1
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Palmer JW, Kumar N, An L, White AC, Mukhtar MS, Harris ML. Molecular heterogeneity of quiescent melanocyte stem cells revealed by single-cell RNA-sequencing. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:480-495. [PMID: 38613320 PMCID: PMC11178447 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13169] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) of the hair follicle are a rare cell population within the skin and are notably underrepresented in whole-skin, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets. Using a cell enrichment strategy to isolate KIT+/CD45- cells from the telogen skin of adult female C57BL/6J mice, we evaluated the transcriptional landscape of quiescent McSCs (qMcSCs) at high resolution. Through this evaluation, we confirmed existing molecular signatures for qMcCS subpopulations (e.g., Kit+, Cd34+/-, Plp1+, Cd274+/-, Thy1+, Cdh3+/-) and identified novel qMcSC subpopulations, including two that differentially regulate their immune privilege status. Within qMcSC subpopulations, we also predicted melanocyte differentiation potential, neural crest potential, and quiescence depth. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the qMcSC population is heterogeneous and future studies focused on investigating changes in qMcSCs should consider changes in subpopulation composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Palmer
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Nilesh Kumar
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Luye An
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Andrew C. White
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - M. Shahid Mukhtar
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Melissa L. Harris
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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2
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Lambert KA, Clements CM, Mukherjee N, Pacheco TR, Shellman SX, Henen MA, Vögeli B, Goldstein NB, Birlea S, Hintzsche J, Caryotakis G, Tan AC, Zhao R, Norris DA, Robinson WA, Wang Y, VanTreeck JG, Shellman YG. SASH1 S519N variant links skin hyperpigmentation and premature hair graying to dysfunction of melanocyte lineage. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00393-2. [PMID: 38848986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.04.027] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
A better understanding of human melanocyte (MC) and melanocyte stem cell (McSC) biology is essential for treating melanocyte-related diseases. This study employed an inherited pigmentation disorder carrying the SASH1S519N variant in a Hispanic family to investigate the SASH1 function in the MC lineage and the underlying mechanism for this disorder. We used a multidisciplinary approach, including clinical exams, human cell assays, yeast two-hybrid screening, and biochemical techniques. Results linked early hair graying to the SASH1S519N variant, a previously unrecognized clinical phenotype in hyperpigmentation disorders. In vitro, we identified SASH1 as a regulator in McSC maintenance and discovered that TNKS2 is crucial for SASH1's role. Additionally, the S519N variant is located in one of multiple tankyrase-binding motifs and alters the binding kinetics and affinity of the interaction. In summary, this disorder links both gain and loss of pigmentation in the same individual, hinting to accelerated aging in human McSC. The findings offer insights into the roles of SASH1 and TNKS2 in McSC maintenance and the molecular mechanisms of pigmentation disorders. We propose that a comprehensive clinical evaluation of patients with MC-related disorders should include an assessment and history of hair pigmentation loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline A Lambert
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Christopher M Clements
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Nabanita Mukherjee
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Theresa R Pacheco
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Samantha X Shellman
- Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Morkos A Henen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Beat Vögeli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Nathaniel B Goldstein
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Stanca Birlea
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045; Gates Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | | | - Griffin Caryotakis
- Departments of Oncological Sciences and Biomedical Informatics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Aik-Choon Tan
- Departments of Oncological Sciences and Biomedical Informatics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - David A Norris
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - William A Robinson
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Yizhou Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Jillian G VanTreeck
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - Yiqun G Shellman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045; Gates Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045.
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3
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Pontiggia L, Michalak-Micka K, Hürlimann N, Yosef HK, Böni R, Klar AS, Ehrbar M, Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Biedermann T, Moehrlen U. Raman spectroscopy analysis of human amniotic fluid cells from fetuses with myelomeningocele. Exp Cell Res 2024; 439:114048. [PMID: 38697275 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114048] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal surgery for the treatment of spina bifida (myelomeningocele, MMC) significantly enhances the neurological prognosis of the patient. To ensure better protection of the spinal cord by large defects, the application of skin grafts produced with cells gained from the amniotic fluid is presently studied. In order to determine the most appropriate cells for this purpose, we tried to shed light on the extremely complex amniotic fluid cellular composition in healthy and MMC pregnancies. We exploited the potential of micro-Raman spectroscopy to analyse and characterize human amniotic fluid cells in total and putative (cKit/CD117-positive) stem cells of fetuses with MMC in comparison with amniotic fluid cells from healthy individuals, human fetal dermal fibroblasts and adult adipose derived stem cells. We found that (i) the differences between healthy and MMC amniocytes can be attributed to specific spectral regions involving collagen, lipids, sugars, tryptophan, aspartate, glutamate, and carotenoids, (ii) MMC amniotic fluid contains two particular cell populations which are absent or reduced in normal pregnancies, (iii) the cKit-negative healthy amniocyte subpopulation shares molecular features with human fetal fibroblasts. On the one hand we demonstrate a different amniotic fluid cellular composition in healthy and MMC pregnancies, on the other our work confirms micro-Raman spectroscopy to be a valuable tool for discriminating cell populations in unknown mixtures of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pontiggia
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Michalak-Micka
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Hürlimann
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Roland Böni
- White House Center for Liposuction, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Agnes S Klar
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland; University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Ehrbar
- Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Ochsenbein-Kölble
- Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Biedermann
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland; University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ueli Moehrlen
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland; Spina Bifida Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland; University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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4
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Li ZY, Chang SH, Liu KT, Wu AE, Hsu CS, Huang SW, Chung MC, Wang SC, Kao JK, Chen YJ, Shieh JJ. Low-dose imiquimod induces melanogenesis in melanoma cells through an ROS-mediated pathway. J Dermatol Sci 2024; 113:18-25. [PMID: 38185543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2023.12.005] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanogenesis is the process of melanin maturation which not only protects skin from UV radiation but also plays an important role in antigenicity of melanomas. Imiquimod (IMQ) is a toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist that exhibits antiviral and anticancer activity. OBJECTIVE To explore whether IMQ could induce melanogenesis in melanoma cells. METHODS The mouse melanoma cell line B16F10, the mouse immortalized melanocyte Melan-A, and human melanoma cell lines MNT-1, C32 and A375 were utilized in this study. The pigmented level was observed by the centrifuged cell pellet. The intracellular and extracellular melanin levels were examined in the absorbance in NaOH-extracted cell lysate and cell-cultured medium, respectively. The expression of melanogenesis related proteins was examined by immunoblotting. The intracellular cyclic AMP amount was evaluated by the cAMP Glo assay kit. The activity of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) was investigated by CREB reporter assay with overexpressed PDE4B or not. RESULTS We demonstrated that a low dose of IMQ could trigger melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. IMQ induced microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) nuclear translocation, upregulated the expression of melanogenesis-related proteins, increased tyrosinase (TYR) activity, and led to pigmentation in B16F10 cells. Next, we found that IMQ-induced melanogenesis was activated by excessive intracellular cAMP accumulation, which was regulated through IMQ-mediated PDE4B inhibition. Finally, IMQ-induced ROS production was found to be involved in melanogenesis by its control of PDE4B activity. CONCLUSIONS Low dose of IMQ could activate melanogenesis through the ROS/PDE4B/PKA pathway in melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Yi Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hao Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Ting Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Alaina Edelie Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Sheng Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Frontier Molecular Medical Research Center in Children, Changhua Christian Children Hospital, Changhua County, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Wei Huang
- Center for Cell Therapy and Translation Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Chi Chung
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; PhD Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chung Wang
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Changhua Christian Children Hospital, Changhua County, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Kai Kao
- Frontier Molecular Medical Research Center in Children, Changhua Christian Children Hospital, Changhua County, Taiwan; Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Chen
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Dermatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Jer Shieh
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Education and Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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5
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Palmer JW, Kumar N, An L, White AC, Mukhtar MS, Harris ML. Molecular heterogeneity of quiescent melanocyte stem cells revealed by single-cell RNA-sequencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.19.571712. [PMID: 38187565 PMCID: PMC10769266 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.19.571712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) of the hair follicle are a rare cell population within the skin and are notably underrepresented in whole-skin, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets. Using a cell enrichment strategy to isolate KIT+/CD45-cells from the telogen skin of adult female C57BL/6J mice, we evaluated the transcriptional landscape of quiescent McSCs (qMcSCs) at high resolution. Through this evaluation, we confirmed existing molecular signatures for qMcCS subpopulations (e.g., Kit+, Cd34+/- , Plp1+, Cd274+/-, Thy1+, Cdh3+/- ) and identified novel qMcSC subpopulations, including two that differentially regulate their immune privilege status. Within qMcSC subpopulations, we also predicted melanocyte differentiation potential, neural crest potential, and quiescence depth. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the qMcSC population is heterogenous and future studies focused on investigating changes in qMcSCs should consider changes in subpopulation composition. Significance Single cell transcriptomics has revolutionized our ability to interrogate the dynamic nature of tissues. Here we provide a high-resolution map of the melanocyte stem cell population during quiescence. This map provides one of few examples highlighting broad heterogeneity in stem cells during the quiescent cell state. The map also unifies previous observations using other cell, molecular and functional analyses to define the unique features of the quiescent melanocyte stem cell population. This data provides a valuable resource to individuals interested in further evaluating aspects of cellular quiescence in stem cells broadly or melanocyte stem cells specifically.
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6
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Lin X, Meng X, Lin J. The possible role of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in vitiligo treatment. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:2208-2221. [PMID: 36912722 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Vitiligo is a common chronic skin disease which has an adverse impact on patients' life. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving autoimmunity and oxidative stress (OS). Autoimmunity leads to the loss of epidermal melanocytes and the formation of the depigmented patches of the disease. Treatment of vitiligo should control the exaggerated immune response to arrest the progress of active disease, and then promote melanocytes to repigmentation. Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway has been of recent interest in vitiligo. Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway is downregulated in vitiligo. Upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling possibly control vitiligo autoimmune response by protecting melanocyte from OS damage, inhibiting CD8+ T cell effector cell differentiation and enhancing Treg. Wnt/β-catenin signalling plays a critical role in the melanocyte regeneration by driving the differentiation of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) into melanocytes. Promoting Wnt/β-catenin signalling can not only arrest the progress of active disease of vitiligo but also promote repigmentation. Some of the main effective therapies for vitiligo are likely to work by activating Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Agents that can enhance the effect of Wnt/β-catenin signalling may become potential candidates for the development of new drugs for vitiligo treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiran Lin
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xianmin Meng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Axia Women's Health, Oaks, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jingrong Lin
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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7
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Lee S, An L, Soloway PD, White AC. Dynamic regulation of chromatin accessibility during melanocyte stem cell activation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2023; 36:531-541. [PMID: 37462349 PMCID: PMC10794558 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13112] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) of the hair follicle are necessary for hair pigmentation and can serve as melanoma cells of origin when harboring cancer-driving mutations. McSCs can be released from quiescence, activated, and undergo differentiation into pigment-producing melanocytes during the hair cycle or due to environmental stimuli, such as ultraviolet-B (UVB) exposure. However, our current understanding of the mechanisms regulating McSC stemness, activation, and differentiation remains limited. Here, to capture the differing possible states in which murine McSCs can exist, we sorted melanocyte nuclei from quiescent (telogen) skin, skin actively producing hair shafts (anagen), and skin exposed to UVB. With these sorted nuclei, we then utilized single-nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (snATAC-seq) and characterized three melanocyte lineages: quiescent McSCs (qMcSCs), activated McSCs (aMcSCs), and differentiated melanocytes (dMCs) that co-exist in all three skin conditions. Furthermore, we successfully identified differentially accessible genes and enriched transcription factor binding motifs for each melanocyte lineage. Our findings reveal potential gene regulators that determine these melanocyte cell states and provide new insights into how aMcSC chromatin states are regulated differently under divergent intrinsic and extrinsic cues. We also provide a publicly available online tool with a user-friendly interface to explore this comprehensive dataset, which will provide a resource for further studies on McSC regulation upon natural or UVB-mediated stem cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoyeon Lee
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Luye An
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Paul D Soloway
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Andrew C White
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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8
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Casalou C, Mayatra JM, Tobin DJ. Beyond the Epidermal-Melanin-Unit: The Human Scalp Anagen Hair Bulb Is Home to Multiple Melanocyte Subpopulations of Variable Melanogenic Capacity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12809. [PMID: 37628992 PMCID: PMC10454394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612809] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The visual appearance of humans is derived significantly from our skin and hair color. While melanin from epidermal melanocytes protects our skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, the biological value of pigmentation in the hair follicle, particularly on the scalp, is less clear. In this study, we explore the heterogeneity of pigment cells in the human scalp anagen hair follicle bulb, a site conventionally viewed to be focused solely on pigment production for transfer to the hair shaft. Using c-KIT/CD117 microbeads, we isolated bulbar c-KIT-positive and c-KIT-negative melanocytes. While both subpopulations expressed MITF, only the c-KIT-positive fraction expressed SOX10. We further localized bulbar melanocyte subpopulations (expressing c-KIT, SOX10, MITF, and DCT) that exhibited distinct/variable expression of downstream differentiation-associated melanosome markers (e.g., gp100 and Melan-A). The localization of a second 'immature' SOX10 negative melanocyte population, which was c-KIT/MITF double-positive, was identified outside of the melanogenic zone in the most peripheral/proximal matrix. This study describes an approach to purifying human scalp anagen hair bulb melanocytes, allowing us to identify unexpected levels of melanocyte heterogeneity. The function of the more immature melanocytes in this part of the hair follicle remains to be elucidated. Could they be in-transit migratory cells ultimately destined to synthesize melanin, or could they contribute to the hair follicle in non-melanogenic ways?
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Casalou
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jay M. Mayatra
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Desmond J. Tobin
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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9
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Vand-Rajabpour F, Savage M, Belote RL, Judson-Torres RL. Critical Considerations for Investigating MicroRNAs during Tumorigenesis: A Case Study in Conceptual and Contextual Nuances of miR-211-5p in Melanoma. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:9. [PMID: 37218870 PMCID: PMC10204420 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7020009] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs fundamental to metazoan development and disease. Although the aberrant regulation of microRNAs during mammalian tumorigenesis is well established, investigations into the contributions of individual microRNAs are wrought with conflicting observations. The underlying cause of these inconsistencies is often attributed to context-specific functions of microRNAs. We propose that consideration of both context-specific factors, as well as underappreciated fundamental concepts of microRNA biology, will permit a more harmonious interpretation of ostensibly diverging data. We discuss the theory that the biological function of microRNAs is to confer robustness to specific cell states. Through this lens, we then consider the role of miR-211-5p in melanoma progression. Using literature review and meta-analyses, we demonstrate how a deep understating of domain-specific contexts is critical for moving toward a concordant understanding of miR-211-5p and other microRNAs in cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Vand-Rajabpour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 14155-6447, Tehran 14176-13151, Iran
| | - Meghan Savage
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rachel L. Belote
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Robert L. Judson-Torres
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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10
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Polisetti N, Reinhard T, Schlunck G. Efficient Isolation and Expansion of Limbal Melanocytes for Tissue Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097827. [PMID: 37175529 PMCID: PMC10177947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097827] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbal melanocytes (LMs) are found in the corneoscleral limbus basal epithelial layer and interact with neighboring limbal epithelial progenitor cells. The difficulty of isolating and cultivating LMs is due to the small fraction of LMs in the overall limbal population and the frequent contamination of primary cultures by other cell types. This has limited the research on freshly isolated LMs and the investigation of their biological significance in the maintenance of the limbal stem cell niche. Here, we describe an optimized protocol for the efficient isolation and expansion of LMs from cadaveric corneal limbal tissue using CD90 and CD117 as selective markers in fluorescence-activated cell sorting to obtain a pure population of LMs (CD90- CD117+) with self-renewal capacity and sustained melanin production. The isolation of pure LMs from a single preparation enables direct transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, as well as functional studies on freshly isolated LMs, which can be considered the proper counterparts of LMs in vivo and have potential applications in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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11
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Porcellato I, Orlandi M, Lo Giudice A, Sforna M, Mechelli L, Brachelente C. Canine melanocytes: Immunohistochemical expression of melanocytic markers in different somatic areas. Vet Dermatol 2023. [PMID: 36808650 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13150] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoblasts originate in the neural crest from where they migrate to peripheral tissues and differentiate into melanocytes. Alteration during melanocyte development and life can cause different diseases, ranging from pigmentary disorders and decreased visual and auditory functions, to tumours such as melanoma. Location and phenotypical features of melanocytes have been characterised in different species, yet data on dogs are lacking. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the expression of melanocytic markers Melan A, PNL2, TRP1, TRP2, SOX-10 and MITF in melanocytes of selected cutaneous and mucosal surfaces of dogs. ANIMALS At necropsy, samples from five dogs were harvested from oral mucosa, mucocutaneous junction, eyelid, nose and haired skin (abdomen, back, pinna, head). MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assess marker expression. RESULTS Results showed variable expression of melanocytic markers in different anatomical sites, particularly within epidermis of haired skin and dermal melanocytes. Melan A and SOX-10 were the most specific and sensitive melanocytic markers. PNL2 was less sensitive, while TRP1 and TRP2 were seldomly expressed by intraepidermal melanocytes in haired skin. MITF had a good sensitivity, yet the expression often was weak. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our results indicate a variable expression of melanocytic markers in different sites, suggesting the presence of subpopulations of melanocytes. These preliminary results pave the way to understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in degenerative melanocytic disorders and melanoma. Furthermore, the possible different expression of melanocyte markers in different anatomical sites could influence their sensitivity and specificity when used for diagnostic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Porcellato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Margherita Orlandi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Adriana Lo Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Monica Sforna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luca Mechelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Brachelente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Sengupta R, Mitra S, Dighal A, Moulik S, Chaudhuri SJ, Das NK, Chatterjee U, Chatterjee M. Does immune dysregulation contribute towards development of hypopigmentation in Indian post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis? Exp Dermatol 2023. [PMID: 36760064 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14760] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), a sequel of apparently cured visceral leishmaniasis (VL) presents with papulonodular (polymorphic) or hypopigmented lesions (macular) and is the proposed disease reservoir. As hypopigmentation appears consistently in PKDL, especially the macular form, this study aimed to delineate immune factors that singly or in combination could contribute towards this hypopigmentation. At lesional sites, the presence of melanocytes and CD8+ T-cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry and mRNA expression of melanogenic markers (tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 and MITF) by droplet digital PCR, while plasma levels of cytokines and chemokines were measured by a multiplex assay. In comparison with skin from healthy individuals, macular PKDL demonstrated a near total absence of Melan-A+ cells at dermal sites, while the polymorphic cases demonstrated a 3.2-fold decrease, along with a dramatic reduction in the expression of key enzymes related to the melanogenesis signalling pathway in both forms. The levels of circulating IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-2, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ-inducible chemokines (CXCL9/10/11) were elevated and was accompanied by an increased lesional infiltration of CD8+ T-cells. The proportion of CD8+ T-cells correlated strongly with plasma levels of IFN-γ (r = 0.8), IL-6 (r = 0.9, p < 0.05), IL-2 (r = 0.7), TNF-α (r = 0.9, p < 0.05) and IL-1β (r = 0.7), as also with CXCL9 (r = 0.5) and CXCL10 (r = 0.6). Taken together, the absence/reduction in Melan-A suggested hypopigmentation in PKDL was associated with the destruction of melanocytes, following the impairment of the melanogenesis pathway. Furthermore, the presence of CD8+ T-cells and an enhanced IFN-γ-associated immune milieu suggested the generation of a pro-inflammatory landscape that facilitated melanocyte dysfunction/destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Sengupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Sneha Mitra
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Aishwarya Dighal
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Srija Moulik
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Nilay Kanti Das
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Uttara Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Mitali Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
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Reduced Elastin Fibers and Melanocyte Loss in Vitiliginous Skin Are Restored after Repigmentation by Phototherapy and/or Autologous Minigraft Transplantation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315361. [PMID: 36499690 PMCID: PMC9739647 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315361] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitiligo is a hypopigmentation disease characterized by melanocyte death in the human epidermis. However, the mechanism of vitiligo development and repigmentation is largely unknown. Dermal fiber components might play an important role in vitiligo development and repigmentation. Indeed, our preliminary study demonstrated that elastin fibers were decreased in vitiliginous skin, suggesting that the elastin fiber is one of the factors involved in vitiligo development and repigmentation. To confirm our hypothesis, we investigated whether elastin fibers can be restored after treatment using phototherapy and/or autologous skin transplantation. Punch biopsies from 14 patients of stable nonsegmental vitiligo vulgaris were collected from nonlesional, lesional, and repigmented skin, and processed to dopa and combined dopa-premelanin reactions. Melanocytes positive to the dopa reaction and melanoblasts/melanocytes positive to the combined dopa-premelanin reaction were surveyed. Moreover, elastin fibers were detected by Victoria blue staining. Numerous melanocytes and melanoblasts were observed in the epidermis of repigmented skin after the treatment. Moreover, in the dermis of repigmented skin, elastin fibers were completely recovered or even upregulated. These results suggest that melanocyte loss in the vitiliginous skin, as well as melanocyte differentiation in repigmented skin, may be at least in part regulated by elastin fibers in the dermis.
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