thus cannot directly capture processes underlying the reprogramming of normal progenitor cells into cancer cells. Here, using spatiotemporally controlled oncogene expression in a genetically engineered system we demonstrate that concomitant YAP activation and HPV E6-E7 -mediated inhibition of tumor suppressive pathways is sufficient to rapidly reprogram oral epithelial progenitor cells (OEPCs) into cancer stem cells (CSCs). Single cell analyses of these nascent CSCs revealed hallmark transcriptional programs driving tumor initiation. Importantly, these CSC-enriched expression signatures distinguish normal tissue from malignant head and neck tumors and are associated with poor patient survival. Elucidating mechanisms underlying OEPC to CSC reprogramming may offer new insights to halt the conversion of premalignant cells into invasive carcinoma. HIGHLIGHTS YAP and HPV E6-E7 reprogram oral epithelial progenitor cells into cancer stem cells. Single cell analyses reveal the transcriptional architecture of tumor initiation.CSC transcriptional programs distinguish normal tissue from carcinoma.CSC signatures are associated with poor head and neck cancer survival. Abstract Figure
Collapse
|
35
|
Essien SA, Ahuja I, Eisenhoffer GT. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor on Apoptotic Extracellular Vesicles Regulates Compensatory Proliferation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.14.544889. [PMID: 37398303 PMCID: PMC10312732 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.14.544889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Apoptotic cells can signal to neighboring cells to stimulate proliferation and compensate for cell loss to maintain tissue homeostasis. While apoptotic cell-derived extracellular vesicles (AEVs) can transmit instructional cues to mediate communication with neighboring cells, the molecular mechanisms that induce cell division are not well understood. Here we show that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-containing AEVs regulate compensatory proliferation via ERK signaling in epithelial stem cells of larval zebrafish. Time-lapse imaging showed efferocytosis of AEVs from dying epithelial stem cells by healthy neighboring stem cells. Proteomic and ultrastructure analysis of purified AEVs identified MIF localization on the AEV surface. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic mutation of MIF, or its cognate receptor CD74, decreased levels of phosphorylated ERK and compensatory proliferation in the neighboring epithelial stem cells. Disruption of MIF activity also caused decreased numbers of macrophages patrolling near AEVs, while depletion of the macrophage lineage resulted in a reduced proliferative response by the epithelial stem cells. We propose that AEVs carrying MIF directly stimulate epithelial stem cell repopulation and guide macrophages to cell non-autonomously induce localized proliferation to sustain overall cell numbers during tissue maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Safia A. Essien
- Genetics and Epigenetics Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ivanshi Ahuja
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston TX
| | - George T. Eisenhoffer
- Genetics and Epigenetics Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Anthwal N, Urban DJ, Sadier A, Takenaka R, Spiro S, Simmons N, Behringer RR, Cretekos CJ, Rasweiler JJ, Sears KE. Insights into the formation and diversification of a novel chiropteran wing membrane from embryonic development. BMC Biol 2023; 21:101. [PMID: 37143038 PMCID: PMC10161559 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01598-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Through the evolution of novel wing structures, bats (Order Chiroptera) became the only mammalian group to achieve powered flight. This achievement preceded the massive adaptive radiation of bats into diverse ecological niches. We investigate some of the developmental processes that underlie the origin and subsequent diversification of one of the novel membranes of the bat wing: the plagiopatagium, which connects the fore- and hind limb in all bat species. RESULTS Our results suggest that the plagiopatagium initially arises through novel outgrowths from the body flank that subsequently merge with the limbs to generate the wing airfoil. Our findings further suggest that this merging process, which is highly conserved across bats, occurs through modulation of the programs controlling the development of the periderm of the epidermal epithelium. Finally, our results suggest that the shape of the plagiopatagium begins to diversify in bats only after this merging has occurred. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates how focusing on the evolution of cellular processes can inform an understanding of the developmental factors shaping the evolution of novel, highly adaptive structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neal Anthwal
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel J Urban
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, USA
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Biology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA
| | - Alexa Sadier
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Risa Takenaka
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Nancy Simmons
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Biology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | | | - John J Rasweiler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Karen E Sears
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Russell SK, Harrison JK, Olson BS, Lee HJ, O'Brien VP, Xing X, Livny J, Yu L, Roberson EDO, Bomjan R, Fan C, Sha M, Estfanous S, Amer AO, Colonna M, Stappenbeck TS, Wang T, Hannan TJ, Hultgren SJ. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli infection-induced epithelial trained immunity impacts urinary tract disease outcome. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:875-888. [PMID: 37037942 PMCID: PMC10159856 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01346-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous urinary tract infections (UTIs) can predispose one to future infections; however, the underlying mechanisms affecting recurrence are poorly understood. We previously found that UTIs in mice cause differential bladder epithelial (urothelial) remodelling, depending on disease outcome, that impacts susceptibility to recurrent UTI. Here we compared urothelial stem cell (USC) lines isolated from mice with a history of either resolved or chronic uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) infection, elucidating evidence of molecular imprinting that involved epigenetic changes, including differences in chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation and histone modification. Epigenetic marks in USCs from chronically infected mice enhanced caspase-1-mediated cell death upon UPEC infection, promoting bacterial clearance. Increased Ptgs2os2 expression also occurred, potentially contributing to sustained cyclooxygenase-2 expression, bladder inflammation and mucosal wounding-responses associated with severe recurrent cystitis. Thus, UPEC infection acts as an epi-mutagen reprogramming the urothelial epigenome, leading to urothelial-intrinsic remodelling and training of the innate response to subsequent infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seongmi K Russell
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jessica K Harrison
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Benjamin S Olson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hyung Joo Lee
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Valerie P O'Brien
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Human Biology Division, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Xing
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jonathan Livny
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, The Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Elisha D O Roberson
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rajdeep Bomjan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Changxu Fan
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Marina Sha
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shady Estfanous
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal O Amer
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thaddeus S Stappenbeck
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Thomas J Hannan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Scott J Hultgren
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Polisetti N, Martin G, Cristina Schmitz HR, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Schlunck G, Reinhard T. Characterization of Porcine Ocular Surface Epithelial Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087543. [PMID: 37108705 PMCID: PMC10145510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087543] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The porcine ocular surface is used as a model of the human ocular surface; however, a detailed characterization of the porcine ocular surface has not been documented. This is due, in part, to the scarcity of antibodies produced specifically against the porcine ocular surface cell types or structures. We performed a histological and immunohistochemical investigation on frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ocular surface tissue from domestic pigs using a panel of 41 different antibodies related to epithelial progenitor/differentiation phenotypes, extracellular matrix and associated molecules, and various niche cell types. Our observations suggested that the Bowman's layer is not evident in the cornea; the deep invaginations of the limbal epithelium in the limbal zone are analogous to the limbal interpalisade crypts of human limbal tissue; and the presence of goblet cells in the bulbar conjunctiva. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the epithelial progenitor markers cytokeratin (CK)15, CK14, p63α, and P-cadherin were expressed in both the limbal and conjunctival basal epithelium, whereas the basal cells of the limbal and conjunctival epithelium did not stain for CK3, CK12, E-cadherin, and CK13. Antibodies detecting marker proteins related to the extracellular matrix (collagen IV, Tenascin-C), cell-matrix adhesion (β-dystroglycan, integrin α3 and α6), mesenchymal cells (vimentin, CD90, CD44), neurons (neurofilament), immune cells (HLA-ABC; HLA-DR, CD1, CD4, CD14), vasculature (von Willebrand factor), and melanocytes (SRY-homeobox-10, human melanoma black-45, Tyrosinase) on the normal human ocular surface demonstrated similar immunoreactivity on the normal porcine ocular surface. Only a few antibodies (directed against N-cadherin, fibronectin, agrin, laminin α3 and α5, melan-A) appeared unreactive on porcine tissues. Our findings characterize the main immunohistochemical properties of the porcine ocular surface and provide a morphological and immunohistochemical basis useful to research using porcine models. Furthermore, the analyzed porcine ocular structures are similar to those of humans, confirming the potential usefulness of pig eyes to study ocular surface physiology and pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heidi R Cristina Schmitz
- CEMT-Freiburg, Experimental Surgery, Hospital-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 66, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yamamoto-Fukuda T, Pinto F, Pitt K, Senoo M. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling enables long-term proliferation of mouse primary epithelial stem/progenitor cells of the tympanic membrane and the middle ear mucosa. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4532. [PMID: 36941290 PMCID: PMC10027825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The surface of the middle ear is composed of the tympanic membrane (TM) and the middle ear mucosa (MEM). A number of diseases and conditions such as otitis media, middle ear cholesteatoma, and perforation of the TM have been reported to cause dysfunction of the middle ear, ultimately leading to high-frequency hearing loss. Despite its importance in repairing the damaged tissues, the stem/progenitor cells of the TM and the MEM epithelia remains largely uncharacterized due, in part, to the lack of an optimal methodology to expand and maintain stem/progenitor cells long-term. Here, we show that suppression of TGF-β signaling in a low Ca2+ condition enables long-term proliferation of p63-positive epithelial stem/progenitor cells of the TM and the MEM while avoiding their malignant transformation. Indeed, our data show that the expanded TM and MEM stem/progenitor cells respond to Ca2+ stimulation and differentiate into the mature epithelial cell lineages marked by cytokeratin (CK) 1/8/18 or Bpifa1, respectively. These results will allow us to expand epithelial stem/progenitor cells of the TM and MEM in quantity for large-scale analyses and will enhance the use of mouse models in developing stem cell-mediated therapeutic strategies for the treatment of middle ear diseases and conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Yamamoto-Fukuda
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishishinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Filipa Pinto
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Keshia Pitt
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Makoto Senoo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- Cell Exosome Therapeutics, Inc., 2-16-9 Higashi, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, 150-0011, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pitt K, Mochida Y, Senoo M. Greener Grass: The Modern History of Epithelial Stem Cell Innovation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030688. [PMID: 36983843 PMCID: PMC10058258 DOI: 10.3390/life13030688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of epithelial stem cell development has been irrevocably shaped by the work of American scientist Howard Green, whose breakthroughs in stem cell culture methods translated to therapeutic practice. In this review, we chronicle the milestones that propelled the field of regenerative medicine of the skin forward over the last fifty years. We detail the early discoveries made by Green and his collaborators, highlight clinical cases that made life-saving use of his findings, and discuss the accomplishments of other scientists who later innovated upon his discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keshia Pitt
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Yoshiyuki Mochida
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Makoto Senoo
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Cell Exosome Therapeutics Inc., 2-16-9 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0011, Japan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Thymus transplantation regulates blood pressure and alleviates hypertension-associated heart and kidney damage via transcription factors FoxN1 pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109798. [PMID: 36738681 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109798] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have found that thymus is involved in the process of hypertension. However, whether thymus transplantation alleviates target organ damage in hypertensive mice remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of thymus transplantation on blood pressure and target organ changes in mice with hypertension. Mice were randomly divided into normal control group (Con), hypertensive group (HTN) and thymus transplantation group (HTN + Trans). Thymus of neonatal mice was transplanted into the renal capsule of the transplantation group. After transplantation, the mouse tail noninvasive pressure was measured and heart function was evaluated weekly. Then mice were euthanized and organs or tissues were harvested at 4 weeks post-transplantation. The blood pressure of HTN + Trans group was lower than that in the HTN group. The expression of FoxN1, Aire, ATRAP, thymosin β4 and the content of sjTREC in thymus of HTN group was decreased and the number of naïve T cells in HTN group was lower compared with other two groups. The ratio of cTEC/mTEC in HTN group was higher than that in Con group and lower than that in HTN + Trans group. Cardiac pathology showed cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in HTN group whereas thymus transplantation improved heart function and structure. Altogether, our findings demonstrated thymus transplantation could improve thymus function of hypertensive mice, which increased the expression of thymus transcription factor FoxN1, affected the proportion of T cell subsets, and increased thymosin β4 thereby reducing blood pressure and reversing the progression of target organ damage.
Collapse
|
42
|
Cooley A, Madhukaran S, Stroebele E, Colon Caraballo M, Wang L, Akgul Y, Hon GC, Mahendroo M. Dynamic states of cervical epithelia during pregnancy and epithelial barrier disruption. iScience 2023; 26:105953. [PMID: 36718364 PMCID: PMC9883190 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cervical epithelium undergoes changes in proliferation, differentiation, and function that are critical to ensure fertility and maintain pregnancy. Here, we identify cervical epithelial subtypes in non-pregnant, pregnant, and in labor mice using single-cell transcriptome and spatial analysis. We identify heterogeneous subpopulations of epithelia displaying spatial and temporal specificity. Notably in pregnancy, two goblet cell subtypes are present in the most luminal layers with one goblet population expanding earlier in pregnancy than the other goblet population. The goblet populations express novel protective factors and distinct mucosal networks. Single-cell analysis in a model of cervical epithelial barrier disruption indicates untimely basal cell proliferation precedes the expansion of goblet cells with diminished mucosal integrity. These data demonstrate how the cervical epithelium undergoes continuous remodeling to maintain dynamic states of homeostasis in pregnancy and labor, and provide a framework to understand perturbations in epithelial health that increase the risk of premature birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cooley
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - ShanmugaPriyaa Madhukaran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Elizabeth Stroebele
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Mariano Colon Caraballo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yucel Akgul
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Gary C. Hon
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Mala Mahendroo
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Song EAC, Che M, Osinski J, Smalley K, Horeth E, Sinha S, Romano RA. ΔNp63 maintains the fidelity of the myoepithelial cell lineage and directs cell differentiation programs in the murine salivary gland. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:515-526. [PMID: 36526896 PMCID: PMC9950458 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Salivary glands consist of several epithelial cell types of distinct lineages and functional characteristics that are established by directed differentiation programs of resident stem and progenitor cells. We have shown that ΔNp63, a crucial transcriptional regulator of stem/progenitor cells, is enriched in both the basal and myoepithelial cell (MEC) populations and that ΔNp63 positive cells maintain all the descendent epithelial cell lineages of the adult mouse salivary glands (mSGs). Although this pivotal role of ΔNp63 in driving the broader epithelial cell fate and identity in the mSG has been demonstrated, how ΔNp63 functions specifically in the commitment and differentiation of the MEC population is less understood. Using multiple genetic mouse models that allow for cell tracing, we show that ΔNp63 is critical in maintaining and renewing MECs, in part through the transcriptional regulation of Acta2 gene expression, a defining marker of this cell population. We demonstrate that during adult mSG homeostasis, ΔNp63 enriched MECs function as bipotent progenitor cells that maintain not only the MEC population, but also the distinctly different ductal cell lineages. The fidelity of this process is dependent on ΔNp63 expression, since MEC-specific ablation of ΔNp63 results in altered MEC differentiation and affects cellular plasticity resulting in aberrant differentiation of the intercalated ducts and acinar cells. In contrast, we find that the contribution of MECs to ductal and acinar cell regeneration following severe injury is independent of ΔNp63. Our observations offer new insights into cellular mechanisms driving MEC fate choices and differentiation programs in the context of salivary gland homeostasis and in response to injury and regeneration. Long term, these findings have implications for better treatment of salivary gland dysfunction through stem cell-based approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ah Christine Song
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Monika Che
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jason Osinski
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kirsten Smalley
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Erich Horeth
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Satrajit Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Rose-Anne Romano
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang B, Guo H, Liu D, Wu S, Liu J, Lan X, Huang H, An F, Zhu J, Ji J, Wang L, Ouyang H, Li M. ETS1-HMGA2 Axis Promotes Human Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Proliferation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:12. [PMID: 36652264 PMCID: PMC9855287 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of ETS1 in the proliferation and differentiation of human limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). Methods RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR were used to determine gene expression changes when ETS1 and HMGA2 was knocked down using short-hairpin RNAs or overexpressed by lentivirus. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry experiments were performed to assess the roles of ETS1 and HMGA2 in LESC proliferation. ETS1-bound cis-regulatory elements and target genes in LESCs were identified using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. The epigenetic features of ETS1-binding sites were assessed by the published histone modification and chromatin accessibility profiles. Results ETS1 was robustly expressed in LESCs but dramatically reduced on differentiation into corneal epithelial cells (CECs). ETS1 knockdown in LESCs inhibited cellular proliferation and activated CEC markers (KRT3, KRT12, CLU, and ALDH3A1). When ETS1 was overexpressed during CEC differentiation, LESC-associated genes were upregulated while CEC-associated genes were downregulated. The genome-wide binding profile of ETS1 was identified in LESCs. ETS1 occupied H3K4me3-marked promoters and H3K27ac/H3K4me1-marked enhancers. ETS1-binding sites were also enriched for chromatin accessibility signal. HMGA2 showed a consistent expression pattern with ETS1. ETS1 activates HMAG2 by binding to its promoter. Knockdown and overexpression experiments suggested that HMGA2 can promote LESC proliferation and inhibits its differentiation. Conclusions ETS1 promotes LESC proliferation and inhibits its differentiation via activating HMGA2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bofeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huizhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongmei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiafeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xihong Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaxing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengjiao An
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingsen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Depoërs L, Dumont-Lagacé M, Trinh VQH, Houques C, Côté C, Larouche JD, Brochu S, Perreault C. Klf4 protects thymus integrity during late pregnancy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1016378. [PMID: 37180153 PMCID: PMC10174329 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1016378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy causes abrupt thymic atrophy. This atrophy is characterized by a severe decrease in the number of all thymocyte subsets and qualitative (but not quantitative) changes in thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Pregnancy-related thymic involution is triggered by progesterone-induced functional changes affecting mainly cortical TECs (cTECs). Remarkably, this severe involution is rapidly corrected following parturition. We postulated that understanding the mechanisms of pregnancy-related thymic changes could provide novel insights into signaling pathways regulating TEC function. When we analyzed genes whose expression in TECs was modified during late pregnancy, we found a strong enrichment in genes bearing KLF4 transcription factor binding motifs. We, therefore, engineered a Psmb11-iCre : Klf4lox/lox mouse model to study the impact of TEC-specific Klf4 deletion in steady-state conditions and during late pregnancy. Under steady-state conditions, Klf4 deletion had a minimal effect on TEC subsets and did not affect thymic architecture. However, pregnancy-induced thymic involution was much more pronounced in pregnant females lacking Klf4 expression in TECs. These mice displayed a substantial ablation of TECs with a more pronounced loss of thymocytes. Transcriptomic and phenotypic analyses of Klf4 -/- TECs revealed that Klf4 maintains cTEC numbers by supporting cell survival and preventing epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity during late pregnancy. We conclude that Klf4 is essential for preserving TEC's integrity and mitigating thymic involution during late pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucyle Depoërs
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Maude Dumont-Lagacé
- ExCellThera, Inc., Montréal, QC, Canada
- Piercing Star Technologies, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Vincent Quoc-Huy Trinh
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, and Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Chloé Houques
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Côté
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-David Larouche
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Brochu
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Sylvie Brochu, ; Claude Perreault,
| | - Claude Perreault
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Sylvie Brochu, ; Claude Perreault,
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Breast cancer prevention by short-term inhibition of TGFβ signaling. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7558. [PMID: 36476730 PMCID: PMC9729304 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35043-5] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer prevention has a profound impact on cancer-associated mortality and morbidity. We previously identified TGFβ signaling as a candidate regulator of mammary epithelial cells associated with breast cancer risk. Here, we show that short-term TGFBR inhibitor (TGFBRi) treatment of peripubertal ACI inbred and Sprague Dawley outbred rats induces lasting changes and prevents estrogen- and carcinogen-induced mammary tumors, respectively. We identify TGFBRi-responsive cell populations by single cell RNA-sequencing, including a unique epithelial subpopulation designated secretory basal cells (SBCs) with progenitor features. We detect SBCs in normal human breast tissues and find them to be associated with breast cancer risk. Interactome analysis identifies SBCs as the most interactive cell population and the main source of insulin-IGF signaling. Accordingly, inhibition of TGFBR and IGF1R decrease proliferation of organoid cultures. Our results reveal a critical role for TGFβ in regulating mammary epithelial cells relevant to breast cancer and serve as a proof-of-principle cancer prevention strategy.
Collapse
|
47
|
Fischer NG, Aparicio C. Junctional epithelium and hemidesmosomes: Tape and rivets for solving the "percutaneous device dilemma" in dental and other permanent implants. Bioact Mater 2022; 18:178-198. [PMID: 35387164 PMCID: PMC8961425 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The percutaneous device dilemma describes etiological factors, centered around the disrupted epithelial tissue surrounding non-remodelable devices, that contribute to rampant percutaneous device infection. Natural percutaneous organs, in particular their extracellular matrix mediating the "device"/epithelium interface, serve as exquisite examples to inspire longer lasting long-term percutaneous device design. For example, the tooth's imperviousness to infection is mediated by the epithelium directly surrounding it, the junctional epithelium (JE). The hallmark feature of JE is formation of hemidesmosomes, cell/matrix adhesive structures that attach surrounding oral gingiva to the tooth's enamel through a basement membrane. Here, the authors survey the multifaceted functions of the JE, emphasizing the role of the matrix, with a particular focus on hemidesmosomes and their five main components. The authors highlight the known (and unknown) effects dental implant - as a model percutaneous device - placement has on JE regeneration and synthesize this information for application to other percutaneous devices. The authors conclude with a summary of bioengineering strategies aimed at solving the percutaneous device dilemma and invigorating greater collaboration between clinicians, bioengineers, and matrix biologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G. Fischer
- MDRCBB-Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics, University of Minnesota, 16-212 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Conrado Aparicio
- MDRCBB-Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics, University of Minnesota, 16-212 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Faculty of Odontology, UIC Barcelona – Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, C/. Josep Trueta s/n, 08195, Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), C/. Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Increased Expression of the RBPMS Splice Variants Inhibits Cell Proliferation in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314742. [PMID: 36499073 PMCID: PMC9738375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-Binding Protein with Multiple Splicing (RBPMS) is a member of family proteins that bind to nascent RNA transcripts and regulate their splicing, localization, and stability. Evidence indicates that RBPMS controls the activity of transcription factors associated with cell growth and proliferation, including AP-1 and Smads. Three major RBPMS protein splice variants (RBPMSA, RBPMSB, and RBPMSC) have been described in the literature. We previously reported that reduced RBPMS levels decreased the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. However, little is known about the biological role of the RBPMS splice variants in ovarian cancer cells. We performed RT-PCR and Western blots and observed that both RBPMSA and RBPMSC are reduced at the mRNA and protein levels in cisplatin resistant as compared with cisplatin sensitive ovarian cancer cells. The mRNA and protein levels of RBPMSB were not detectable in any of the ovarian cancer cells tested. To better understand the biological role of each RBPMSA and RBPMSC, we transfected these two splice variants in the A2780CP20 and OVCAR3CIS cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer cells and performed cell proliferation, cell migration, and invasion assays. Compared with control clones, a significant reduction in the number of colonies, colony size, cell migration, and invasion was observed with RBPMSA and RBPMSC overexpressed cells. Moreover, A2780CP20-RBPMSA and A2780CP20-RBPMSC clones showed reduced senescence-associated β-galactosidase (β-Gal)-levels when compared with control clones. A2780CP20-RBPMSA clones were more sensitive to cisplatin treatment as compared with A2780CP20-RBPMSC clones. The A2780CP20-RBPMSA and A2780CP20-RBPMSC clones subcutaneously injected into athymic nude mice formed smaller tumors as compared with A2780CP20-EV control group. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis showed lower proliferation (Ki67) and angiogenesis (CD31) staining in tissue sections of A2780CP20-RBPMSA and A2780CP20-RBPMSC tumors compared with controls. RNAseq studies revealed many common RNA transcripts altered in A2780CP20-RBPMSA and A2780CP20-RBPMSC clones. Unique RNA transcripts deregulated by each RBPMS variant were also observed. Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter database information identified clinically relevant RBPMSA and RBPMSC downstream effectors. These studies suggest that increased levels of RBPMSA and RBPMSC reduce cell proliferation in ovarian cancer cells. However, only RBPMSA expression levels were associated with the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin treatment.
Collapse
|
49
|
Fons JM, Milmoe NJ, Dack MRG, Joshi L, Thompson H, Tucker AS. The interconnected relationships between middle ear bulla size, cavitation defects, and chronic otitis media revealed in a syndromic mouse model. Front Genet 2022; 13:933416. [PMID: 36299576 PMCID: PMC9590451 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.933416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High incidence of chronic otitis media is associated with human craniofacial syndromes, suggesting that defects in the formation of the middle ear and associated structures can have a knock-on effect on the susceptibility to middle ear inflammation. Patients with branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome have several defects in the ear leading to both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, including otitis media. 40% of BOR syndrome cases are due to Eya1 haploinsufficiency, with mouse models affecting Eya1, mimicking many of the defects found in patients. Here, we characterize the onset, consequences, and underlying causes of chronic otitis media in Eya1 heterozygous mice. Cavitation defects were evident in these mice from postnatal day (P)11 onwards, with mesenchyme around the promontory and attic regions of the middle ear space. This mesenchyme was still prominent in adult Eya1 heterozygous mice, while the wild-type littermates had fully aerated ears from P14 onwards. MicroCT analysis highlighted a significantly smaller bulla, confirming the link between bulla size defects and the ability of the mesenchyme to retract successfully. Otitis media was observed from P14, often presenting unilaterally, resulting in hyperplasia of the middle ear mucosa, expansion of secretory cells, defects in the motile cilia, and changes in basal epithelial cell markers. A high incidence of otitis media was identified in older mice but only associated with ears with retained mesenchyme. To understand the impact of the environment, the mouse line was rederived onto a super-clean environment. Cavitation defects were still evident at early stages, but these generally resolved over time, and importantly, no signs of otitis media were observed at 6 weeks. In conclusion, we show that a small bulla size is closely linked to defects in cavitation and the presence of retained mesenchyme. A delay in retraction of the mesenchyme predates the onset of otitis media, making the ears susceptible to its development. Early exposure to OM appears to exacerbate the cavitation defect, with mesenchyme evident in the middle ear throughout the animal’s life. This highlights that permanent damage to the middle ear can arise as a consequence of the early onset of OM.
Collapse
|
50
|
Yang X, Zhong X, Huang AJ, Reneker LW. Spontaneous acinar and ductal regrowth after meibomian gland atrophy induced by deletion of FGFR2 in a mouse model. Ocul Surf 2022; 26:300-309. [PMID: 34798325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We have demonstrated that deletion of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene (Fgfr2) leads to Meibomian gland (MG) atrophy in an inducible conditional knockout mouse model, referred as Fgfr2CKO. Herein, we investigated whether MG spontaneously recovers after atrophy in this model. METHODS Two months old Fgfr2CKO mice were injected peritoneally once or twice of doxycycline (Dox) at 80 μg/gm of body weight to induce MG atrophy of various severities via Fgfr2 deletion. Recovery of acinar and ductal tissues was monitored by meibography, lipid staining and immunofluorescence against keratin-6a in MG whole-mount. Biomarkers for acinar and ductal differentiation and proliferation were also examined by immunostaining. RESULTS Single Dox injection in Fgfr2CKO mice caused severe acinar and moderate ductal atrophy. Severe ductal shortening or loss occurred after second Dox injection, presumably related to the reported slower cycling of the ductal epithelia. Spontaneous acinar regrowth after atrophy was observed over a period of 60 days in both injection regimens. However, less robust acinar recovery was associated with more disrupted ductal structures in twice injected Fgfr2CKO mice. CONCLUSIONS Our current findings further substantiate the role of FGFR2 in MG homeostasis, and suggest that FGFR2-signaling may provide a potential strategy for regenerating acini from age-related MG dysfunction in humans. Our data demonstrated that spontaneous MG recovery depends on the extent of ductal atrophy, suggesting that ductal epithelia may provide the progenitor cells for acinar regeneration. Nonetheless, the role of ductal tissue as the source of acinar progenitors awaits further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingwu Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Hainan Eye Hospital and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Haikou, China.
| | - Andrew Jw Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Lixing W Reneker
- Mason Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|