Genetic susceptibility factors for alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis

Exploring Acute Pancreatitis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Multicentre Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Incidence, Causes, and Clinical Outcomes

Background: The aim of this multicentre retrospective study is to determine the incidence, etiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of kidney transplant recipients diagnosed and treated for acute pancreatitis. Methods: We analyzed data from kidney transplant recipients who received kidney allografts between October 1973 and December 2023 and were diagnosed and treated for acute pancreatitis. Results: Of 2482 patients who received kidney allografts, 10 (0.4%) (5 male) were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, with a mean age of 48.6 years. Patients were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis between 3 weeks and 24 years after the transplantation. Possible etiologies included cholecystolithiasis, COVID-19, hypercalcemia, postprocedural, use of cannabis, trimetoprim-sulphometoxasole, statins, sirolimus, tacrolimus and obesity. There was no suspected etiology in two patients. Patients were treated with aggressive hydration, pain alleviation and antibiotics if indicated. Four patients developed complications. Local complications included peripancreatic collections, pseudocyst, and abscesses formation, while systemic complications occurred in the form of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and urinary tract infection. All patients survived with preserved kidney allograft function. Conclusions: Acute pancreatitis in kidney transplant recipients is rare. However, it may be linked to significant morbidity and mortality. While symptoms may be nonspecific and brought on by a variety of viral and non-infectious illnesses, as well as adverse effects from immunosuppressive medications, a high degree of awareness is required.

American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines: Management of Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP), defined as acute inflammation of the pancreas, is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract leading to hospital admission in the United States. It is important for clinicians to appreciate that AP is heterogenous, progressing differently among patients and is often unpredictable. While most patients experience symptoms lasting a few days, almost one-fifth of patients will go on to experience complications, including pancreatic necrosis and/or organ failure, at times requiring prolonged hospitalization, intensive care, and radiologic, surgical, and/or endoscopic intervention. Early management is essential to identify and treat patients with AP to prevent complications. Patients with biliary pancreatitis typically will require surgery to prevent recurrent disease and may need early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography if the disease is complicated by cholangitis. Nutrition plays an important role in treating patients with AP. The safety of early refeeding and importance in preventing complications from AP are addressed. This guideline will provide an evidence-based practical approach to the management of patients with AP.

Identification of claudin-2 as a promising biomarker for early diagnosis of pre-diabetes

Introduction: Pre-diabetes, a high-risk metabolic state, is situated between normal glucose homeostasis and diabetes. Early identification of pre-diabetes offers opportunities for intervention and diabetes reversal, highlighting the crucial need to investigate reliable biomarkers for this condition. Methods: We conducted an in-depth bioinformatics analysis of clinical samples from non-diabetic (ND), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) categories within the GSE164416 dataset. Thereafter the HFD and STZ treated mice were used for validation. Results: This analysis identified several codifferentially expressed genes (Co-DEGs) for IGT and T2DM, including CFB, TSHR, VNN2, APOC1, CLDN2, SLPI, LCN2, CXCL17, FAIM2, and REG3A. Validation of these genes and the determination of ROC curves were performed using the GSE76895 dataset. Thereafter, CLDN2 was selected for further verification. Gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence analysis revealed a significant upregulation of CLDN2 expression in the pancreas islets of mice in the high-fat diet and T2DM groups compared to the control group. Similarly, serum level of CLDN2 in patients with IGT and T2DM were significantly higher than those in the healthy group. Discussion: These results suggest that CLDN2 can serve as a novel biomarker for pre-diabetes, providing a new direction for future research in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

FUT2 inhibits the EMT and metastasis of colorectal cancer by increasing LRP1 fucosylation

BACKGROUND

Fucosyltransferase 2(FUT2) and its induced α-1,2 fucosylation is associated with cancer metastasis. However, the role of FUT2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis remains unclear.

METHODS

The expression levels and clinical analyses of FUT2 were assessed in CRC samples. Migration and invasion assays, EMT detection, nude mice peritoneal dissemination models and intestinal specific FUT2 knockout mice (FUT2^△IEC mice) were used to investigate the effect of FUT2 on metastasis in colorectal cancer. Quantitative proteomics study of glycosylated protein, UEA enrichment, Co-immunoprecipitation identified the mediator of the invasive-inhibiting effects of FUT2.

RESULTS

FUT2 is downregulated in CRC tissues and is positively correlated with the survival of CRC patients. FUT2 is an inhibitor of colorectal cancer metastasis which, when overexpressed, suppresses invasion and tumor dissemination in vitro and in vivo. FUT2 knock-out mice (FUT2^△IEC mice) develop AMO and DSS-induced tumors and promote EMT in colorectal cancers. FUT2-induced α-1,2 fucosylation impacts the ability of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1) to suppress colorectal cancer invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that FUT2 induces α-1,2 fucosylation and inhibits EMT and metastasis of colorectal cancer through LRP1 fucosylation, suggesting that FUT2 may serve as a therapeutic target for colorectal cancer. Video Abstract.

Chronic Alcohol Abuse Alters Hepatic Trace Element Concentrations-Metallomic Study of Hepatic Elemental Composition by Means of ICP-OES

Trace element accumulation varies in different human tissues. Distribution of several elements was found to be disrupted in the case of excessive alcohol consumption, causing negative effects and exacerbation of pathological processes in the liver. In this study, we analyzed the levels and interactions between seven trace elements including calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) in individuals with alcohol-use disorder (AUD) and patients without AUD (control group). The liver samples were collected during autopsy from 39 individuals with AUD and 45 control subjects. Elemental composition inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after wet mineralization by nitric acid was applied for the evaluation of the samples. Positive correlations dominated in the AUD group, mainly in relation to Mg, which strongly positively correlated with Ca, Mn, Fe; K correlated with Mn and Zn, and Cu positively correlated with K and Zn. The strongest positive correlation in the AUD group was observed for the Mg-Mn pair (r = 0.87). Significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the groups concerned the average concentration of Co, Cu, Mn, and Mg, which were lower in the AUD group, and Fe, the level of which was significantly higher in the AUD group compared to the control group. Evaluation of the chronic alcohol consumption effect on the accumulation of trace elements in the liver allows a better understanding of the pathological processes taking place in this organ.

The Role of Gut Microbiota and Genetic Susceptibility in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the pancreas caused by autodigestion induced by excessive premature protease activation. However, recognition of novel pathophysiological mechanisms remains a still challenge. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of pancreatitis, and the gut microbiota is a potential source of an environmental effect. In recent years, several new frontiers in gut microbiota and genetic risk assessment research have emerged and improved the understanding of the disease. These investigations showed that the disease progression of pancreatitis could be regulated by the gut microbiome, either through a translocation influence or in a host immune response manner. Meanwhile, the onset of the disease is also associated with the heritage of a pathogenic mutation, and the disease progression could be modified by genetic risk factors. In this review, we focused on the recent advances in the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis, and the genetic susceptibility in pancreatitis.

Sex-Related Differences of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis in Adults

The incidence of acute and chronic pancreatitis is increasing in the United States. Rates of acute pancreatitis (AP) are similar in both sexes, but chronic pancreatitis (CP) is more common in males. When stratified by etiology, women have higher rates of gallstone AP, while men have higher rates of alcohol- and tobacco-related AP and CP, hypercalcemic AP, hypertriglyceridemic AP, malignancy-related AP, and type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). No significant sex-related differences have been reported in medication-induced AP or type 2 AIP. Whether post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis is sex-associated remains controversial. Animal models have demonstrated sex-related differences in the rates of induction and severity of AP, CP, and AIP. Animal and human studies have suggested that a combination of risk factor profiles, as well as genes, may be responsible for the observed differences. More investigation into the sex-related differences of AP and CP is desired in order to improve clinical management by developing effective prevention strategies, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

The Potential Causes of Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is the most common comorbidity, affecting more than 50% of adult CF patients. Despite this high prevalence, the etiology of CFRD remains incompletely understood. Studies in young CF children show pancreatic islet disorganization, abnormal glucose tolerance, and delayed first-phase insulin secretion suggesting that islet dysfunction is an early feature of CF. Since insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells express very low levels of CFTR, CFRD likely results from β-cell extrinsic factors. In the vicinity of β-cells, CFTR is expressed in both the exocrine pancreas and the immune system. In the exocrine pancreas, CFTR mutations lead to the obstruction of the pancreatic ductal canal, inflammation, and immune cell infiltration, ultimately causing the destruction of the exocrine pancreas and remodeling of islets. Both inflammation and ductal cells have a direct effect on insulin secretion and could participate in CFRD development. CFTR mutations are also associated with inflammatory responses and excessive cytokine production by various immune cells, which infiltrate the pancreas and exert a negative impact on insulin secretion, causing dysregulation of glucose homeostasis in CF adults. In addition, the function of macrophages in shaping pancreatic islet development may be impaired by CFTR mutations, further contributing to the pancreatic islet structural defects as well as impaired first-phase insulin secretion observed in very young children. This review discusses the different factors that may contribute to CFRD.

What Do We Currently Know about the Pathophysiology of Alcoholic Pancreatitis: A Brief Review

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic pancreatitis is a serious medical concern worldwide and remains to be one of the common causes of pancreatic disease.

SUMMARY

While alcohol consumption causes direct damage to pancreatic tissue, only a small percentage of active drinkers will develop pancreatitis. An explanation of this phenomenon is probably that alcohol increases pancreatic vulnerability to damage; however, the simultaneous presence of additional risk factors and pancreatic costressors is required to increase the risk of pancreatitis and its complications caused by alcohol misuse. Recently, a number of important genetic as well as environmental factors influencing the risk of alcoholic pancreatitis have been described.

KEY MESSAGES

In brief, this review reports established factors for the development of alcoholic pancreatitis and summarizes recent progress made in basic and clinical research.

A population-based study of chronic pancreatitis in Finland: Effects on quality of life

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In Finland the incidence of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is high compared to that in most European countries. Recent epidemiological data is lacking. Our aim was to investigate the current epidemiologic and behavioural data on CP patients in Finland.

METHODS

CP patients according to M-ANNHEIM criteria in Tampere University Hospital (TAUH) during 2014-2015 were included. Aetiology, time from diagnosis, pancreatic function, treatment, complications, smoking, alcohol consumption (AUDIT) and quality of life (QoL) (QLQ C30, PAN26) were gathered.

RESULTS

235 CP patients (57 (26-88) years, 65% men) were included. Time since diagnosis was 5.5 (1-41) years. Aetiology was alcohol in 67%, and smoking contributed in 54%. Of these patients 78% continued smoking and 58% continued to consume alcohol even after CP diagnosis. CP related complications were common. Pseudocysts were more common in alcohol related CP than in non-alcohol related CP (60% vs. 38%, p < 0.05). Reported QoL and pain were worse in the CP patients than in controls. Alcohol consumption differed from that of the Finnish population; the CP patients were either total abstainers or heavy alcohol consumers.

CONCLUSIONS

CP constitutes a great burden on the health care system and on the patients. The patients frequently develop complications and symptoms and their QoL is inferior to that of controls. The most important measure to halt the progression of CP would be to prevent acute phases and for patients to stop smoking, which does not happen in many CP patients. It would be beneficial to increase awareness among CP patients and medical professionals.

A New Insight into Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a pancreatic disease with poor prognosis characterized clinically by abdominal pain, morphologically by pancreatic stones/calcification, duct dilatation and atrophy, and functionally by pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. CP is also known as a risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer. CP has long been understood based on a fixed disease concept deduced from the clinical and morphological features of the end-stage disease. However, identification of causal genes for hereditary pancreatitis and success in the isolation and culture of pancreatic stellate cells have advanced the understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms, the early-stage pathophysiology, and the mechanisms behind pancreatic fibrosis. These advances have led to moves aimed at improving patient prognosis through prevention of disease progression by early diagnosis and early therapeutic intervention. The strategy for preventing disease progression has included a proposal for diagnostic criteria for early CP and introduction of a new definition of CP in consideration of the pathological mechanisms. Our group has been committed deeply to these studies and has provided a large amount of information to the world.

Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Pancreatitis: A Review

IMPORTANCE

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory and fibrotic disease of the pancreas with a prevalence of 42 to 73 per 100 000 adults in the United States.

OBSERVATIONS

Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of CP. Environmental factors associated with CP include alcohol abuse (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% CI, 1.87-5.14) for 5 or more drinks per day vs abstainers and light drinkers as well as smoking (OR, 4.59; 95% CI, 2.91-7.25) for more than 35 pack-years in a case-control study involving 971 participants. Between 28% to 80% of patients are classified as having "idiopathic CP." Up to 50% of these individuals have mutations of the trypsin inhibitor gene (SPINK1) or the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Approximately 1% of people diagnosed with CP may have hereditary pancreatitis, associated with cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) gene mutations. Approximately 80% of people with CP present with recurrent or chronic upper abdominal pain. Long-term sequelae include diabetes in 38% to 40% and exocrine insufficiency in 30% to 48%. The diagnosis is based on pancreatic calcifications, ductal dilatation, and atrophy visualized by imaging with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or both. Endoscopic ultrasound can assist in making the diagnosis in patients with a high index of suspicion such as recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis when imaging is normal or equivocal. The first line of therapy consists of advice to discontinue use of alcohol and smoking and taking analgesic agents (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and weak opioids such as tramadol). A trial of pancreatic enzymes and antioxidants (a combination of multivitamins, selenium, and methionine) can control symptoms in up to 50% of patients. Patients with pancreatic ductal obstruction due to stones, stricture, or both may benefit from ductal drainage via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgical drainage procedures, such as pancreaticojejunostomy with or without pancreatic head resection, which may provide better pain relief among people who do not respond to endoscopic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Chronic pancreatitis often results in chronic abdominal pain and is most commonly caused by excessive alcohol use, smoking, or genetic mutations. Treatment consists primarily of alcohol and smoking cessation, pain control, replacement of pancreatic insufficiency, or mechanical drainage of obstructed pancreatic ducts for some patients.

Claudin-2: Roles beyond Permeability Functions

Claudin-2 is expressed in the tight junctions of leaky epithelia, where it forms cation-selective and water permeable paracellular channels. Its abundance is under fine control by a complex signaling network that affects both its synthesis and turnover in response to various environmental inputs. Claudin-2 expression is dysregulated in many pathologies including cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis. Claudin-2 has a key role in energy-efficient ion and water transport in the proximal tubules of the kidneys and in the gut. Importantly, strong evidence now also supports a role for this protein as a modulator of vital cellular events relevant to diseases. Signaling pathways that are overactivated in diseases can alter claudin-2 expression, and a good correlation exists between disease stage and claudin-2 abundance. Further, loss- and gain-of-function studies showed that primary changes in claudin-2 expression impact vital cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and cell fate determination. These effects appear to be mediated by alterations in key signaling pathways. The specific mechanisms linking claudin-2 to these changes remain poorly understood, but adapters binding to the intracellular portion of claudin-2 may play a key role. Thus, dysregulation of claudin-2 may contribute to the generation, maintenance, and/or progression of diseases through both permeability-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the properties, regulation, and functions of claudin-2, with a special emphasis on its signal-modulating effects and possible role in diseases.

Breaking the Glyco-Code of HIV Persistence and Immunopathogenesis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Glycoimmunology is an emerging field focused on understanding how immune responses are mediated by glycans (carbohydrates) and their interaction with glycan-binding proteins called lectins. How glycans influence immunological functions is increasingly well understood. In a parallel way, in the HIV field, it is increasingly understood how the host immune system controls HIV persistence and immunopathogenesis. However, what has mostly been overlooked, despite its potential for therapeutic applications, is the role that the host glycosylation machinery plays in modulating the persistence and immunopathogenesis of HIV. Here, we will survey four areas in which the links between glycan-lectin interactions and immunology and between immunology and HIV are well described. For each area, we will describe these links and then delineate the opportunities for the HIV field in investigating potential interactions between glycoimmunology and HIV persistence/immunopathogenesis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies show that the human glycome (the repertoire of human glycan structures) plays critical roles in driving or modulating several cellular processes and immunological functions that are central to maintaining HIV infection. Understanding the links between glycoimmunology and HIV infection may create a new paradigm for discovering novel glycan-based therapies that can lead to eradication, functional cure, or improved tolerance of lifelong infection.

Etiology and Risk Factors of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

Based on the recognition of common etiological and genetic risk factors, acute and chronic pancreatitis are increasingly regarded as a continuum of the same disease, with a significant overlap of clinical manifestations and phenotypes but distinct morphological and imaging appearances. Recent population-based and cohort studies have found that tobacco smoke conveys a greater risk than immoderate alcohol consumption for the development of chronic pancreatitis, and hypertriglyceridemia has been identified as a risk factor for acute pancreatitis - even when plasma levels are only mildly elevated. Hereditary pancreatitis, in its autosomal dominant form, is associated with mutations in the cationic trypsinogen gene (PRSS1), whereas a number of germline variations in other genes have been found to represent risk factors for chronic as well as acute pancreatitis. For now, most of these involve the pancreatic digestive protease/antiprotease system. Oftentimes, affected patients are burdened with multiple or accumulating risk factors, and genetic traits when combined with environmental toxins compound the chance of developing the disease. Determining the underlying etiology of pancreatitis is worth the effort since formerly intractable varieties such as autoimmune pancreatitis are now becoming increasingly treatable, and subtype-specific therapeutic modalities may become available.

Genetic predisposition in pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Genetic mutations are the primary cause for acute recurrent (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis in children. Further, our medical approach for many diseases is changing from a one-drug therapy to more individualized therapeutic strategies. In respect to the therapeutic management of ARP/chronic pancreatitis, this entails an understanding of the individual, mainly genetic, risk factors that led to pancreatitis disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

New pancreatitis-associated genes are continuously emerging from increasingly large genetic cohort studies. Furthermore, newer research findings demonstrate that multiple genetic and nongenetic factors are required to increase the individual risk for developing ARP/chronic pancreatitis. Last, there is new exciting development towards targeted pancreatitis therapy in the future.

SUMMARY

This review introduces the current concept of ARP/chronic pancreatitis as a complex disease caused by multiple genetic and nongenetic factors. This warrants careful evaluation of these patients and ideally consultation of a pancreas expert to help understand individual genetic risk profiles and to provide more effective patient consultation.

Analysis of lifestyle factors in patients with concomitant chronic pancreatitis and liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) and liver cirrhosis (LC) are common gastroenterological disorders but their co-incidence is considered to be rare. This study was designed to identify lifestyle factors that are associated with the development of concomitant LC in patients with CP.

METHODS

In a retrospective case-control study between 2000 and 2005 122 patients with both CP and LC and 223 matched control patients with CP and no known liver disease were identified in 11 European university medical centers. Another 24 patients and 48 CP controls were identified in the period between 2006 and 2012.

RESULTS

Alcoholism was most commonly regarded as aetiology for both CP (82.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 75.0-88.0%) and LC (79.5%; 95% CI: 72.0-85.7%) as compared to controls with CP only (68.6%; 95% CI: 62.7-74.1%). The preferred type of alcoholic beverage and pattern of alcohol intake were the only significant lifestyle factors in multivariate analysis. Frequency of alcohol intake (p = 0.105) and smoking status (p = 0.099) were not significant in bivariate analysis and dropped out of the multivariate model. Recurrent and chronic pancreatic pain was observed more often in patients with only CP, whereas gallstones were more common in individuals with both chronic disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that certain lifestyle factors might be important for the development of concomitant CP and LC. More studies will be needed to identify additional genetic and environmental factors underlying this association.

High Prevalence of Serine Protease Inhibitor Kazal Type 1 Gene Variations Detected by Whole Gene Sequencing in Patients with Fibrocalculous Pancreatic Diabetes

AIM OF STUDY

The aim is to study the prevalence and pattern of serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene variations in patients with fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) using whole gene sequencing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 56 consecutive patients of FCPD were recruited for the study. Diagnosis of FCPD was based on the presence of diabetes mellitus in patients having chronic pancreatitis with radiological evidence of ductal calcifications, in the absence of other known causes for pancreatitis. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid samples were collected from all patients, and complete gene sequencing was performed for SPINK1 gene using Sanger technique.

RESULTS

Overall 35 patients (62.5%) were detected to have genetic alterations in SPINK1 gene. N34S polymorphism was seen in 23 participants (41.07%) out of which 3 were homozygous. N34S was seen to be in linkage disequilibrium with IVS1 - 37T>C (18/23) and IVS3-69insAAAA (19/23) polymorphisms. Seven patients (12.5%) had a 272 C>T 3'UTR polymorphism while one patient (1.8%) had a P55S polymorphism. Two patients (3.5%) had an IVS3 + 2T>C mutation which has been shown to be associated with loss of function of SPINK protein. Overall 48.2% of FCPD patients had genetic variations that were significant compared to the control population. There was no difference in anthropometric and biochemical parameters between those with or without SPINK1 gene variations.

CONCLUSIONS

Variations in SPINK1 gene are frequently observed in FCPD. N34S polymorphism was the most common variation followed by intronic variations. Two patients had the pathogenic intronic IVS3 + 2T>C mutation. Whole gene sequencing of the SPINK1 gene enabled detection of an additional 7.1% of patients with significant SPINK1 gene variations as compared to targeted screening for the N34S variation.

Identifying miRNA-mRNA regulation network of chronic pancreatitis based on the significant functional expression

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore the underlying molecular mechanism and potential molecular biomarkers of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and construct a miRNA-mRNA regulation network.

METHODS

To explore the involvement of miRNAs in CP, we downloaded the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of CP patients and healthy controls and identified the differentially expressed miRNAs and genes. Functional analysis was conducted and significant pathways were utilized. Finally, the miRNA-mRNA regulation network of CP was constructed.

RESULTS

A total of 44 miRNA risk gene pathway relationships were identified, and a complex regulation network was constructed with 3 genes (ABL1, MYC, and ANAPC13) having the highest degree in affecting the network of CP. Importantly, 4 risk genes (NOTCH3, COX5A, THBS1, and KARS) and 1 risk miRNA (hsa-miR-324-5p) were identified with high prediction accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, we analyzed miRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles in CP, 1 risk miRNA, and 4 risk genes were identified with high prediction accuracy as biomarkers of CP. Although further evaluation in clinical study is needed, our findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of CP and may improve the diagnosis and therapy by identifying novel targets.

The Emerging Role of MORC Family Proteins in Cancer Development and Bone Homeostasis

Microrchidia (MORC or MORC family CW-type zinc finger protein), a highly conserved nuclear protein superfamily, is an interesting new player in signaling-dependent chromatin remodeling and epigenetic regulation. MORC family proteins consist of MORC1, MORC2, MORC3, and MORC4 which display common structural determinants such as CW-type zinc finger and coiled-coil domains. They also exhibit unique structural motifs and tissue-specific expression profiles. MORC1 was first discovered as a key regulator for male meiosis and spermatogenesis. Accumulating biochemical and functional analyses unveil MORC proteins as key regulators for cancer development. More recently, using an ENU mutagenesis mouse model, MORC3 was found to play a role in regulating bone and calcium homeostasis. Here we discuss recent research progress on the emerging role of MORC proteins in cancer development and bone metabolism. Unravelling the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which MORC proteins carry out their functions in a tissue specific manner are important subjects for future investigation. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 928-934, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Epithelial glycosylation in gut homeostasis and inflammation

Intestinal epithelial cells apically express glycans, especially α1,2-fucosyl linkages, which work as a biological interface for the host-microbe interaction. Emerging studies have shown that epithelial α1,2-fucosylation is regulated by microbes and by group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s). Dysregulation of the gene (FUT2) encoding fucosyltransferase 2, an enzyme governing epithelial α1,2-fucosylation, is associated with various human disorders, including infection and chronic inflammatory diseases. This suggests a critical role for an interaction between microbes, epithelial cells and ILC3s mediated via glycan residues. In this Review, using α1,2-fucose and Fut2 gene expression as an example, we describe how epithelial glycosylation is controlled by immune cells and luminal microbes. We also address the pathophysiological contribution of epithelial α1,2-fucosylation to pathogenic and commensal microbes as well as the potential of α1,2-fucose and its regulatory pathway as previously unexploited targets in the development of new therapeutic approaches for human diseases.

Cathepsin B Activity Initiates Apoptosis via Digestive Protease Activation in Pancreatic Acinar Cells and Experimental Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is associated with premature activation of digestive proteases in the pancreas. The lysosomal hydrolase cathepsin B (CTSB) is a known activator of trypsinogen, and its deletion reduces disease severity in experimental pancreatitis. Here we studied the activation mechanism and subcellular compartment in which CTSB regulates protease activation and cellular injury. Cholecystokinin (CCK) increased the activity of CTSB, cathepsin L, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and caspase 3 in vivo and in vitro and induced redistribution of CTSB to a secretory vesicle-enriched fraction. Neither CTSB protein nor activity redistributed to the cytosol, where the CTSB inhibitors cystatin-B/C were abundantly present. Deletion of CTSB reduced and deletion of cathepsin L increased intracellular trypsin activation. CTSB deletion also abolished CCK-induced caspase 3 activation, apoptosis-inducing factor, as well as X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein degradation, but these depended on trypsinogen activation via CTSB. Raising the vesicular pH, but not trypsin inhibition, reduced CTSB activity. Trypsin inhibition did not affect apoptosis in hepatocytes. Deletion of CTSB affected apoptotic but not necrotic acinar cell death. In summary, CTSB in pancreatitis undergoes activation in a secretory, vesicular, and acidic compartment where it activates trypsinogen. Its deletion or inhibition regulates acinar cell apoptosis but not necrosis in two models of pancreatitis. Caspase 3-mediated apoptosis depends on intravesicular trypsinogen activation induced by CTSB, not CTSB activity directly, and this mechanism is pancreas-specific.