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Greatbatch CJ, Lu Q, Hung S, Tran SN, Wing K, Liang H, Han X, Zhou T, Siggs OM, Mackey DA, Liu GS, Cook AL, Powell JE, Craig JE, MacGregor S, Hewitt AW. Deep Learning-Based Identification of Intraocular Pressure-Associated Genes Influencing Trabecular Meshwork Cell Morphology. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100504. [PMID: 38682030 PMCID: PMC11046128 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2024.100504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Genome-wide association studies have recently uncovered many loci associated with variation in intraocular pressure (IOP). Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to interrogate the effect of specific genetic knockouts on the morphology of trabecular meshwork cells (TMCs) and thus, IOP regulation. Design Experimental study. Subjects Primary TMCs collected from human donors. Methods Sixty-two genes at 55 loci associated with IOP variation were knocked out in primary TMC lines. All cells underwent high-throughput microscopy imaging after being stained with a 5-channel fluorescent cell staining protocol. A convolutional neural network was trained to distinguish between gene knockout and normal control cell images. The area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) metric was used to quantify morphological variation in gene knockouts to identify potential pathological perturbations. Main Outcome Measures Degree of morphological variation as measured by deep learning algorithm accuracy of differentiation from normal controls. Results Cells where LTBP2 or BCAS3 had been perturbed demonstrated the greatest morphological variation from normal TMCs (AUC 0.851, standard deviation [SD] 0.030; and AUC 0.845, SD 0.020, respectively). Of 7 multigene loci, 5 had statistically significant differences in AUC (P < 0.05) between genes, allowing for pathological gene prioritization. The mitochondrial channel most frequently showed the greatest degree of morphological variation (33.9% of cell lines). Conclusions We demonstrate a robust method for functionally interrogating genome-wide association signals using high-throughput microscopy and AI. Genetic variations inducing marked morphological variation can be readily identified, allowing for the gene-based dissection of loci associated with complex traits. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor J. Greatbatch
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Qinyi Lu
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Sandy Hung
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Son N. Tran
- Department of Information and Communication Technology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kristof Wing
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Helena Liang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xikun Han
- Statistical Genetics Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tiger Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Owen M. Siggs
- Cellular Genomics Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David A. Mackey
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Guei-Sheung Liu
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony L. Cook
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Joseph E. Powell
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jamie E. Craig
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- Statistical Genetics Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alex W. Hewitt
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Al-Saei O, Malka S, Owen N, Aliyev E, Vempalli FR, Ocieczek P, Al-Khathlan B, Fakhro K, Moosajee M. Increasing the diagnostic yield of childhood glaucoma cases recruited into the 100,000 Genomes Project. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:484. [PMID: 38755526 PMCID: PMC11097485 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10353-8] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood glaucoma (CG) encompasses a heterogeneous group of genetic eye disorders that is responsible for approximately 5% of childhood blindness worldwide. Understanding the molecular aetiology is key to improving diagnosis, prognosis and unlocking the potential for optimising clinical management. In this study, we investigated 86 CG cases from 78 unrelated families of diverse ethnic backgrounds, recruited into the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project (GE100KGP) rare disease cohort, to improve the genetic diagnostic yield. Using the Genomics England/Genomic Medicine Centres (GE/GMC) diagnostic pipeline, 13 unrelated families were solved (13/78, 17%). Further interrogation using an expanded gene panel yielded a molecular diagnosis in 7 more unrelated families (7/78, 9%). This analysis effectively raises the total number of solved CG families in the GE100KGP to 26% (20/78 families). Twenty-five percent (5/20) of the solved families had primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), while 75% (15/20) had secondary CG; 53% of this group had non-acquired ocular anomalies (including iris hypoplasia, megalocornea, ectopia pupillae, retinal dystrophy, and refractive errors) and 47% had non-acquired systemic diseases such as cardiac abnormalities, hearing impairment, and developmental delay. CYP1B1 was the most frequently implicated gene, accounting for 55% (11/20) of the solved families. We identified two novel likely pathogenic variants in the TEK gene, in addition to one novel pathogenic copy number variant (CNV) in FOXC1. Variants that passed undetected in the GE100KGP diagnostic pipeline were likely due to limitations of the tiering process, the use of smaller gene panels during analysis, and the prioritisation of coding SNVs and indels over larger structural variants, CNVs, and non-coding variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omayma Al-Saei
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Samantha Malka
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Nicholas Owen
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Elbay Aliyev
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Paulina Ocieczek
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | | | - Khalid Fakhro
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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Ranocchia J, Irving W, Haase B. Exclusion of previously described variant in LTBP2 for primary glaucoma in Australian Burmese cats. Anim Genet 2023; 54:657-658. [PMID: 37499110 DOI: 10.1111/age.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Ranocchia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - W Irving
- Eye Clinic for Animals, Artarmon, New South Wales, Australia
| | - B Haase
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Wang M, Wang M, Zhao J, Xu H, Xi Y, Yang H. Dengzhan Shengmai capsule attenuates cardiac fibrosis in post-myocardial infarction rats by regulating LTBP2 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154849. [PMID: 37163903 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac fibrosis contributes to myocardial remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), which may facilitate the progression to end-stage heart failure. Dengzhan Shengmai capsule (DZSMC), a traditional Chinese formula derived from Shen-mai powder, has shown remarkable therapeutic effects against cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of DZSMC on cardiac fibrosis and its potential mechanism are ill-defined. PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of DZSMC on cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) and investigate its underlying mechanism. METHOD In vivo, MI rat models were established by permanently ligation of left anterior descending coronary arteries (LAD) and then were intragastrically treated with DZSMC or captopril for 5 weeks. Ex vivo, an everted intestinal sac model was used to study the intestinal absorption components of DZSMC, which were further identified through an ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) method. In vitro, a myocardium fibrotic model was constructed by stimulating primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) with 1 μM Ang II. Subsequently, the absorbent solution of DZSMC from the intestinal sac was performed on the cell models to further elucidate its anti-fibrotic effects and underling mechanism. RESULTS In vivo results showed that DZSMC significantly improved cardiac function and inhibited pathological myocardial fibrosis in post-MI rats in a dose dependent manner. Histological analysis and western blot results demonstrated that DZSMC treatment significantly reduced the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins, including LTBP2, TGF-βR1, Smad3 and pSmad3, in myocardial tissue of MI rats. Ex vivo results showed that 18 absorbed components were identified, mainly consisting of phenolic acids, flavonoids and lignans, which may be responsible for the anti-fibrotic effects. Further in vitro results validated that DZSMC attenuated myocardial fibrosis by suppressing the expression of LTBP2, TGF-β1 and pSmad3. CONCLUSION DZSMC ameliorates cardiac function and alleviates cardiac fibrosis, which may be mediated by inhibition of CFs activation and reduction of excessive ECM deposition via LTBP2 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maolin Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Menglan Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Experimental Research Centre, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - He Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yujie Xi
- Experimental Research Centre, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hongjun Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China; Experimental Research Centre, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China.
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Liu L, Yang X, Zhang J, Jiang W, Hou T, Zong Y, Bai H, Yang K, Yang X. Long non-coding RNA SNHG11 regulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through rho/ROCK in trabecular meshwork cells. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22873. [PMID: 36929360 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201733rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) cell dysfunction is the leading cause of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 11 (SNHG11) is associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis, but its biological functions and role in glaucoma pathogenesis remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of SNHG11 in TM cells using immortalized human TM and glaucomatous human TM (GTM3 ) cells and an acute ocular hypertension mouse model. SNHG11 expression was depleted using siRNA targeting SNHG11. Transwell assays, quantitative real-time PCR analysis (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and CCK-8 assay were used to evaluate cell migration, apoptosis, autophagy, and proliferation. Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity was inferred from qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and luciferase reporter and TOPFlash reporter assays. The expression of Rho kinases (ROCKs) was detected using qRT-PCR and western blotting. SNHG11 was downregulated in GTM3 cells and mice with acute ocular hypertension. In TM cells, SNHG11 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and migration, activated autophagy, and apoptosis, repressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and activated Rho/ROCK. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activity increased in TM cells treated with ROCK inhibitor. SNHG11 regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling through Rho/ROCK by increasing GSK-3β expression and β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33/37/Thr41 while decreasing β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser675. We demonstrate that the lncRNA SNHG11 regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling through Rho/ROCK via β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser675 or GSK-3β-mediated phosphorylation at Ser33/37/Thr41, affecting cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and autophagy. Through its effects on Wnt/β-catenin signaling, SNHG11 is implicated in glaucoma pathogenesis and is a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Zong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiqing Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Yang
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
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Wang D, Zhang Y, Cui L, Yang Q, Wang J. Elevated latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 2 in endometriosis promotes endometrial stromal cell invasion and proliferation via the NF-kB signaling pathway. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 550:111647. [PMID: 35429597 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis, defined as the abnormal growth of functional endometrium outside the uterus, is characterized by the abnormal phenotype of endometrial cells. This study aimed to investigate the role of latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 2 (LTBP2), an extracellular matrix protein, in the occurrence and development of endometriosis. Elevated LTBP2 expression levels were observed in endometrial tissues and serum of endometriosis patients and their area under the ROC curve (AUC) values for distinguishing endometriosis were 0.9044 and 0.9534, respectively. Overexpressing-LTBP2 could promote proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas suppressing apoptosis of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Moreover, LTBP2 downregulation induced the opposite effect. The supernatant from ESCs overexpressing LTBP2 promoted the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), thus indicating an angiogenic effect. Furthermore, overexpression of LTBP2 facilitated the inflammation and might promote endometriosis progression through the NF-kB signaling pathway. Conclusively, LTBP2 might be a potential target in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liangyi Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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7
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Animal Model Contributions to Primary Congenital Glaucoma. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:6955461. [PMID: 35663518 PMCID: PMC9162845 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6955461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is an ocular disease characterized by congenital anterior segmental maldevelopment with progressive optic nerve degeneration. Certain genes, such as cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily B member 1 and latent TGF-β-binding protein 2, are involved in the pathogenesis of PCG, but the exact pathogenic mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. There is an urgent need to determine the etiology and pathophysiology of PCG and develop new therapeutic methods to stop disease progression. Animal models can simulate PCG and are essential to study the pathogenesis and treatment of PCG. Various animal species have been used in the study of PCG, including rabbits, rats, mice, cats, zebrafish, and quails. These models are formed spontaneously or by combining with genetic engineering technology. The focus of the present study is to review the characteristics and potential applications of animal models in PCG and provide new approaches to understand the mechanism and develop new treatment strategies for patients with PCG.
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Li Y, Meng F, Sui C, Wang Y, Cheng D. CircWHSC1 expedites cervical cancer progression via miR-532-3p/LTBP2 axis. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:1669-1679. [PMID: 35235125 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04395-3] [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: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated circRNAs have potential roles in the progression of various cancer types, including cervical cancer (CaCx). The carcinogenic roles of circRNA Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate gene-1 (circWHSC1) are described in the development of diverse cancers. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression and the underlying role of circWHSC1 in CaCx. The expression of circWHSC1 was detected by real-time PCR. After the suppression of circWHSC1 expression, the changes in the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis capacities were detected by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assays, flow cytometry, and the determination of apoptosis-related proteins. The interplay among circWHSC1, miR-532-3p, and latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein 2 (LTBP2) was confirmed by luciferase reporter and biotinylated RNA pull-down assays. A nude mice xenograft tumor model was established to evaluate the anti-tumorigenic role of circWHSC1 silencing in vivo. CircWHSC1 was overexpressed in CaCx tissues and cell lines and its high expression was inversely associated with the survival rate of patients with CaCx. CircWHSC1 silencing was capable of suppressing the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of tumor cells and inducing apoptosis. Investigation to its molecular mechanism revealed that circWHSC1 functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), mediating LTBP2 expression by targeting miR-532-3p. The in vivo experiments further confirmed the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by circWHSC1 knockdown. The circWHSC1-mediated miR-532-3p/LTBP2 signaling axis might be a novel therapeutic target for CaCx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Fandong Meng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Chengguang Sui
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Dali Cheng
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, China.
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Zou M, Zou J, Hu X, Zheng W, Zhang M, Cheng Z. Latent Transforming Growth Factor-β Binding Protein-2 Regulates Lung Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Differentiation in Pulmonary Fibrosis via NF-κB Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:788714. [PMID: 35002722 PMCID: PMC8740300 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.788714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite past extensive studies, the mechanisms underlying pulmonary fibrosis (PF) still remain poorly understood. The aberrantly activated lung myofibroblasts, predominantly emerging through fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation, are considered to be the key cells in PF, resulting in excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Latent transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) binding protein-2 (LTBP2) has been suggested as playing a critical role in modulating the structural integrity of the ECM. However, its function in PF remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that lungs originating from different types of patients with PF, including idiopathic PF and rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease, and from mice following bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF were characterized by increased LTBP2 expression in activated lung fibroblasts/myofibroblasts. Moreover, serum LTBP2 was also elevated in patients with COVID-19-related PF. LTBP2 silencing by lentiviral shRNA transfection protected against BLM-induced PF and suppressed fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation in vivo and in vitro. More importantly, LTBP2 overexpression was able to induce differentiation of lung fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in vitro, even in the absence of TGFβ1. By further mechanistic analysis, we demonstrated that LTBP2 silencing prevented fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and subsequent PF by suppressing the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB signaling. LTBP2 overexpression-induced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation depended on the activation of NF-κB signaling in vitro. Therefore, our data indicate that intervention to silence LTBP2 may represent a promising therapy for PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglin Zou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingfeng Zou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Xingxing Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weishuai Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingyang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenshun Cheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Genome-Wide Polygenic Risk Score for Predicting High Risk Glaucoma Individuals of Han Chinese Ancestry. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111169. [PMID: 34834521 PMCID: PMC8618593 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive and irreversible blindness-causing disease. However, the underlying genetic factors and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have made tremendous progress on the SNP-based disease association and characterization. However, most of them were conducted for Europeans. Since differential genetic characteristics among ethnic groups were evident in glaucoma, it is worthwhile to complete its genetic landscape from the larger cohorts of Asian individuals. Here, we present a GWAS based on the Taiwan Biobank. Among 1013 glaucoma patients and 36,562 controls, we identified a total of 138 independent glaucoma-associated SNPs at the significance level of p < 1 × 10−5. After clumping genetically linked SNPs (LD clumping), 134 independent SNPs with p < 10−4 were recruited to construct a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS). The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.8387 (95% CI = [0.8269–0.8506]), and those within the top PRS quantile had a 45.48-fold increased risk of glaucoma compared with those within the lowest quantile. The PRS model was validated with an independent cohort that achieved an AUC of 0.7283, thereby showing the effectiveness of our polygenic risk score in predicting individuals in the Han Chinese population with higher glaucoma risks.
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11
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Shi C, Li X, Hong F, Wang X, Jiang T, Sun B, Li S. Latent-transforming growth factor β-binding protein 2 accelerates cardiac fibroblast apoptosis by regulating the expression and activity of caspase-3. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1146. [PMID: 34504591 PMCID: PMC8393931 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a core process in the development of heart failure. However, the underlying mechanism of cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. Recently, a study found that in an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac fibrosis animal model, there is high expression of latent-transforming growth factor β-binding protein 2 (LTBP2) in cardiac fibroblasts. Whether LTBP2 serves a role in cardiac fibrosis is currently unknown. In the present study, mouse cardiac fibroblasts (MCFs) were treated with 100 µM/l ISO for 24, 48, or 72 h, and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to knockdown LTBP2. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to determine gene and protein expression levels, respectively. Caspase-3 serves a key role in cell apoptosis and is related to cardiac fibrosis-induced heart failure. Caspase-3 activity was therefore determined using a caspase-3 assay kit, CCK8 was used to determine the rate of cell proliferation and apoptosis rates were quantified using a cell death detection ELISA kit. The present study demonstrated that cell apoptosis and LTBP2 expression increased in MCFs treated with 100 µM/l ISO in a time-dependent manner. Expression and activity of caspase-3 also increased in MCFs treated with 100 µM/l ISO for 48 h compared with the control group. In addition, ISO stimulation-induced MCF apoptosis, along with the increased expression of caspase-3 were partly abolished when LTBP2 was knocked down. In conclusion, LTBP2 expression increased in ISO-treated MCFs and accelerated mouse cardiac fibroblast apoptosis by enhancing the expression and activity of caspase-3. LTBP2 may therefore be a potential therapeutic target for treating patients with cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlai Shi
- Cardiovascular Department, Jinqiu Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Li
- Cardiovascular Department, Jinqiu Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Fei Hong
- Cardiovascular Department, Jinqiu Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Xueyan Wang
- Cardiovascular Department, Jinqiu Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Cardiovascular Department, Jinqiu Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Bingbing Sun
- Cardiovascular Department, Jinqiu Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Li
- Cardiovascular Department, Jinqiu Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
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12
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Colbert MK, Ho LC, van der Merwe Y, Yang X, McLellan GJ, Hurley SA, Field AS, Yun H, Du Y, Conner IP, Parra C, Faiq MA, Fingert JH, Wollstein G, Schuman JS, Chan KC. Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Visual Pathway Abnormalities in Five Glaucoma Animal Models. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:21. [PMID: 34410298 PMCID: PMC8383913 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.10.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize the visual pathway integrity of five glaucoma animal models using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods Two experimentally induced and three genetically determined models of glaucoma were evaluated. For inducible models, chronic IOP elevation was achieved via intracameral injection of microbeads or laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork in adult rodent eyes. For genetic models, the DBA/2J mouse model of pigmentary glaucoma, the LTBP2 mutant feline model of congenital glaucoma, and the transgenic TBK1 mouse model of normotensive glaucoma were compared with their respective genetically matched healthy controls. DTI parameters, including fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity, were evaluated along the optic nerve and optic tract. Results Significantly elevated IOP relative to controls was observed in each animal model except for the transgenic TBK1 mice. Significantly lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity were observed along the visual pathways of the microbead- and laser-induced rodent models, the DBA/2J mice, and the LTBP2-mutant cats compared with their respective healthy controls. The DBA/2J mice also exhibited lower axial diffusivity, which was not observed in the other models examined. No apparent DTI change was observed in the transgenic TBK1 mice compared with controls. Conclusions Chronic IOP elevation was accompanied by decreased fractional anisotropy and increased radial diffusivity along the optic nerve or optic tract, suggestive of disrupted microstructural integrity in both inducible and genetic glaucoma animal models. The effects on axial diffusivity differed between models, indicating that this DTI metric may represent different aspects of pathological changes over time and with severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max K Colbert
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Leon C Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yolandi van der Merwe
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Xiaoling Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gillian J McLellan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Samuel A Hurley
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Aaron S Field
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Hongmin Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ian P Conner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Carlos Parra
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Muneeb A Faiq
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States
| | - John H Fingert
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Gadi Wollstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States.,Center for Neural Science, College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York, United States
| | - Joel S Schuman
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States.,Center for Neural Science, College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York, United States.,Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Kevin C Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States.,Center for Neural Science, College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York, United States.,Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Radiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States
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13
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Liu A, Wang L, Feng Q, Zhang D, Chen K, Yiming GH, Wang Q, Hong Y, Whelchel A, Zhang X, Li X, Dong L. Low expression of GSTP1 in the aqueous humour of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:3063-3079. [PMID: 33599104 PMCID: PMC7957170 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) is characterized by irreversible neurodegeneration accompanied by visual field defects and high intraocular pressure. Currently, an effective treatment is not available to prevent the progression of POAG, other than treatments to decrease the high intraocular pressure. We performed proteomic analysis of aqueous humour (AH) samples from patients with POAG combined with cataract and patients with cataract to obtain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of POAG and explore potential treatment targets for this condition. Samples were collected from 10 patients with POAG combined with cataract and 10 patients with cataract. Samples from each group were pooled. A high‐resolution, label‐free, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry‐based quantitative proteomic analysis was performed. In total, 610 proteins were identified in human AH samples from the two groups. A total of 48 up‐regulated proteins and 49 down‐regulated proteins were identified in the POAG combined with cataract group compared with the control group. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed key roles for these proteins in inflammation, immune responses, growth and development, cellular movement and vesicle‐mediated transport in the biological process category. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated the down‐regulated expression of glutathione S‐transferase P (GSTP1) in the glutathione metabolism signalling pathway in the POAG combined with cataract group. Additionally, certain significantly differentially expressed proteins in the proteomic profile were verified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). GSTP1 levels were reduced in the human AH samples from the POAG combined with cataract group, based on the results of ELISA and proteomic profiling. Therefore, GSTP1, a redox‐related marker, may be involved in the pathological process of POAG and may become a treatment target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aihua Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Feng
- Ophthalmology Department of People's Hospital of Hotan District, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Ophthalmology Department of People's Hospital of Hotan District, Xinjiang, China
| | - Kexi Chen
- Ophthalmology Department of People's Hospital of Hotan District, Xinjiang, China
| | - Guli Humaer Yiming
- Ophthalmology Department of People's Hospital of Hotan District, Xinjiang, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaru Hong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Amy Whelchel
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK, USA
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijie Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
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14
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Characterization of TGF-β by Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010107. [PMID: 33451157 PMCID: PMC7828702 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a critical role in the pathomechanism of glaucoma, which is a multifactorial blinding disease that may cause irreversible damage within human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs). It is known that the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is an important component of oxidative stress-induced damage related to extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrosis and activates cell antioxidative mechanisms. To elucidate the dual potential roles and regulatory mechanisms of TGF-β in effects on HTMCs, we established an in vitro oxidative model using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and further focused on TGF-β-related oxidative stress pathways and the related signal transduction. Via a series of cell functional qualitative analyses to detect related protein level alterations and cell fibrosis status, we illustrated the role of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in oxidative stress-induced injury by shTGF-β1 and shTGF-β2 knockdown or added recombinant human TGF-β1 protein (rhTGF-β1). The results of protein level showed that p38 MAPK, TGF-β, and its related SMAD family were activated after H2O2 stimulation. Cell functional assays showed that HTMCs with H2O2 exposure duration had a more irregular actin architecture compared to normal TM cells. Data with rhTGF-β1 (1 ng/mL) pretreatment reduced the cell apoptosis rate and amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while it also enhanced survival. Furthermore, TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in terms of antioxidant signaling were related to the activation of collagen I and laminin, which are fibrosis-response proteins. Succinctly, our study demonstrated that low concentrations of TGF-β1 (1 ng/mL) preserves HTMCs from free radical-mediated injury by p-p38 MAPK level and p-AKT signaling balance, presenting a signaling transduction mechanism of TGF-β1 in HTMC oxidative stress-related therapies.
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15
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TGF-β1 signaling protects retinal ganglion cells from oxidative stress via modulation of the HO-1/Nrf2 pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 331:109249. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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16
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Moazzeni H, Khani M, Elahi E. Insights into the regulatory molecules involved in glaucoma pathogenesis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:782-827. [PMID: 32935930 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is an important cause of irreversible blindness, characterized by optic nerve anomalies. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and aging are major risk factors. Retinal ganglion cells and trabecular meshwork cells are certainly involved in the etiology of glaucoma. Glaucoma is usually a complex disease, and various genes and functions may contribute to its etiology. Among these may be genes that encode regulatory molecules. In this review, regulatory molecules including 18 transcription factors (TFs), 195 microRNAs (miRNAs), 106 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and two circular RNAs (circRNAs) that are reasonable candidates for having roles in glaucoma pathogenesis are described. The targets of the regulators are reported. Glaucoma-related features including apoptosis, stress responses, immune functions, ECM properties, IOP, and eye development are affected by the targeted genes. The targeted genes that are frequently targeted by multiple regulators most often affect apoptosis and the related features of cell death and cell survival. BCL2, CDKN1A, and TP53 are among the frequent targets of three types of glaucoma-relevant regulators, TFs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. TP53 was itself identified as a glaucoma-relevant TF. Several of the glaucoma-relevant TFs are themselves among frequent targets of regulatory molecules, which is consistent with existence of a complex network involved in glaucoma pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Moazzeni
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Khani
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Elahi
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Yang B, Yang Y, Liu Y, Li H, Ren S, Peng Z, Fang K, Yang L, Dong Q. Molecular characteristics of varicocele: integration of whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing. Fertil Steril 2020; 115:363-372. [PMID: 32912637 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the exome and transcriptome characteristics potentially underlying the pathogenesis of varicocele (VE). DESIGN Experimental study and cohort study. SETTING Academic research laboratory and university-affiliated hospital. PATIENT(S) Eleven VE patients whose fathers also had VE, plus 151 additional patients and 324 healthy men for variants genotyping; for the rat model, eight Sprague-Dawley male rats. INTERVENTION(S) Partial ligation of renal vein was conducted to establish VE rat models for whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Genes with differential expression and/or harboring potential pathogenic variants detected via RNA-seq and whole-exome sequencing (WES) then subjected to population-based survey to define candidate genes of VE and analyzed via Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes to identify VE-involved pathways. RESULT(S) Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed using left spermatic veins of five rat VE models and three controls. We identified 9,688 genes and 18 pathways via RNA-seq, and via WES 160 genes harboring 279 potential deleterious variants and 16 pathways. Nine genes (AAMP, KMT2D, IRS2, SPINT1, IFT122, MKI67, DCHS1, LAMA2, and CBL) had variants in more than one patient who underwent WES, and six of these genes (AAMP, SPINT1, MKI67, IFT122, LAMA2, and DCHS1) showed differential expression. The population-based survey showed that AAMP, SPINT1, and MKI67 were strongly associated with VE risk. Together, two omic 67 data sets revealed four pathways potentially related to VE. CONCLUSION(S) For the first time, we have described the exome and transcriptome characteristics of VE. The bi-omics identified novel candidate genes and pathways involving the occurrence and development of VE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunqiang Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangqing Ren
- Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhufeng Peng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Fang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Luchen Yang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Ling C, Zhang D, Zhang J, Sun H, Du Q, Li X. Updates on the molecular genetics of primary congenital glaucoma (Review). Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:968-977. [PMID: 32742340 PMCID: PMC7388405 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is one of the primary causes of blindness in children and is characterized by congenital trabecular meshwork and anterior chamber angle dysplasia. While being a rare condition, PCG severely impairs the quality of life of affected patients. However, the pathogenesis of PCG remains to be fully elucidated. It has previously been indicated that genetic factors serve a critical role in the pathogenesis of PCG, although patients with PCG exhibit significant genetic heterogeneity. Mutations in the cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily B member 1 gene have been implicated in PCG and further genes that have been reported to be involved in PCG are myocilin, forkhead box C1, collagen type I α1 chain and latent transforming growth factor β binding protein 2. The present review aims to provide an up to date understanding of the genes associated with PCG and the use of molecular technologies in the identification of such genes and mutations. This may pave the way for the development of preventative methods, early diagnosis and improved therapeutic strategies in PCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ling
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Disease, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, P.R. China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, P.R. China
| | - Dingding Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Disease, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, P.R. China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, P.R. China
| | - Huanxin Sun
- Department of Immunology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637100, P.R. China
| | - Qiu Du
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Xuefei Li
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
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19
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Jiang P, Zhang S, Cheng C, Gao S, Tang M, Lu L, Yang G, Chai R. The Roles of Exosomes in Visual and Auditory Systems. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:525. [PMID: 32582658 PMCID: PMC7283584 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are nanoscale membrane-enclosed vesicles 30-150 nm in diameter that are originated from a number of type cells by the endocytic pathway and consist of proteins, lipids, RNA, and DNA. Although, exosomes were initially considered to be cellular waste, they have gradually been recognized to join in cell-cell communication and cell signal transmission. In addition, exosomal contents can be applied as biomarkers for clinical judgment and exosomes can as potential carriers in a novel drug delivery system. Unfortunately, purification methods of exosomes remain an obstacle. We described some common purification methods and highlight Morpho Menelaus (M. Menelaus) butterfly wings can be developed as efficient methods for exosome isolation. Furthermore, the current research on exosomes mainly focused on their roles in cancer, while related studies on exosomes in the visual and auditory systems are limited. Here we reviewed the biogenesis and contents of exosomes. And more importantly, we summarized the roles of exosomes and provided prospective for exosome research in the visual and auditory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Mingliang Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- MOE Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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20
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Wang M, Zheng Y. Oxidative stress and antioxidants in the trabecular meshwork. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8121. [PMID: 31788363 PMCID: PMC6883950 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is an age-dependent disease closely related to oxidative stress and is regarded as the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. In recent years, many studies have shown that morphological and functional abnormalities of the trabecular meshwork (TM) are closely related to glaucoma, especially with respect to oxidative stress. In this review, the mechanisms of oxidative stress in the TM and treatment strategies for this condition, including strategies involving antioxidants, noncoding RNAs and exogenous compounds, are discussed. Although many questions remain to be answered, the reviewed findings provide insights for further research on oxidative stress alleviation in glaucoma and suggest new targets for glaucoma prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd hospital affiliated to Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yajuan Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd hospital affiliated to Jilin University, Changchun, China
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21
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Yan J, Yang X, Jiao X, Yang X, Guo M, Chen Y, Zhan L, Chen W. Integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis reveals CD9/ITGA4/PI3K-Akt axis mediates trabecular meshwork cell apoptosis in human glaucoma. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:814-829. [PMID: 31680442 PMCID: PMC6933396 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma has been the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a high‐risk factor of glaucoma, repression of which has been the important treatment of glaucoma in clinic. Trabecular meshwork is crucial for maintaining IOP in aqueous humour out‐flow system. It is urgent to reveal the molecular mechanism of trabecular meshwork in glaucoma. Previous studies found that some pathways were related to glaucoma, such as extracellular matrix (ECM)‐receptor interaction, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐protein kinase B (Akt) and apoptosis. To identify novel molecules in glaucoma, we performed high‐throughput transcriptome and proteome analysis to immortal human trabecular meshwork cells (iHTM) and glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork cells (GTM3), respectively. Twenty‐six up‐regulated genes/proteins and 59 down‐regulated genes/proteins were identified as the high‐risk factors based on differential analysis, including some known factors of glaucoma. Furthermore, a glaucoma‐related protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for investigating the function roles of risk factors. Some genes were identified as potential regulator in the pathogenesis of glaucoma based on the topology analysis and module analysis to the network. Importantly, we identified and demonstrated that CD9 played key roles in glaucoma by biological experiment. CD9 is down‐regulated in glaucoma, overexpression of CD9 can active integrin α4 (ITGA4), PI3K and Akt, which lead to the decreased apoptosis and attenuate glaucoma. All these results provide a novel molecular therapy of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Yan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuefei Jiao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xian Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mingjin Guo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yunqing Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lu Zhan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenshi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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22
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Moazzeni H, Mirrahimi M, Moghadam A, Banaei-Esfahani A, Yazdani S, Elahi E. Identification of genes involved in glaucoma pathogenesis using combined network analysis and empirical studies. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:3637-3663. [PMID: 31518395 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. We aimed in this study to identify genes that may make subtle and cumulative contributions to glaucoma pathogenesis. To this end, we identified molecular interactions and pathways that include transcription factors (TFs) FOXC1, PITX2, PAX6 and NFKB1 and various microRNAs including miR-204 known to have relevance to trabecular meshwork (TM) functions and/or glaucoma. TM tissue is involved in glaucoma pathogenesis. In-house microarray transcriptome results and data sources were used to identify target genes of the regulatory molecules. Bioinformatics analyses were done to filter TM and glaucoma relevant genes. These were submitted to network-creating softwares to define interactions, pathways and a network that would include the genes. The network was stringently scrutinized and minimized, then expanded by addition of microarray data and data on TF and microRNA-binding sites. Selected features of the network were confirmed by empirical studies such as dual luciferase assays, real-time PCR and western blot experiments and apoptosis assays. MYOC, WDR36, LTPBP2, RHOA, CYP1B1, OPA1, SPARC, MEIS2, PLEKHG5, RGS5, BBS5, ALDH1A1, NOMO2, CXCL6, FMNL2, ADAMTS5, CLOCK and DKK1 were among the genes included in the final network. Pathways identified included those that affect ECM properties, IOP, ciliary body functions, retinal ganglion cell viability, apoptosis, focal adhesion and oxidative stress response. The identification of many genes potentially involved in glaucoma pathology is consistent with its being a complex disease. The inclusion of several known glaucoma-related genes validates the approach used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Moazzeni
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehraban Mirrahimi
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Moghadam
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Banaei-Esfahani
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Yazdani
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Elahi
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Chen J, Gao G, Wang H, Ye X, Zhou J, Lin J. Expression and clinical significance of latent-transforming growth factor beta-binding protein 2 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e17216. [PMID: 31574831 PMCID: PMC6775391 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000017216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore the expression of latent transforming growth factor β binding protein 2 (LTBP2) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their correlation to clinicopathologial features.Serum levels of LTBP2 in 60 patients with HCC, 35 patients with hepatocellular benign tumors, 60 patients with precancerous lesions of HCC, and 60 healthy volunteers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of LTBP2 at messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in 60 cases of HCC and adjacent tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohisochemistry. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the relationship between LTBP2 and clinical characteristics of patients with HCC.The mRNA and protein levels of LTBP2 were significantly upregulated in HCC tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Additionally, higher serum LTBP2 level was also observed in HCC patients relative to normal controls. Further investigation demonstrated that LTBP2 expression was associated with malignant degree of tumor, tumor progression, tumor differentiation, tumor size, tumor stage and hepatitis virus infection, and has prognostic implications in HCC patients.LTBP2 might be served as a potential biomarker in diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinchun Chen
- Department of Laboratory Center, Ningbo No.2 Hospital
| | - Guosheng Gao
- Department of Laboratory Center, Ningbo No.2 Hospital
| | | | - Xingtao Ye
- Department of Oncology, Ningbo Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
| | | | - Jianjun Lin
- Department of Laboratory, Ningbo No.4 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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