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Niu X, Xu C, Cheuk YC, Xu X, Liang L, Zhang P, Rong R. Characterizing hub biomarkers for post-transplant renal fibrosis and unveiling their immunological functions through RNA sequencing and advanced machine learning techniques. J Transl Med 2024; 22:186. [PMID: 38378674 PMCID: PMC10880303 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04971-9] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation stands out as the most effective renal replacement therapy for patients grappling with end-stage renal disease. However, post-transplant renal fibrosis is a prevalent and irreversible consequence, imposing a substantial clinical burden. Unfortunately, the clinical landscape remains devoid of reliable biological markers for diagnosing post-transplant renal interstitial fibrosis. METHODS We obtained transcriptome and single-cell sequencing datasets of patients with renal fibrosis from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Subsequently, we employed Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify potential genes by integrating core modules and differential genes. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted to unveil the involvement of potential pathways. To identify key biomarkers for renal fibrosis, we utilized logistic analysis, a LASSO-based tenfold cross-validation approach, and gene topological analysis within Cytoscape. Furthermore, histological staining, Western blotting (WB), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments were performed in a murine model of renal fibrosis to verify the identified hub genes. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to explore possible effective drugs. RESULTS Through WGCNA, the intersection of core modules and differential genes yielded a compendium of 92 potential genes. Logistic analysis, LASSO-based tenfold cross-validation, and gene topological analysis within Cytoscape identified four core genes (CD3G, CORO1A, FCGR2A, and GZMH) associated with renal fibrosis. The expression of these core genes was confirmed through single-cell data analysis and validated using various machine learning methods. Wet experiments also verified the upregulation of these core genes in the murine model of renal fibrosis. A positive correlation was observed between the core genes and immune cells, suggesting their potential role in bolstering immune system activity. Moreover, four potentially effective small molecules (ZINC000003830276-Tessalon, ZINC000003944422-Norvir, ZINC000008214629-Nonoxynol-9, and ZINC000085537014-Cobicistat) were identified through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. CONCLUSION Four potential hub biomarkers most associated with post-transplant renal fibrosis, as well as four potentially effective small molecules, were identified, providing valuable insights for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying post-transplant renal fibrosis and exploring new targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhao Niu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cuidi Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yin Celeste Cheuk
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lifei Liang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Pingbao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ruiming Rong
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Wang Y, Liang Y, Yuan Z, Mai W, Leng Y, Zhang R, Chen J, Lai C, Chen H, Wu X, Sheng C, Zhang Q. Cadmium facilitates the formation of large lipid droplets via PLCβ2-DAG-DGKε-PA signal pathway in Leydig cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115610. [PMID: 37866036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) exposure damages the reproductive system. Lipid droplets (LDs) play an important role in steroid-producing cells to provide raw material for steroid hormone. We have found that the LDs of Leydig cells exposed to Cd are bigger than those of normal cells, but the effects on steroidogenesis and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Using Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTARQ) proteomics, phosphodiesterase beta-2 (PLCβ2) was identified as the most significantly up-regulated protein in immature Leydig cells (ILCs) and adult Leydig cells (ALCs) derived from male rats exposed to maternal Cd. Consistent with high expression of PLCβ2, the size of LDs was increased in Leydig cells exposed to Cd, accompanied by reduction in cholesterol and progesterone (P4) levels. However, the high PLCβ2 did not result in high diacylglycerol (DAG) level, because Cd exposure up-regulated diacylglycerol kinases ε (DGKε) to promote the conversion from DAG to phosphatidic acid (PA). Exogenous PA, which was consistent with the intracellular PA concentration induced by Cd, facilitated the formation of large LDs in R2C cells, followed by reduced P4 level in the culture medium. When PLCβ2 expression was knocked down, the increased DGKε caused by Cd was reversed, and then the PA level was decreased to normal. As results, large LDs returned to normal size, and the level of total cholesterol was improved to restore steroidogenesis. The accumulation of PA regulated by PLCβ2-DAG-DGKε signal pathway is responsible for the formation of large LDs and insufficient steroid hormone synthesis in Leydig cells exposed to Cd. These data highlight that LD is an important target organelle for Cd-induced steroid hormone deficiency in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjin Wang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yuqing Liang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zansheng Yuan
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wanwen Mai
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yang Leng
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Runze Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jiayan Chen
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Caiyong Lai
- Department of Urology, The sixth affiliated hospital of Jinan University, Dongguan 523570, China
| | - Hongxia Chen
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangzhou Biopharmaceutical R&D Center of Jinan University Co., Ltd, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- Institute of Tissue Transplantation and Immunology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Chao Sheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qihao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangzhou Biopharmaceutical R&D Center of Jinan University Co., Ltd, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Gao X, Li G, Pan X, Xia J, Yan D, Xu Y, Ruan X, He H, Wei Y, Zhai J. Environmental and occupational exposure to cadmium associated with male reproductive health risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on epidemiological evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:7491-7517. [PMID: 37584848 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01719-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
There is an abundance of epidemiological evidence and animal experiments concerning the correlation between cadmium exposure and adverse male reproductive health outcomes. However, the evidence remains inconclusive. We conducted a literature search from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science over the past 3 decades. Pooled r and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from Cd levels of the type of biological materials and different outcome indicators to address the large heterogeneity of existing literature. Cd was negatively correlated with semen parameters (r = - 0.122, 95% CI - 0.151 to - 0.092) and positively correlated with sera sex hormones (r = 0.104, 95% CI 0.060 to 0.147). Among them, Cd in three different biological materials (blood, semen, and urine) was negatively correlated with semen parameters, while among sex hormones, only blood and urine were statistically positively correlated. In subgroup analysis, blood Cd was negatively correlated with semen density, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm count. Semen Cd was negatively correlated with semen concentration. As for serum sex hormones, blood Cd had no statistical significance with three hormones, while semen Cd was negatively correlated with testosterone. In summary, cadmium exposure might be associated with the risk of a decline in sperm quality and abnormal levels of sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Guangying Li
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Xingchen Pan
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Jiajia Xia
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Di Yan
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Yang Xu
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Xiang Ruan
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhou J, Zeng L, Xiong Y, Wang X, Xiang W, Su P. Paternal cadmium exposure affects estradiol synthesis by impairing intracellular cholesterol homeostasis and mitochondrial function in offspring female mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115280. [PMID: 37481860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal commonly found in nature and an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). Previous studies found that Cd can damage several organs, including the kidneys, bones, cardiovascular system and reproductive system. However, the effect of paternal Cd exposure on the offspring is unclear. In this study, 1 mg/kg of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) was injected intraperitoneally every other day in 8-week-old C57BL/6 J male mice to study the effects on their female offspring. Our results showed an increase in body weight, water intake and food intake in F1 female mice from the Cd-exposed group. The development of secondary follicles and antral follicles in the ovaries of Cd-treated was inhibited. Serum estradiol (E2) was found to be decreased. Further analysis revealed significant downregulation of StAR, P450scc, 17β-HSD, CYP17A1 and CYP19A1, which are related to E2 synthesis. Serum total cholesterol was increased and free cholesterol was reduced. Total cholesterol in ovarian tissue was decreased. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed a decrease in the mRNA and protein expression of HMGCR, LDLR, and ABCA1, which are associated with cholesterol homeostasis. Oil red O staining indicated that lipid droplets (LDs) were accumulated in ovarian tissues, while the expression of ATGL and HSL proteins associated with lipid droplet degradation was significantly downregulated. In juvenile female mice, ultrastructural alterations of mitochondria in the ovaries were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In adult female mice, the expression of proteins associated with mitochondrial dynamics (DRP1 and MFN2) was significantly reduced in the ovaries. Overall, our study suggests that paternal Cd exposure inhibits follicular development, and affects serum E2 synthesis by impairing cholesterol homeostasis and affecting mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jinzhao Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Medical Genetics Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Xiong
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430013, China
| | - Ping Su
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430013, China.
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Le N, Routh J, Kirk C, Wu Q, Patel R, Keyes C, Kim K. Red CdSe/ZnS QDs' Intracellular Trafficking and Its Impact on Yeast Polarization and Actin Filament. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030484. [PMID: 36766825 PMCID: PMC9914768 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantum dots are nanoparticles (2-10 nm) that emit strong and tunable fluorescence. Quantum dots have been heavily used in high-demand commercialized products, research, and for medical purposes. Emerging concerns have demonstrated the negative impact of quantum dots on living cells; however, the intracellular trafficking of QDs in yeast cells and the effect of this interaction remains unclear. The primary goal of our research is to investigate the trafficking path of red cadmium selenide zinc sulfide quantum dots (CdSe/ZnS QDs) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the impact QDs have on yeast cellular dynamics. Using cells with GFP-tagged reference organelle markers and confocal microscopy, we were able to track the internalization of QDs. We found that QDs initially aggregate at the exterior of yeast cells, enter the cell using clathrin-receptor-mediated endocytosis, and distribute at the late Golgi/trans-Golgi network. We also found that the treatment of red CdSe/ZnS QDs resulted in growth rate reduction and loss of polarized growth in yeast cells. Our RNA sequence analysis revealed many altered genes. Particularly, we found an upregulation of DID2, which has previously been associated with cell cycle arrest when overexpressed, and a downregulation of APS2, a gene that codes for a subunit of AP2 protein important for the recruitment of proteins to clathrin-mediated endocytosis vesicle. Furthermore, CdSe/ZnS QDs treatment resulted in a slightly delayed endocytosis and altered the actin dynamics in yeast cells. We found that QDs caused an increased level of F-actin and a significant reduction in profilin protein expression. In addition, there was a significant elevation in the amount of coronin protein expressed, while the level of cofilin was unchanged. Altogether, this suggests that QDs favor the assembly of actin filaments. Overall, this study provides a novel toxicity mechanism of red CdSe/ZnS QDs on yeast actin dynamics and cellular processes, including endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhi Le
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, 901 S National, Springfield, MO 65897, USA
| | - Jonathan Routh
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, 901 S National, Springfield, MO 65897, USA
| | - Cameron Kirk
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, 901 S National, Springfield, MO 65897, USA
| | - Qihua Wu
- Jordan Valley Innovation Center, 542 N Boonville, Springfield, MO 65806, USA
| | - Rishi Patel
- Jordan Valley Innovation Center, 542 N Boonville, Springfield, MO 65806, USA
| | - Chloe Keyes
- Jordan Valley Innovation Center, 542 N Boonville, Springfield, MO 65806, USA
| | - Kyoungtae Kim
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, 901 S National, Springfield, MO 65897, USA
- Correspondence:
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