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Petrenko O, Königshofer P, Brusilovskaya K, Hofer BS, Bareiner K, Simbrunner B, Jühling F, Baumert TF, Lupberger J, Trauner M, Kauschke SG, Pfisterer L, Simon E, Rendeiro AF, de Rooij LP, Schwabl P, Reiberger T. Transcriptomic signatures of progressive and regressive liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. iScience 2024; 27:109301. [PMID: 38469563 PMCID: PMC10926212 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent liver injury triggers a fibrogenic program that causes pathologic remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment (i.e., liver fibrosis) and portal hypertension. The dynamics of gene regulation during liver disease progression and early regression remain understudied. Here, we generated hepatic transcriptome profiles in two well-established liver disease models at peak fibrosis and during spontaneous regression after the removal of the inducing agents. We linked the dynamics of key disease readouts, such as portal pressure, collagen area, and transaminase levels, to differentially expressed genes, enabling the identification of transcriptomic signatures of progressive vs. regressive liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. These candidate biomarkers (e.g., Tcf4, Mmp7, Trem2, Spp1, Scube1, Islr) were validated in RNA sequencing datasets of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and those cured from hepatitis C infection. Finally, deconvolution identified major cell types and suggested an association of macrophage and portal hepatocyte signatures with portal hypertension and fibrosis area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Petrenko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Ksenia Brusilovskaya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Benedikt S. Hofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Katharina Bareiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Frank Jühling
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg 67000, France
| | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Service d’hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Joachim Lupberger
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Service d’hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Stefan G. Kauschke
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co.KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Larissa Pfisterer
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co.KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Eric Simon
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co.KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - André F. Rendeiro
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Laura P.M.H. de Rooij
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
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Sánchez-Duffhues G, Hiepen C. Human iPSCs as Model Systems for BMP-Related Rare Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2200. [PMID: 37681932 PMCID: PMC10487005 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling contribute to onset and development of a number of rare genetic diseases, including Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). After decades of animal research to build a solid foundation in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms, the progressive implementation of iPSC-based patient-derived models will improve drug development by addressing drug efficacy, specificity, and toxicity in a complex humanized environment. We will review the current state of literature on iPSC-derived model systems in this field, with special emphasis on the access to patient source material and the complications that may come with it. Given the essential role of BMPs during embryonic development and stem cell differentiation, gain- or loss-of-function mutations in the BMP signalling pathway may compromise iPSC generation, maintenance, and differentiation procedures. This review highlights the need for careful optimization of the protocols used. Finally, we will discuss recent developments towards complex in vitro culture models aiming to resemble specific tissue microenvironments with multi-faceted cellular inputs, such as cell mechanics and ECM together with organoids, organ-on-chip, and microfluidic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Sánchez-Duffhues
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), ISPA-HUCA, Avda. de Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Hiepen
- Department of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, August-Schmidt-Ring 10, 45665 Recklinghausen, Germany
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Lin YC, Sahoo BK, Gau SS, Yang RB. The biology of SCUBE. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:33. [PMID: 37237303 PMCID: PMC10214685 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00925-3] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The SCUBE [Signal peptide-Complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1 (CUB)-Epithelial growth factor domain-containing protein] family consists of three proteins in vertebrates, SCUBE1, 2 and 3, which are highly conserved in zebrafish, mice and humans. Each SCUBE gene encodes a polypeptide of approximately 1000 amino acids that is organized into five modular domains: (1) an N-terminal signal peptide sequence, (2) nine tandem epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats, (3) a large spacer region, (4) three cysteine-rich (CR) motifs, and (5) a CUB domain at the C-terminus. Murine Scube genes are expressed individually or in combination during the development of various tissues, including those in the central nervous system and the axial skeleton. The cDNAs of human SCUBE orthologs were originally cloned from vascular endothelial cells, but SCUBE expression has also been found in platelets, mammary ductal epithelium and osteoblasts. Both soluble and membrane-associated SCUBEs have been shown to play important roles in physiology and pathology. For instance, upregulation of SCUBEs has been reported in acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer and lung cancer. In addition, soluble SCUBE1 is released from activated platelets and can be used as a clinical biomarker for acute coronary syndrome and ischemic stroke. Soluble SCUBE2 enhances distal signaling by facilitating the secretion of dual-lipidated hedgehog from nearby ligand-producing cells in a paracrine manner. Interestingly, the spacer regions and CR motifs can increase or enable SCUBE binding to cell surfaces via electrostatic or glycan-lectin interactions. As such, membrane-associated SCUBEs can function as coreceptors that enhance the signaling activity of various serine/threonine kinase or tyrosine kinase receptors. For example, membrane-associated SCUBE3 functions as a coreceptor that promotes signaling in bone morphogenesis. In humans, SCUBE3 mutations are linked to abnormalities in growth and differentiation of both bones and teeth. In addition to studies on human SCUBE function, experimental results from genetically modified mouse models have yielded important insights in the field of systems biology. In this review, we highlight novel molecular discoveries and critical directions for future research on SCUBE proteins in the context of cancer, skeletal disease and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuh-Charn Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Binay K Sahoo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiang-Shin Gau
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Bing Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Kelly NJ, Chan SY. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Emerging Principles of Precision Medicine across Basic Science to Clinical Practice. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2022; 23:378. [PMID: 36875282 PMCID: PMC9980296 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2311378] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an enigmatic and deadly vascular disease with no known cure. Recent years have seen rapid advances in our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of PAH, with an expanding knowledge of the molecular, cellular, and systems-level drivers of disease that are being translated into novel therapeutic modalities. Simultaneous advances in clinical technology have led to a growing list of tools with potential application to diagnosis and phenotyping. Guided by fundamental biology, these developments hold the potential to usher in a new era of personalized medicine in PAH with broad implications for patient management and great promise for improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J Kelly
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute; Division of Cardiology; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Stephen Y Chan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute; Division of Cardiology; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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PPARγ and TGFβ-Major Regulators of Metabolism, Inflammation, and Fibrosis in the Lungs and Kidneys. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910431. [PMID: 34638771 PMCID: PMC8508998 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a type II nuclear receptor, initially recognized in adipose tissue for its role in fatty acid storage and glucose metabolism. It promotes lipid uptake and adipogenesis by increasing insulin sensitivity and adiponectin release. Later, PPARγ was implicated in cardiac development and in critical conditions such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and kidney failure. Recently, a cluster of different papers linked PPARγ signaling with another superfamily, the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), and its receptors, all of which play a major role in PAH and kidney failure. TGFβ is a multifunctional cytokine that drives inflammation, fibrosis, and cell differentiation while PPARγ activation reverses these adverse events in many models. Such opposite biological effects emphasize the delicate balance and complex crosstalk between PPARγ and TGFβ. Based on solid experimental and clinical evidence, the present review summarizes connections and their implications for PAH and kidney failure, highlighting the similarities and differences between lung and kidney mechanisms as well as discussing the therapeutic potential of PPARγ agonist pioglitazone.
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Cai M, Li X, Dong H, Wang Y, Huang X. CCR7 and its related molecules may be potential biomarkers of pulmonary arterial hypertension. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:1565-1578. [PMID: 33630421 PMCID: PMC8167855 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic progressive cardiovascular disease characterized by vascular remodeling and leading to right‐heart failure. The purpose of this research was to further study the pathogenesis of PAH and to detect potential prognostic signatures. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) selected from GSE38267 were mostly enriched in inflammation‐related pathways, suggesting inflammation may be involved in the occurrence and development of PAH. Through the prediction and verification of related miRNAs and long noncoding RNAs using online databases and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, CCR7 and its related molecules, including hsa‐let‐7e‐5p and SNHG12, were identified as possible targets. The expression levels of CCR7, hsa‐let‐7e‐5p and SNHG12 were then verified by quantitative RT‐PCR in vivo and in vitro. Further study showed that silencing of SNHG12 decreased the expression of CCR7 under hypoxia treatment in vitro. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the relationship between hsa‐let‐7e‐5p and SNHG12. Collectively, our research reveals that a long noncoding RNA–miRNA–mRNA interaction network may be involved in the pathogenesis of PAH and suggests SNHG12, hsa‐let‐7e‐5p and CCR7 as potential biomarkers for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengsi Cai
- Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiuchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haoru Dong
- Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
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