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Soffritti I, D’Accolti M, Bini F, Mazziga E, Di Luca D, Maccari C, Arcangeletti MC, Caselli E. Virus-Induced MicroRNA Modulation and Systemic Sclerosis Disease. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1360. [PMID: 38927567 PMCID: PMC11202132 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061360] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNA sequences that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They are involved in the regulation of multiple pathways, related to both physiological and pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases, such as Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Specifically, SSc is recognized as a complex and multifactorial disease, characterized by vascular abnormalities, immune dysfunction, and progressive fibrosis, affecting skin and internal organs. Among predisposing environmental triggers, evidence supports the roles of oxidative stress, chemical agents, and viral infections, mostly related to those sustained by beta-herpesviruses such as HCMV and HHV-6. Dysregulated levels of miRNA expression have been found in SSc patients compared to healthy controls, at both the intra- and extracellular levels, providing a sort of miRNA signature of the SSc disease. Notably, HCMV/HHV-6 viral infections were shown to modulate the miRNA profile, often superposing that observed in SSc, potentially promoting pathological pathways associated with SSc development. This review summarizes the main data regarding miRNA alterations in SSc disease, highlighting their potential as prognostic or diagnostic markers for SSc disease, and the impact of the putative SSc etiological agents on miRNA modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Soffritti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.S.); (M.D.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria D’Accolti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.S.); (M.D.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Bini
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.S.); (M.D.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mazziga
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.S.); (M.D.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Clara Maccari
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.M.); (M.-C.A.)
| | - Maria-Cristina Arcangeletti
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.M.); (M.-C.A.)
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.S.); (M.D.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
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Hernández‐Bustos A, Bolos B, Astakhova K. Biomarkers in skin autoimmunity-An update on localised scleroderma. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2024; 4:e335. [PMID: 38577035 PMCID: PMC10988679 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Human autoimmune diseases are complex and highly diverse conditions that can be of localised or systemic nature. Understanding the basic biology of autoimmune diseases goes hand in hand with providing the clinics with valuable biomarkers for managing these diseases. The focus of this review is paid to localised scleroderma, an autoimmune disease affecting skin and subcutaneous tissue. Localised scleroderma has very few serological biomarkers for clinical analyses distinguishing it from main differentials, and yet noneffective prognostic biomarkers. With this regard, the review covers well-established and new biomarkers such as cell surface proteins, autoantibodies and cytokines. In recent few years, several new biomarkers have been suggested, many provided with modern genomic studies. This includes epigenetic regulation of DNA, RNA transcriptomics and regulatory RNA such as microRNA and long non-coding RNA. These findings can for the first time shed light on the genetic mechanisms behind the disease and contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Begona Bolos
- Department of ChemistryTechnical University of DenmarkKongensLyngbyDenmark
| | - Kira Astakhova
- Department of ChemistryTechnical University of DenmarkKongensLyngbyDenmark
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Yu Y, Park S, Lee H, Kwon EJ, Park HR, Kim YH, Lee SG. Exosomal hsa-miR-335-5p and hsa-miR-483-5p are novel biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis: A development and validation study. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110286. [PMID: 37216801 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes cartilage and bone damage. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that play a critical role in intercellular communication and various biological processes by serving as vehicles for the transfer of diverse molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, between cells. The purpose of this study was to develop potential biomarkers for RA in peripheral blood by performing small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) sequencing using circulating exosomes from healthy controls and patients with RA. METHODS In this study, we investigated extracellular sncRNAs associated with RA in peripheral blood. Using RNA sequencing and differentially expressed sncRNA analysis, we identified a miRNA signature and target genes. Target gene expression was validated via the four GEO datasets. RESULTS Exosomal RNAs were successfully isolated from the peripheral blood of 13 patients with RA and 10 healthy controls. The hsa-miR-335-5p and hsa-miR-486-5p expression levels were higher in patients with RA than in controls. We identified the SRSF4 gene, which is a common target of hsa-miR-335-5p and hsa-miR-483-5p. As expected, the expression of this gene was found to be decreased in the synovial tissues of patients with RA through external validation. In addition, hsa-miR-335-5p was positively correlated with antiCCP, DAS28ESR, DAS28CRP, and rheumatoid factor. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide strong evidence that circulating exosomal miRNA (hsa-miR-335-5p and hsa-miR-486-5p) and SRSF4 could be valuable biomarkers for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeuni Yu
- Biomedical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, 50612 Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohee Park
- Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Hansong Lee
- Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jung Kwon
- Interdisciplinary Program of Genomic Science, Pusan National University, 50612 Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Ryoun Park
- Department of Periodontology, Dental and Life Science Institute, Pusan National University, School of Dentistry, Yangsan, Republic of Korea; Periodontal Disease Signaling Network Research Center, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea; Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, 50612 Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hak Kim
- Periodontal Disease Signaling Network Research Center, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung-Geun Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
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Volodko O, Volinsky N, Yarkoni M, Margalit N, Kusniec F, Sudarsky D, Elbaz-Greener G, Carasso S, Amir O. Characterization of Systemic and Culprit-Coronary Artery miR-483-5p Expression in Chronic CAD and Acute Myocardial Infarction Male Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108551. [PMID: 37239897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In chronic and myocardial infarction (MI) states, aberrant levels of circulating microRNAs compromise gene expression and pathophysiology. We aimed to compare microRNA expression in chronic-CAD and acute-MI male patients in peripheral blood vasculature versus coronary arteries proximal to a culprit area. Blood from chronic-CAD, acute-MI with/out ST segment elevation (STEMI/NSTEMI, respectively), and control patients lacking previous CAD or having patent coronary arteries was collected during coronary catheterization from peripheral arteries and from proximal culprit coronary arteries aimed for the interventions. Random coronary arterial blood was collected from controls; RNA extraction, miRNA library preparation and Next Generation Sequencing followed. High concentrations of microRNA-483-5p (miR-483-5p) were noted as 'coronary arterial gradient' in culprit acute-MI versus chronic-CAD (p = 0.035) which were similar to controls versus chronic-CAD (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, peripheral miR-483-5p was downregulated in acute-MI and chronic-CAD, compared with controls (1.1 ± 2.2 vs. 2.6 ± 3.3, respectively, p < 0.005). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for miR483-5p association with chronic CAD demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.722 (p < 0.001) with 79% sensitivity and 70% specificity. Using in silico gene analysis, we detected miR-483-5p cardiac gene targets, responsible for inflammation (PLA2G5), oxidative stress (NUDT8, GRK2), apoptosis (DNAAF10), fibrosis (IQSEC2, ZMYM6, MYOM2), angiogenesis (HGSNAT, TIMP2) and wound healing (ADAMTS2). High miR-483-5p 'coronary arterial gradient' in acute-MI, unnoticed in chronic-CAD, suggests important local mechanisms for miR483-5p in CAD in response to local myocardial ischemia. MiR-483-5p may have an important role as a gene modulator for pathologic and tissue repair states, is a suggestive biomarker, and is a potential therapeutic target for acute and chronic cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Volodko
- The Lydia and Carol Kittner, Lea and Benjamin Davidai Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery and Research Institute, Tzafon Medical Center, Affiliated with Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tiberias 1528001, Israel
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Natalia Volinsky
- The Lydia and Carol Kittner, Lea and Benjamin Davidai Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery and Research Institute, Tzafon Medical Center, Affiliated with Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tiberias 1528001, Israel
| | - Merav Yarkoni
- Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Department of Cardiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9574409, Israel
| | - Nufar Margalit
- The Lydia and Carol Kittner, Lea and Benjamin Davidai Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery and Research Institute, Tzafon Medical Center, Affiliated with Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tiberias 1528001, Israel
| | - Fabio Kusniec
- The Lydia and Carol Kittner, Lea and Benjamin Davidai Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery and Research Institute, Tzafon Medical Center, Affiliated with Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tiberias 1528001, Israel
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Doron Sudarsky
- The Lydia and Carol Kittner, Lea and Benjamin Davidai Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery and Research Institute, Tzafon Medical Center, Affiliated with Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tiberias 1528001, Israel
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Gabby Elbaz-Greener
- Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Department of Cardiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9574409, Israel
| | - Shemy Carasso
- The Lydia and Carol Kittner, Lea and Benjamin Davidai Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery and Research Institute, Tzafon Medical Center, Affiliated with Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tiberias 1528001, Israel
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Offer Amir
- The Lydia and Carol Kittner, Lea and Benjamin Davidai Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery and Research Institute, Tzafon Medical Center, Affiliated with Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Tiberias 1528001, Israel
- Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Department of Cardiology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9574409, Israel
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Meng L, Yu X, Han H, Jia X, Hu B, Zhang L, Wang Z, Zhang W, Zhong M, Zhu H. Circulating miR-143 and miR-145 as promising biomarkers for evaluating severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Clin Biochem 2023; 111:32-40. [PMID: 36241060 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple studies have provided evidence that miR-143 and miR-145 play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we aim to investigate the expression of plasma miR-143 and miR-145 in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and their association with the severity of coronary artery stenosis. METHODS The study enrolled 279 patients with ACS, including 201 patients with unstable angina (UA) and 78 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and 65 matched subjects as the control group. The plasma levels of miR-143 and miR-145 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Gensini score was applied to evaluate the severity of coronary artery stenosis. RESULTS Plasma levels of miR-143 and miR-145 in patients with ACS were both decreased compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Plasma levels of miR-143 and miR-145 were negatively correlated with Gensini score (miR-143: r = -0.246, p < 0.001; miR-145: r = -0.222, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that miR-143 and miR-145 were protective factors for the onset of ACS, UA, or AMI separately. MiR-143 (AUC: 0.786, p < 0.001) and miR-145 (AUC: 0.793, p < 0.001) were able to predict the degree of coronary artery stenosis greater than 50 %. CONCLUSION The plasma levels of miR-143 and miR-145 were significantly decreased in ACS patients and were negatively correlated with coronary stenosis. In conclusion, plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels can be used as noninvasive biomarkers for evaluating coronary artery stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xin Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Department of Cardiology, The People's Hospital of Pingyi County, Shandong, China
| | - Haitao Han
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xu Jia
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Boang Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University; Shandong key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ming Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Evolving understandings for the roles of non-coding RNAs in autoimmunity and autoimmune disease. J Autoimmun 2022:102948. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Zhao W, Cheng J, Luo Y, Fu W, Zhou L, Wang X, Wang Y, Yang Z, Yao X, Ren M, Zhong Z, Wu X, Ren Z, Li Y. MicroRNA let-7f-5p regulates PI3K/AKT/COX2 signaling pathway in bacteria-induced pulmonary fibrosis via targeting of PIK3CA in forest musk deer. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14097. [PMID: 36217380 PMCID: PMC9547585 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14097] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have characterized that microRNA (miRNA) is a suitable candidate for the study of bleomycin/LPS-induced pulmonary fibrosis, but the knowledge on miRNA in bacteria-induced pulmonary fibrosis (BIPF) is limited. Forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii, FMD) is an important endangered species that has been seriously affected by BIPF. We sought to determine whether miRNA exist that modulates the pathogenesis of BIPF in FMD. Methods High-throughput sequencing and RT-qPCR were used to determine the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in the blood of BIPF FMD. The DEmiRNAs were further detected in the blood and lung of BIPF model rat by RT-qPCR, and the targeting relationship between candidate miRNA and its potential target gene was verified by dual-luciferase reporter activity assay. Furthermore, the function of the candidate miRNA was verified in the FMD lung fibroblast cells (FMD-C1). Results Here we found that five dead FMD were suffered from BIPF, and six circulating miRNAs (miR-30g, let-7f-5p, miR-27-3p, miR-25-3p, miR-9-5p and miR-652) were differentially expressed in the blood of the BIPF FMD. Of these, let-7f-5p showed reproducibly lower level in the blood and lung of the BIPF model rat, and the expression levels of PI3K/AKT/COX2 signaling pathway genes (PIK3CA, PDK1, Akt1, IKBKA, NF-κB1 and COX2) were increased in the lung of BIPF model rats, suggesting that there is a potential correlation between BIPF and the PI3K/AKT/COX2 signaling pathway. Notably, using bioinformatic prediction and experimental verification, we demonstrated that let-7f-5p is conserved across mammals, and the seed sequence of let-7f-5p displays perfect complementarity with the 3' UTR of PIK3CA gene and the expression of the PIK3CA gene was regulated by let-7f-5p. In order to determine the regulatory relationship between let-7f-5p and the PI3K/AKT/COX2 signaling pathway in FMD, we successfully cultured FMD-C1, and found that let-7f-5p could act as a negative regulator for the PI3K/Akt/COX2 signaling pathway in FMD-C1. Collectively, this study not only provided a study strategy for non-invasive research in pulmonary disease in rare animals, but also laid a foundation for further research in BIPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jianguo Cheng
- Sichuan Institute of Musk Deer Breeding, Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wenlong Fu
- Sichuan Institute of Musk Deer Breeding, Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Sichuan Institute of Musk Deer Breeding, Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zexiao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xueping Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Meishen Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xi Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ziwei Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yimeng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan Province, China
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Wijesinghe SN, Anderson J, Brown TJ, Nanus DE, Housmans B, Green JA, Hackl M, Choi KK, Arkill KP, Welting T, James V, Jones SW, Peffers MJ. The role of extracellular vesicle miRNAs and tRNAs in synovial fibroblast senescence. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:971621. [PMID: 36213127 PMCID: PMC9537453 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.971621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles are mediators of intercellular communication with critical roles in cellular senescence and ageing. In arthritis, senescence is linked to the activation of a pro-inflammatory phenotype contributing to chronic arthritis pathogenesis. We hypothesised that senescent osteoarthritic synovial fibroblasts induce senescence and a pro-inflammatory phenotype in non-senescent osteoarthritic fibroblasts, mediated through extracellular vesicle cargo. Small RNA-sequencing and mass spectrometry proteomics were performed on extracellular vesicles isolated from the secretome of non-senescent and irradiation-induced senescent synovial fibroblasts. β-galactosidase staining confirmed senescence in SFs. RNA sequencing identified 17 differentially expressed miRNAs, 11 lncRNAs, 14 tRNAs and one snoRNA and, 21 differentially abundant proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics analysis of miRNAs identified fibrosis, cell proliferation, autophagy, and cell cycle as significant pathways, tRNA analysis was enriched for signaling pathways including FGF, PI3K/AKT and MAPK, whilst protein analysis identified PAX3-FOXO1, MYC and TFGB1 as enriched upstream regulators involved in senescence and cell cycle arrest. Finally, treatment of non-senescent synovial fibroblasts with senescent extracellular vesicles confirmed the bystander effect, inducing senescence in non-senescent cells potentially through down regulation of NF-κβ and cAMP response element signaling pathways thus supporting our hypothesis. Understanding the exact composition of EV-derived small RNAs of senescent cells in this way will inform our understanding of their roles in inflammation, intercellular communication, and as active molecules in the senescence bystander effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne N. Wijesinghe
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, MRC- Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - James Anderson
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J. Brown
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dominika E. Nanus
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, MRC- Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bas Housmans
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Katie K. Choi
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kenton P. Arkill
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Welting
- Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Victoria James
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Simon W. Jones
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, MRC- Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mandy J. Peffers
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Serum microRNAs in Systemic Sclerosis, Associations with Digital Vasculopathy and Lung Involvement. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810731. [PMID: 36142646 PMCID: PMC9503032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune, rare multisystem chronic disease that is still not well-understood aetiologically and is challenging diagnostically. In the literature, there are ever-increasing assumptions regarding the epigenetic mechanisms involved in SSc development; one of them is circulating microRNAs. Many of them regulate TLR pathways and are significant in autoimmune balance. The aim of this study was to determine profile expression of selected microRNAs in SSc patients, including miR-126, -132, -143, -145, -155, -181a, -29a and -3148, in comparison to healthy controls. Methods: Serum microRNAs were isolated from 45 patients with SSc and 57 healthy donors (HC). Additionally, SSc patients were considered in the aspect of disease subtype, including diffuse systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) and limited systemic sclerosis (lcSSc). Results: miR-3148 was detected neither in the serum of HC nor in SSc patients. All of the rest of the analyzed microRNAs, excluding miR-126, miR-29a and miR-181a, were significantly upregulated in SSc patients in comparison to HC. However, miR-181a has been revealed only in the serum of patients with lcSSc but not dcSSc. Moderate positive correlations between the transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO) and miR-126 and miR-145 were observed. A significant correlation has been found between serum miR-143 level and forced vital capacity (FVC). SSc patients with FVC ≤ 70% were characterized by significantly lower levels of miR-143 compared to patients with normal FVC. Additionally, the expression of miR-132 was significantly higher in dcSSc subgroup with detected active lung lesions compared to dcSSc patients with fibrotic lesions. Patients with an early scleroderma pattern of microangiopathy seen on nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) revealed higher expression of miR-155 in serum than those with a late pattern. Conclusions: The expression profile of circulating cell-free miRNAs is significantly changed in the serum of SSc patients compared to healthy individuals. Downregulation of miRNA-181a and overexpression of miR-132, miR-143, miR-145 and miR-155 in serum may be significant in SSc in the context of biomarkers.
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Prajzlerová K, Šenolt L, Filková M. Is there a potential of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers in rheumatic diseases? Genes Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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11
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Liu Y, Cheng L, Zhan H, Li H, Li X, Huang Y, Li Y. The Roles of Noncoding RNAs in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:856036. [PMID: 35464474 PMCID: PMC9024074 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.856036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute more than 90% of the RNAs in the human genome. In the past decades, studies have changed our perception of ncRNAs from “junk” transcriptional products to functional regulatory molecules that mediate critical processes, including chromosomal modifications, mRNA splicing and stability, and translation, as well as key signaling pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that ncRNAs are abnormally expressed in not only cancer but also autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), and may serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of SSc. However, the functions and underlying mechanisms of ncRNAs in SSc remain incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss the current findings on the biogenetic processes and functions of ncRNAs, including microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, as well as explore emerging ncRNA-based diagnostics and therapies for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haoting Zhan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haolong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhe Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yongzhe Li,
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12
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Yu J, Tang R, Ding K. Epigenetic Modifications in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:3155-3166. [PMID: 35342304 PMCID: PMC8942200 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s356877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a rare chronic autoimmune disease, which mainly manifests as immune disorders, vascular damage, and progressive fibrosis. The etiology of SSc is complex and involves multiple factors. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis. As one of the molecular mechanisms of environmental factors, epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of systemic sclerosis, which involves DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA regulation. This review summarizes research advances in epigenetics, including exosomes, lncRNA, and mentions possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Ding
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Ke Ding, Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China, Email
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13
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The Immunogenetics of Morphea and Lichen Sclerosus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1367:155-172. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92616-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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14
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Abdelaleem OO, Fouad NA, Shaker OG, Ahmed TI, Abdelghaffar NK, Eid HM, Mohamed AA, Elebiary AM, Mohamed MM, Mahmoud RH. Serum miR-224, miR-760, miR-483-5p, miR-378 and miR-375 as potential novel biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14651. [PMID: 34310809 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease which affects various tissues and organs mainly joints. Serum microRNAs are considered a new class of non-coding RNA which plays a vital role in pathogenesis of RA. METHODS The current study was conducted on 80 RA patients and 80 healthy participants. Serum expression levels of miR-224, miR-760, miR-483-5p, miR-378 and miR-375 were evaluated via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Significant upregulation of miR-224, miR-760, miR-483-5p, miR-378 and miR-375 was reported in the present study with respect to the control group (P = .031, P = .017, P = .026, P = .036 and P = .05, respectively). Furthermore, significant positive correlation between the abovementioned microRNAs with DAS28 score (P < .001, each) was demonstrated. CONCLUSION Early detection of RA could be achieved through evaluation of serum expression of miR-224, miR-760, miR-483-5p, miR-378 and miR-375 which also may be used as targets for treatment of patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omayma O Abdelaleem
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Nermeen A Fouad
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Olfat G Shaker
- Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tarek I Ahmed
- Department of Internal medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Noha K Abdelghaffar
- Department of clinical pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Hanaa M Eid
- Department of Medical microbiology and immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahmaan A Mohamed
- Department of Medical microbiology and immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Magdy Elebiary
- Department of Medical physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Mohamed
- Department of Internal medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania H Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
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15
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Thoreau B, Chaigne B, Renaud A, Mouthon L. Pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis. Presse Med 2021; 50:104087. [PMID: 34718115 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2021.104087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by vascular remodeling, fibroblast activation and extra-cellular matrix production in excess and autoimmunity. Environmental factors including mainly silica and solvents have been assumed to contribute to the development of SSc, together with genetic factors including gene variants implicated in innate immunity such as IRF5 and STAT4, and epigenetic factors including histone post-translational modifications, DNA hypomethylation, and microRNAs or long- non coding RNAs system were reported to participate in immune activation and fibrosis processes in patients with SSc. A number of animal models of SSc have been set up over the years, including genetic and induced SSc models. These models, together with data obtained from human SSc patients, contributed to better understand the mechanisms contributing to vasculopathy and fibrosis. Alongside the pathophysiological process of SSc, several cellular and molecular actors are involved, such as dysregulations in the innate and adaptive immune cells, of the fibroblast, the implication of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrosing signaling pathways such as the Wnt, TGF-β pathways or other cytokines, with a strong imprint of oxidative stress. The whole lead to the overactivity of the fibroblast with genetic dysregulation, apoptosis defect, hyperproduction of elements of extracellular matrix, and finally the phenomena of vasculopathy and fibrosis. These advances contribute to open new therapeutic areas through the design of biologics and small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Thoreau
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Chaigne
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Arthur Renaud
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.
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Szabo I, Muntean L, Crisan T, Rednic V, Sirbe C, Rednic S. Novel Concepts in Systemic Sclerosis Pathogenesis: Role for miRNAs. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101471. [PMID: 34680587 PMCID: PMC8533248 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes. It is characterized by the pathogenic triad: microangiopathy, immune dysfunction, and fibrosis. Epigenetic mechanisms modulate gene expression without interfering with the DNA sequence. Epigenetic marks may be reversible and their differential response to external stimuli could explain the protean clinical manifestations of SSc while offering the opportunity of targeted drug development. Small, non-coding RNA sequences (miRNAs) have demonstrated complex interactions between vasculature, immune activation, and extracellular matrices. Distinct miRNA profiles were identified in SSc skin specimens and blood samples containing a wide variety of dysregulated miRNAs. Their target genes are mainly involved in profibrotic pathways, but new lines of evidence also confirm their participation in impaired angiogenesis and aberrant immune responses. Research approaches focusing on earlier stages of the disease and on differential miRNA expression in various tissues could bring novel insights into SSc pathogenesis and validate the clinical utility of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Szabo
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Laura Muntean
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
- Department of Rheumatology, County Emergency Hospital Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Tania Crisan
- Department of Medical Genetics, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Voicu Rednic
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Gastroenterology II, “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor” Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudia Sirbe
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Simona Rednic
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
- Department of Rheumatology, County Emergency Hospital Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Rusek M, Krasowska D. Non-Coding RNA in Systemic Sclerosis: A Valuable Tool for Translational and Personalized Medicine. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1296. [PMID: 34573278 PMCID: PMC8471866 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic factors are heritable and ultimately play a role in modulating gene expression and, thus, in regulating cell functions. Non-coding RNAs have growing recognition as novel biomarkers and crucial regulators of pathological conditions in humans. Their characteristic feature is being transcribed in a tissue-specific pattern. Now, there is emerging evidence that lncRNAs have been identified to be involved in the differentiation of human skin, wound healing, fibrosis, inflammation, and immunological response. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, vascular abnormalities, and immune system activation. The pathogenesis remains elusive, but clinical manifestations reveal autoimmunity with the presence of specific autoantibodies, activation of innate and adaptive immunity, vascular changes, and active deposition of extracellular matrix components leading to fibrosis. The use of multi-omics studies, including NGS, RNA-seq, or GWAS, has proposed that the non-coding genome may be a significant player in its pathogenesis. Moreover, it may unravel new therapeutic targets in the future. The aim of this review is to show the pathogenic role of long non-coding RNAs in systemic sclerosis. Investigation of these transcripts' functions has the potential to elucidate the molecular pathology of SSc and provide new opportunities for drug-targeted therapy for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rusek
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Pediatric Dermatology, Laboratory for Immunology of Skin Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Krasowska
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Pediatric Dermatology, Laboratory for Immunology of Skin Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
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Snarskaya ES, Vasileva KD. Localized scleroderma: actual insights and new biomarkers. Int J Dermatol 2021; 61:667-674. [PMID: 34347884 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Localized scleroderma (LS, morphea, limited scleroderma, focal scleroderma) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a progressive damage to the connective tissue with a predominance of fibrosclerotic disorders in the skin and the subcutaneous tissue. In addition surrounding structures may be affected: fascia, muscle, and bone tissues. This review reflects the current understanding about limited scleroderma, its pathogenesis, diagnosis, new biomarkers, and information about the possibilities of its transition to systemic scleroderma. The following new biomarkers have been identified: galactosylated IgG (Ig-Gal), progranulin (PGRN), chemokine CCXL 18, various types of microRNA (miRNA-let-7a, miRNA-7, miRNA-196a, miRNA-155, miRNA-483-5p), periostin, and myelin basic protein (MBP). Knowledge about new biomarkers of LS will help us to explore the patients' predisposition to the development of systemic scleroderma. In addition, by acting on these biomarkers, it is possible to prevent the progression of LS in the early stages and its transition to systemic scleroderma. The review also presents the current understanding of autoantibodies in LS and their correlation with clinical signs of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena S Snarskaya
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Department of Dermatovenerology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kseniia D Vasileva
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Department of Dermatovenerology, Moscow, Russia
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Liu L, Chen H, Yun J, Song L, Ma X, Luo S, Song Y. miRNA-483-5p Targets HDCA4 to Regulate Renal Tubular Damage in Diabetic Nephropathy. Horm Metab Res 2021; 53:562-569. [PMID: 34126643 DOI: 10.1055/a-1480-7519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-483-5p in diabetic nephropathy (DN), and its effect and mechanism on apoptosis and inflammation of human proximal renal tubular cells (HK2) induced by high glucose (HG). Thirty healthy controls, 30 types 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and 28 DN patients were enrolled. miR-483-5p mRNA levels in serum were analyzed by RT-qPCR assays. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the diagnostic value of miR-483-5p in DN. HK2 cells were induced by HG to establish an in vitro study model. CCK-8 and flow cytometry was used to detect cell viability, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Inflammation levels were measured by ELISA. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect target genes of miR-483-5p. miR-483-5p was decreased in DN patients. The decreased level of miR-483-5p was positively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and negatively correlated with proteinuria. miR-483-5p can significantly distinguish DN patients from healthy controls and T2DM and has a high diagnostic value. miR-483-5p decreased in HK2 cells induced by HG, and overexpression of miR-483-5p reversed HG-induced decreased cell activity, increased apoptosis, ROS production, and inflammation. Histone deacetylase 4 (HDCA4) was markedly increased in DN patients and HG-induced HK2 cells. miR-483-5p directly targeted HDCA4, and increasing miR-483-5p inhibited HDCA4 increased in HG-induced HK2. In conclusion, the results indicate that reduction of miR-483-5p has a high diagnostic value in DN, and overexpression of miR-483-5p has a certain protective effect on HK2 cells induced by HG by targeting HDCA4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, 200137, Shanghai, China
| | - Huanzhen Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, China
| | - Jie Yun
- Department of Nephrology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Liqun Song
- Department of Nephrology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaopeng Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shan Luo
- Department of Nephrology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yexu Song
- Department of Science and Technology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang, China
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20
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Mirzaei R, Zamani F, Hajibaba M, Rasouli-Saravani A, Noroozbeygi M, Gorgani M, Hosseini-Fard SR, Jalalifar S, Ajdarkosh H, Abedi SH, Keyvani H, Karampoor S. The pathogenic, therapeutic and diagnostic role of exosomal microRNA in the autoimmune diseases. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 358:577640. [PMID: 34224949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are a nano-vesicle surrounded by a bilipid layer that can release from almost all cells and could be detected in tissues and biological liquids. These vesicles contain lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids (including DNA, mRNA, and miRNA) inside and on the exosomes' surface constitute their content. Exosomes can transfer their cargo into the recipient cell, which can modify recipient cells' biological activities. Recently it has been deciphering that the miRNA pattern of exosomes reveals the cellular pathophysiological situation and modifies various biological processes. Increasing data regarding exosomes highlights that the exosomes and their cargo, especially miRNAs, are implicated in the pathophysiology of various disorders, such as autoimmune disease. The current evidence on the deciphering of mechanisms in which exosomal miRNAs contributed to autoimmunity was indicated that exosomal miRNA might hold information that can reprogram the function of many of the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases' pathogenesis. In the present study, we summarized the pathogenic role of exosomal miRNAs in several autoimmune diseases, including myasthenia gravis (MG), psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren's Syndrome (SS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), vitiligo, and autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). Moreover, in this work, we present evidence of the potential role of exosomal miRNAs as therapeutic and diagnostic agents in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Mirzaei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Farhad Zamani
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Hajibaba
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashkan Rasouli-Saravani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mina Noroozbeygi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Melika Gorgani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Hosseini-Fard
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Jalalifar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Ajdarkosh
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hassnan Abedi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rohani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran
| | - Hossein Keyvani
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sajad Karampoor
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Huang G, Zhang J, Qing G, Liu D, Wang X, Chen Y, Wu Y, Li Y, Guo S. Downregulation of miR‑483‑5p inhibits TGF‑β1‑induced EMT by targeting RhoGDI1 in pulmonary fibrosis. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:538. [PMID: 34080651 PMCID: PMC8170182 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) serves a significant role in pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) contribute to PF pathogenesis via EMT regulation. However, the role of miR-483-5p in PF remains unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the potential effect of miR-483-5p on TGF-β1-induced EMT in PF. It was found that the expression of miR-483-5p was upregulated in both PF tissue and A549 cells treated with TGF-β1, whereas expression of Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 1 (RhoGDI1) was downregulated. miR-483-5p mimic transfection promoted TGF-β1-induced EMT; by contrast, miR-483-5p inhibitor inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT. Also, miR-483-5p mimic decreased RhoGDI1 expression, whereas miR-483-5p inhibitor increased RhoGDI1 expression. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay indicated that miR-483-5p directly regulated RhoGDI1. Moreover, RhoGDI1 knockdown eliminated the inhibitory effect of the miR-483-5p inhibitor on TGF-β1-induced EMT via the Rac family small GTPase (Rac)1/PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, these data indicated that miR-483-5p inhibition ameliorated TGF-β1-induced EMT by targeting RhoGDI1 via the Rac1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in PF, suggesting a potential role of miR-483-5p in the prevention and treatment of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guichuan Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Gang Qing
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Daishun Liu
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Yongchang Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Yishi Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Shuliang Guo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
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22
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Yu J, Liu S, Chen L, Wu B. Combined effects of arsenic and palmitic acid on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorder in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 769:144849. [PMID: 33736254 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of arsenic (As) can be influenced by many nutrients in food. However, the combined effects and underlying mechanisms of As and palmitic acid (PA) are still unclear. Here, cell viability, oxidative stress, lipids accumulation, gene expression profiles, and metabolome profiles of human hepatoma HepG2 cells exposed to As, PA, and As + PA were analyzed and compared. Results showed that co-exposure of 100 μM PA and 2 μM As induced lower cell viability, higher intracellular reactive oxygen species level, more lipid droplet accumulation, and more intracellular triglyceride contents than As alone or PA alone exposure. High-throughput quantitative PCR and 1H NMR-based metabolomics analysis showed that co-exposure of As and PA caused all toxic effects on gene expression and metabolome profiles induced by As alone or PA alone exposure, and showed higher toxicities. Gene expression profiles in the As + PA group had higher similarity with those in the As group than the PA group. However, PA played a more important role in metabolism disorder than As in their interactive effects. Oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorder were found to be the main toxic effects in the As + PA group. Several differentially expressed genes (such as OXR1, OXSR1, INSR, and PPARA) and changed metabolites (such as pyruvate, acetate, and L-phenylalanine) were involved in the combined toxicity of As and PA. This study provides basic information on the interactive effects of As and PA, which is useful for the health risk assessment of As and FFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Su Liu
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
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23
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Gowen AM, Odegaard KE, Hernandez J, Chand S, Koul S, Pendyala G, Yelamanchili SV. Role of microRNAs in the pathophysiology of addiction. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2021; 12:e1637. [PMID: 33336550 PMCID: PMC8026578 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive seeking despite adverse consequences. There are both heritable and epigenetic mechanisms underlying drug addiction. Emerging evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs regulate synaptic plasticity and related behaviors caused by substances of abuse. These ncRNAs modify gene expression and may contribute to the behavioral phenotypes of addiction. Among the ncRNAs, the most widely researched and impactful are miRNAs. The goal in this systematic review is to provide a detailed account of recent research involving the role of miRNAs in addiction. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule-RNA Interactions RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Gowen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Katherine E Odegaard
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jordan Hernandez
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Subhash Chand
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Sneh Koul
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Sowmya V Yelamanchili
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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24
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Tan L, Zhao M, Wu H, Zhang Y, Tong X, Gao L, Zhou L, Lu Q, Zeng J. Downregulated Serum Exosomal miR-451a Expression Correlates With Renal Damage and Its Intercellular Communication Role in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:630112. [PMID: 33643314 PMCID: PMC7906989 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.630112] [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: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system autoimmune disease characterized by continuous inflammation and the production of autoantibodies. Exosomes, acting as a critical tool for communication between cells, are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, particularly in inflammation and immune imbalance. In this study, we aimed to extract and confirm the pro-inflammatory effect of serum exosomes in SLE. Then, we attempted to find differentially expressed exosomal microRNAs in the serum of healthy subjects and SLE patients via miRNA microarray analysis and validated the target exosomal microRNA, exosomal miR-451a, which expression level decreased in serum of SLE patients by RT-qPCR. Furtherly, we analyzed the correlation between exosomal miR-451a and disease activity, kidney damage and typing, and traditional medicine therapy. Finally, we investigated the intercellular communication role of exosomal miR-451a in SLE by co-culture assay in vitro. Taken together, our study demonstrated that downregulated serum exosomal miR-451a expression correlated with SLE disease activity and renal damage as well as its intercellular communication role in SLE which provided potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuezhong Zhang
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoliang Tong
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lihua Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinrong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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25
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Implication of miR-126 and miR-139-5p in Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Dysregulation in Systemic Sclerosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10030491. [PMID: 33573268 PMCID: PMC7866506 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030491] [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: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence shows the involvement of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. This study investigated whether microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the dysregulation of pDCs in SSc patients already at early stages. RNA from circulating pDCs was isolated from two independent cohorts of SSc patients with different disease phenotypes, and individuals with Raynaud’s phenomenon, for microRNA profiling and RNA-sequencing analysis. Proteomic analysis was exploited to identify novel direct miRNA targets at the protein level. Twelve and fifteen miRNAs were differentially expressed in at least one group of patients compared to healthy controls in discovery cohort I and II, respectively. Of note, miR-126 and miR-139-5p were upregulated in both preclinical and definite SSc patients and correlated with the expression of type I interferon (IFN)-responsive genes. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) stimulation of healthy pDCs upregulated the expression of both miRNAs, similarly to what was observed in patients. The proteomic analysis identified USP24 as a novel target of miR-139-5p. The expression level of USP24 was inversely correlated with miR-139-5p expression in SSc patients and induced by TLR9 stimulation in healthy pDCs. These findings demonstrated that the miRNA profile is altered in pDCs of SSc patients already at early stages of the disease and indicate their potential contribution to pDC activation observed in patients.
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26
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Dichev V, Mehterov NH, Kazakova MH, Karalilova RV, Batalov AZ, Sarafian VS. Serum protein levels of YKL-40 and plasma miR-214 expression in patients with systemic sclerosis. Mod Rheumatol 2021; 31:1010-1018. [PMID: 33274678 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2020.1859726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with incompletely revealed etiology and pathophysiology. There are still no specific and reliable biomarkers. Here we examined YKL-40 as a biomarker of inflammation and fibrosis, and suggest a possible mechanism for its regulation. METHODS Forty female patients with SSc (26 with diffuse cutaneous (dcSSc) and 14 with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc)) and 14 healthy female controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Bioinformatic tools identified miR-214 binding site in the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of YKL-40 mRNA. Serum levels of YKL-40 were examined by ELISA, while YKL-40 mRNA and miR-214 was measured by qPCR. RESULTS The in silico analysis revealed several microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting YKL-40 mRNA, from which miR-214 was selected. YKL-40 serum levels were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (p = .0042). In contrary, miR-214 expression in plasma of SSc patients was significantly down-regulated compared to controls (p = .0058). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analysis showed that both serum YKL-40 and plasma miR-214 levels had good capacity to distinguish patients with SSc, dcSSc and lcSSc from healthy subjects. CONCLUSION YKL-40 and miR-214 have different expression profile in SSc. Increased serum levels of YKL-40 could be associated with down-regulation of miR-214 expression in plasma. Both, YKL-40 concentrations and miR-214 plasma fold change values might serve as possible biomarkers in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Dichev
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Hristov Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Hristova Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Rositsa Valerieva Karalilova
- Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital 'Kaspela', Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Anastas Zgurov Batalov
- Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital 'Kaspela', Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Stepan Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Zhao M, Wu J, Wu H, Sawalha AH, Lu Q. Clinical Treatment Options in Scleroderma: Recommendations and Comprehensive Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2021; 62:273-291. [PMID: 33449302 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-020-08831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There are two major clinical subsets of scleroderma: (i) systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation, vasculopathy, and excessive fibrosis of the skin and multiple internal organs and (ii) localized scleroderma (LoS), also known as morphea, is confined to the skin and/or subcutaneous tissues resulting in collagen deposition and subsequent fibrosis. SSc is rare but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality compared with other rheumatic diseases. Fatal outcomes in SSc often originate from organ complications of the disease, such as lung fibrosis, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), and scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Current treatment modalities in SSc have focused on targeting vascular damage, fibrosis, and regulation of inflammation as well as autoimmune responses. Some drugs previously used in an attempt to suppress fibrosis, like D-penicillamine (D-Pen) or colchicine, have been disappointing in clinical practice despite anecdotal evidence of their advantages. Some canonical medications, including glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and vasodilators, have had some success in treating various manifestations in SSc patients. Increasing evidence suggests that some biologic agents targeting collagen, cytokines, and cell surface molecules might have promising therapeutic effects in SSc. In recent years, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), mostly autologous, has made great progress as a promising treatment option in severe and refractory SSc. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of SSc, there are currently no optimal treatments for all aspects of the disease. As for LoS, local skin-targeted therapy is generally used, including topical application of glucocorticoids or other immunomodulatory ointments and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. In addition, systemic immunosuppressants are also utilized in several forms of LoS. Here, we comprehensively discuss current treatment options for scleroderma, encompassing old, new, and future potential treatment options. In addition, we summarize data from new clinical trials that have the potential to modify the disease process and improve long-term outcomes in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jiali Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Immunology, and Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China. .,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-Related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China. .,Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
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Liu X, Wang W, Bai Y, Zhang H, Zhang S, He L, Zhou W, Zhang D, Xu J. Identification of a genome-wide serum microRNA expression profile as potential noninvasive biomarkers for chronic kidney disease using next-generation sequencing. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520969481. [PMID: 33307899 PMCID: PMC7739098 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520969481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify serum microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential non-invasive biomarkers for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods We collected serum samples from healthy controls, CKD stage 1 (CKD1), and stage 5 (CKD5) patients with primary glomerulonephritis (GN), screened differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) using next-generation sequencing (NGS), and confirmed the sequencing data using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results We identified 20 and 42 DEMs in the CKD1 and CKD5 patients compared with the controls, respectively, and 70 DEMs in the CKD5 compared with the CKD1 patients. The qRT-PCR results showed that miR-483-5p was up-regulated in the CKD1 and CKD5 patients compared with controls (fold change = 2.56 and 18.77, respectively). miR-363-3p was down-regulated in the CKD5 patients compared with the controls and CKD1 patients (fold change = 0.27 and 0.48, respectively). Conclusion We identified a genome-wide serum miRNA expression profile in CKD patients, and serum miR-483-5p and miR-363-3p may act as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of Hematology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Weijie Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yaling Bai
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huiran Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shenglei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lei He
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dongxue Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jinsheng Xu
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Calcification in Kidney Disease, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
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Wolska-Gawron K, Bartosińska J, Rusek M, Kowal M, Raczkiewicz D, Krasowska D. Circulating miRNA-181b-5p, miRNA-223-3p, miRNA-210-3p, let 7i-5p, miRNA-21-5p and miRNA-29a-3p in patients with localized scleroderma as potential biomarkers. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20218. [PMID: 33214624 PMCID: PMC7678876 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76995-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Localized scleroderma (LoSc) is a rare disease manifested by an inflammation and sclerosis of the skin. The latest studies focused on glycoprotein Krebs von den Lungen-6, surfactant protein-D, chemokine ligand 18 and dipeptidylpeptidase 4 as potential biomarkers of skin fibrosis in systemic scleroderma. Our study aimed to identify 6 miRNAs with elevated or decreased levels in 38 LoSc patients (31 females, 7 males) compared to healthy volunteers (HVs) and to correlate the selected miRNAs’ serum levels with the severity and the clinical symptoms of LoSc and some laboratory parameters with the selected miRNAs’ serum levels. The serum levels of miRNAs, i.e. miRNA-181b-5p, miRNA-223-3p, miRNA-21-5p, let 7i-5p, miRNA-29a-3p and miRNA-210-3p were significantly increased in the LoSc patients compared to the HVs. The level of let-7i increase in the female LoSc patients correlated negatively with BSA (r = − 0.355, p = 0.049) and mLoSSI (r = − 0.432, p = 0.015). Moreover, the female patients with inactive LoSc had significantly higher level of let-7i (2.68-fold on average) in comparison to those with active disease (p = 0.045). The exact role of those molecules has not been revealed in LoSc and a long-term longitudinal research is pivotal to confirm their prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Wolska-Gawron
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, The Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin 11 Staszica St, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Joanna Bartosińska
- Department of Cosmetology and Aesthetic Medicine, The Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Rusek
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, The Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin 11 Staszica St, Lublin, Poland.,Department of Pathophysiology, The Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kowal
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, The Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin 11 Staszica St, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Raczkiewicz
- SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of Economic Analysis, Institute of Statistics and Demography, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Krasowska
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, The Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin 11 Staszica St, Lublin, Poland
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30
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Stone RC, Chen V, Burgess J, Pannu S, Tomic-Canic M. Genomics of Human Fibrotic Diseases: Disordered Wound Healing Response. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228590. [PMID: 33202590 PMCID: PMC7698326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic disease, which is implicated in almost half of all deaths worldwide, is the result of an uncontrolled wound healing response to injury in which tissue is replaced by deposition of excess extracellular matrix, leading to fibrosis and loss of organ function. A plethora of genome-wide association studies, microarrays, exome sequencing studies, DNA methylation arrays, next-generation sequencing, and profiling of noncoding RNAs have been performed in patient-derived fibrotic tissue, with the shared goal of utilizing genomics to identify the transcriptional networks and biological pathways underlying the development of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we discuss fibrosing disorders of the skin, liver, kidney, lung, and heart, systematically (1) characterizing the initial acute injury that drives unresolved inflammation, (2) identifying genomic studies that have defined the pathologic gene changes leading to excess matrix deposition and fibrogenesis, and (3) summarizing therapies targeting pro-fibrotic genes and networks identified in the genomic studies. Ultimately, successful bench-to-bedside translation of observations from genomic studies will result in the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapeutics that improve functional quality of life for patients and decrease mortality from fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rivka C. Stone
- Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (V.C.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.S.); (M.T.-C.)
| | - Vivien Chen
- Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (V.C.); (J.B.)
| | - Jamie Burgess
- Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (V.C.); (J.B.)
- Medical Scientist Training Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sukhmani Pannu
- Department of Dermatology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02116, USA;
| | - Marjana Tomic-Canic
- Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (V.C.); (J.B.)
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Correspondence: (R.C.S.); (M.T.-C.)
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Mazzotta C, Marden G, Farina A, Bujor A, Trojanowski MA, Trojanowska M. FLI1 and ERG protein degradation is regulated via Cathepsin B lysosomal pathway in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Microcirculation 2020; 28:e12660. [PMID: 32979864 PMCID: PMC7988617 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific, important regulators of endothelial cell homeostasis, are reduced in microvascular endothelial cells in scleroderma patients, and their deficiency has been implicated in disease pathogenesis. The goal of this study was to identify the mechanisms involved in the protein turnover of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific in microvascular endothelial cells. Methods The effects of lysosome and proteosome inhibitors on friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific levels were assessed by Western blotting and capillary morphogenesis. The effect of scleroderma and control sera on the levels of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific was examined. Results The reduction in the protein levels of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific in response to interferon α or Poly:(IC) was reversed by blocking either lysosomal (leupeptin and Cathepsin B inhibitor) or proteosomal degradation (MG132). MG132, leupeptin or CTSB‐(i) also counteracted the anti‐angiogenic effects of Poly:(IC) or interferon α. Scleroderma sera reduced protein levels of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific in comparison to control sera. Treatment with CTSB(i) increased the levels of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific in a majority of serum‐treated samples. Conclusions Inhibition of cathepsin B was effective in reversing the reduction of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific protein levels after treatment with interferon α or scleroderma sera, suggesting that targeting cathepsin B may have a beneficial effect in SSc vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celestina Mazzotta
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace Marden
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alessandra Farina
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andreea Bujor
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcin A Trojanowski
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Ramahi A, Altorok N, Kahaleh B. Epigenetics and systemic sclerosis: An answer to disease onset and evolution? Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7:S147-S156. [PMID: 32697935 PMCID: PMC7647676 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.19112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that implicates epigenetic modification in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The complexity of epigenetic regulation and its dynamic nature complicate the investigation of its role in the disease. We will review the current literature for factors that link epigenetics to SSc by discussing DNA methylation, histone acetylation and methylation, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNA changes in endothelial cells, fibroblasts (FBs), and lymphocytes. These three cell types are significantly involved in the early stages and throughout the course of the disease and are particularly vulnerable to epigenetic regulation. The pathogenesis of SSc is likely related to modifications of the epigenome by environmental signals in individuals with a specific genetic makeup. The epigenome is an attractive therapeutic target; however, successful epigenetics-based treatments require a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the epigenome and its alteration in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ramahi
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Nezam Altorok
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Bashar Kahaleh
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
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Understanding Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis: Novel and Emerging Treatment Approaches. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22:77. [DOI: 10.1007/s11926-020-00953-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Zhang L, Wu H, Zhao M, Lu Q. Meta‐analysis of differentially expressed microRNAs in systemic sclerosis. Int J Rheum Dis 2020; 23:1297-1304. [DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lian Zhang
- Department of Dermatology Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Central South University Changsha China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Central South University Changsha China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Central South University Changsha China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Central South University Changsha China
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35
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Doskaliuk B, Zaiats L, Yatsyshyn R, Gerych P, Cherniuk N, Zimba O. Pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis: exploring cellular, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1555-1569. [PMID: 32715342 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04658-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease characterized by immune inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. There are still numerous uncertainties in the understanding of disease initiation and progression. Pulmonary involvement in SSc, and particularly pulmonary fibrosis, is critical for all organ systems affections in this disease. This review is aimed to describe and analyze new findings in the pathophysiology of SSc-associated pulmonary involvement and to explore perspective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. A myriad of cellular interactions is explored in the dynamics of progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in SSc. The role of exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies is examined and the impact of micro and long non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modification in SSc is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Doskaliuk
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. .,Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76000, Ukraine.
| | - Liubomyr Zaiats
- Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76000, Ukraine
| | - Roman Yatsyshyn
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Petro Gerych
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Cherniuk
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Olena Zimba
- Department of Internal Medicine #2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
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36
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Feng D, Gerarduzzi C. Emerging Roles of Matricellular Proteins in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4776. [PMID: 32640520 PMCID: PMC7369781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a rare chronic heterogenous disease that involves inflammation and vasculopathy, and converges in end-stage development of multisystem tissue fibrosis. The loss of tight spatial distribution and temporal expression of proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM) leads to progressive organ stiffening, which is a hallmark of fibrotic disease. A group of nonstructural matrix proteins, known as matricellular proteins (MCPs) are implicated in dysregulated processes that drive fibrosis such as ECM remodeling and various cellular behaviors. Accordingly, MCPs have been described in the context of fibrosis in sclerosis (SSc) as predictive disease biomarkers and regulators of ECM synthesis, with promising therapeutic potential. In this present review, an informative summary of major MCPs is presented highlighting their clear correlations to SSc- fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Feng
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
- Centre de recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Faculté de Médecine, Centre affilié à l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Casimiro Gerarduzzi
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
- Centre de recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Faculté de Médecine, Centre affilié à l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Romano E, Wang Y, Guiducci S, Zhang G, Manetti M, Matucci-Cerinic M. The contribution of epigenetics to the pathogenesis and gender dimorphism of systemic sclerosis: a comprehensive overview. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2020; 12:1759720X20918456. [PMID: 32523636 PMCID: PMC7236401 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x20918456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a life-threatening connective tissue disorder of unknown etiology characterized by widespread vascular injury and dysfunction, impaired angiogenesis, immune dysregulation and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Over the past few years, a new trend of investigations is increasingly reporting aberrant epigenetic modifications in genes related to the pathogenesis of SSc, suggesting that, besides genetics, epigenetics may play a pivotal role in disease development and clinical manifestations. Like many other autoimmune diseases, SSc presents a striking female predominance, and even if the reason for this gender imbalance has yet to be completely understood, it appears that the X chromosome, which contains many gender and immune-related genes, could play a role in such gender-biased prevalence. Besides a short summary of the genetic background of SSc, in this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the most recent insights into the epigenetic modifications which underlie the pathophysiology of SSc. A particular focus is given to genetic variations in genes located on the X chromosome as well as to the main X-linked epigenetic modifications that can influence SSc susceptibility and clinical phenotype. On the basis of the most recent advances, there is realistic hope that integrating epigenetic data with genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analyses may provide in the future a better picture of their functional implications in SSc, paving the right way for a better understanding of disease pathogenesis and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini
6, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC),Florence, Italy
Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and
Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
| | - Yukai Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology,
Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
| | - Guohong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University
Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence,
Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
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Tsai CY, Hsieh SC, Wu TH, Li KJ, Shen CY, Liao HT, Wu CH, Kuo YM, Lu CS, Yu CL. Pathogenic Roles of Autoantibodies and Aberrant Epigenetic Regulation of Immune and Connective Tissue Cells in the Tissue Fibrosis of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093069. [PMID: 32349208 PMCID: PMC7246753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-system autoimmune disease with tissue fibrosis prominent in the skin and lung. In this review, we briefly describe the autoimmune features (mainly autoantibody production and cytokine profiles) and the potential pathogenic contributors including genetic/epigenetic predisposition, and environmental factors. We look in detail at the cellular and molecular bases underlying tissue-fibrosis which include trans-differentiation of fibroblasts (FBs) to myofibroblasts (MFBs). We also state comprehensively the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines relevant to MFB trans-differentiation, vasculopathy-associated autoantibodies, and fibrosis-regulating microRNAs in SSc. It is conceivable that tissue fibrosis is mainly mediated by an excessive production of TGF-β, the master regulator, from the skewed Th2 cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and keratinocytes. After binding with TGF-β receptors on MFB, the downstream Wnt/β-catenin triggers canonical Smad 2/3 and non-canonical Smad 4 signaling pathways to transcribe collagen genes. Subsequently, excessive collagen fiber synthesis and accumulation as well as tissue fibrosis ensue. In the later part of this review, we discuss limited data relevant to the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tissue-fibrosis in SSc. It is expected that these lncRNAs may become the useful biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SSc in the future. The prospective investigations in the development of novel epigenetic modifiers are also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Youh Tsai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital & National Yang-Ming University, #201 Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.T.); (C.-L.Y.); Fax: +886-2-28717483 (C.-Y.T.); +886-2-23957801 (C.-L.Y.)
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
| | - Tsai-Hung Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital & National Yang-Ming University, #201 Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Ko-Jen Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
| | - Chieh-Yu Shen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Tzung Liao
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital & National Yang-Ming University, #201 Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Han Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Min Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Shiun Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Li Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.T.); (C.-L.Y.); Fax: +886-2-28717483 (C.-Y.T.); +886-2-23957801 (C.-L.Y.)
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Hillen MR, Chouri E, Wang M, Blokland SLM, Hartgring SAY, Concepcion AN, Kruize AA, Burgering BMT, Rossato M, van Roon JAG, Radstake TRDJ. Dysregulated miRNome of plasmacytoid dendritic cells from patients with Sjögren's syndrome is associated with processes at the centre of their function. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 58:2305-2314. [PMID: 31131409 PMCID: PMC6880856 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective A considerable body of evidence supports a role for type-I IFN in the pathogenesis of primary SS (pSS). As plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a major source of type-I IFN, we investigated their molecular regulation by measuring expression of a large set of miRNAs. Methods pDCs were isolated from peripheral blood of pSS patients (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 16) divided into two independent cohorts (discovery and replication). Screening of 758 miRNAs was assessed by an OpenArray quantitative PCR-based technique; replication of a set of identified miRNAs was performed by custom array. Functional annotation of miRNA targets was performed using pathway enrichment. Novel targets of miR-29a and miR-29c were identified using a proteomic approach (stable isotope labelling with amino acids in cell culture). Results In the discovery cohort, 20 miRNAs were differentially expressed in pSS pDCs compared with healthy control pDCs. Of these, differential expression of 10 miRNAs was confirmed in the replication cohort. The dysregulated miRNAs were involved in phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Ak strain transforming and mammalian target of rapamycin signalling, as well as regulation of cell death. In addition, a set of novel protein targets of miR-29a and miR-29c were identified, including five targets that were regulated by both miRs. Conclusion The dysregulated miRNome in pDCs of patients with pSS is associated with aberrant regulation of processes at the centre of pDC function, including type-I IFN production and cell death. As miR-29a and miR-29c are pro-apoptotic factors and several of the novel targets identified here are regulators of apoptosis, their downregulation in patients with pSS is associated with enhanced pDC survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten R Hillen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eleni Chouri
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maojie Wang
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Center Molecular Medicine, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sofie L M Blokland
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sarita A Y Hartgring
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arno N Concepcion
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aike A Kruize
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn M T Burgering
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Center Molecular Medicine, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marzia Rossato
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Joel A G van Roon
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy R D J Radstake
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Qiu L, Zhang L, Qi R, Gao X, Chen H, Xiao T. miR-1291 Functions as a Potential Serum Biomarker for Bullous Pemphigoid. DISEASE MARKERS 2020; 2020:9505312. [PMID: 32399091 PMCID: PMC7201713 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9505312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a common T helper 2- (Th2-) dominated autoimmune blistering skin disease with significant mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are endogenous noncoding RNA molecules, have been reported to be potential biomarkers for some autoimmune diseases; however, to date, there exist no reports on serum expression profiles of miRNAs in BP patients. METHODS A RNA quantitative PCR- (qPCR-) based array was conducted on sera from 20 active BP patients and 20 healthy controls for screening of miRNAs. Significantly dysregulated miRNAs were validated with use of qPCR as performed on sera samples of 45 active BP patients and 60 healthy controls. Serum CCL17, anti-BP180, and anti-BP230 levels were measured with use of ELISA. RESULTS Relative baseline expression levels of serum miR-1291 were significantly upregulated in the 45 BP patients as compared with the 60 healthy controls (P < 0.001) and significantly decreased in the disease control stage (n = 13, P = 0.006). In addition, these baseline miR-1291 levels showed a significant positive correlation with the baseline levels of serum CCL17 (P < 0.001) and anti-BP180 (n = 38, P = 0.024). Like that observed for miR-1291, baseline levels of serum CCL17 were also significantly elevated in the 45 BP patients compared with the 60 healthy controls (P < 0.001) and significantly decreased in the disease control stage (n = 13, P = 0.002). However, for anti-BP180, baseline serum levels were significantly elevated in only 38 of the 45 BP patients and significantly decreased in the disease control stage (n = 10, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Relative expression levels of serum miR-1291 can reflect disease activity of BP. miR-1291 may function as an important new serum biomarker for BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Qiu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology of Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology of Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ruiqun Qi
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology of Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinghua Gao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology of Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongduo Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology of Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ting Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology of Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Asano Y, Varga J. Rationally-based therapeutic disease modification in systemic sclerosis: Novel strategies. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 101:146-160. [PMID: 31859147 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a highly challenging chronic condition that is dominated by the pathogenetic triad of vascular damage, immune dysregulation/autoimmunity and fibrosis in multiple organs. A hallmark of SSc is the remarkable degree of molecular and phenotypic disease heterogeneity, which surpasses that of other complex rheumatic diseases. Disease trajectories in SSc are unpredictable and variable from patient to patient. Disease-modifying therapies for SSc are lacking, long-term morbidity is considerable and mortality remains unacceptably high. Currently-used empirical approaches to disease modification have modest and variable clinical efficacy and impact on survival, are expensive and frequently associated with unfavorable side effects, and none can be considered curative. However, research during the past several years is yielding significant advances with therapeutic potential. In particular, the application of unbiased omics-based discovery technologies to large and well-characterized SSc patient cohorts, coupled with hypothesis-testing experimental research using a variety of model systems is revealing new insights into SSc that allow formulation of a more nuanced appreciation of disease heterogeneity, and a deepening understanding of pathogenesis. Indeed, we are now presented with numerous novel and rationally-based strategies for targeted SSc therapy, several of which are currently, or expected to be shortly, undergoing clinical evaluation. In this review, we discuss promising novel therapeutic targets and rationally-based approaches to disease modification that have the potential to improve long-term outcomes in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Varga
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epigenetics has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this review, the involvement of the three epigenetic mechanisms in SSc development and progression-DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs-will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Alteration in epigenetics was observed in immune cells, dermal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells derived from SSc patients. Genes that are affected include those involved in immune cell function and differentiation, TGFβ and Wnt pathways, extracellular matrix accumulation, transcription factors, and angiogenesis. All the studies remain in the pre-clinical stage. Extensive research provides evidence that epigenetic alterations are critical for SSc pathogenesis. Future epigenomic studies will undoubtedly continue to broaden our understanding of disease pathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity. They will also provide the scientific basis for repurposing epigenetic-modifying agents for SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Pl., 4025 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
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Wolska-Gawron K, Bartosińska J, Krasowska D. MicroRNA in localized scleroderma: a review of literature. Arch Dermatol Res 2019; 312:317-324. [PMID: 31637470 PMCID: PMC7248018 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-019-01991-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Localized scleroderma (LoSc) is rare connective tissue disease that manifests with inflammation and fibrosis of the skin. Depending on the LoSc subtype, adjacent structures such as subcutaneous tissue, fascia, muscles, bones may be affected. The hallmark of fibrosis is tissue remodelling with excess deposition of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM), principally collagens. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecules that consist of 19-24 nucleotides and act as negative regulators of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Based on the current articles, approximately 40 microRNAs have been linked to fibrosis in different organs and diseases. The majority of these molecules promote or inhibit fibrosis by targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), extracellular matrix proteins, TGF-β pathway and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway. Further, particular microRNAs regulate fibrogenesis by altering epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) or activating proliferation of myofibroblasts. MiRNAs are relatively stable, detectable in tissues and body fluids (serum, plasma) which suggest that they may serve as beneficial biomarkers to monitor the course of the disease and response to treatment. Herein, we report the present state of knowledge on microRNA expression in localized scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Wolska-Gawron
- Chair and Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Joanna Bartosińska
- Chair and Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Krasowska
- Chair and Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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A novel miRNA-4484 is up-regulated on microarray and associated with increased MMP-21 expression in serum of systemic sclerosis patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14264. [PMID: 31582779 PMCID: PMC6776520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50695-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, heterogeneous connective tissue disease, characterized by fibrosis and ECM deposition in skin and internal organs, autoimmunity, and changes in the microvasculature. Profiling of circulating miRNAs in serum has been found to be changed in pathological states, creating new possibilities for molecular diagnostics as blood-based biomarkers. This study was designed to identify miRNAs that are differentially expressed in SSc and might be potentially contributing to the disease etiopathogenesis or be used for diagnostic purposes. Thus, we compared the expression pattern of multiple miRNAs in serum of 10 SSc patients to 6 healthy controls using microarray analysis, and RT-qPCR to confirm the obtained results. In addition, bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore miRNAs target genes and the signaling pathways that may be potentially involved in SSc pathogenesis. Our study shows a different expression of 15 miRNAs in SSc patients. We identified that miR-4484, located on chromosome 10q26.2, was an 18-fold up-regulated in SSc patients compared to a control group. Bioinformatics analysis of the miR-4484 target genes and the signaling pathways showed that it might be potentially involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, and metalloproteinases expression. Based on the chromosomal location, the most interesting target gene of miR-4484 may be MMP-21. We found that the expression of MMP-21 significantly increased in SSc patients compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that miR-4484, and MMP-21 might be novel serum biomarkers that may correspond to pathological fibrosis in SSc, but it needs to be validated in further studies.
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van der Kroef M, van den Hoogen LL, Mertens JS, Blokland SLM, Haskett S, Devaprasad A, Carvalheiro T, Chouri E, Vazirpanah N, Cossu M, Wichers CGK, Silva-Cardoso SC, Affandi AJ, Bekker CPJ, Lopes AP, Hillen MR, Bonte-Mineur F, Kok MR, Beretta L, Rossato M, Mingueneau M, van Roon JAG, Radstake TRDJ. Cytometry by time of flight identifies distinct signatures in patients with systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögrens syndrome. Eur J Immunol 2019; 50:119-129. [PMID: 31424086 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjögrens syndrome (pSS) are clinically distinct systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) that share molecular pathways. We quantified the frequency of circulating immune-cells in 169 patients with these SADs and 44 healty controls (HC) using mass-cytometry and assessed the diagnostic value of these results. Alterations in the frequency of immune-cell subsets were present in all SADs compared to HC. Most alterations, including a decrease of CD56hi NK-cells in SSc and IgM+ Bcells in pSS, were disease specific; only a reduced frequency of plasmacytoid dendritic cells was common between all SADs Strikingly, hierarchical clustering of SSc patients identified 4 clusters associated with different clinical phenotypes, and 9 of the 12 cell subset-alterations in SSc were also present during the preclinical-phase of the disease. Additionally, we found a strong association between the use of prednisone and alterations in B-cell subsets. Although differences in immune-cell frequencies between these SADs are apparent, the discriminative value thereof is too low for diagnostic purposes. Within each disease, mass cytometry analyses revealed distinct patterns between endophenotypes. Given the lack of tools enabling early diagnosis of SSc, our results justify further research into the value of cellular phenotyping as a diagnostic aid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten van der Kroef
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas L van den Hoogen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jorre S Mertens
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sofie L M Blokland
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Abhinandan Devaprasad
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tiago Carvalheiro
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eleni Chouri
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nadia Vazirpanah
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Cossu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Catherina G K Wichers
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra C Silva-Cardoso
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alsya J Affandi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis P J Bekker
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ana P Lopes
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten R Hillen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Bonte-Mineur
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marc R Kok
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Beretta
- Scleroderma Unit, Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Rossato
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Joel A G van Roon
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy R D J Radstake
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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46
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Henry TW, Mendoza FA, Jimenez SA. Role of microRNA in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis tissue fibrosis and vasculopathy. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102396. [PMID: 31520794 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis involves multiple immunological, vascular and fibroproliferative abnormalities that contribute to a severe and complex clinical picture. Vasculopathy and fibroproliferative alterations are two hallmark pathological processes in SSc that are responsible for the most severe clinical manifestations of the disease and determine its clinical outcome and mortality. However, the pathogenesis of SSc vasculopathy and of the uncontrolled SSc fibrotic process remain incompletely understood. Recent investigations into the molecular pathways involved in these processes have identified an important role for epigenetic processes that contribute to overall disease progression and have emphasized microRNAs (miRNAs) as crucial epigenetic regulators. MiRNAs hold unique potential for elucidating SSc pathogenesis, improving diagnosis and developing effective targeted therapies for the disease. This review examines the important role that miRNAs play in the development and regulation of vascular and fibroproliferative alterations associated with SSc pathogenesis and their possible participation in the establishment of pathogenetic connections between these two processes. This review also emphasizes that further understanding of the involvement of miRNA in SSc fibrosis and vasculopathy will very likely provide novel future research directions and allow for the identification of groundbreaking therapeutic interventions within these processes. MiR-21, miR- 31, and miR-155 are of particular interest owing to their important involvement in both SSc vasculopathy and fibroproliferative alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler W Henry
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, USA
| | - Fabian A Mendoza
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, USA
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, USA.
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Tao W, Radstake TRDJ, Pandit A. Using Machine Learning to Molecularly Classify Systemic Sclerosis Patients. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 71:1595-1598. [PMID: 30938492 DOI: 10.1002/art.40902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Weiyang Tao
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | | | - Aridaman Pandit
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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Xu C, Meng LB, Duan YC, Cheng YJ, Zhang CM, Zhou X, Huang CB. Screening and identification of biomarkers for systemic sclerosis via microarray technology. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:1753-1770. [PMID: 31545397 PMCID: PMC6777682 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease. The pathogenesis of SSc is currently unclear, although like other rheumatic diseases its pathogenesis is complicated. However, the ongoing development of bioinformatics technology has enabled new approaches to research this disease using microarray technology to screen and identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the skin of patients with SSc compared with individuals with healthy skin. Publicly available data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and intra-group data repeatability tests were conducted using Pearson's correlation test and principal component analysis. DEGs were identified using an online tool, GEO2R. Functional annotation of DEGs was performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Finally, the construction and analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and identification and analysis of hub genes was carried out. A total of 106 DEGs were detected by the screening of SSc and healthy skin samples. A total of 10 genes [interleukin-6, bone morphogenetic protein 4, calumenin (CALU), clusterin, cysteine rich angiogenic inducer 61, serine protease 23, secretogranin II, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tenascin C] were identified as hub genes with degrees ≥10, and which could sensitively and specifically predict SSc based on receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. GO and KEGG analysis showed that variations in hub genes were mainly enriched in positive regulation of nitric oxide biosynthetic processes, negative regulation of apoptotic processes, extracellular regions, extracellular spaces, cytokine activity, chemo-attractant activity, and the phosphoinositide 3 kinase-protein kinase B signaling pathway. In summary, bioinformatics techniques proved useful for the screening and identification of biomarkers of disease. A total of 106 DEGs and 10 hub genes were linked to SSc, in particular the TLR4 and CALU genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Bing Meng
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Chen Duan
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Jing Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Mei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Xing Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Ci-Bo Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
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Sobolewski P, Maślińska M, Wieczorek M, Łagun Z, Malewska A, Roszkiewicz M, Nitskovich R, Szymańska E, Walecka I. Systemic sclerosis - multidisciplinary disease: clinical features and treatment. Reumatologia 2019; 57:221-233. [PMID: 31548749 PMCID: PMC6753596 DOI: 10.5114/reum.2019.87619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of still not fully understood pathogenesis. Fibrosis, vascular wall damage, and disturbances of innate and acquired immune responses with autoantibody production are prominent features. Systemic sclerosis has specific subsets with different autoantibodies, and differences in the affected skin areas. The suspicion of systemic sclerosis and establishing the diagnosis will be facilitated by the criteria created by EULAR/ACR experts. The treatment of this autoimmune disease remains a challenge for clinicians and new therapeutic options are constantly sought. The occurrence of various symptoms and the involvement of many organs and systems make systemic sclerosis a multidisciplinary disease and require a holistic approach. The present article summarizes different clinical features of systemic sclerosis and the profile of autoantibodies and discusses recent rules and future perspectives in disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Sobolewski
- Clinic of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Maślińska
- Clinic of Early Arthritis, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Wieczorek
- Clinic of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Łagun
- Clinic of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Malewska
- Clinic of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Roszkiewicz
- Clinic of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Elżbieta Szymańska
- Clinic of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Irena Walecka
- Clinic of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior, Warsaw, Poland
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease that is characterized by vascular abnormalities, immunological alterations and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The results of genetic studies in patients with SSc have revealed statistically significant genetic associations with disease manifestations and progression. Nevertheless, genetic susceptibility to SSc is moderate, and the functional consequences of genetic associations remain only partially characterized. A current hypothesis is that, in genetically susceptible individuals, epigenetic modifications constitute the driving force for disease initiation. As epigenetic alterations can occur years before fibrosis appears, these changes could represent a potential link between inflammation and tissue fibrosis. Epigenetics is a fast-growing discipline, and a considerable number of important epigenetic studies in SSc have been published in the past few years that span histone post-translational modifications, DNA methylation, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. This Review describes the latest insights into genetic and epigenetic contributions to the pathogenesis of SSc and aims to provide an improved understanding of the molecular pathways that link inflammation and fibrosis. This knowledge will be of paramount importance for the development of medicines that are effective in treating or even reversing tissue fibrosis.
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