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Leite G, de Freitas Germano J, Morales W, Weitsman S, Barlow GM, Parodi G, Pimentel ML, Villanueva-Millan MJ, Sanchez M, Ayyad S, Rezaie A, Mathur R, Pimentel M. Cytolethal distending toxin B inoculation leads to distinct gut microtypes and IBS-D-like microRNA-mediated gene expression changes in a rodent model. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2293170. [PMID: 38108386 PMCID: PMC10730147 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2293170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), associated with increased intestinal permeability, inflammation, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, can be triggered by acute gastroenteritis. Cytolethal distending toxin B (CdtB) is produced by gastroenteritis-causing pathogens and may underlie IBS-D development, through molecular mimicry with vinculin. Here, we examine the effects of exposure to CdtB alone on gut microbiome composition, host intestinal gene expression, and IBS-D-like phenotypes in a rat model. CdtB-inoculated rats exhibited increased anti-CdtB levels, which correlated with increased stool wet weights, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL2) and predicted microbial metabolic pathways including inflammatory responses, TNF responses, and diarrhea. Three distinct ileal microbiome profiles (microtypes) were identified in CdtB-inoculated rats. The first microtype (most like controls) had altered relative abundance (RA) of genera Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, and Rothia. The second had lower microbial diversity, higher Escherichia-Shigella RA, higher absolute E. coli abundance, and altered host ileal tissue expression of immune-response and TNF-response genes compared to controls. The third microtype had higher microbial diversity, higher RA of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-producer Desulfovibrio, and increased expression of H2S-associated pain/serotonin response genes. All CdtB-inoculated rats exhibited decreased ileal expression of cell junction component mRNAs, including vinculin-associated proteins. Significantly, cluster-specific microRNA-mRNA interactions controlling intestinal permeability, visceral hypersensitivity/pain, and gastrointestinal motility genes, including several previously associated with IBS were seen. These findings demonstrate that exposure to CdtB toxin alone results in IBS-like phenotypes including inflammation and diarrhea-like stool, decreased expression of intestinal barrier components, and altered ileal microtypes that influenced changes in microRNA-modulated gene expression and predicted metabolic pathways consistent with specific IBS-D symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Leite
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Walter Morales
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stacy Weitsman
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gillian M Barlow
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gonzalo Parodi
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maya L Pimentel
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Maritza Sanchez
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Ayyad
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ali Rezaie
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ruchi Mathur
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Pimentel
- Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Yin J, Zhao Z, Huang J, Xiao Y, Rehmutulla M, Zhang B, Zhang Z, Xiang M, Tong Q, Zhang Y. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals intestinal cell heterogeneity and identifies Ep300 as a potential therapeutic target in mice with acute liver failure. Cell Discov 2023; 9:77. [PMID: 37488127 PMCID: PMC10366100 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00578-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe life-threatening disease associated with the disorder of the gut-liver axis. However, the cellular characteristics of ALF in the gut and related therapeutic targets remain unexplored. Here, we utilized the D-GALN/LPS (D/L)-induced ALF model to characterize 33,216 single-cell transcriptomes and define a mouse ALF intestinal cellular atlas. We found that unique, previously uncharacterized intestinal immune cells, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, are responsive to ALF, and we identified the transcriptional profiles of these subsets during ALF. We also delineated the heterogeneity of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and found that ALF-induced cell cycle arrest in intestinal stem cells and activated specific enterocyte and goblet cell clusters. Notably, the most significantly altered IECs, including enterocytes, intestinal stem cells and goblet cells, had similar activation patterns closely associated with inflammation from intestinal immune activation. Furthermore, our results unveiled a common Ep300-dependent transcriptional program that coordinates IEC activation during ALF, which was confirmed to be universal in different ALF models. Pharmacological inhibition of Ep300 with an inhibitor (SGC-CBP30) inhibited this cell-specific program, confirming that Ep300 is an effective target for alleviating ALF. Mechanistically, Ep300 inhibition restrained inflammation and oxidative stress in the dysregulated cluster of IECs through the P38-JNK pathway and corrected intestinal ecology by regulating intestinal microbial composition and metabolism, thereby protecting IECs and attenuating ALF. These findings confirm that Ep300 is a novel therapeutic target in ALF and pave the way for future pathophysiological studies on ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ziming Zhao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianzheng Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mewlude Rehmutulla
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Biqiong Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ming Xiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qingyi Tong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Functional Implications and Clinical Potential of MicroRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Concise Review. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:38-53. [PMID: 35507132 PMCID: PMC9066399 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07516-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny (20-24 nucleotides long), non-coding, highly conserved RNA molecules that play a crucial role within the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression via sequence-specific mechanisms. Since the miRNA transcriptome is involved in multiple molecular processes needed for cellular homeostasis, its altered expression can trigger the development and progression of several human pathologies. In this context, over the last few years, several relevant studies have demonstrated that dysregulated miRNAs affect a wide range of molecular mechanisms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gastrointestinal disorder. For instance, abnormal miRNA expression in IBS patients is related to the alteration of intestinal permeability, visceral hyperalgesia, inflammatory pathways, and pain sensitivity. Besides, specific miRNAs are differentially expressed in the different subtypes of IBS, and therefore, they might be used as biomarkers for precise diagnosis of these pathological conditions. Accordingly, miRNAs have noteworthy potential as theragnostic targets for IBS. Hence, in this current review, we present an overview of the recent discoveries regarding the clinical relevance of miRNAs in IBS, which might be useful in the future for the development of miRNA-based drugs against this disorder.
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Daoud F, Arévalo Martínez M, Holst J, Holmberg J, Albinsson S, Swärd K. Role of smooth muscle YAP and TAZ in protection against phenotypic modulation, inflammation, and aneurysm development. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Warthi G, Faulkner JL, Doja J, Ghanam AR, Gao P, Yang AC, Slivano OJ, Barris CT, Kress TC, Zawieja SD, Griffin SH, Xie X, Ashworth A, Christie CK, Bryant WB, Kumar A, Davis MJ, Long X, Gan L, de Chantemèle EJB, Lyu Q, Miano JM. Generation and Comparative Analysis of an Itga8-CreER T2 Mouse with Preferential Activity in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:1084-1100. [PMID: 36424917 PMCID: PMC9681021 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00162-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
All current smooth muscle cell (SMC) Cre mice similarly recombine floxed alleles in vascular and visceral SMCs. Here, we present an Itga8-CreER T2 knock-in mouse and compare its activity with a Myh11-CreER T2 mouse. Both Cre drivers demonstrate equivalent recombination in vascular SMCs. However, Myh11-CreER T2 mice, but not Itga8-CreER T2 mice, display high activity in visceral SMC-containing tissues such as intestine, show early tamoxifen-independent activity, and produce high levels of CreERT2 protein. Whereas Myh11-CreER T2 -mediated knockout of serum response factor (Srf) causes a lethal intestinal phenotype precluding analysis of the vasculature, loss of Srf with Itga8-CreER T2 (Srf Itga8 ) yields viable mice with no evidence of intestinal pathology. Male and female Srf Itga8 mice exhibit vascular contractile incompetence, and angiotensin II causes elevated blood pressure in wild type, but not Srf Itga8 , male mice. These findings establish the Itga8-CreER T2 mouse as an alternative to existing SMC Cre mice for unfettered phenotyping of vascular SMCs following selective gene loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Warthi
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Jessica L. Faulkner
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Jaser Doja
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Amr R. Ghanam
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Pan Gao
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Allison C. Yang
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Orazio J. Slivano
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Candee T. Barris
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Taylor C. Kress
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Scott D. Zawieja
- Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Susan H. Griffin
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Xiaoling Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Alan Ashworth
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158
| | - Christine K. Christie
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - William B. Bryant
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Michael J. Davis
- Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Xiaochun Long
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Lin Gan
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | | | - Qing Lyu
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
- Biomedical and Health Institute, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligence Technology, Chongqing, China 400714
- Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China 401147
| | - Joseph M. Miano
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
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6
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Singh R, Zogg H, Ro S. Role of microRNAs in Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions: Clinical Insights and Therapeutic Alternatives. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11101021. [PMID: 34683162 PMCID: PMC8541612 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11101021] [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: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of gut–brain interactions (DGBIs) are heterogeneous in nature and intertwine with diverse pathophysiological mechanisms. Regular functioning of the gut requires complex coordinated interplay between a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) cell types and their functions are regulated by multiple mechanisms at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by binding to specific mRNA targets to repress their translation and/or promote the target mRNA degradation. Dysregulation of miRNAs might impair gut physiological functions leading to DGBIs and gut motility disorders. Studies have shown miRNAs regulate gut functions such as visceral sensation, gut immune response, GI barrier function, enteric neuronal development, and GI motility. These biological processes are highly relevant to the gut where neuroimmune interactions are key contributors in controlling gut homeostasis and functional defects lead to DGBIs. Although extensive research has explored the pathophysiology of DGBIs, further research is warranted to bolster the molecular mechanisms behind these disorders. The therapeutic targeting of miRNAs represents an attractive approach for the treatment of DGBIs because they offer new insights into disease mechanisms and have great potential to be used in the clinic as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Here, we review recent advances regarding the regulation of miRNAs in GI pacemaking cells, immune cells, and enteric neurons modulating pathophysiological mechanisms of DGBIs. This review aims to assess the impacts of miRNAs on the pathophysiological mechanisms of DGBIs, including GI dysmotility, impaired intestinal barrier function, gut immune dysfunction, and visceral hypersensitivity. We also summarize the therapeutic alternatives for gut microbial dysbiosis in DGBIs, highlighting the clinical insights and areas for further exploration. We further discuss the challenges in miRNA therapeutics and promising emerging approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seungil Ro
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-775-784-1462; Fax: +1-775-784-6903
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7
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Liu L, Rippe C, Hansson O, Kryvokhyzha D, Fisher S, Ekman M, Swärd K. Regulation of the Muscarinic M 3 Receptor by Myocardin-Related Transcription Factors. Front Physiol 2021; 12:710968. [PMID: 34539433 PMCID: PMC8446542 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.710968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs: myocardin/MYOCD, MRTF-A/MRTFA, and MRTF-B/MRTFB) are co-factors of serum response factor (SRF) that activate the smooth muscle cell (SMC) gene program and that play roles in cardiovascular development and mechanobiology. Gain and loss of function experiments have defined the SMC gene program under control of MRTFs, yet full understanding of their impact is lacking. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the muscarinic M3 receptor (CHRM3) is regulated by MRTFs together with SRF. Forced expression of MYOCD (8d) in human coronary artery (SMC) followed by RNA-sequencing showed increased levels of M2, M3, and M5 receptors (CHRM2: 2-fold, CHRM3: 16-fold, and CHRM5: 2-fold). The effect of MYOCD on M3 was confirmed by RT-qPCR using both coronary artery and urinary bladder SMCs, and correlation analyses using human transcriptomic datasets suggested that M3 may also be regulated by MRTF-B. Head-to-head comparisons of MYOCD, MRTF-A and MRTF-B, argued that while all MRTFs are effective, MRTF-B is the most powerful transactivator of CHRM3, causing a 600-fold increase at 120h. Accordingly, MRTF-B conferred responsiveness to the muscarinic agonist carbachol in Ca2+ imaging experiments. M3 was suppressed on treatment with the MRTF-SRF inhibitor CCG-1423 using SMCs transduced with either MRTF-A or MRTF-B and using intact mouse esophagus in culture (by 92±2%). Moreover, silencing of SRF with a short hairpin reduced CHRM3 (by >60%) in parallel with α-actin (ACTA2). Tamoxifen inducible knockout of Srf in smooth muscle reduced Srf (by 54±4%) and Chrm3 (by 41±6%) in the urinary bladder at 10days, but Srf was much less reduced or unchanged in aorta, ileum, colon, trachea, and esophagus. Longer induction (21d) further accentuated the reduction of Chrm3 in the bladder and ileum, but no change was seen in the aorta. Single cell RNA-sequencing revealed that Mrtfb dominates in ECs, while Myocd dominates in SMCs, raising the possibility that Chrm3 may be driven by Mrtfb-Srf in the endothelium and by Myocd-Srf in SMCs. These findings define a novel transcriptional control mechanism for muscarinic M3 receptors in human cells, and in mice, that could be targeted for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Urology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, China
| | - Catarina Rippe
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ola Hansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Malmö, Sweden.,Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dmytro Kryvokhyzha
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Steven Fisher
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and Physiology and Biophysics, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mari Ekman
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
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Hashmi SK, Ceron RH, Heuckeroth RO. Visceral myopathy: clinical syndromes, genetics, pathophysiology, and fall of the cytoskeleton. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 320:G919-G935. [PMID: 33729000 PMCID: PMC8285581 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00066.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Visceral smooth muscle is a crucial component of the walls of hollow organs like the gut, bladder, and uterus. This specialized smooth muscle has unique properties that distinguish it from other muscle types and facilitate robust dilation and contraction. Visceral myopathies are diseases where severe visceral smooth muscle dysfunction prevents efficient movement of air and nutrients through the bowel, impairs bladder emptying, and affects normal uterine contraction and relaxation, particularly during pregnancy. Disease severity exists along a spectrum. The most debilitating defects cause highly dysfunctional bowel, reduced intrauterine colon growth (microcolon), and bladder-emptying defects requiring catheterization, a condition called megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS). People with MMIHS often die early in childhood. When the bowel is the main organ affected and microcolon is absent, the condition is known as myopathic chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO). Visceral myopathies like MMIHS and myopathic CIPO are most commonly caused by mutations in contractile apparatus cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we review visceral myopathy-causing mutations and normal functions of these disease-associated proteins. We propose molecular, cellular, and tissue-level models that may explain clinical and histopathological features of visceral myopathy and hope these observations prompt new mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohaib Khalid Hashmi
- 1Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital
of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,2Department of Bioengineering, The University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rachel Helen Ceron
- 1Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital
of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,3Department of Physiology, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert O. Heuckeroth
- 1Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital
of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Singh R, Wei L, Ghoshal UC. Micro-organic basis of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders: Role of microRNAs in GI pacemaking cells. Indian J Gastroenterol 2021; 40:102-110. [PMID: 33738768 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-021-01159-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rajan Singh
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Uday C Ghoshal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226 014, India.
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10
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Daoud F, Holmberg J, Alajbegovic A, Grossi M, Rippe C, Swärd K, Albinsson S. Inducible Deletion of YAP and TAZ in Adult Mouse Smooth Muscle Causes Rapid and Lethal Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 11:623-637. [PMID: 32992050 PMCID: PMC7806867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.09.014] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS YAP (Yap1) and TAZ (Wwtr1) are transcriptional co-activators and downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway, which play crucial roles in organ size control and cancer pathogenesis. Genetic deletion of YAP/TAZ has shown their critical importance for embryonic development of the heart, vasculature, and gastrointestinal mesenchyme. The aim of this study was to determine the functional role of YAP/TAZ in adult smooth muscle cells in vivo. METHODS Because YAP and TAZ are mutually redundant, we used YAP/TAZ double-floxed mice crossed with mice that express tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 recombinase driven by the smooth muscle-specific myosin heavy chain promoter. RESULTS Double-knockout of YAP/TAZ in adult smooth muscle causes lethality within 2 weeks, mainly owing to colonic pseudo-obstruction, characterized by severe distension and fecal impaction. RNA sequencing in colon and urinary bladder showed that smooth muscle markers and muscarinic receptors were down-regulated in the YAP/TAZ knockout. The same transcripts also correlated with YAP/TAZ in the human colon. Myograph experiments showed reduced contractility to depolarization by potassium chloride and a nearly abolished muscarinic contraction and spontaneous activity in colon rings of YAP/TAZ knockout. CONCLUSIONS YAP and TAZ in smooth muscle are guardians of colonic contractility and control expression of contractile proteins and muscarinic receptors. The knockout model has features of human chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and may be useful for studying this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Sebastian Albinsson, PhD, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC D12, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden.
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11
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Onuh JO, Qiu H. Serum response factor-cofactor interactions and their implications in disease. FEBS J 2020; 288:3120-3134. [PMID: 32885587 PMCID: PMC7925694 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF), a member of the Mcm1, Agamous, Deficiens, and SRF (MADS) box transcription factor, is widely expressed in all cell types and plays a crucial role in the physiological function and development of diseases. SRF regulates its downstream genes by binding to their CArG DNA box by interacting with various cofactors. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, therefore attracting increasing research attention due to the importance of this topic. This review's objective is to discuss the new progress in the studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of SRF and its impacts in physiological and pathological conditions. Notably, we summarized the recent studies on the interaction of SRF with its two main types of cofactors belonging to the myocardin families of transcription factors and the members of the ternary complex factors. The knowledge of these mechanisms will create new opportunities for understanding the dynamics of many traits and disease pathogenesis especially, cardiovascular diseases and cancer that could serve as targets for pharmacological control and treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Oloche Onuh
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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12
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Chakraborty R, Saddouk FZ, Carrao AC, Krause DS, Greif DM, Martin KA. Promoters to Study Vascular Smooth Muscle. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 39:603-612. [PMID: 30727757 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.312449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are a critical component of blood vessel walls that provide structural support, regulate vascular tone, and allow for vascular remodeling. These cells also exhibit a remarkable plasticity that contributes to vascular growth and repair but also to cardiovascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis, intimal hyperplasia and restenosis, aneurysm, and transplant vasculopathy. Mouse models have been an important tool for the study of SMC functions. The development of smooth muscle-expressing Cre-driver lines has allowed for exciting discoveries, including recent advances revealing the diversity of phenotypes derived from mature SMC transdifferentiation in vivo using inducible CreER T2 lines. We review SMC-targeting Cre lines driven by the Myh11, Tagln, and Acta2 promoters, including important technical considerations associated with these models. Limitations that can complicate study of the vasculature include expression in visceral SMCs leading to confounding phenotypes, and expression in multiple nonsmooth muscle cell types, such as Acta2-Cre expression in myofibroblasts. Notably, the frequently employed Tagln/ SM22α- Cre driver expresses in the embryonic heart but can also confer expression in nonmuscular cells including perivascular adipocytes and their precursors, myeloid cells, and platelets, with important implications for interpretation of cardiovascular phenotypes. With new Cre-driver lines under development and the increasing use of fate mapping methods, we are entering an exciting new era in SMC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Chakraborty
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.)
| | - Fatima Zahra Saddouk
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.).,Department of Genetics (F.Z.S., D.M.G.)
| | - Ana Catarina Carrao
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.)
| | - Diane S Krause
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Cell Biology, and Pathology (D.S.K.)
| | - Daniel M Greif
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.).,Department of Genetics (F.Z.S., D.M.G.)
| | - Kathleen A Martin
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.).,Department of Pharmacology (K.A.M.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Ha SE, Lee MY, Kurahashi M, Wei L, Jorgensen BG, Park C, Park PJ, Redelman D, Sasse KC, Becker LS, Sanders KM, Ro S. Transcriptome analysis of PDGFRα+ cells identifies T-type Ca2+ channel CACNA1G as a new pathological marker for PDGFRα+ cell hyperplasia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182265. [PMID: 28806761 PMCID: PMC5555714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα)+ cells are distributed into distinct morphological groups within the serosal, muscular, and submucosal layers as well as the myenteric and deep muscular plexi. PDGFRα+ cells directly interact with interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) in gastrointestinal smooth muscle tissue. These three cell types, SMC, ICC, and PDGFRα+ cells (SIP cells), form an electrical syncytium, which dynamically regulates gastrointestinal motility. We have previously reported the transcriptomes of SMC and ICC. To complete the SIP cell transcriptome project, we obtained transcriptome data from jejunal and colonic PDGFRα+ cells. The PDGFRα+ cell transcriptome data were added to the Smooth Muscle Genome Browser that we previously built for the genome-scale gene expression data of ICC and SMC. This browser provides a comprehensive reference for all transcripts expressed in SIP cells. By analyzing the transcriptomes, we have identified a unique set of PDGFRα+ cell signature genes, growth factors, transcription factors, epigenetic enzymes/regulators, receptors, protein kinases/phosphatases, and ion channels/transporters. We demonstrated that the low voltage-dependent T-type Ca2+ channel Cacna1g gene was particularly expressed in PDGFRα+ cells in the intestinal serosal layer in mice. Expression of this gene was significantly induced in the hyperplasic PDGFRα+ cells of obstructed small intestine in mice. This gene was also over-expressed in colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, and diverticulitis in human patients. Taken together, our data suggest that Cacna1g exclusively expressed in serosal PDGFRα+ cells is a new pathological marker for gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Eun Ha
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Moon Young Lee
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Wonkwang Digestive Disease Research Institute and Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Chonbuk, Korea
| | - Masaaki Kurahashi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Brian G. Jorgensen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Chanjae Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Paul J. Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Doug Redelman
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Kent C. Sasse
- Sasse Surgical Associates, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Laren S. Becker
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Kenton M. Sanders
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Seungil Ro
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
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Lee MY, Ha SE, Park C, Park PJ, Fuchs R, Wei L, Jorgensen BG, Redelman D, Ward SM, Sanders KM, Ro S. Transcriptome of interstitial cells of Cajal reveals unique and selective gene signatures. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176031. [PMID: 28426719 PMCID: PMC5398589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome-scale data can reveal essential clues into understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms behind specific cellular functions and biological processes. Transcriptomics is a continually growing field of research utilized in biomarker discovery. The transcriptomic profile of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which serve as slow-wave electrical pacemakers for gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle, has yet to be uncovered. Using copGFP-labeled ICC mice and flow cytometry, we isolated ICC populations from the murine small intestine and colon and obtained their transcriptomes. In analyzing the transcriptome, we identified a unique set of ICC-restricted markers including transcription factors, epigenetic enzymes/regulators, growth factors, receptors, protein kinases/phosphatases, and ion channels/transporters. This analysis provides new and unique insights into the cellular and biological functions of ICC in GI physiology. Additionally, we constructed an interactive ICC genome browser (http://med.unr.edu/physio/transcriptome) based on the UCSC genome database. To our knowledge, this is the first online resource that provides a comprehensive library of all known genetic transcripts expressed in primary ICC. Our genome browser offers a new perspective into the alternative expression of genes in ICC and provides a valuable reference for future functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Young Lee
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Wonkwang Digestive Disease Research Institute and Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Korea
| | - Se Eun Ha
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Chanjae Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Paul J. Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Robert Fuchs
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Brian G. Jorgensen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Doug Redelman
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Sean M. Ward
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Kenton M. Sanders
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Seungil Ro
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Lee MY, Park C, Ha SE, Park PJ, Berent RM, Jorgensen BG, Corrigan RD, Grainger N, Blair PJ, Slivano OJ, Miano JM, Ward SM, Smith TK, Sanders KM, Ro S. Serum response factor regulates smooth muscle contractility via myotonic dystrophy protein kinases and L-type calcium channels. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171262. [PMID: 28152551 PMCID: PMC5289827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) transcriptionally regulates expression of contractile genes in smooth muscle cells (SMC). Lack or decrease of SRF is directly linked to a phenotypic change of SMC, leading to hypomotility of smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, the molecular mechanism behind SRF-induced hypomotility in GI smooth muscle is largely unknown. We describe here how SRF plays a functional role in the regulation of the SMC contractility via myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) and L-type calcium channel CACNA1C. GI SMC expressed Dmpk and Cacna1c genes into multiple alternative transcriptional isoforms. Deficiency of SRF in SMC of Srf knockout (KO) mice led to reduction of SRF-dependent DMPK, which down-regulated the expression of CACNA1C. Reduction of CACNA1C in KO SMC not only decreased intracellular Ca2+ spikes but also disrupted their coupling between cells resulting in decreased contractility. The role of SRF in the regulation of SMC phenotype and function provides new insight into how SMC lose their contractility leading to hypomotility in pathophysiological conditions within the GI tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Young Lee
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Wonkwang Digestive Disease Research Institute and Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Chonbuk, Korea
| | - Chanjae Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Se Eun Ha
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Paul J. Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Robyn M. Berent
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Brian G. Jorgensen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Robert D. Corrigan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Nathan Grainger
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Blair
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Orazio J. Slivano
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Joseph M. Miano
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Sean M. Ward
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Terence K. Smith
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Kenton M. Sanders
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Seungil Ro
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Krishna CV, Singh J, Thangavel C, Rattan S. Role of microRNAs in gastrointestinal smooth muscle fibrosis and dysfunction: novel molecular perspectives on the pathophysiology and therapeutic targeting. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2016; 310:G449-59. [PMID: 26822916 PMCID: PMC4824177 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00445.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to a group of short noncoding RNA molecules with important roles in cellular biology. miRNAs regulate gene expression by repressing translation or degrading the target mRNA. Recently, a growing body of evidence suggests that miRNAs are implicated in many diseases and could be potential biomarkers. Fibrosis and/smooth muscle (SM) dysfunction contributes to the morbidity and mortality associated with several diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Currently available therapeutic modalities are unsuccessful in efficiently blocking or reversing fibrosis and/or SM dysfunction. Recent understanding of the role of miRNAs in signaling pathway of fibrogenesis and SM phenotype switch has provided a new insight into translational research. However, much is still unknown about the molecular targets and therapeutic potential of miRNAs in the GIT. This review discusses miRNA biology, pathophysiology of fibrosis, and aging- associated SM dysfunction in relation to the deregulation of miRNAs in the GIT. We also highlight the role of selected miRNAs associated with fibrosis and SM dysfunction-related diseases of the GIT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jagmohan Singh
- 2Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Chellappagounder Thangavel
- 3Department of Radiation Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (TC), Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Satish Rattan
- 2Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
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Ro S. Multi-phenotypic Role of Serum Response Factor in the Gastrointestinal System. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2016; 22:193-200. [PMID: 26727951 PMCID: PMC4819857 DOI: 10.5056/jnm15183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) is a master transcription factor of the actin cytoskeleton that binds to highly conserved CArG boxes located within the majority of smooth muscle cell (SMC)-restricted promoters/enhancers. Although most studies of SRF focus on skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and vascular SMCs, SRF research has recently expanded into the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Genome scale analyses of GI SMC transcriptome and CArG boxes (CArGome) have identified new SRF target genes. In addition to circular and longitudinal smooth muscle layers, SRF is also expressed in GI mucosa and cancers. In the GI tract, SRF is the central regulator of genes involved in apoptosis, dedifferentiation, proliferation, and migration of cells. Since SRF is the cell phenotypic modulator, it may play an essential role in the development of myopathy, hypertrophy, ulcers, gastric and colon cancers within the GI tract. Given the multi-functional role displayed by SRF in the digestive system, SRF has received more attention emerging as a potential therapeutic target. This review summarizes the findings in SRF research pertaining to the GI tract and provides valuable insight into future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungil Ro
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
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