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Wang Y, Nguyen JH, de Ruiter RD, Mendell J, Srinivasan D, Davis JD, Eekhoff EMW. Garetosmab in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: Clinical Pharmacology Results from the Phase 2 LUMINA-1 Trial. J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 64:264-274. [PMID: 37694449 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report the clinical pharmacology data from LUMINA-1 (NCT03188666), a Phase 2 trial that evaluated garetosmab (a monoclonal antibody against activin A) in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Forty-four patients were randomly assigned to intravenous 10 mg/kg of garetosmab or placebo every 4 weeks in a double-blind 28-week treatment period, followed by a 28-week open-label treatment period with garetosmab, and subsequent open-label extension. Serum samples were obtained to assess pharmacokinetics (PK), immunogenicity, and bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9). Comparative exposure-response analyses for efficacy and safety were performed with trough concentrations (Ctrough ) of garetosmab prior to dosing. Steady-state PK was reached 12-16 weeks after the first dose of garetosmab, with mean (standard deviation) Ctrough of 105 ± 30.8 mg/L. Immunogenicity assessments showed anti-garetosmab antibody formation in 1 patient (1/43; 2.3%); titers were low, and did not affect PK or clinical efficacy. Median concentrations of BMP9 in serum were approximately 40 pg/mL at baseline. There were no meaningful differences in PK or BMP9 concentration-time profiles between patients who did and did not experience epistaxis or death. The comparative exposure-response analyses demonstrated no association between Ctrough and efficacy or safety. PK findings were consistent with prior data in healthy volunteers and were typical for a monoclonal antibody administered at doses sufficient to saturate target-mediated clearance. There were no trends that suggested patients with higher serum exposures to garetosmab were more likely to experience a reduction in heterotopic ossification or adverse events. Garetosmab is being further evaluated in the Phase 3 OPTIMA trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhuan Wang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | | | - Ruben D de Ruiter
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam UMC Expert Center in Rare Bone Disease, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - E Marelise W Eekhoff
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam UMC Expert Center in Rare Bone Disease, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Chen L, Zhong S, Wang Y, Wang X, Liu Z, Hu G. Bmp4 in Zebrafish Enhances Antiviral Innate Immunity through p38 MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases) Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14444. [PMID: 37833891 PMCID: PMC10572509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of structurally and functionally related signaling molecules that comprise a subfamily, belonging to the TGF-β superfamily. Most BMPs play roles in the regulation of embryonic development, stem cell differentiation, tumor growth and some cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Although evidence is emerging for the antiviral immunity of a few BMPs, more BMPs are needed to determine whether this function is universal. Here, we identified the zebrafish bmp4 ortholog, whose expression is up-regulated through challenge with grass carp reovirus (GCRV) or its mimic poly(I:C). The overexpression of bmp4 in epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells significantly decreased the viral titer of GCRV-infected cells. Moreover, compared to wild-type zebrafish, viral load and mortality were significantly increased in both larvae and adults of bmp4-/- mutant zebrafish infected with GCRV virus. We further demonstrated that Bmp4 promotes the phosphorylation of Tbk1 and Irf3 through the p38 MAPK pathway, thereby inducing the production of type I IFNs in response to virus infection. These data suggest that Bmp4 plays an important role in the host defense against virus infection. Our study expands the understanding of BMP protein functions and opens up new targets for the control of viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhenhui Liu
- College of Marine Life Science, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (L.C.); (S.Z.); (Y.W.); (X.W.)
| | - Guobin Hu
- College of Marine Life Science, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (L.C.); (S.Z.); (Y.W.); (X.W.)
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3
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Evans ET, Horst B, Arend RC, Mythreye K. Evolving roles of activins and inhibins in ovarian cancer pathophysiology. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C428-C437. [PMID: 36622068 PMCID: PMC9902228 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00178.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Activins and inhibins are unique members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family of growth factors, with the ability to exert autocrine, endocrine, and paracrine effects in a wide range of complex physiologic and pathologic processes. Although first isolated within the pituitary, emerging evidence suggests broader influence beyond reproductive development and function. Known roles of activin and inhibin in angiogenesis and immunity along with correlations between gene expression and cancer prognosis suggest potential roles in tumorigenesis. Here, we present a review of the current understanding of the biological role of activins and inhibins as it relates to ovarian cancers, summarizing the underlying signaling mechanisms and physiologic influence, followed by detailing their roles in cancer progression, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Evans
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ben Horst
- Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rebecca C Arend
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Karthikeyan Mythreye
- Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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4
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Xue W, Dong B, Wang Y, Xie Y, Li P, Gong Z, Niu Z. A novel prognostic index of stomach adenocarcinoma based on immunogenomic landscape analysis and immunotherapy options. Exp Mol Pathol 2022; 128:104832. [PMID: 36122795 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2022.104832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. In this study, we attempted to construct a valid immune-associated gene prognostic index risk model that can predict the survival of patients with STAD and the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment. Transcriptome, clinical, and gene mutational data were obtained from the TCGA database. Immune-related genes were downloaded from the ImmPort and InnateDB databases. A total of 493 immune-related genes were identified to be enriched in functions associated with immune response, as well as in immune and tumor-related pathways. Further, 36 candidate genes related to the overall survival (OS) of STAD were obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Next, based on a Cox regression analysis, we constructed an immune-associated gene prognostic index (IAGPI) risk model based on eight genes, which was verified using the GEO STAD cohort. The patients were divided into two subsets according to their risk score. Patients in the low-risk group had better OS than those in the high-risk group. In the low-risk group, there were more CD8, activated memory CD4, and follicular helper T cells, and M1 macrophages, whereas monocytes, M2 macrophages, eosinophils, and neutrophils were more abundant in the high-risk group. The patients in the low-risk group were more sensitive to ICIs therapy. The IAGPI risk model can precisely predict the prognosis, reflect the tumor immune microenvironment, and predict the efficacy of ICIs therapy in patients with STAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Xue
- Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Bingzi Dong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yixiu Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuwei Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pu Li
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Jinniu Maternity And Child Health Hospital of Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiqi Gong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhaojian Niu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, China.
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5
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Chen PY, Wang CY, Tsao EC, Chen YT, Wu MJ, Ho CT, Yen JH. 5-Demethylnobiletin Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Downregulates ID1 Expression, Modulates the NF-κB/TNF-α Pathway and Exerts Antileukemic Effects in AML Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137392. [PMID: 35806401 PMCID: PMC9266321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the dysregulation of hematopoietic cell proliferation, resulting in the accumulation of immature myeloid cells in bone marrow. 5-Demethylnobiletin (5-demethyl NOB), a citrus 5-hydroxylated polymethoxyflavone, has been reported to exhibit various bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In this study, we investigated the antileukemic effects of 5-demethyl NOB and its underlying molecular mechanisms in human AML cells. We found that 5-demethyl NOB (20−80 μM) significantly reduced human leukemia cell viability, and the following trend of effectiveness was observed: THP-1 ≈ U-937 > HEL > HL-60 > K562 cells. 5-Demethyl NOB (20 and 40 μM) modulated the cell cycle through the regulation of p21, cyclin E1 and cyclin A1 expression and induced S phase arrest. 5-Demethyl NOB also promoted leukemia cell apoptosis and differentiation. Microarray-based transcriptome, Gene Ontology (GO) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis showed that the expression of inhibitor of differentiation/DNA binding 1 (ID1), a gene associated with the GO biological process (BP) cell population proliferation (GO: 0008283), was most strongly suppressed by 5-demethyl NOB (40 μM) in THP-1 cells. We further demonstrated that 5-demethyl NOB-induced ID1 reduction was associated with the inhibition of leukemia cell growth. Moreover, DEGs involved in the hallmark gene set NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway were markedly enriched and downregulated by 5-demethyl NOB. Finally, we demonstrated that 5-demethyl NOB (20 and 40 μM), combined with cytarabine, synergistically reduced THP-1 and U-937 cell viability. Our current findings support that 5-demethyl NOB dramatically suppresses leukemia cell proliferation and may serve as a potential phytochemical for human AML chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yi Chen
- Center of Medical Genetics, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan;
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (E.-C.T.); (Y.-T.C.)
| | - Chih-Yang Wang
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - En-Ci Tsao
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (E.-C.T.); (Y.-T.C.)
| | - Yu-Ting Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (E.-C.T.); (Y.-T.C.)
| | - Ming-Jiuan Wu
- Department of Biotechnology, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Tang Ho
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Jui-Hung Yen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (E.-C.T.); (Y.-T.C.)
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-856-5301 (ext. 2683)
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Macrophages in heterotopic ossification: from mechanisms to therapy. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:70. [PMID: 34702860 PMCID: PMC8548514 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00178-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of extraskeletal bone in non-osseous tissues. It is caused by an injury that stimulates abnormal tissue healing and regeneration, and inflammation is involved in this process. It is worth noting that macrophages are crucial mediators of inflammation. In this regard, abundant macrophages are recruited to the HO site and contribute to HO progression. Macrophages can acquire different functional phenotypes and promote mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) osteogenic differentiation, chondrogenic differentiation, and angiogenesis by expressing cytokines and other factors such as the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), activin A (Act A), oncostatin M (OSM), substance P (SP), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition, macrophages significantly contribute to the hypoxic microenvironment, which primarily drives HO progression. Thus, these have led to an interest in the role of macrophages in HO by exploring whether HO is a "butterfly effect" event. Heterogeneous macrophages are regarded as the "butterflies" that drive a sequence of events and ultimately promote HO. In this review, we discuss how the recruitment of macrophages contributes to HO progression. In particular, we review the molecular mechanisms through which macrophages participate in MSC osteogenic differentiation, angiogenesis, and the hypoxic microenvironment. Understanding the diverse role of macrophages may unveil potential targets for the prevention and treatment of HO.
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7
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Zhang X, Shi X, Wang J, Xu Z, He J. Enriched environment remedies cognitive dysfunctions and synaptic plasticity through NMDAR-Ca 2+-Activin A circuit in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:20748-20761. [PMID: 34462377 PMCID: PMC8436900 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) is one of the critical factors in the occurrence and development of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Apoptosis of nerve cells and changes in synaptic activity after CCI are the key factors to induce VCI. Synaptic stimulation up-regulates intraneuronal Ca2+ level through N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) via induction of the activity-regulated inhibitor of death (AID) expression to produce active-dependent neuroprotection. Moreover, the regulation of synaptic plasticity could improve cognition and learning ability. Activin A (ActA), an exocrine protein of AID, can promote NMDAR phosphorylation and participate in the regulation of synaptic plasticity. We previously found that exogenous ActA can improve the cognitive function of rats with chronic cerebral ischemia and enhance the oxygenated glucose deprivation of intracellular Ca2+ level. In addition to NMDAR, the Wnt pathway is critical in the positive regulation of LTP through activation or inhibition. It plays an essential role in synaptic transmission and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. The enriched environment can increase ActA expression during CCI injury. We speculated that the NMDAR-Ca2+-ActA signal pathway has a loop-acting mode, and the environmental enrichment could improve chronic cerebral ischemia cognitive impairment via NMDAR-Ca2+-ActA, Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in this process. For the hypothesis verification, this study intends to establish chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) rat model, explore the improvement effect of enriched environment on VCI, detect the changes in plasticity of synaptic morphology and investigate the regulatory mechanism NMDAR-Ca2+-ActA-Wnt/β-catenin signaling loop, providing a therapeutic method for the treatment of CCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaohua Shi
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaoqi Wang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhongxin Xu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinting He
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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8
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Afedi PA, Larimore EL, Cushman RA, Raynie D, Perry GA. iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis of bovine pre-ovulatory plasma and follicular fluid. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 76:106606. [PMID: 33784582 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bovine follicular fluid (FF) creates a unique microenvironment in follicles necessary for follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and estradiol (E2) production. The objective of this study was to analyze changes in proteins in FF and plasma (PL) from animals with high E2 (HE2) or low E2 (LE2) during the preovulatory period. Beef cows were synchronized, and follicular dynamics and ovulatory response were monitored using transrectal ultrasonography. Nine cows were selected and slaughtered, blood samples were collected at slaughter and FF was aspirated from dominant follicles (DF; >10 mm). Abundant proteins (albumin, IgG, IgA, and alpha-1-antitrypsin) were depleted from both PL and FF. Peptides were labeled with iTRAQ reagents and quantified using 2-dimentional liquid chromatography ESI-based mass spectrometry. Estradiol was associated with protein changes in PL and FF. Protein expression changes between FF HE2 and FF LE2 were greater than between PL HE2 and PL LE2. There were 15 up-regulated proteins and 10 down-regulated proteins in FF HE2 compared to FF LE2, and 7 proteins up-regulated and 9 proteins down-regulated in PL HE2 compared to PL LE2. Several of the differentially expressed proteins function in follicle development and were mainly categorized under cellular process and metabolic process. Pathway analysis identified the up- and down-regulated proteins were predominantly associated with the complement and coagulation cascades. The data demonstrate E2 regulates a wide range of reproductive associated proteins in bovine PL and FF and can provide the basis for further investigation of specific processes involved in such regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Afedi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - E L Larimore
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - R A Cushman
- USDA-ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | - D Raynie
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - G A Perry
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA.
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Han A, Kim JY, Kwak-Kim J, Lee SK. Menopause is an inflection point of age-related immune changes in women. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 146:103346. [PMID: 34147765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103346] [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] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Elevated proinflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal women is considered as one of the causes increasing the incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the details of postmenopausal immune changes have not yet been fully revealed. Thus, we investigated age-related immune changes in women and compared immune responses in postmenopausal and reproductive-age women. A total of 34 postmenopausal women and 91 reproductive-age women were included in the study. After isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells, analysis of immunophenotypes and intracellular cytokine profiles were done. The proportion of natural killer (NK) cells was significantly higher, and the ratio of TNF-α- to IL-10-producing CD3+CD4 + T cells (Th1 to Th2) and the ratio of Th17 cells to CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells (Th17 to Treg) were higher, in postmenopausal women than in reproductive-age women. The Treg cell proportion was negatively correlated with the Th1 and Th2 cell proportions in reproductive-age women but not in postmenopausal women. As age increased, the proportion of Tregs was increased in reproductive-age women (r = 0.302, p = 0.004), whereas the proportion of Th1 cells was increased in postmenopausal women (r = 0.466, p = 0.005). FSH levels showed a positive correlation with Fopx3+ T cell and Treg cell (p = 0.04, 0.053, respectively), whereas Th17/Treg ratio and Th1 cell showed negative correlation with FSH.(p = 0.045, 0.024, respectively). In conclusion, postmenopausal women have higher proinflammatory immune statuses, as demonstrated by increased proportions of NK, Th1, and Th17 cells, altered correlations among NK and T cell subsets, and compromised balances between effector T cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aera Han
- Konyang University Myunggok Research Institute, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Yun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sung Ki Lee
- Konyang University Myunggok Research Institute, Republic of Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Jiang L, Qi Y, Kong X, Wang R, Qi J, Lin F, Cui X, Liu Z. Activin A as a Novel Chemokine Induces Migration of L929 Fibroblasts by ERK Signaling in Microfluidic Devices. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:660316. [PMID: 34095123 PMCID: PMC8175620 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.660316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, contributes to tissue healing and fibrosis. As the innate tissue cells, fibroblasts also play an important role in wound healing and fibrosis. Herein, this study was aimed to investigate how activin A exhibited regulatory effects on adhesion and migration of fibroblasts. We found that activin A induced the migration of fibroblast cell line L929 cells in transwell chamber and microfluidic device. Activin A also promoted L929 cells adhesion, but did not affect L929 cells viability or proliferation. In addition, activin A induced α-SMA expression and TGF-β1 release, which were factors closely related to tissue fibrosis, but had no effect on IL-6 production, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Furthermore, activin A elevated calcium levels in L929 cells and increased p-ERK protein levels. Activin A-induced migration of L929 cells was attenuated by ERK inhibitor FR180204. To conclude, these data indicated that activin A as a novel chemokine induced the chemotactic migration of L929 cells via ERK signaling and possessed the pro-fibrosis role. These findings provide a new insight into understanding of activin A in tissue fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Jiang
- Department of Oral Comprehensive Therapy, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianghan Kong
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Runnan Wang
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianfei Qi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Francis Lin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Xueling Cui
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhonghui Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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11
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van Oosterwijk JG. Anti-tick and pathogen transmission blocking vaccines. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12831. [PMID: 33704804 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a challenge for medical and veterinary public health and often controlled through the use of repellents and acaricides. Research on vaccination strategies to protect humans, companion animals, and livestock from ticks and tick-transmitted pathogens has accelerated through the use of proteomic and transcriptomic analyses. Comparative analyses of unfed versus engorged and uninfected versus infected ticks have provided valuable insights into candidates for anti-tick and pathogen transmission blocking vaccines. An intricate interplay between tick saliva and the host's immune system has revealed potential antigens to be used in vaccination strategies. Immunization of hosts with targeted anti-tick vaccines would ideally lead to a reduction in tick numbers and prevent transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Comprehensive control of tick-borne diseases would come from successful anti-tick vaccination, vaccination preventing transmission of tick-borne diseases or a combination. Due to the close interaction with wildlife and ticks, with wildlife reservoirs enabling propagation of pathogens between ticks, the vaccination of these reservoirs is an attractive target to reduce human contact with ticks and tick-borne diseases through a one-health approach. Wildlife vaccination presents formulation and regulatory challenges which should be considered early in the development of reservoir-targeted vaccines.
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12
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Bmp8a is an essential positive regulator of antiviral immunity in zebrafish. Commun Biol 2021; 4:318. [PMID: 33750893 PMCID: PMC7943762 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01811-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is a kind of classical multi-functional growth factor that plays a vital role in the formation and maintenance of bone, cartilage, muscle, blood vessels, and the regulation of adipogenesis and thermogenesis. However, understanding of the role of BMPs in antiviral immunity is still limited. Here we demonstrate that Bmp8a is a newly-identified positive regulator for antiviral immune responses. The bmp8a−/− zebrafish, when infected with viruses, show reduced antiviral immunity and increased viral load and mortality. We also show for the first time that Bmp8a interacts with Alk6a, which promotes the phosphorylation of Tbk1 and Irf3 through p38 MAPK pathway, and induces the production of type I interferons (IFNs) in response to viral infection. Our study uncovers a previously unrecognized role of Bmp8a in regulation of antiviral immune responses and provides a target for controlling viral infection. Zhang, Liu and colleagues identify the role of Bmp8a in antiviral immunity in zebrafish and provide mechanistic insight into its function. Bmp8a could serve as a future target for investigative studies of antiviral immune responses.
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Activin Receptor-Ligand Trap for the Treatment of β-thalassemia: A Serendipitous Discovery. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2020; 12:e2020075. [PMID: 33194149 PMCID: PMC7643807 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2020.075] [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] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemia is a hereditary disorder caused by defective production of β-globin chains of hemoglobin (Hb) that leads to an increased α/β globins ratio with subsequent free α-globins. Alpha globin excess causes oxidative stress, red blood cells membrane damage, premature death of late-stage erythroid precursors, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis. The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily signaling acts on biological processes, such as cell quiescence, apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, and migration, and plays an essential role in regulating the hematopoiesis. This pathway can lose its physiologic regulation in pathologic conditions, leading to anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis. Activin receptor-ligand trap molecules such as Sotatercept and Luspatercept downregulate the TGF-β pathway, thus inhibiting the Smad2/3 cascade and alleviating anemia in patients with β-thalassemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. In this review, we describe in extenso the TGF-β pathway, as well as the molecular and biological basis of activin receptors ligand traps, focusing on their role in various β-thalassemia experimental models. The most recent results from clinical trials on sotatercept and luspatercept will also be reviewed.
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14
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Mobasheri A, Choi H, Martín-Vasallo P. Over-Production of Therapeutic Growth Factors for Articular Cartilage Regeneration by Protein Production Platforms and Protein Packaging Cell Lines. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9100330. [PMID: 33050357 PMCID: PMC7599991 DOI: 10.3390/biology9100330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis across the world. Most of the existing drugs for OA treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation. There are no drugs that can dure the disease. There are a number of new treatments for OA including cell therapy and gene therapy. This articles outlines the concept behind TissueGene-C, a new biological drug for OA. This new treatment includes cartilage cells mixed with a genetically modified cell line called GP2-293, which is effectively a “drug factory”, over-producing the growth factors that are important for cartilage regeneration and changing the environment inside joints. The mixture is injected into the affected knee joint. These cells are designed to be short-lived and cannot reproduce. Therefore, after they have done their job, they die and are cleared by immune cells. This is a new and modern approach to treating OA and TissueGene-C is the prototype cell therapy for OA. In the future, it is entirely possible to combine different clones of genetically engineered cells like GP2-293 that have been designed to over-produce a growth factor or biological drug with cells from the cartilage endplate of the intervertebral disc to treat degeneration in the spine. Abstract This review article focuses on the current state-of-the-art cellular and molecular biotechnology for the over-production of clinically relevant therapeutic and anabolic growth factors. We discuss how the currently available tools and emerging technologies can be used for the regenerative treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Transfected protein packaging cell lines such as GP-293 cells may be used as “cellular factories” for large-scale production of therapeutic proteins and pro-anabolic growth factors, particularly in the context of cartilage regeneration. However, when irradiated with gamma or x-rays, these cells lose their capacity for replication, which makes them safe for use as a live cell component of intra-articular injections. This innovation is already here, in the form of TissueGene-C, a new biological drug that consists of normal allogeneic primary chondrocytes combined with transduced GP2-293 cells that overexpress the growth factor transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). TissueGene-C has revolutionized the concept of cell therapy, allowing drug companies to develop live cells as biological drug delivery systems for direct intra-articular injection of growth factors whose half-lives are in the order of minutes. Therefore, in this paper, we discuss the potential for new innovations in regenerative medicine for degenerative diseases of synovial joints using mammalian protein production platforms, specifically protein packaging cell lines, for over-producing growth factors for cartilage tissue regeneration and give recent examples. Mammalian protein production platforms that incorporate protein packaging eukaryotic cell lines are superior to prokaryotic bacterial expression systems and are likely to have a significant impact on the development of new humanized biological growth factor therapies for treating focal cartilage defects and more generally for the treatment of degenerative joint diseases such as OA, especially when injected directly into the joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mobasheri
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Departments of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Versus Arthritis Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Research, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- Correspondence: or
| | - Heonsik Choi
- Kolon TissueGene, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
- Healthcare Research Institute, Kolon Advanced Research Center, Kolon Industries, Inc., Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul 07793, Korea
| | - Pablo Martín-Vasallo
- UD of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain;
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15
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Indumathy S, Pueschl D, Klein B, Fietz D, Bergmann M, Schuppe HC, Da Silva N, Loveland BE, Hickey MJ, Hedger MP, Loveland KL. Testicular immune cell populations and macrophage polarisation in adult male mice and the influence of altered activin A levels. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103204. [PMID: 33130539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Detailed morphological characterization of testicular leukocytes in the adult CX3CR1 gfp/+ transgenic mouse identified two distinct CX3CR1 + mononuclear phagocyte (macrophage and dendritic cell) populations: stellate/dendriform cells opposed to the seminiferous tubules (peritubular), and polygonal cells associated with Leydig cells (interstitial). Using confocal microscopy combined with stereological enumeration of CX3CR1gfp/+ cells established that there were twice as many interstitial cells (68%) as peritubular cells (32%). Flow cytometric analyses of interstitial cells from mechanically-dissociated testes identified multiple mononuclear phagocyte subsets based on surface marker expression (CX3CR1, F4/80, CD11c). These cells comprised 80% of total intratesticular leukocytes, as identified by CD45 expression. The remaining leukocytes were CD3+ (T lymphocytes) and NK1.1+ (natural killer cells). Functional phenotype assessment using CD206 (an anti-inflammatory/M2 marker) and MHC class II (an activation marker) identified a potentially tolerogenic CD206+MHCII+ sub-population (12% of total CD45+ cells). Rare testicular subsets of CX3CR1 +CD11c+F4/80+ (4.3%) mononuclear phagocytes and CD3+NK1.1+ (3.1%) lymphocytes were also identified for the first time. In order to examine the potential for the immunoregulatory cytokine, activin A to modulate testicular immune cell populations, testes from adult mice with reduced activin A (Inhba+/-) or elevated activin A (Inha+/-) were assessed using flow cytometry. Although the proportion of F4/80+CD11b+ leukocytes (macrophages) was not affected, the frequency of CD206+MHCII+cells was significantly lower and CD206+MHCII- correspondingly higher in Inha+/- testes. This shift in expression of MHCII in CD206+ macrophages indicates that changes in circulating and/or local activin A influence resident macrophage activation and phenotype and, therefore, the immunological environment of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Indumathy
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - D Pueschl
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - B Klein
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - D Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - M Bergmann
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - H-C Schuppe
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - N Da Silva
- Ohana Biosciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - M J Hickey
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - M P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - K L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
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16
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Carnathan DG, Kaushik K, Ellebedy AH, Enemuo CA, Gebru EH, Dhadvai P, Rasheed MAU, Pauthner MG, Ozorowski G, Ahmed R, Burton DR, Ward AB, Silvestri G, Crotty S, Locci M. Harnessing Activin A Adjuvanticity to Promote Antibody Responses to BG505 HIV Envelope Trimers. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1213. [PMID: 32612608 PMCID: PMC7308430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01213] [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] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (TFH) cells are powerful regulators of affinity matured long-lived plasma cells. Eliciting protective, long-lasting antibody responses to achieve persistent immunity is the goal of most successful vaccines. Thus, there is potential in manipulating TFH cell responses. Herein, we describe an HIV vaccine development approach exploiting the cytokine activin A to improve antibody responses against recombinant HIV Envelope (Env) trimers in non-human primates. Administration of activin A improved the magnitude of Env-specific antibodies over time and promoted a significant increase in Env-specific plasma cells in the bone marrow. The boost in antibody responses was associated with reduced frequencies of T follicular regulatory (TFR) cells and increased germinal center T follicular helper (GC-TFH) to TFR cell ratios. Overall, these findings suggest that adjuvants inducing activin A production could potentially be incorporated in future rational design vaccine strategies aimed at improving germinal centers, long-lived plasma cells, and sustained antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane G Carnathan
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Scripps Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunogen Development (CHAVD), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Emory Vaccine Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kirti Kaushik
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ali H Ellebedy
- Emory Vaccine Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Chiamaka A Enemuo
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Etse H Gebru
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Pallavi Dhadvai
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mohammed Ata Ur Rasheed
- Emory Vaccine Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Matthias G Pauthner
- Scripps Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunogen Development (CHAVD), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gabriel Ozorowski
- Scripps Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunogen Development (CHAVD), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Rafi Ahmed
- Emory Vaccine Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dennis R Burton
- Scripps Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunogen Development (CHAVD), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Andrew B Ward
- Scripps Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunogen Development (CHAVD), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Guido Silvestri
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Scripps Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunogen Development (CHAVD), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Emory Vaccine Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shane Crotty
- Scripps Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunogen Development (CHAVD), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Michela Locci
- Scripps Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunogen Development (CHAVD), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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17
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Nono JK, Lutz MB, Brehm K. Expansion of Host Regulatory T Cells by Secreted Products of the Tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:798. [PMID: 32457746 PMCID: PMC7225322 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by the metacestode larval stage of the fox-tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, is a chronic zoonosis associated with significant modulation of the host immune response. A role of regulatory T-cells (Treg) in generating an immunosuppressive environment around the metacestode during chronic disease has been reported, but the molecular mechanisms of Treg induction by E. multilocularis, particularly parasite immunoregulatory factors involved, remain elusive so far. Methodology/Principal Findings We herein demonstrate that excretory/secretory (E/S) products of the E. multilocularis metacestode promote the formation of Foxp3+ Treg from CD4+ T-cells in vitro in a TGF-β-dependent manner, given that this effect was abrogated by treatment with antibody to mammalian TGF-β. We also show that host T-cells secrete elevated levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 in response to metacestode E/S products. Within the E/S fraction of the metacestode we identified an E. multilocularis activin A homolog (EmACT) that displays significant similarities to mammalian Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β/activin subfamily members. EmACT obtained from heterologous expression failed to directly induce Treg expansion from naïve T cells but required addition of recombinant host TGF-β to promote CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg conversion in vitro. Furthermore, like in the case of metacestode E/S products, EmACT-treated CD4+ T-cells secreted higher levels of IL-10. These observations suggest a contribution of EmACT to in vitro expansion of Foxp3+ Treg by the E. multilocularis metacestode. Using infection experiments we show that intraperitoneally injected metacestode tissue expands host Foxp3+ Treg, confirming the expansion of this cell type in vivo during parasite establishment. Conclusion/Significance In conclusion, we herein demonstrate that E. multilocularis larvae secrete factors that induce the secretion of IL-10 by T-cells and contribute to the expansion of TGF-b-driven Foxp3+ Treg, a cell type that has been reported crucial for generating a tolerogenic environment to support parasite establishment and proliferation. Among the E/S factors of the parasite we identified a factor with structural and functional homologies to mammalian activin A which might play an important role in these activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Komguep Nono
- Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Division of Immunology, Health Science Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Manfred B. Lutz
- Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Brehm
- Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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18
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Alijagic A, Gaglio D, Napodano E, Russo R, Costa C, Benada O, Kofroňová O, Pinsino A. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles temporarily influence the sea urchin immunological state suppressing inflammatory-relate gene transcription and boosting antioxidant metabolic activity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 384:121389. [PMID: 31639584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are revolutionizing biomedicine due to their potential application as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. However, the TiO2NP immune-compatibility remains an open issue, even for ethical reasons. In this work, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of TiO2NPs in an emergent proxy to human non-mammalian model for in vitro basic and translational immunology: the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. To highlight on the new insights into the evolutionarily conserved intracellular signaling and metabolism pathways involved in immune-TiO2NP recognition/interaction we applied a wide-ranging approach, including electron microscopy, biochemistry, transcriptomics and metabolomics. Findings highlight that TiO2NPs interact with immune cells suppressing the expression of genes encoding for proteins involved in immune response and apoptosis (e.g. NF-κB, FGFR2, JUN, MAPK14, FAS, VEGFR, Casp8), and boosting the immune cell antioxidant metabolic activity (e.g. pentose phosphate, cysteine-methionine, glycine-serine metabolism pathways). TiO2NP uptake was circumscribed to phagosomes/phagolysosomes, depicting harmless vesicular internalization. Our findings underlined that under TiO2NP-exposure sea urchin innate immune system is able to control inflammatory signaling, excite antioxidant metabolic activity and acquire immunological tolerance, providing a new level of understanding of the TiO2NP immune-compatibility that could be useful for the development in Nano medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Alijagic
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Gaglio
- SYSBIO.IT, Centre of Systems Biology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy; Istituto di Bioimmagini e Fisiologia Molecolare (IBFM), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Napodano
- SYSBIO.IT, Centre of Systems Biology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Russo
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina Costa
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Oldřich Benada
- Institute of Microbiology of The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Olga Kofroňová
- Institute of Microbiology of The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Annalisa Pinsino
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy.
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19
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Zhou YL, Li B, Xu YP, Wang LZ, Gu WB, Liu ZP, Dong WR, Shu MA. The Activin-like ligand Dawdle regulates innate immune responses through modulating NF-κB signaling in mud crab Scylla paramamosain. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 101:103450. [PMID: 31306697 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Activins, members of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, are pleiotropic cytokines with critical roles in mediating cell proliferation, differentiation, homeostasis, apoptosis and immune response. However, the structural characteristics and specific functions of Activins remain largely unknown in invertebrates. In the present study, an Activin-like ligand Dawdle (Daw) was firstly identified and characterized from mud crab Scylla paramamosain. The obtained cDNA sequence of SpDaw was 2, 196 bp long with a 1, 149 bp open reading fame, which encoded a putative protein of 382 amino acids. The putative SpDaw protein contained a signal peptide, a TGF-β propeptide region and a TGF-β domain. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that SpDaw was predominantly expressed at early embryonic development stage and premolt stages, implying its participation in development and growth. Furthermore, SpDaw responded to both Vibro alginolyticus and Poly (I:C) challenges, suggesting the involvement of SpDaw in innate immune responses. Knockdown of SpDaw in vivo dramatically increased the expressions of NF-κB signaling genes and anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF) genes, and the bacteria clearance efficiency was also markedly enhanced in SpDaw-silenced crabs. Moreover, the in vitro experiment further demonstrated that recombinant SpDaw protein could block the increased transcription of IKKs, NF-κBs and ALFs induced by pathogen challenges. Taken together, these results indicated that SpDaw not only participated in development and growth processes but also played an immune-regulatory role in crabs' innate immunity, which may pave the way for a better understanding of TGF-β superfamily members in crustacean species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lian Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ya-Ping Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lan-Zhi Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wen-Bin Gu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ze-Peng Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei-Ren Dong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Miao-An Shu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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20
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Seachrist DD, Keri RA. The Activin Social Network: Activin, Inhibin, and Follistatin in Breast Development and Cancer. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1097-1110. [PMID: 30874767 PMCID: PMC6475112 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Activins and inhibins are closely related protein heterodimers with a similar tissue distribution; however, these two complexes have opposing functions in development and disease. Both are secreted cytokine hormones, with activin the primary inducer of downstream signaling cascades and inhibin acting as a rheostat that exquisitely governs activin function. Adding to the complexity of activin signaling, follistatin, a highly glycosylated monomeric protein, binds activin with high affinity and restrains downstream pathway activation but through a mechanism distinct from that of inhibin. These three proteins were first identified as key ovarian hormones in the pituitary-gonadal axis that direct the synthesis and secretion of FSH from the pituitary, hence controlling folliculogenesis. Research during the past 30 years has expanded the roles of these proteins, first by discovering the ubiquitous expression of the trio and then by implicating them in a wide array of biological functions. In concert, these three hormones govern tissue development, homeostasis, and disease in multiple organ systems through diverse autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. In the present study, we have reviewed the actions of activin and its biological inhibitors, inhibin, and follistatin, in mammary gland morphogenesis and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcie D Seachrist
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ruth A Keri
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Division of General Medical Sciences–Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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21
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Di-Blasi T, Telleria EL, Marques C, Couto RDM, da Silva-Neves M, Jancarova M, Volf P, Tempone AJ, Traub-Csekö YM. Lutzomyia longipalpis TGF-β Has a Role in Leishmania infantum chagasi Survival in the Vector. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:71. [PMID: 30972305 PMCID: PMC6445956 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing number of studies concerning insect immunity, Lutzomyia longipalpis immune responses in the presence of Leishmania infantum chagasi infection has not been widely investigated. The few available studies analyzed the role of the Toll and IMD pathways involved in response against Leishmania and microbial infections. Nevertheless, effector molecules responsible for controlling sand fly infections have not been identified. In the present study we investigated the role a signal transduction pathway, the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway, on the interrelation between L. longipalpis and L. i. chagasi. We identified an L. longipalpis homolog belonging to the multifunctional cytokine TGF-β gene family (LlTGF-β), which is closely related to the activin/inhibin subfamily and potentially involved in responses to infections. We investigated this gene expression through the insect development and in adult flies infected with L. i. chagasi. Our results showed that LlTGF-β was expressed in all L. longipalpis developmental stages and was upregulated at the third day post L. i. chagasi infection, when protein levels were also higher as compared to uninfected insects. At this point blood digestion is finished and parasites are in close contact with the insect gut. In addition, we investigated the role of LlTGF-β on L. longipalpis infection by L. i. chagasi using either gene silencing by RNAi or pathway inactivation by addition of the TGF-β receptor inhibitor SB431542. The blockage of the LlTGF-β pathway increased significantly antimicrobial peptides expression and nitric oxide levels in the insect gut, as expected. Both methods led to a decreased L. i. chagasi infection. Our results show that inactivation of the L. longipalpis TGF-β signal transduction pathway reduce L. i. chagasi survival, therefore suggesting that under natural conditions the parasite benefits from the insect LlTGF-β pathway, as already seen in Plamodium infection of mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Di-Blasi
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Erich Loza Telleria
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Parasitology Department, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Christiane Marques
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de Macedo Couto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Monique da Silva-Neves
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Magdalena Jancarova
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Volf
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Antonio Jorge Tempone
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yara Maria Traub-Csekö
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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22
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Bloise E, Ciarmela P, Dela Cruz C, Luisi S, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Activin A in Mammalian Physiology. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:739-780. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are dimeric glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and resulting from the assembly of two beta subunits, which may also be combined with alpha subunits to form inhibins. Activins were discovered in 1986 following the isolation of inhibins from porcine follicular fluid, and were characterized as ovarian hormones that stimulate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release by the pituitary gland. In particular, activin A was shown to be the isoform of greater physiological importance in humans. The current understanding of activin A surpasses the reproductive system and allows its classification as a hormone, a growth factor, and a cytokine. In more than 30 yr of intense research, activin A was localized in female and male reproductive organs but also in other organs and systems as diverse as the brain, liver, lung, bone, and gut. Moreover, its roles include embryonic differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the uterine wall in early pregnancy, and fetal/neonate brain protection in hypoxic conditions. It is now recognized that activin A overexpression may be either cytostatic or mitogenic, depending on the cell type, with important implications for tumor biology. Activin A also regulates bone formation and regeneration, enhances joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and triggers pathogenic mechanisms in the respiratory system. In this 30-yr review, we analyze the evidence for physiological roles of activin A and the potential use of activin agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
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23
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de la Fuente‐Granada M, Olguín‐Alor R, Ortega‐Francisco S, Bonifaz LC, Soldevila G. Inhibins regulate peripheral regulatory T cell induction through modulation of dendritic cell function. FEBS Open Bio 2019; 9:137-147. [PMID: 30652081 PMCID: PMC6325588 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported that the absence of inhibins results in impaired dendritic cell (DC) maturation and function, leading to decreased T cell activation and diminished delayed-type hypersensitivity responses. Here, we investigated the role of inhibins in peripheral regulatory T cell (Treg) induction in vitro and in vivo. Inhibin deficient (Inhα-/-) mice showed an increased percentage of peripherally induced Tregs in colonic lamina propria and mesenteric lymph nodes, compared to Inhα+/+ mice, which correlated with increased expression of PD-L1 in CD103+ and CD8α+ DCs. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated bone marrow-derived and ex vivo spleen- and lymph node-purified CD11c+ Inhα-/- DCs induced higher Tregs in vitro. Moreover, in vivo anti-DEC205-ovalbumin (OVA) DC targeting of mice with adoptively transferred OVA-specific T cells showed enhanced induced peripheral Treg conversion in Inhα-/- mice. These data identify inhibins as key regulators of peripheral T cell tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roxana Olguín‐Alor
- Departamento de InmunologíaInstituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUNAMMexico CityMexico
- Laboratorio Nacional de Citometría de FlujoInstituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUNAMMexico CityMexico
| | | | - Laura C. Bonifaz
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en InmunoquímicaInstituto Mexicano del Seguro SocialCentro Médico Nacional Siglo XXIMexico CityMexico
| | - Gloria Soldevila
- Departamento de InmunologíaInstituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUNAMMexico CityMexico
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24
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Cappato S, Giacopelli F, Ravazzolo R, Bocciardi R. The Horizon of a Therapy for Rare Genetic Diseases: A "Druggable" Future for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19040989. [PMID: 29587443 PMCID: PMC5979309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19040989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic condition characterized by progressive extra-skeletal ossification leading to cumulative and severe disability. FOP has an extremely variable and episodic course and can be induced by trauma, infections, iatrogenic harms, immunization or can occur in an unpredictable way, without any recognizable trigger. The causative gene is ACVR1, encoding the Alk-2 type I receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). The signaling is initiated by BMP binding to a receptor complex consisting of type I and II molecules and can proceed into the cell through two main pathways, a canonical, SMAD-dependent signaling and a p38-mediated cascade. Most FOP patients carry the recurrent R206H substitution in the receptor Glycine-Serine rich (GS) domain, whereas a few other mutations are responsible for a limited number of cases. Mutations cause a dysregulation of the downstream BMP-dependent pathway and make mutated ACVR1 responsive to a non-canonical ligand, Activin A. There is no etiologic treatment for FOP. However, many efforts are currently ongoing to find specific therapies targeting the receptor activity and the downstream aberrant pathway at different levels or targeting cellular components and/or processes that are important in modifying the local environment leading to bone neo-formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Cappato
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Francesca Giacopelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Roberto Ravazzolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Renata Bocciardi
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy.
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25
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Qi Y, Ge J, Ma C, Wu N, Cui X, Liu Z. Activin A regulates activation of mouse neutrophils by Smad3 signalling. Open Biol 2018; 7:rsob.160342. [PMID: 28515224 PMCID: PMC5451541 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.160342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, acts as a pro-inflammatory factor in acute phase response, and influences the pathological progress of neutrophil-mediated disease. However, whether activin A can exert an effect on the activities of neutrophils remains unclear. In this study, we found that the release of activin A was enhanced from neutrophils of mouse when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, neutrophils were not only the source of activin A but also the target cells in response to activin A, in which canonical activin signalling components existed, and levels of ACTRIIA, SMAD3 and p-SMAD3 proteins were elevated in activin A-treated neutrophils. Next, the role of activin A was determined in regulation of neutrophils activities. Our data revealed that activin A induced O2− release and reactive oxygen species production, promoted IL-6 release, and enhanced phagocytosis, but failed to attract neutrophils migrating across the trans-well membrane. Moreover, we found that effect of activin A on IL-6 release from the peritoneal neutrophils of mouse was significantly attenuated by in vivo Smad3 knockdown. In summary, these data demonstrate that activin A can exert an effect on neutrophils activation in an autocrine/paracrine manner through Smad3 signalling, suggesting that activin A is an important regulator of neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhui Ma
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Wu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueling Cui
- Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhonghui Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China .,Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
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26
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Omar NN, Rashed RR, El-Hazek RM, El-Sabbagh WA, Rashed ER, El-Ghazaly MA. Platelet-rich plasma-induced feedback inhibition of activin A/follistatin signaling: A mechanism for tumor-low risk skin rejuvenation in irradiated rats. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2018; 180:17-24. [PMID: 29413698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a source of natural growth factors and is emerging as a treatment modality to mitigate radiotherapy- induced adverse effects. Activin A (ACTA) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, which has been shown to modulate the inflammatory response and macrophages polarization between different phenotypes. The aim of this study is to determine the value of PRP in preventing radiation-induced malignancies in light of the cross-talk between PRP and activin A type II receptors (ActR-IIA)/follistatin (FST) signaling pathways where the inflammatory responses at 2 different time points were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Male albino rats were exposed to radiation and given PRP over the course of 6 days. Rats were sacrificed on day 7 or day 28 post radiation. RESULTS Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) and western-blot showed that after 7 days of administrating of PRP, ActR-IIA/FST signaling was markedly induced and was associated with the expressions of inflammatory, natural killer and M1 macrophages markers, TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ and IL-12. By contrast, on day 28 of PRP administration, ActR-IIA/FST signaling and the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines were downregulated in parallel with inducing M2 macrophages phenotype as indicated by arginase-1, IL-10 and dectin-1. CONCLUSION The suppression of inflammation and induction of M2 macrophages phenotype in response to PRP administration were found significantly linked to ActR-IIA/FST signaling downregulation. Furthermore, the specific M2 macrophage subtype was found to express dectin-1 receptors which have high affinity for tumor cells thereby is expected to reduce the potential for developing tumors after radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesreen Nabil Omar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Rasha R Rashed
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania M El-Hazek
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Walaa A El-Sabbagh
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Engy R Rashed
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mona A El-Ghazaly
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
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27
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Convente MR, Chakkalakal SA, Yang E, Caron RJ, Zhang D, Kambayashi T, Kaplan FS, Shore EM. Depletion of Mast Cells and Macrophages Impairs Heterotopic Ossification in an Acvr1 R206H Mouse Model of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva. J Bone Miner Res 2018; 33:269-282. [PMID: 28986986 PMCID: PMC7737844 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.3304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a clinical condition that often reduces mobility and diminishes quality of life for affected individuals. The most severe form of progressive HO occurs in those with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP; OMIM #135100), a genetic disorder caused by a recurrent heterozygous gain-of-function mutation (R206H) in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor ACVR1/ALK2. In individuals with FOP, episodes of HO frequently follow injury. The first sign of active disease is commonly an inflammatory "flare-up" that precedes connective tissue degradation, progenitor cell recruitment, and endochondral HO. We used a conditional-on global knock-in mouse model expressing Acvr1R206H (referred to as Acvr1cR206H/+ ) to investigate the cellular and molecular inflammatory response in FOP lesions following injury. We found that the Acvr1 R206H mutation caused increased BMP signaling in posttraumatic FOP lesions and early divergence from the normal skeletal muscle repair program with elevated and prolonged immune cell infiltration. The proinflammatory cytokine response of TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 was elevated and prolonged in Acvr1cR206H/+ lesions and in Acvr1cR206H/+ mast cells. Importantly, depletion of mast cells and macrophages significantly impaired injury-induced HO in Acvr1cR206H/+ mice, reducing injury-induced HO volume by ∼50% with depletion of each cell population independently, and ∼75% with combined depletion of both cell populations. Together, our data show that the immune system contributes to the initiation and development of HO in FOP. Further, the expression of Acvr1R206H in immune cells alters cytokine expression and cellular response to injury and unveils novel therapeutic targets for treatment of FOP and nongenetic forms of HO. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Convente
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Salin A Chakkalakal
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - EnJun Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert J Caron
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Deyu Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Taku Kambayashi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Frederick S Kaplan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eileen M Shore
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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28
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Del Zotto G, Antonini F, Azzari I, Ortolani C, Tripodi G, Giacopelli F, Cappato S, Moretta L, Ravazzolo R, Bocciardi R. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Immunophenotyping in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Patients: Evidence for Monocyte DNAM1 Up-regulation. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2017; 94:613-622. [PMID: 28985649 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder caused by sporadic heterozygous mutations in ACVR1 gene which progressively leads to severe heterotopic ossification. FOP is characterized by episodic flare-ups triggered by different factors such as viral infections, tissue injuries, vaccinations, or occurring without a recognizable cause. The sporadic course of the disease, the documented presence of an important inflammatory reaction in early lesions and the partial response to corticosteroids support the idea that the immune system, and in particular the innate component, may play a role in FOP pathogenesis. However, an extensive expression profile of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of FOP patients has never been done. METHODS In this study, we carried out a wide PBMC immunophenotyping on a cohort of FOP patients and matching controls by multiparametric analysis of the expression of a panel of 37 markers associated with migration, adhesion, inhibition, activation, and cell death of circulating immune cells. RESULTS We observed a statistically significant increase of the expression of DNAM1 receptor in patients' monocytes as compared to controls, and little but significant differences in the expression profile of CXCR1 (CD181), CD62L, CXCR4 (CD184), and HLA-DR molecules. CONCLUSIONS DNAM1 had been previously shown to play a pivotal role in monocyte migration through the endothelial barrier and the increased expression detected in patients' monocytes might suggest a role of this surface receptor during the early phases of FOP flare-ups in which the activation of the immune response is believed to represent a crucial event. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irma Azzari
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Claudio Ortolani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Pesaro-Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Giacopelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health and CEBR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Serena Cappato
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health and CEBR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Ravazzolo
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health and CEBR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Renata Bocciardi
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health and CEBR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
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29
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Hino K, Horigome K, Nishio M, Komura S, Nagata S, Zhao C, Jin Y, Kawakami K, Yamada Y, Ohta A, Toguchida J, Ikeya M. Activin-A enhances mTOR signaling to promote aberrant chondrogenesis in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:3339-3352. [PMID: 28758906 DOI: 10.1172/jci93521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare and intractable disease characterized by extraskeletal bone formation through endochondral ossification. Patients with FOP harbor point mutations in ACVR1, a type I receptor for BMPs. Although mutated ACVR1 (FOP-ACVR1) has been shown to render hyperactivity in BMP signaling, we and others have uncovered a mechanism by which FOP-ACVR1 mistransduces BMP signaling in response to Activin-A, a molecule that normally transduces TGF-β signaling. Although Activin-A evokes enhanced chondrogenesis in vitro and heterotopic ossification (HO) in vivo, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be revealed. To this end, we developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) system using FOP patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (FOP-iPSCs) to identify pivotal pathways in enhanced chondrogenesis that are initiated by Activin-A. In a screen of 6,809 small-molecule compounds, we identified mTOR signaling as a critical pathway for the aberrant chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from FOP-iPSCs (FOP-iMSCs). Two different HO mouse models, an FOP model mouse expressing FOP-ACVR1 and an FOP-iPSC-based HO model mouse, revealed critical roles for mTOR signaling in vivo. Moreover, we identified ENPP2, an enzyme that generates lysophosphatidic acid, as a linker of FOP-ACVR1 and mTOR signaling in chondrogenesis. These results uncovered the crucial role of the Activin-A/FOP-ACVR1/ENPP2/mTOR axis in FOP pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyosuke Hino
- Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,iPS Cell-Based Drug Discovery, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Horigome
- Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,iPS Cell-Based Drug Discovery, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Megumi Nishio
- Department of Tissue Regeneration, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, and
| | - Shingo Komura
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Sanae Nagata
- Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chengzhu Zhao
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yonghui Jin
- Department of Tissue Regeneration, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, and.,Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science (iACT), Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS)
| | - Akira Ohta
- Department of Fundamental Cell Technology, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, and
| | - Junya Toguchida
- Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Tissue Regeneration, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, and.,Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science (iACT), Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makoto Ikeya
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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30
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Pickup MW, Owens P, Moses HL. TGF-β, Bone Morphogenetic Protein, and Activin Signaling and the Tumor Microenvironment. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017; 9:cshperspect.a022285. [PMID: 28062564 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The cellular and noncellular components surrounding the tumor cells influence many aspects of tumor progression. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and activins have been shown to regulate the phenotype and functions of the microenvironment and are attractive targets to attenuate protumorigenic microenvironmental changes. Given the pleiotropic nature of the cytokines involved, a full understanding of their effects on numerous cell types in many contexts is necessary for proper clinical intervention. In this review, we will explore the various effects of TGF-β, BMP, and activin signaling on stromal phenotypes known to associate with cancer progression. We will summarize these findings in the context of their tumor suppressive or promoting effects, as well as the molecular changes that these cytokines induce to influence stromal phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Pickup
- Department of Cancer Biology and Vanderbilt-Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Philip Owens
- Department of Cancer Biology and Vanderbilt-Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Harold L Moses
- Department of Cancer Biology and Vanderbilt-Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
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Looney AM, Ahearne CE, Hallberg B, Boylan GB, Murray DM. Downstream mRNA Target Analysis in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy Identifies Novel Marker of Severe Injury: a Proof of Concept Paper. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:8420-8428. [PMID: 27957679 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0330-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Human microRNA miR-374a is downregulated in the umbilical cord blood (UCB) of infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). The downstream targets of this microRNA (miRNA) are unclear, but one putative target is the activin-A receptor type IIb (ACVR2B). ACVR2B is required for activin-A function and previous reports have shown alterations of activin-A levels in neonatal HIE. Our aim was to investigate the expression of the potential downstream targets of miR-374a, activin-A and ACVR2B, at birth in a cohort of full-term infants with perinatal asphyxia (PA) only, and those with PA who developed clinical and electrographic HIE. UCB was drawn and processed immediately after delivery. Levels of serum activin-A were measured using ELISA. mRNA levels of ACVR2B in whole blood were quantified using qRT-PCR. Outcome was assessed at 3 years of age using standardised developmental assessment. In total, 171 infants were enrolled: 88 healthy controls, 56 PA and 27 HIE. A statistically significant elevation of median (IQR) ACVR2B was detected in infants with severe HIE compared to moderate/mild HIE, PA and control groups (3.3 (2.94-3.67) vs. 0.91 (0.55-1.21) vs. 0.88 (0.57-1.38) vs. 0.84 (0.74-1.24), p values = 0.04, 0.027 and 0.025, respectively). Although serum activin-A levels were elevated in infants with severe HIE, this elevation did not reach significance. ACVR2B may be a potential novel marker of HIE severity. This is the first study to examine the relationship between activin-A, its receptor AVCR2B and potentially upstream miRNA miR-374a in a cohort of carefully categorised and phenotyped infants. We have shown that miRNA analysis, combined with downstream target exploration, may yield novel biomarkers for the prediction of HIE severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Looney
- Neonatal Brain Research Group, Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
| | - C E Ahearne
- Neonatal Brain Research Group, Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - B Hallberg
- Neonatal Department, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - G B Boylan
- Neonatal Brain Research Group, Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - D M Murray
- Neonatal Brain Research Group, Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
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Olguín-Alor R, de la Fuente-Granada M, Bonifaz LC, Antonio-Herrera L, García-Zepeda EA, Soldevila G. A Key Role for Inhibins in Dendritic Cell Maturation and Function. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167813. [PMID: 27936218 PMCID: PMC5147992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibins are members of the TGFβ superfamily, which regulate many cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. Although initially described as hormones regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, based on their ability to antagonize Activins, our group has recently reported that they play a role in thymocyte differentiation and survival, as well as in thymic stromal cell maturation and nTreg generation. Here, we used Inhibin knock out mice (Inhα-/-) to investigate the role of Inhibins in peripheral dendritic cell maturation and function. We first demonstrated that LPS treated Inhα+/+ bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDC) were capable to produce significant levels of Inhibin A. Interestingly, Inhα-/- BMDC showed reduced MHCII and CD86 upregulation and increased PD-L1 expression in response to LPS compared to Inhα+/+, which correlated with reduced ability to induce proliferation of allogeneic T cells. The "semi-mature" phenotype displayed by Inhα-/- mBMDC correlated with increased levels of IL-10 and slightly decreased IL-6 production after LPS stimulation. In addition, Inhα-/- mBMDC showed impaired migration towards CCL19 and CCL21, assessed by in vitro chemotaxis and in vivo competitive homing experiments, despite their normal CCR7 expression. Furthermore, in vivo LPS-induced DC maturation was also diminished in Inhα-/- mice, specially within the LC (CD207+ CD11b+ CD103-) subpopulation. Finally, analysis of delayed type hypersensitivity responses in Inhα-/- mice, showed reduced ear swelling as a result of reduced cellular infiltration in the skin, correlating with impaired homing of CD207+ DCs to the draining lymph nodes. In summary, our data demonstrate for the first time that Inhibins play a key role in peripheral DC maturation and function, regulating the balance between immunity and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Olguín-Alor
- Departamento de Inmunología. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Marisol de la Fuente-Granada
- Departamento de Inmunología. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Laura C. Bonifaz
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunoquímica. Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Laura Antonio-Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunoquímica. Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Eduardo A. García-Zepeda
- Departamento de Inmunología. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Gloria Soldevila
- Departamento de Inmunología. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico city, Mexico
- * E-mail:
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Wilson C, Brown H, Holen I. The endocrine influence on the bone microenvironment in early breast cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2016; 23:R567-R576. [PMID: 27687494 DOI: 10.1530/erc-16-0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Multiple factors influence the survival of disseminated breast tumour cells (DTCs) in bone. Whereas gene signature studies have identified genes that predict a propensity of tumours to metastasise to bone, the bone environment is key in determining the fate of these tumour cells. Breast cancer cells locate to specific niches within the bone that support their survival, regulated by host factors within the bone microenvironment including bone cells, cells of the bone micro vasculature, immune cells and the extracellular matrix. Reproductive endocrine hormones that affect bone and clinical studies across the menopausal transition have provided comprehensive understanding of the changes in the bone microenvironment during this time. Menopause is characterized by a decrease in ovarian oestradiol and inhibins, with an increase in pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone and this review will focus on the role of these three hormones in determining the fate of DTCs in bone. Both in vivo and clinical data suggest that premenopausal bone is a conducive environment for growth of breast cancer cells in bone. Adjuvant cancer treatment aims to reduce the risk of tumour recurrence by affecting DTCs. Drugs targeting the bone resorbing osteoclasts, such as bisphosphonates, have therefore been evaluated in this setting. Both preclinical and adjuvant clinical studies have shown that bisphosphonates' ability to decrease tumour growth in bone is influenced by the levels of endocrine hormones, with enhanced effects in a postmenopausal bone microenvironment. The challenge is to understand the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon and to evaluate if alternative adjuvant bone-targeted therapies may be effective in premenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Wilson
- Academic Unit of Clinical OncologyWeston Park Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Hannah Brown
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ingunn Holen
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Sinha S, Uchibe K, Usami Y, Pacifici M, Iwamoto M. Effectiveness and mode of action of a combination therapy for heterotopic ossification with a retinoid agonist and an anti-inflammatory agent. Bone 2016; 90:59-68. [PMID: 26891836 PMCID: PMC4970925 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) consists of ectopic cartilage and bone formation following severe trauma or invasive surgeries, and a genetic form of it characterizes patients with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). Recent mouse studies showed that HO was significantly inhibited by systemic treatment with a corticosteroid or the retinoic acid receptor γ agonist Palovarotene. Because these drugs act differently, the data raised intriguing questions including whether the drugs affected HO via similar means, whether a combination therapy would be more effective or whether the drugs may hamper each other's action. To tackle these questions, we used an effective HO mouse model involving subcutaneous implantation of Matrigel plus rhBMP2, and compared the effectiveness of prednisone, dexamathaosone, Palovarotene or combination of. Each corticosteroid and Palovarotene reduced bone formation at max doses, and a combination therapy elicited similar outcomes without obvious interference. While Palovarotene had effectively prevented the initial cartilaginous phase of HO, the steroids appeared to act more on the bony phase. In reporter assays, dexamethasone and Palovarotene induced transcriptional activity of their respective GRE or RARE constructs and did not interfere with each other's pathway. Interestingly, both drugs inhibited the activity of a reporter construct for the inflammatory mediator NF-κB, particularly in combination. In good agreement, immunohistochemical analyses showed that both drugs markedly reduced the number of mast cells and macrophages near and within the ectopic Matrigel mass and reduced also the number of progenitor cells. In sum, corticosteroids and Palovarotene appear to block HO via common and distinct mechanisms. Most importantly, they directly or indirectly inhibit the recruitment of immune and inflammatory cells present at the affected site, thus alleviating the effects of key HO instigators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantani Sinha
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Kenta Uchibe
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yu Usami
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maurizio Pacifici
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Masahiro Iwamoto
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Godwin JW, Pinto AR, Rosenthal NA. Chasing the recipe for a pro-regenerative immune system. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 61:71-79. [PMID: 27521522 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Identification of the key ingredients and essential processes required to achieve perfect tissue regeneration in humans has so far remained elusive. Injury in vertebrates induces an obligatory wound response that will precede or overlap any regeneration specific program or scarring outcome. This process shapes the cellular and molecular landscape of the tissue, influencing the success of endogenous repair pathways or for potential clinical intervention. The involvement of immune cells is also required for aspects of development extending beyond the initial inflammatory phase of wounding. It has now become clear from amphibian, fish and mammalian models of tissue injury that the type of immune response and the profile of immune cells attending the site of injury can act as the gatekeepers that determine wound repair quality. The heterogeneity among innate and adaptive immune cell populations, along with the developmental origin of these cells, form key ingredients affecting the potential for downstream repair and the suppression of fibrosis. Cell-to-cell interactions between immune cells, such as macrophages and T cells, with stem cells and mesenchymal cells are critically important for shaping this process and these exchanges, are in turn influenced by the type of injury, tissue location and developmental stage of the organism. Developmentally, mouse cardiac regeneration is restricted to early stages of postnatal life where the balance of innate to adaptive immune cells may be poised towards regeneration. In the injured adult mouse liver, specific macrophage subsets improve repair while other bone marrow derived cells can exacerbate injury. Other studies using genetically diverse mice have shown enhanced regeneration in certain strains, restricted to specific tissues. This enhanced repair is linked with expression of genes such as Insulin-like Growth Factor- 1 (IGF-1) and activin (Act 1), that both play important roles in shaping the immune system. Immune cells are now appreciated to have powerful influences on critical cell types required for regeneration success. The winning recipe for tissue regeneration is likely to be found ultimately by identifying the genetic elements and specific cell populations that limit or allow intrinsic potential. This will be essential for developing therapeutic strategies for tissue regeneration in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Godwin
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA; MDI Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME 04672, USA; Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
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The Expression of Human Cytomegalovirus MicroRNA MiR-UL148D during Latent Infection in Primary Myeloid Cells Inhibits Activin A-triggered Secretion of IL-6. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31205. [PMID: 27491954 PMCID: PMC4974560 DOI: 10.1038/srep31205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful establishment and maintenance of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) latency is dependent on the expression of a subset of viral genes. Whilst the exact spectrum and functions of these genes are far from clear, inroads have been made for protein-coding genes. In contrast, little is known about the expression of non-coding RNAs. Here we show that HCMV encoded miRNAs are expressed de novo during latent infection of primary myeloid cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-UL148D, one of the most highly expressed viral miRNAs during latent infection, directly targets the cellular receptor ACVR1B of the activin signalling axis. Consistent with this, we observed upregulation of ACVR1B expression during latent infection with a miR-UL148D deletion virus (ΔmiR-UL148D). Importantly, we observed that monocytes latently infected with ΔmiR-UL148D are more responsive to activin A stimulation, as demonstrated by their increased secretion of IL-6. Collectively, our data indicates miR-UL148D inhibits ACVR1B expression in latently infected cells to limit proinflammatory cytokine secretion, perhaps as an immune evasion strategy or to postpone cytokine-induced reactivation until conditions are more favourable. This is the first demonstration of an HCMV miRNA function during latency in primary myeloid cells, implicating that small RNA species may contribute significantly to latent infection.
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Activin A programs the differentiation of human TFH cells. Nat Immunol 2016; 17:976-84. [PMID: 27376469 PMCID: PMC4955732 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Follicular helper T (TFH) cells are CD4+ T cells specialized in helping B cells and are associated both with protective antibody responses and autoimmune diseases. The promise of targeting TFH cells therapeutically has been limited by fragmentary understanding of extrinsic signals regulating human TFH cell differentiation. A screen of a human protein library identified activin A as new regulator of TFH cell differentiation. Activin A orchestrated expression of multiple TFH-associated genes, independently or in concert with additional signals. TFH programming by activin A was antagonized by the cytokine IL-2. Activin A’s capacity to drive TFH cell differentiation in vitro was conserved for non-human primates but not mice. Finally, activin A-induced TFH programming was dependent on SMAD2 and SMAD3 signaling and blocked by pharmacological inhibitors.
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Shurin MR, Ma Y, Keskinov AA, Zhao R, Lokshin A, Agassandian M, Shurin GV. BAFF and APRIL from Activin A-Treated Dendritic Cells Upregulate the Antitumor Efficacy of Dendritic Cells In Vivo. Cancer Res 2016; 76:4959-69. [PMID: 27364554 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-2668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The members of the TGFβ superfamily play a key role in regulating developmental and homeostasis programs by controlling differentiation, proliferation, polarization, and survival of different cell types. Although the role of TGFβ1 in inflammation and immunity is well evident, the contribution of other TGFβ family cytokines in the modulation of the antitumor immune response remains less documented. Here we show that activin A triggers SMAD2 and ERK1/2 pathways in dendritic cells (DC) expressing type I and II activin receptors, and upregulates production of the TNFα family cytokines BAFF (TALL-1, TNFSF13B) and APRIL (TALL-2, TNFSF13A), which is blocked by SMAD2 and ERK1/2 inhibitors, respectively. BAFF and APRIL derived from activin A-treated DCs upregulate proliferation and survival of T cells expressing the corresponding receptors, BAFF-R and TACI. In vivo, activin A-stimulated DCs demonstrate a significantly increased ability to induce tumor-specific CTLs and inhibit the growth of melanoma and lung carcinoma, which relies on DC-derived BAFF and APRIL, as knockdown of the BAFF and APRIL gene expression in activin A-treated DCs blocks augmentation of their antitumor potential. Although systemic administration of activin A, BAFF, or APRIL for the therapeutic purposes is not likely due to the pluripotent effects on malignant and nonmalignant cells, our data open a novel opportunity for improving the efficacy of DC vaccines. In fact, a significant augmentation of the antitumor activity of DC pretreated with activin A and the proven role of DC-derived BAFF and APRIL in the induction of antitumor immunity in vivo support this direction. Cancer Res; 76(17); 4959-69. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yang Ma
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anton A Keskinov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ruijing Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Anna Lokshin
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marianna Agassandian
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Galina V Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Hatsell SJ, Idone V, Wolken DMA, Huang L, Kim HJ, Wang L, Wen X, Nannuru KC, Jimenez J, Xie L, Das N, Makhoul G, Chernomorsky R, D'Ambrosio D, Corpina RA, Schoenherr CJ, Feeley K, Yu PB, Yancopoulos GD, Murphy AJ, Economides AN. ACVR1R206H receptor mutation causes fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva by imparting responsiveness to activin A. Sci Transl Med 2016; 7:303ra137. [PMID: 26333933 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aac4358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by episodically exuberant heterotopic ossification (HO), whereby skeletal muscle is abnormally converted into misplaced, but histologically normal bone. This HO leads to progressive immobility with catastrophic consequences, including death by asphyxiation. FOP results from mutations in the intracellular domain of the type I BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) receptor ACVR1; the most common mutation alters arginine 206 to histidine (ACVR1(R206H)) and has been thought to drive inappropriate bone formation as a result of receptor hyperactivity. We unexpectedly found that this mutation rendered ACVR1 responsive to the activin family of ligands, which generally antagonize BMP signaling through ACVR1 but cannot normally induce bone formation. To test the implications of this finding in vivo, we engineered mice to carry the Acvr1(R206H) mutation. Because mice that constitutively express Acvr1[R206H] die perinatally, we generated a genetically humanized conditional-on knock-in model for this mutation. When Acvr1[R206H] expression was induced, mice developed HO resembling that of FOP; HO could also be triggered by activin A administration in this mouse model of FOP but not in wild-type controls. Finally, HO was blocked by broad-acting BMP blockers, as well as by a fully human antibody specific to activin A. Our results suggest that ACVR1(R206H) causes FOP by gaining responsiveness to the normally antagonistic ligand activin A, demonstrating that this ligand is necessary and sufficient for driving HO in a genetically accurate model of FOP; hence, our human antibody to activin A represents a potential therapeutic approach for FOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Hatsell
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Vincent Idone
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Dana M Alessi Wolken
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Lily Huang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Hyon J Kim
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Lili Wang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Xialing Wen
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Kalyan C Nannuru
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Johanna Jimenez
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Liqin Xie
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Nanditha Das
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Genevieve Makhoul
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | - David D'Ambrosio
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Richard A Corpina
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | - Kieran Feeley
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Paul B Yu
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 20 Shattuck Street, Thorn Biosciences 1203, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - George D Yancopoulos
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Aris N Economides
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA. Regeneron Genetics Center Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
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Brander SM, Jeffries KM, Cole BJ, DeCourten BM, White JW, Hasenbein S, Fangue NA, Connon RE. Transcriptomic changes underlie altered egg protein production and reduced fecundity in an estuarine model fish exposed to bifenthrin. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 174:247-60. [PMID: 26975043 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Pyrethroid pesticides are a class of insecticides found to have endocrine disrupting properties in vertebrates such as fishes and in human cell lines. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental contaminants that mimic or alter the process of hormone signaling. In particular, EDCs that alter estrogen and androgen signaling pathways are of major concern for fishes because these EDCs may alter reproductive physiology, behavior, and ultimately sex ratio. Bifenthrin, a pyrethroid with escalating usage, is confirmed to disrupt estrogen signaling in several species of fish, including Menidia beryllina (inland silverside), an Atherinid recently established as a euryhaline model. Our main objective was to broadly assess the molecular and physiological responses of M. beryllina to the ng/L concentrations of bifenthrin typically found in the environment, with a focus on endocrine-related effects, and to discern links between different tiers of the biological hierarchy. As such, we evaluated the response of juvenile Menidia to bifenthrin using a Menidia-specific microarray, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) on specific endocrine-related genes of interest, and a Menidia-specific ELISA to the egg-coat protein choriogenin, to evaluate a multitude of molecular-level responses that would inform mechanisms of toxicity and any underlying causes of change at higher biological levels of organization. The sublethal nominal concentrations tested (0.5, 5 and 50ng/L) were chosen to represent the range of concentrations observed in the environment and to provide coverage of a variety of potential responses. We then employed a 21-day reproductive assay to evaluate reproductive responses to bifenthrin (at 0.5ng/L) in a separate group of adult M. beryllina. The microarray analysis indicated that bifenthrin influences a diverse suite of molecular pathways, from baseline metabolic processes to carcinogenesis. A more targeted examination of gene expression via qPCR demonstrated that bifenthrin downregulates a number of estrogen-related transcripts, particularly at the lowest exposure level. Choriogenin protein also decreased with exposure to increasing concentrations of bifenthrin, and adult M. beryllina exposed to 0.5ng/L had significantly reduced reproductive output (fertilized eggs per female). This reduction in fecundity is consistent with observed changes in endocrine-related gene expression and choriogenin production. Taken together, our results demonstrate that environmental concentrations of bifenthrin have potential to interfere with metabolic processes, endocrine signaling, and to decrease reproductive output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne M Brander
- Biology & Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States.
| | - Ken M Jeffries
- Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Bryan J Cole
- Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Bethany M DeCourten
- Biology & Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States
| | - J Wilson White
- Biology & Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States
| | - Simone Hasenbein
- Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Nann A Fangue
- Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Richard E Connon
- Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States
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Cappato S, Tonachini L, Giacopelli F, Tirone M, Galietta LJV, Sormani M, Giovenzana A, Spinelli AE, Canciani B, Brunelli S, Ravazzolo R, Bocciardi R. High-throughput screening for modulators of ACVR1 transcription: discovery of potential therapeutics for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:685-96. [PMID: 27125279 PMCID: PMC4920148 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.023929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ACVR1 gene encodes a type I receptor of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Activating mutations in ACVR1 are responsible for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare disease characterized by congenital toe malformation and progressive heterotopic endochondral ossification leading to severe and cumulative disability. Until now, no therapy has been available to prevent soft-tissue swelling (flare-ups) that trigger the ossification process. With the aim of finding a new therapeutic strategy for FOP, we developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to identify inhibitors of ACVR1 gene expression among drugs already approved for the therapy of other diseases. The screening, based on an ACVR1 promoter assay, was followed by an in vitro and in vivo test to validate and characterize candidate molecules. Among compounds that modulate the ACVR1 promoter activity, we selected the one showing the highest inhibitory effect, dipyridamole, a drug that is currently used as a platelet anti-aggregant. The inhibitory effect was detectable on ACVR1 gene expression, on the whole Smad-dependent BMP signaling pathway, and on chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation processes by in vitro cellular assays. Moreover, dipyridamole reduced the process of heterotopic bone formation in vivo. Our drug repositioning strategy has led to the identification of dipyridamole as a possible therapeutic tool for the treatment of FOP. Furthermore, our study has also defined a pipeline of assays that will be useful for the evaluation of other pharmacological inhibitors of heterotopic ossification. Summary: We describe the identification of dipyridamole as a potential therapeutic tool for FOP, through a series of in vitro and in vivo assays to screen and validate FDA-approved compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Cappato
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health and CEBR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Laura Tonachini
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health and CEBR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Francesca Giacopelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health and CEBR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Mario Tirone
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano 20132, Italy School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Luis J V Galietta
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16147, Italy
| | - Martina Sormani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Anna Giovenzana
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Antonello E Spinelli
- Medical Physics Department and Centre for Experimental Imaging, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Barbara Canciani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova & IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Brunelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Roberto Ravazzolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health and CEBR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova 16132, Italy Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16147, Italy
| | - Renata Bocciardi
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health and CEBR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova 16132, Italy Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16147, Italy
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43
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Kaplan FS, Pignolo RJ, Shore EM. Granting immunity to FOP and catching heterotopic ossification in the Act. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 49:30-6. [PMID: 26706149 PMCID: PMC4898187 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The progressive transformation of one organ system into another is a fundamental signature of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), the most catastrophic form of extraskeletal bone formation in humans. In all affected individuals, FOP is caused by heterozygous missense gain-of-function mutations in Activin receptor A type I (ACVR1), a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor. Loss of autoinhibition of the mutant receptor (mACVR1) results in dysregulated BMP pathway signaling, and is necessary for the myriad developmental features of FOP, but does not appear sufficient to induce the episodic flare-ups that lead to disabling post-natal heterotopic endochondral ossification (HEO) and that are a hallmark of the disease. Post-natal FOP flare-ups strongly implicate an underlying immunological trigger involving inflammation and the innate immune system. Recent studies implicate canonical and non-canonical TGFβ/BMP family ligands in the amplification of mACVR1 signaling leading to the formation of FOP lesions and resultant HEO. BMP and Activin ligands that stimulate mACVR1 signaling also have critical regulatory functions in the immune system. Cross-talk between the morphogenetic and immunological pathways that regulate tissue maintenance and wound healing identifies potential robust therapeutic targets for FOP. Here we review current evidence for an immunological trigger for flare-ups and HEO in FOP, propose a working schema for the pathophysiology of observed phenomena, and highlight outstanding questions under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick S Kaplan
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Medicine, The Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Center for Research in FOP & Related Disorders, The Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Robert J Pignolo
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Medicine, The Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Center for Research in FOP & Related Disorders, The Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Eileen M Shore
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Genetics, The Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Center for Research in FOP & Related Disorders, The Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Common mutations in ALK2/ACVR1, a multi-faceted receptor, have roles in distinct pediatric musculoskeletal and neural orphan disorders. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 27:93-104. [PMID: 26776312 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Activin receptor-like kinase-2 (ALK2), the product of ACVR1, is a member of the type I bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor family. ALK2 exerts key and non-redundant roles in numerous developmental processes, including the specification, growth and morphogenesis of endochondral skeletal elements. There is also strong evidence that BMP signaling plays important roles in determination, differentiation and function of neural cells and tissues. Here we focus on the intriguing discovery that common activating mutations in ALK2 occur in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) and Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPGs), distinct pediatric disorders of significant severity that are associated with premature death. Pathogenesis and treatment remain elusive for both. We consider recent studies on the nature of the ACVR1 mutations, possible modes of action and targets, and plausible therapeutic measures. Comparisons of the diverse - but genetically interrelated - pathologies of FOP and DIPG will continue to be of major mutual benefit with broad biomedical and clinical relevance.
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Sharkey DJ, Schjenken JE, Mottershead DG, Robertson SA. Seminal fluid factors regulate activin A and follistatin synthesis in female cervical epithelial cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 417:178-90. [PMID: 26415587 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Seminal fluid induces pro-inflammatory cytokines and elicits an inflammation-like response in the cervix. Here, Affymetrix microarray and qPCR was utilised to identify activin A (INHBA) and its inhibitor follistatin (FST) amongst the cytokines induced by seminal plasma in Ect1 ectocervical epithelial cells, and a similar response was confirmed in primary ectocervical epithelial cells. TGFB is abundant in seminal plasma and all three TGFB isoforms induced INHBA in Ect1 and primary cells, and neutralisation of TGFB in seminal plasma suppressed the INHBA response. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide in seminal plasma also elicited INHBA, but potently suppressed FST production. There was moderate reciprocal inhibition between FST and INHBA, and cross-attenuating effects were seen. These data identify TGFB and potentially LPS as factors mediating seminal plasma-induced INHBA synthesis in cervical cells. INHBA and FST induced by seminal fluid in cervical tissues may thus contribute to regulation of the post-coital response in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David G Mottershead
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Physiologic Course of Female Reproductive Function: A Molecular Look into the Prologue of Life. J Pregnancy 2015; 2015:715735. [PMID: 26697222 PMCID: PMC4678088 DOI: 10.1155/2015/715735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic, endocrine, and metabolic mechanisms underlying female reproduction are numerous and sophisticated, displaying complex functional evolution throughout a woman's lifetime. This vital course may be systematized in three subsequent stages: prenatal development of ovaries and germ cells up until in utero arrest of follicular growth and the ensuing interim suspension of gonadal function; onset of reproductive maturity through puberty, with reinitiation of both gonadal and adrenal activity; and adult functionality of the ovarian cycle which permits ovulation, a key event in female fertility, and dictates concurrent modifications in the endometrium and other ovarian hormone-sensitive tissues. Indeed, the ultimate goal of this physiologic progression is to achieve ovulation and offer an adequate environment for the installation of gestation, the consummation of female fertility. Strict regulation of these processes is important, as disruptions at any point in this evolution may equate a myriad of endocrine-metabolic disturbances for women and adverse consequences on offspring both during pregnancy and postpartum. This review offers a summary of pivotal aspects concerning the physiologic course of female reproductive function.
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47
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Lorenz TK, Demas GE, Heiman JR. Interaction of menstrual cycle phase and sexual activity predicts mucosal and systemic humoral immunity in healthy women. Physiol Behav 2015; 152:92-8. [PMID: 26394125 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have documented shifts in humoral immune parameters (e.g., immunoglobulins) across the menstrual cycle in healthy women. It is thought that these shifts may reflect dynamic balancing between reproduction and pathogen defense, as certain aspects of humoral immunity may disrupt conception and may be temporarily downregulated at ovulation. If so, one could expect maximal cycle-related shifts of humoral immunity in individuals invested in reproduction - that is, women who are currently sexually active - and less pronounced shifts in women who are not reproductively active (i.e., abstinent). We investigated the interaction of sexual activity, menstrual cycle phase, and humoral immunity in a sample of 32 healthy premenopausal women (15 sexually active, 17 abstinent). Participants provided saliva samples during their menses, follicular phase, ovulation (as indicated by urine test for LH surge), and luteal phase, from which IgA was assayed. Participants also provided blood samples at menses and ovulation, from which IgG was assayed. Sexually active participants provided records of their frequency of sexual activity as well as condom use. At ovulation, sexually active women had higher IgG than abstinent women (d=0.77), with women reporting regular condom use showing larger effects (d=0.63) than women reporting no condom use (d=0.11). Frequency of sexual activity predicted changes in IgA (Cohen's f(2)=0.25), with women reporting high frequency of sexual activity showing a decrease in IgA at ovulation, while women reporting low frequency or no sexual activity showing an increase in IgA at ovulation. Taken together, these findings support the hypothesis that shifts in humoral immunity across the menstrual cycle are associated with reproductive effort, and could contribute to the mechanisms by which women's physiology navigates tradeoffs between reproduction and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierney K Lorenz
- Center for Integrative Study for Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, 409 N Park Ave, Bloomington, IN, United States; The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, 1165 E 3rd St., Bloomington, IN 47405, United States.
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Center for Integrative Study for Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, 409 N Park Ave, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, 1001 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States.
| | - Julia R Heiman
- Center for Integrative Study for Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, 409 N Park Ave, Bloomington, IN, United States; The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, 1165 E 3rd St., Bloomington, IN 47405, United States; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States.
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Verhamme FM, Bracke KR, Joos GF, Brusselle GG. Transforming growth factor-β superfamily in obstructive lung diseases. more suspects than TGF-β alone. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2015; 52:653-62. [PMID: 25396302 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0282rt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are respiratory disorders and a major global health problem with increasing incidence and severity. Genes originally associated with lung development could be relevant in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma, owing to either an early-life origin of adult complex diseases or their dysregulation in adulthood upon exposure to environmental stressors (e.g., smoking). The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily is conserved through evolution and is involved in a range of biological processes, both during development and in adult tissue homeostasis. TGF-β1 has emerged as an important regulator of lung and immune system development. However, considerable evidence has been presented for a role of many of the other ligands of the TGF-β superfamily in lung pathology, including activins, bone morphogenetic proteins, and growth differentiation factors. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms by which activin, bone morphogenetic protein, and growth differentiation factor signaling contribute to the pathogenesis of obstructive airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fien M Verhamme
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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49
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Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), together with the eponymous transforming growth factor (TGF) β and the Activins form the TGFβ superfamily of ligands. This protein family comprises more than 30 structurally highly related proteins, which determine formation, maintenance, and regeneration of tissues and organs. Their importance for the development of multicellular organisms is evident from their existence in all vertebrates as well as nonvertebrate animals. From their highly specific functions in vivo either a strict relation between a particular ligand and its cognate cellular receptor and/or a stringent regulation to define a distinct temperospatial expression pattern for the various ligands and receptor is expected. However, only a limited number of receptors are found to serve a large number of ligands thus implicating highly promiscuous ligand-receptor interactions instead. Since in tissues a multitude of ligands are often found, which signal via a highly overlapping set of receptors, this raises the question how such promiscuous interactions between different ligands and their receptors can generate concerted and highly specific cellular signals required during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Mueller
- Department Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs Institute of the University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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50
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Zalenskaya IA, Joseph T, Bavarva J, Yousefieh N, Jackson SS, Fashemi T, Yamamoto HS, Settlage R, Fichorova RN, Doncel GF. Gene Expression Profiling of Human Vaginal Cells In Vitro Discriminates Compounds with Pro-Inflammatory and Mucosa-Altering Properties: Novel Biomarkers for Preclinical Testing of HIV Microbicide Candidates. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128557. [PMID: 26052926 PMCID: PMC4459878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation and immune activation of the cervicovaginal mucosa are considered factors that increase susceptibility to HIV infection. Therefore, it is essential to screen candidate anti-HIV microbicides for potential mucosal immunomodulatory/inflammatory effects prior to further clinical development. The goal of this study was to develop an in vitro method for preclinical evaluation of the inflammatory potential of new candidate microbicides using a microarray gene expression profiling strategy. METHODS To this end, we compared transcriptomes of human vaginal cells (Vk2/E6E7) treated with well-characterized pro-inflammatory (PIC) and non-inflammatory (NIC) compounds. PICs included compounds with different mechanisms of action. Gene expression was analyzed using Affymetrix U133 Plus 2 arrays. Data processing was performed using GeneSpring 11.5 (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA). RESULTS Microarraray comparative analysis allowed us to generate a panel of 20 genes that were consistently deregulated by PICs compared to NICs, thus distinguishing between these two groups. Functional analysis mapped 14 of these genes to immune and inflammatory responses. This was confirmed by the fact that PICs induced NFkB pathway activation in Vk2 cells. By testing microbicide candidates previously characterized in clinical trials we demonstrated that the selected PIC-associated genes properly identified compounds with mucosa-altering effects. The discriminatory power of these genes was further demonstrated after culturing vaginal cells with vaginal bacteria. Prevotella bivia, prevalent bacteria in the disturbed microbiota of bacterial vaginosis, induced strong upregulation of seven selected PIC-associated genes, while a commensal Lactobacillus gasseri associated to vaginal health did not cause any changes. CONCLUSIONS In vitro evaluation of the immunoinflammatory potential of microbicides using the PIC-associated genes defined in this study could help in the initial screening of candidates prior to entering clinical trials. Additional characterization of these genes can provide further insight into the cervicovaginal immunoinflammatory and mucosal-altering processes that facilitate or limit HIV transmission with implications for the design of prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Zalenskaya
- CONRAD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Theresa Joseph
- CONRAD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jasmin Bavarva
- Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nazita Yousefieh
- CONRAD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Suzanne S Jackson
- CONRAD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Titilayo Fashemi
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hidemi S Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robert Settlage
- Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Raina N Fichorova
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gustavo F Doncel
- CONRAD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
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