MAPKAPK-2 signaling is critical for cutaneous wound healing

Targeting the multifaceted BRAF in cancer: New directions

Activating mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway represent driver alterations governing tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. MAPK activation predominantly occurs through genomic alterations in RAS and BRAF. BRAF is an effector kinase that functions downstream of RAS and propagates this oncogenic activity through MEK and ERK. Across cancers, BRAF alterations include gain-of-function mutations, copy-number alterations, and structural rearrangements. In cancer patients, BRAF-targeting precision therapeutics are effective against Class I BRAF alterations (p.V600 hotspot mutations) in tumors such as melanomas, thyroid cancers, and colorectal cancers. However, numerous non-Class I BRAF inhibitors are also in development and have been explored in some cancers. Here we discuss the diverse forms of BRAF alterations found in human cancers and the strategies to inhibit them in patients harboring cancers of distinct origins.

Polyphosphate Nanoparticles: Balancing Energy Requirements in Tissue Regeneration Processes

Nanoparticles of a particular, evolutionarily old inorganic polymer found across the biological kingdoms have attracted increasing interest in recent years not only because of their crucial role in metabolism but also their potential medical applicability: it is inorganic polyphosphate (polyP). This ubiquitous linear polymer is composed of 10-1000 phosphate residues linked by high-energy anhydride bonds. PolyP causes induction of gene activity, provides phosphate for bone mineralization, and serves as an energy supplier through enzymatic cleavage of its acid anhydride bonds and subsequent ATP formation. The biomedical breakthrough of polyP came with the development of a successful fabrication process, in depot form, as Ca- or Mg-polyP nanoparticles, or as the directly effective polymer, as soluble Na-polyP, for regenerative repair and healing processes, especially in tissue areas with insufficient blood supply. Physiologically, the platelets are the main vehicles for polyP nanoparticles in the circulating blood. To be biomedically active, these particles undergo coacervation. This review provides an overview of the properties of polyP and polyP nanoparticles for applications in the regeneration and repair of bone, cartilage, and skin. In addition to studies on animal models, the first successful proof-of-concept studies on humans for the healing of chronic wounds are outlined.

In-vivo and in-vitro wound healing and tissue repair effect of Trametes versicolor polysaccharide extract

Regarding different medical benefits of fungi, using the medical mushroom extracts as wound-healing agents is gaining popularity. This study, evaluated the wound healing characteristics of Trametes versicolor. Anti-oxidant activity addressed by employing the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay resulting 53.7% inhibitory effect. Besides, for anti-microbial ability determination, the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) of extract measured which Escherichia coli growth was inhibited at 1.1 mg/ml, and Staphylococcus aureus did not grow at 4.38 mg/ml of extract. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method indicated dose dependence of the extract with 63 ± 3% and 28 ± 3% viability at 1250 μg/ml and 156.25 μg/ml of extract, which higher concentration caused higher cell viability. The outcome of gene expression analysis determined that overall expression of FGF2 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 2), IL-1β (Interleukin-1β), and TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor-β1) was 4 times higher at 48 h than at 24 h in treated cells, suggesting a stimulating effect on cell growth. An in-vivo animal model suggested enhanced wound healing process after treatment with 0.01 g of extract. Furthermore, the number of fibroblasts, epidermal thickness, and collagen fiber was respectively 2, 3, and threefold higher in treated mice when compared to untreated mice. The treated wounds of mice showed 100% and 60% of untreated mice of healing within 14 days. The results of this research show promise for the fungus-based wound healing treatments, which may help with tissue regeneration and the healing of cutaneous wounds.

Chitosan hydrogels with MK2 inhibitor peptide-loaded nanoparticles to treat atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that lacks ideal long-term treatment options due to a series of side effects, such as skin atrophy, related to the most common treatment prescribed to manage moderate-to-severe AD. In this study, a cell-penetrating MK2 inhibitor peptide YARA (YARAAARQARAKALNRQGLVAA) was loaded into hollow thermo-responsive pNIPAM nanoparticles (NP), which were further incorporated into chitosan hydrogels (H-NP-YARA) to promote local drug delivery, improve moisture and the anti-inflammatory activity. The NPs exhibited high loading efficiency (>50%) and the hydrogel remained porous following NP incorporation as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both nanoparticles and hydrogels were able to improve the release of YARA and sustained release to up to 120 h. The hydrogels and NPs delivered 2 and 4-fold more YARA into viable skin layers of porcine skin in vitro at 12 h post-application than the non-encapsulated compound in intact and impaired barrier conditions. Furthermore, the YARA-loaded NPs (NP-YARA) and H-NP-YARA treatment decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines up to 20 time-fold compared with the non-treated group of human keratinocytes under inflammatory conditions. Consistent with the results in cell culture, the loading of YARA in NP reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α up to 3.3 times in an ex vivo skin culture model after induction of inflammation. A further decrease of up to 17 times-fold was observed with H-NP-YARA treatment compared to the drug in solution. Our data collectively suggest that chitosan hydrogel containing YARA-loaded nanoparticles is a promising new formulation for the topical treatment of AD.

Dehydrozingerone promotes healing of diabetic foot ulcers: a molecular insight

INTRODUCTION

One of the most common problems of diabetes are diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). According to National Institute for Health, initial management of DFUs can decrease the complication of limb amputations and can improve the patient's quality of life. DFU treatment can be optimized with the help of multidisciplinary approach. Based on many studies, control of glucose levels in blood, antioxidant activity, reduction in cytokine levels, re-epithelialization, collagen formation, migration of fibroblasts are major phases involved in managing DFU. Dehydrozingerone (DHZ), has been known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound healing properties.

METHODOLOGY

Three months high-fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin-induced type-II diabetic foot ulcer model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of dehydrozingerone. DHZ was given orally to rats for 15 days post wounding. TNF-α, IL-1β and antioxidant parameters like lipid peroxidation, glutathione reductase were estimated. Immunoblotting was done to investigate the effect of DHZ on the expression of ERK, JNK, HSP-27, P38, SIRT-1, NFκB, SMA, VEGF and MMP-9 in skin tissue. Histopathology was performed for analyzing DHZ effect on migration of fibroblasts, formation of epithelium, granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis and collagen formation.

RESULTS

DHZ decreased the levels of malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β and increased glutathione levels in wound tissue. Western blotting results suggested that DHZ activated ERK1/2/JNK/p38 signaling, increased expression of HSP-27, SIRT-1, VEGF, SMA thus facilitating the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, angiogenesis and decreased inflammation. Masson Trichrome & histopathology showed an increase in collagen, epithelial and granulation tissue formation.

CONCLUSION

DHZ significantly accelerates the healing of diabetic foot ulcers in high fat diet fed plus low dose streptozotocin induced type-II diabetic Wistar rats.

The Wound Healing Potential of Lignosus rhinocerus and Other Ethno-myco Wound Healing Agents

Wound care has become increasingly important over the years. Various synthetic products for wound care treatment have been reported to cause toxic side effects and therefore natural products are in significant demand as they have minimal side effects. The presence of bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms contributes to various biological activities which assist in the early inflammatory phase, keratinocyte proliferation, and its migration enhancement which are pertinent to wound rehabilitation. Lignosus rhinocerus (tiger milk mushroom) can reduce the inflammation phase in wound healing by fighting off bacterial infection and modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in the early stage to avoid prolonged inflammation and tissue damage. The antibacterial, immunomodulating, and anti-inflammatory activities exhibited by most macrofungi play a key role in enhancing wound healing. Several antibacterial and antifungal compounds sourced from traditional botanicals/products may prevent further complications and reoccurrence of injury to a wounded site. Scientific studies are actively underway to ascertain the potential use of macrofungi as a wound healing agent.

Advances in Immunomodulation and Immune Engineering Approaches to Improve Healing of Extremity Wounds

Delayed healing of traumatic wounds often stems from a dysregulated immune response initiated or exacerbated by existing comorbidities, multiple tissue injury or wound contamination. Over decades, approaches towards alleviating wound inflammation have been centered on interventions capable of a collective dampening of various inflammatory factors and/or cells. However, a progressive understanding of immune physiology has rendered deeper knowledge on the dynamic interplay of secreted factors and effector cells following an acute injury. There is a wide body of literature, both in vitro and in vivo, abstracted on the immunomodulatory approaches to control inflammation. Recently, targeted modulation of the immune response via biotechnological approaches and biomaterials has gained attention as a means to restore the pro-healing phenotype and promote tissue regeneration. In order to fully realize the potential of these approaches in traumatic wounds, a critical and nuanced understanding of the relationships between immune dysregulation and healing outcomes is needed. This review provides an insight on paradigm shift towards interventional approaches to control exacerbated immune response following a traumatic injury from an agonistic to a targeted path. We address such a need by (1) providing a targeted discussion of the wound healing processes to assist in the identification of novel therapeutic targets and (2) highlighting emerging technologies and interventions that utilize an immunoengineering-based approach. In addition, we have underscored the importance of immune engineering as an emerging tool to provide precision medicine as an option to modulate acute immune response following a traumatic injury. Finally, an overview is provided on how an intervention can follow through a successful clinical application and regulatory pathway following laboratory and animal model evaluation.

Cellular Signalling and Photobiomodulation in Chronic Wound Repair

Photobiomodulation (PBM) imparts therapeutically significant benefits in the healing of chronic wounds. Chronic wounds develop when the stages of wound healing fail to progress in a timely and orderly frame, and without an established functional and structural outcome. Therapeutic benefits associated with PBM include augmenting tissue regeneration and repair, mitigating inflammation, relieving pain, and reducing oxidative stress. PBM stimulates the mitochondria, resulting in an increase in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and the downstream release of growth factors. The binding of growth factors to cell surface receptors induces signalling pathways that transmit signals to the nucleus for the transcription of genes for increased cellular proliferation, viability, and migration in numerous cell types, including stem cells and fibroblasts. Over the past few years, significant advances have been made in understanding how PBM regulates numerous signalling pathways implicated in chronic wound repair. This review highlights the significant role of PBM in the activation of several cell signalling pathways involved in wound healing.

Silk Fibroin: A Promising Tool for Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration

Silk is a functional protein biomaterial produced by a variety of insects like flies, silkworms, scorpions, spiders, and mites. Silk synthesized by silkworms is extensively studied for its applications in tissue engineering and wound healing. Silk is undoubtedly a natural biocompatible material with humans and has its role in medical treatments from ancient times. The silk worm protein comprises two types of proteins namely fibroin and sericin. Silk fibroin makes up approximately 70% of cocoon weight and has wide applications in textiles and in all biomedical applications owing to its biocompatible, nontoxic, biodegradable, less immunogenic, and noncarcinogenic nature. It possesses outstanding toughness and mechanical strength, while silk sericin possesses high defensive ability against ultraviolet light and oxidation. Silk fibroin has been known to induce wound healing by increasing cell proliferation and growth and migrating various types of cells which are involved in different stages of wound healing process. With several silk varieties like silk worm fibroin, silk sericin, recombinant silk materials, and native spider silk have been investigated for its wound healing applications over the last several decades. With an objective of harnessing the silk regenerative properties, plentiful strategies have been studied and applied to develop bioartificial skin grafts and bioactive wound dressings in recent times. This review gives a detailed insight into the structure, general properties, fibroin structure-properties relationship, and biomedical applications of silk fibroin.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase-2 (MK2) and its role in cell survival, inflammatory signaling, and migration in promoting cancer

Cancer and the immune system share an intimate relationship. Chronic inflammation increases the risk of cancer occurrence and can also drive inflammatory mediators into the tumor microenvironment enhancing tumor growth and survival. The p38 MAPK pathway is activated both acutely and chronically by stress, inflammatory chemokines, chronic inflammatory conditions, and cancer. These properties have led to extensive efforts to find effective drugs targeting p38, which have been unsuccessful. The immediate downstream serine/threonine kinase and substrate of p38 MAPK, mitogen-activated-protein-kinase-activated-protein-kinase-2 (MK2) protects cells against stressors by regulating the DNA damage response, transcription, protein and messenger RNA stability, and motility. The phosphorylation of downstream substrates by MK2 increases inflammatory cytokine production, drives an immune response, and contributes to wound healing. By binding directly to p38 MAPK, MK2 is responsible for the export of p38 MAPK from the nucleus which gives MK2 properties that make it unique among the large number of p38 MAPK substrates. Many of the substrates of both p38 MAPK and MK2 are separated between the cytosol and nucleus and interfering with MK2 and altering this intracellular translocation has implications for the actions of both p38 MAPK and MK2. The inhibition of MK2 has shown promise in combination with both chemotherapy and radiotherapy as a method for controlling cancer growth and metastasis in a variety of cancers. Whereas the current data are encouraging the field requires the development of selective and well tolerated drugs to target MK2 and a better understanding of its effects for effective clinical use.

MK2 degradation as a sensor of signal intensity that controls stress-induced cell fate

Cell survival in response to stress is determined by the coordination of various signaling pathways. The kinase p38α is activated by many stresses, but the intensity and duration of the signal depends on the stimuli. How different p38α-activation dynamics may impact cell life/death decisions is unclear. Here, we show that the p38α-signaling output in response to stress is modulated by the expression levels of the downstream kinase MK2. We demonstrate that p38α forms a complex with MK2 in nonstimulated mammalian cells. Upon pathway activation, p38α phosphorylates MK2, the complex dissociates, and MK2 is degraded. Interestingly, transient p38α activation allows MK2 reexpression, reassembly of the p38α-MK2 complex, and cell survival. In contrast, sustained p38α activation induced by severe stress interferes with p38α-MK2 interaction, resulting in irreversible MK2 loss and cell death. MK2 degradation is mediated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2, and we identify four lysine residues in MK2 that are directly ubiquitinated by MDM2. Expression of an MK2 mutant that cannot be ubiquitinated by MDM2 enhances the survival of stressed cells. Our results indicate that MK2 reexpression and binding to p38α is critical for cell viability in response to stress and illustrate how particular p38α-activation patterns induced by different signals shape the stress-induced cell fate.

Hydroxycinnamic Acids and Derivatives Formulations for Skin Damages and Disorders: A Review

Alterations of skin homeostasis are widely diffused in our everyday life both due to accidental injuries, such as wounds and burns, and physiological conditions, such as late-stage diabetes, dermatitis, or psoriasis. These events are locally characterized by an intense inflammatory response, a high generation of harmful free radicals, or an impairment in the immune response regulation, which can profoundly change the skin tissue' repair process, vulnerability, and functionality. Moreover, diabetes diffusion, antibiotic resistance, and abuse of aggressive soaps and disinfectants following the COVID-19 emergency could be causes for the future spreading of skin disorders. In the last years, hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives have been investigated and applied in several research fields for their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial activities. First, in this study, we give an overview of these natural molecules' current source and applications. Afterwards, we review their potential role as valid alternatives to the current therapies, supporting the management and rebalancing of skin disorders and diseases at different levels. Also, we will introduce the recent advances in the design of biomaterials loaded with these phenolic compounds, specifically suitable for skin disorders treatments. Lastly, we will suggest future perspectives for introducing hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives in treating skin disorders.

MAPKAP Kinase-2 Drives Expression of Angiogenic Factors by Tumor-Associated Macrophages in a Model of Inflammation-Induced Colon Cancer

Chronic inflammation increases the risk for colorectal cancer through a variety of mechanisms involving the tumor microenvironment. MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2), a major effector of the p38 MAPK stress and DNA damage response signaling pathway, and a critical regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, has been identified as a key contributor to colon tumorigenesis under conditions of chronic inflammation. We have previously described how genetic inactivation of MK2 in an inflammatory model of colon cancer results in delayed tumor progression, decreased tumor angiogenesis, and impaired macrophage differentiation into a pro-tumorigenic M2-like state. The molecular mechanism responsible for the impaired angiogenesis and tumor progression, however, has remained contentious and poorly defined. Here, using RNA expression analysis, assays of angiogenesis factors, genetic models, in vivo macrophage depletion and reconstitution of macrophage MK2 function using adoptive cell transfer, we demonstrate that MK2 activity in macrophages is necessary and sufficient for tumor angiogenesis during inflammation-induced cancer progression. We identify a critical and previously unappreciated role for MK2-dependent regulation of the well-known pro-angiogenesis factor CXCL-12/SDF-1 secreted by tumor associated-macrophages, in addition to MK2-dependent regulation of Serpin-E1/PAI-1 by several cell types within the tumor microenvironment.

The role of miRNAs in the inflammatory phase of skin wound healing

<abstract> <p>Wound healing (WH) is a fundamental physiological process to keep the integrity of the skin, therefore impaired and chronic WH is a common and severe medical problem and represent one of the biggest challenges of public health. The resolution of the WH inflammatory phase is characterized by a complex series of events that involves many cellular types, especially neutrophils, macrophages and inflammatory mediators, which are crucial for a correct wound closure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in wound repair. In fact, miR-142 is linked to inflammation modulating neutrophils' chemotaxis and polarization, while the polarization of M1 toward the M2 phenotype is driven by miR-223 and miR-132 is linked to chemokines and cytokines that activate endothelial cells and attract leukocytes and peripheral cells to the damage site. Thus, understanding the dysregulation of miRNAs in WH will be decisive for the development of new and more effective therapies for the management of chronic wounds.</p> </abstract>

What Is the Impact of Depletion of Immunoregulatory Genes on Wound Healing? A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence

Cytokines and growth factors are known to play an important role in the skin wound closure process; however, in knockout organisms, the levels of these molecules can undergo changes that result in the delay or acceleration of this process. Therefore, we systematically reviewed evidence from preclinical studies about the main immunoregulatory molecules involved in skin repair through the analysis of the main mechanisms involved in the depletion of immunoregulatory genes, and we carried out a critical analysis of the methodological quality of these studies. We searched biomedical databases, and only original studies were analyzed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The included studies were limited to those which used knockout animals and excision or incision wound models without intervention. A total of 27 studies were selected; data for animal models, gene depletion, wound characteristics, and immunoregulatory molecules were evaluated and compared whenever possible. Methodological quality assessments were examined using the ARRIVE and SYRCLE's bias of risk tool. In our review, the extracellular molecules act more negatively in the wound healing process when silenced and the metabolic pathway most affected involved in these processes was TGF-β/Smad, and emphasis was given to the importance of the participation of macrophages in TGF-β signaling. Besides that, proinflammatory molecules were more evaluated than anti-inflammatory ones, and the main molecules evaluated were, respectively, TGF-β1, followed by VEGF, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Overall, most gene depletions delayed wound healing, negatively influenced the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, and consequently promoted a decrease of inflammatory cell infiltration, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition, compromising the formation of granulation tissue. The studies presented heterogeneous data and exhibited methodological limitations; therefore, mechanistic and highly controlled studies are required to improve the quality of the evidence.

Loss of the Epigenetic Mark 5-hmC in Psoriasis: Implications for Epidermal Stem Cell Dysregulation

Epigenetic regulation has a profound influence on stem cell fate during normal development in maintenance of physiologic tissue homeostasis. Here we report diminished ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenase expression and loss of the DNA hydroxymethylation mark 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in keratinocyte stem cells and transit amplifying cells in human psoriasis and in imiquimod-induced murine psoriasis. Loss of 5-hmC was associated with dysregulated keratinocyte stem cell kinetics, resulting in accumulation of nestin and FABP5-expressing transit amplifying cells to produce classic psoriatic epidermal architecture. Moreover, 5-hmC loss was accompanied by diminished TET1 and TET2 mRNA expression. Genome-wide mapping of epidermal 5-hmC in murine psoriasis revealed loci-specific loss of 5-hmC in genes regulating stem cell homeostasis, including MBD1, RTN1, STRN4, PRKD2, AKT1, and MAPKAP2, as well as those associated with RAR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. In vitro restoration of TET expression by ascorbic acid was accomplished in cultured human keratinocyte stem cells to show similar Ca⁺⁺-induced differentiation, resulting in increased 5-hmC levels and reduced nestin expression. To our knowledge, an epigenetic deficiency in psoriasis with relevance to stem cell dysregulation has not been previously reported. This observation raises the possibility that epigenetic modifiers that impact on the TET-5-hmC pathway may be a relevant approach of heretofore unappreciated therapeutic utility.

MAPKAPK2 (MK2) inhibition mediates radiation-induced inflammatory cytokine production and tumor growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Radiation therapy (RT) is a cornerstone of treatment in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), yet treatment failure and disease recurrence are common. The p38/MK2 pathway is activated in response to cellular stressors, including radiation, and promotes tumor inflammation in a variety of cancers. We investigated MK2 pathway activation in HNSCC and the interaction of MK2 and RT in vitro and in vivo. We used a combination of an oropharyngeal SCC tissue microarray, HNSCC cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor models to study the effect of RT on MK2 pathway activation and to determine how inhibition of MK2 by pharmacologic (PF-3644022) and genetic (siRNA) methods impacts tumor growth. We show that high phosphorylated MK2 (p-MK2) levels are associated with worsened disease specific survival in p16-negative HNSCC patients. RT increased p-MK2 in both p16-positive, HPV-positive and p16-negative, HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines. Pharmacologic inhibition or gene silencing of MK2 in vitro abrogated RT-induced increases in p-MK2; inflammatory cytokine expression and expression of the downstream MK2 target, heat shock protein 27 (HSP27); and markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Mouse PDX models treated with a combination of RT and MK2 inhibitor experienced decreased tumor growth and increased survival. Our results suggest that MK2 is a potential prognostic biomarker for head and neck cancer and that MK2 pathway activation can mediate radiation resistance in HNSCC.

Integrated transcriptome analysis of immunological responses in the pearl sac of the triangle sail mussel (Hyriopsis cumingii) after mantle implantation

For pearl culture of bivalve Hyriopsis cumingii, implantation of the sabio may cause nucleus discharge and increased host death rates. We performed a transcriptome analysis of the pearl sac of H. cumingii for 30 days after mantle implantation; 293863 unigenes were obtained, and 27176 unigenes were identified using nr, nt, KO, Swiss-Prot, Pfam, GO, and KOG databases. We detected 4878 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through pairwise comparisons. We speculated that the physical condition of the recipient mussels returned to normal in about one month; the period was divided into six vital phases (0, 2 h-6 h, 12 h-24 h, 48 h to 7 days, 14 days and 30 days) on the basis of the overall similarities in DEGs. We compared the DEGs between time points and identified key immune-related genes. Our findings provide information on the immunological reactions induced by implantation in pearl mussels.

Temporal progression of gene regulation of peripheral white blood cells explains gender dimorphism of critically ill patients after trauma

BACKGROUND

The immune response of the critically ill after severe trauma is sex-specific and may explain the different progression of the disease. This may be explained by a different gene regulatory program of their peripheral immune cells. We investigated the progression of the transcription profiles of peripheral immune cells of the patients to elucidate their distinct physiological response and clinical course.

METHODS

We compared transcription profiles of whole blood of male and female patients from a larger longitudinal study of critically ill patients after trauma. We developed a statistical analysis pipeline that synchronized the time lapse of the profiles based on the temporal severity score of each patient.

RESULTS

This enabled to categorize the temporal progression of the disease into two pre-acute, an acute and two post-acute phases. Comparing gene regulation of male and female patients at each phase, we identified distinctively regulated molecular processes mainly in the immune response, but also in the regulation of metabolism allowing to cluster these discriminative gene sets into sets of highly related cellular processes. Compared to male patients and healthy controls, female patients showed upregulation of gene sets of innate immunity in the early phase, upregulation of wound healing processes during the acute phase and upregulation of adaptive immunity in the late phase indicating early recovery. In turn, during the pre-acute and acute phase, male patients showed less suppression of gene sets coding for enzymes of energy metabolism and anabolism, most prominently the tricarboxylic acid cycle and β-oxidation, and cellular maintenance, such as cell cycle, DNA replication and damage response, and RNA metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

A stronger innate immune response at the very early phase of the disease may support early clearance of the pathogen and its associated molecular patterns. Upregulation of wound healing processes may explain reduced multiple organ failure during the acute phase. Down regulated energy metabolism during the acute phase may make female patients less susceptible to oxidative stress, the upregulated adaptive immune system reflects an earlier recovery and rebuilding of the adaptive immune system that may protect them from secondary infections. Follow up studies need to be performed confirming these observations experimentally.

NF-κB signaling is key in the wound healing processes of silk fibroin

Silk fibroin (SF) is a well-studied biomaterial for tissue engineering applications including wound healing. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying the impact of SF on this phenomenon have not been determined. In this study, through microarray analysis, regulatory genes of NF-ĸB signaling were activated in SF-treated NIH3T3 cells along with other genes. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the activation of the NF-ĸB signaling pathway as SF induced protein expression levels of IKKα, IKKβ, p65, and the degradation of IκBα. The treatment of NIH3T3 cells with SF also increased the expression of cyclin D1, vimentin, fibronectin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The expression of these factors by SF treatment was abrogated when NF-ĸB was inhibited by a pharmacological inhibitor Bay 11-7082. Knockdown of NF-ĸB using siRNA of IKKα and IKKβ also inhibited the SF-induced wound healing response of the NIH3T3 cells in a wound scratch assay. Collectively, these results indicated that SF-induced wound healing through the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway via regulation of the expression of cyclin D1, vimentin, fibronectin, and VEGF by NIH3T3 cells. Using an in vivo study with a partial-thickness excision wound in rats we demonstrated that SF-induced wound healing via NF-κB regulated proteins including cyclin D1, fibronectin, and VEGF. The in vitro and in vivo data suggested that SF induced wound healing via modulation of NF-ĸB signaling regulated proteins.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Silk fibroin has been effectively used as a dressing for wound treatment for more than a century. However, mechanistic insight into the basis for wound healing via silk fibroin has not been elucidated. Here we report a key mechanism involved in silk fibroin induced wound healing both in vitro and in vivo. Using genetic- and protein-level analyses, NF-κB signaling was found to regulate silk fibroin-induced wound healing by modulating target proteins. Thus, the NF-κB signaling pathway may be utilized as a therapeutic target during the formulation of silk fibroin-based biomaterials for wound healing and tissue engineering.

Glycoprotein Nonmelanoma Clone B Regulates the Crosstalk between Macrophages and Mesenchymal Stem Cells toward Wound Repair

The process of wound repair requires the coordinated participation of multiple types of cells, which are sequentially recruited during the healing process. In response to tissue injury, both macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited to the site of injury, where they participate in the repair process. Despite considerable understanding of the role of each cell type in the process of wound repair, the nature of the dynamic interplay between these two cell types and how this interaction influences the process of wound repair are not well understood. Here, using an in vivo model of cutaneous wound healing in mice, we provide evidence that GPNMB is functionally important in promoting the recruitment of MSCs to the site of skin injury, which in turn modulates inflammatory responses by directing the M2 polarization of macrophages in acute wound healing. Furthermore, we show that GPNMB activity is impaired in a diabetic wound environment, which is associated with impaired MSC recruitment that is reversed by the topical administration of recombinant GPNMB protein to the wounds of diabetic mice. Our study provides important insight into the crosstalk between macrophages and endogenous MSCs toward wound repair.

Wound healing - A literature review

Regeneration and tissue repair processes consist of a sequence of molecular and cellular events which occur after the onset of a tissue lesion in order to restore the damaged tissue. The exsudative, proliferative, and extracellular matrix remodeling phases are sequential events that occur through the integration of dynamic processes involving soluble mediators, blood cells, and parenchymal cells. Exsudative phenomena that take place after injury contribute to the development of tissue edema. The proliferative stage seeks to reduce the area of tissue injury by contracting myofibroblasts and fibroplasia. At this stage, angiogenesis and reepithelialization processes can still be observed. Endothelial cells are able to differentiate into mesenchymal components, and this difference appears to be finely orchestrated by a set of signaling proteins that have been studied in the literature. This pathway is known as Hedgehog. The purpose of this review is to describe the various cellular and molecular aspects involved in the skin healing process.

Stress-dependent phosphorylation of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) by the p38(MAPK)/MK2 axis

Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) is a known actin-regulated transcriptional coactivator of serum response factor (SRF). Stimulation of actin polymerization activates MRTF-A by releasing it from G-actin and thus allowing it to bind to and activate SRF. Here, we compared protein phosphorylation in MK2/3-deficient cells rescued or not by ectopic expression of MK2 in two independent phosphoproteomic approaches using anisomycin-treated MEF cells and LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages, respectively. Two MRTF-A sites, Ser³⁵¹ (corresponding to Ser³¹² in human) and Ser³⁷¹ (Ser³³³ in human), showed significantly stronger phosphorylation (12-fold and 6-fold increase) in the cells expressing MK2. MRTF-A is phosphorylated at these sites in a stress-, but not in a mitogen-induced manner, and p38^MAPK/MK2 catalytic activities are indispensable for this phosphorylation. MK2-mediated phosphorylation of MRTF-A at Ser³¹² and Ser³³³ was further confirmed in an in vitro kinase assay and using the phospho-protein kinase-D (PKD)-consensus motif antibody (anti-LXRXXpS/pT), the p38^MAPK inhibitor BIRB-796, MK2/3-deficient cells and MRTF-A phospho-site mutants. Unexpectedly, dimerization, subcellular localization and translocation, interaction with actin, SRF or SMAD3 and transactivating potential of MRTF-A seem to be unaffected by manipulating the p38^MAPK/MK2-dependent phosphorylations. Hence, MRTF-A is stress-dependently phosphorylated by MK2 at Ser³¹² and Ser³³³ with so far undetected functional and physiological consequences.

Cellulose acetate butyrate/poly(caprolactonetriol) blends: Miscibility, mechanical properties, and in vivo inflammatory response

This study reports the results of the characterization of cellulose acetate butyrate and polycaprolactone-triol blends in terms of miscibility, swelling capacity, mechanical properties, and inflammatory response in vivo. The cellulose acetate butyrate film was opaque and rigid, with glass transition (T g ) at 134℃ and melting temperature of 156℃. The cellulose acetate butyrate/polycaprolactone-triol films were transparent up to a polycaprolactone-triol content of 60%. T g of the cellulose acetate butyrate films decreased monotonically as polycaprolactone-triol was added to the blend, thus indicating miscibility. FTIR spectroscopy revealed a decrease in intramolecular hydrogen bonding in polycaprolactone-triol, whereas no hydrogen bonding was observed between cellulose acetate butyrate and -OH from polycaprolactone-triol. The increase in polycaprolactone-triol content in the blend decreased the water uptake. An increase in polycaprolactone-triol content decreased the modulus of elasticity and increased the elongation at break. A cellulose acetate butyrate/polycaprolactone-triol 70/30 blend implanted in rats showed only an acute inflammatory response 7 days after surgery. No change in inflammation mediators was observed.

An insight into the transcriptome of the digestive tract of the bloodsucking bug, Rhodnius prolixus

The bloodsucking hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus is a vector of Chagas' disease, which affects 7-8 million people today in Latin America. In contrast to other hematophagous insects, the triatomine gut is compartmentalized into three segments that perform different functions during blood digestion. Here we report analysis of transcriptomes for each of the segments using pyrosequencing technology. Comparison of transcript frequency in digestive libraries with a whole-body library was used to evaluate expression levels. All classes of digestive enzymes were highly expressed, with a predominance of cysteine and aspartic proteinases, the latter showing a significant expansion through gene duplication. Although no protein digestion is known to occur in the anterior midgut (AM), protease transcripts were found, suggesting secretion as pro-enzymes, being possibly activated in the posterior midgut (PM). As expected, genes related to cytoskeleton, protein synthesis apparatus, protein traffic, and secretion were abundantly transcribed. Despite the absence of a chitinous peritrophic membrane in hemipterans - which have instead a lipidic perimicrovillar membrane lining over midgut epithelia - several gut-specific peritrophin transcripts were found, suggesting that these proteins perform functions other than being a structural component of the peritrophic membrane. Among immunity-related transcripts, while lysozymes and lectins were the most highly expressed, several genes belonging to the Toll pathway - found at low levels in the gut of most insects - were identified, contrasting with a low abundance of transcripts from IMD and STAT pathways. Analysis of transcripts related to lipid metabolism indicates that lipids play multiple roles, being a major energy source, a substrate for perimicrovillar membrane formation, and a source for hydrocarbons possibly to produce the wax layer of the hindgut. Transcripts related to amino acid metabolism showed an unanticipated priority for degradation of tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan. Analysis of transcripts related to signaling pathways suggested a role for MAP kinases, GTPases, and LKBP1/AMP kinases related to control of cell shape and polarity, possibly in connection with regulation of cell survival, response of pathogens and nutrients. Together, our findings present a new view of the triatomine digestive apparatus and will help us understand trypanosome interaction and allow insights into hemipteran metabolic adaptations to a blood-based diet.

Cytokine regulation by MAPK activated kinase 2 in keratinocytes exposed to sulfur mustard

Uncontrolled inflammation contributes to cutaneous damage following exposure to the warfare agent bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide (sulfur mustard, SM). Activation of the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) precedes SM-induced cytokine secretion in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). This study examined the role of p38-regulated MAPK activated kinase 2 (MK2) during this process. Time course analysis studies using NHEK cells exposed to 200μM SM demonstrated rapid MK2 activation via phosphorylation that occurred within 15 min. p38 activation was necessary for MK2 phosphorylation as determined by studies using the p38 inhibitor SB203580. To compare the role of p38 and MK2 during SM-induced cytokine secretion, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these proteins was utilized. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 secretion was evaluated 24h postexposure, while mRNA changes were quantified after 8h. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 up regulation at the protein and mRNA level was observed following SM exposure. IL-1β secretion was also elevated despite unchanged mRNA levels. p38 knockdown reduced SM-induced secretion of all the cytokines examined, whereas significant reduction in SM-induced cytokine secretion was only observed with TNF-α and IL-6 following MK2 knockdown. Our observations demonstrate potential activation of other p38 targets in addition to MK2 during SM-induced cytokine secretion.

The p38α MAPK regulates microglial responsiveness to diffuse traumatic brain injury

Neuropathology after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the result of both the immediate impact injury and secondary injury mechanisms. Unresolved post-traumatic glial activation is a secondary injury mechanism that contributes to a chronic state of neuroinflammation in both animal models of TBI and human head injury patients. We recently demonstrated, using in vitro models, that p38α MAPK signaling in microglia is a key event in promoting cytokine production in response to diverse disease-relevant stressors and subsequent inflammatory neuronal dysfunction. From these findings, we hypothesized that the p38α signaling pathway in microglia could be contributing to the secondary neuropathologic sequelae after a diffuse TBI. Mice where microglia were p38α-deficient (p38α KO) were protected against TBI-induced motor deficits and synaptic protein loss. In wild-type (WT) mice, diffuse TBI produced microglia morphological activation that lasted for at least 7 d; however, p38α KO mice failed to activate this response. Unexpectedly, we found that the peak of the early, acute phase cytokine and chemokine levels was increased in injured p38α KO mice compared with injured WT mice. The increased cytokine levels in the p38α KO mice could not be accounted for by more infiltration of macrophages or neutrophils, or increased astrogliosis. By 7 d after injury, the cytokine and chemokine levels remained elevated in injured WT mice but not in p38α KO mice. Together, these data suggest that p38α balances the inflammatory response by acutely attenuating the early proinflammatory cytokine surge while perpetuating the chronic microglia activation after TBI.

LY2228820 dimesylate, a selective inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, reduces angiogenic endothelial cord formation in vitro and in vivo

LY2228820 dimesylate is a highly selective small molecule inhibitor of p38α and p38β mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) that is currently under clinical investigation for human malignancies. p38 MAPK is implicated in a wide range of biological processes, in particular those that support tumorigenesis. One such process, angiogenesis, is required for tumor growth and metastasis, and many new cancer therapies are therefore directed against the tumor vasculature. Using an in vitro co-culture endothelial cord formation assay, a surrogate of angiogenesis, we investigated the role of p38 MAPK in growth factor- and tumor-driven angiogenesis using LY2228820 dimesylate treatment and by shRNA gene knockdown. p38 MAPK was activated in endothelial cells upon growth factor stimulation, with inhibition by LY2228820 dimesylate treatment causing a significant decrease in VEGF-, bFGF-, EGF-, and IL-6-induced endothelial cord formation and an even more dramatic decrease in tumor-driven cord formation. In addition to involvement in downstream cytokine signaling, p38 MAPK was important for VEGF, bFGF, EGF, IL-6, and other proangiogenic cytokine secretion in stromal and tumor cells. LY2228820 dimesylate results were substantiated using p38α MAPK-specific shRNA and shRNA against the downstream p38 MAPK effectors MAPKAPK-2 and HSP27. Using in vivo models of functional neoangiogenesis, LY2228820 dimesylate treatment reduced hemoglobin content in a plug assay and decreased VEGF-A-stimulated vascularization in a mouse ear model. Thus, p38α MAPK is implicated in tumor angiogenesis through direct tumoral effects and through reduction of proangiogenic cytokine secretion via the microenvironment.

p38α senses environmental stress to control innate immune responses via mechanistic target of rapamycin

The MAPK p38α senses environmental stressors and orchestrates inflammatory and immunomodulatory reactions. However, the molecular mechanism how p38α controls immunomodulatory responses in myeloid cells remains elusive. We found that in monocytes and macrophages, p38α activated the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in vitro and in vivo. p38α signaling in myeloid immune cells promoted IL-10 but inhibited IL-12 expression via mTOR and blocked the differentiation of proinflammatory CD4(+) Th1 cells. Cellular stress induced p38α-mediated mTOR activation that was independent of PI3K but dependent on the MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 and on the inhibition of tuberous sclerosis 1 and 2, a negative regulatory complex of mTOR signaling. Remarkably, p38α and PI3K concurrently modulated mTOR to balance IL-12 and IL-10 expression. Our data link p38α to mTOR signaling in myeloid immune cells that is decisive for tuning the immune response in dependence on the environmental milieu.

Periostin, a matricellular protein, accelerates cutaneous wound repair by activating dermal fibroblasts

Cutaneous wound repair is a highly ordered and well-coordinated process involving various cell lineages and many molecular effectors. Cell-matrix interactions through integrin molecules provide key signals important for wound repair. Periostin is a matricellular protein that may provide signals important during tissue development and remodelling by interacting with several integrin molecules, via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and MAP kinase pathways. In this study, we examined the role of periostin in the process of cutaneous wound repair using periostin-deficient mice and by analysing the effects of periostin on dermal fibroblasts. We first determined the expression profile and localization of periostin in a well-characterized wound repair model mice. Periostin was robustly deposited in the granulation tissues beneath the extended epidermal wound edges and at the dermal-epidermal junctions in wounded mice. Moreover, periostin-deficient mice exhibited delayed in vivo wound repair, which could be improved by direct administration of exogenous periostin. In vitro analyses revealed that loss of periostin impaired proliferation and migration of dermal fibroblasts, but exogenous supplementation or enforced periostin expression enhanced their proliferation. Combined, these results demonstrate that periostin accelerates the process of cutaneous wound repair by activating fibroblasts.

miR-483-3p controls proliferation in wounded epithelial cells

The mechanisms that regulate keratinocyte migration and proliferation in wound healing remain largely unraveled, notably regarding possible involvements of microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we disclose up-regulation of miR-483-3p in 2 distinct models of wound healing: scratch-injured cultures of human keratinocytes and wounded skin in mice. miR-483-3p accumulation peaks at the final stage of the wound closure process, consistent with a role in the arrest of "healing" progression. Using an in vitro wound-healing model, videomicroscopy, and 5-bromo-2'-uridine incorporation, we observed that overexpression of miR-483-3p inhibits keratinocyte migration and proliferation, whereas delivery of anti-miR-483-3p oligonucleotides sustains keratinocyte proliferation beyond the closure of the wound, compared with irrelevant anti-miR treatment. Expression profiling of keratinocytes transfected with miR-483-3p identified 39 transcripts that were both predicted targets of miR-483-3p and down-regulated after miR-483-3p overexpression. Luciferase reporter assays, Western blot analyses, and silencing by specific siRNAs finally established that kinase MK2, cell proliferation marker MKI67, and transcription factor YAP1 are direct targets of miR-483-3p that control keratinocyte proliferation. miR-483-3p-mediated down-regulation of MK2, MKI67, and YAP1 thus represents a novel mechanism controlling keratinocyte growth arrest at the final steps of reepithelialization.

Chemokines in health and disease

Chemokines and their receptors play a key role in development and homeostasis as well as in the pathogenesis of tumors and autoimmune diseases. Chemokines are involved in the implantation of the early conceptus, the migration of subsets of cells during embryonic development, and the overall growth of the embryo. Chemokines also have an important role in the development and maintenance of innate and adaptive immunity. In addition, they play a significant role in wound healing and angiogenesis. When the physiological role of chemokines is subverted or chronically amplified, disease often follows. Chemokines are involved in the pathobiology of chronic inflammation, tumorigenesis and metastasis, as well as autoimmune diseases. This article reviews the role of chemokines and their receptors in normal and disease processes and the potential for using chemokine antagonists for appropriate targeted therapy.

A novel in vitro assay for electrophysiological research on human skin fibroblasts: degenerate electrical waves downregulate collagen I expression in keloid fibroblasts

Electrical stimulation (ES) has been used for the treatment of wounds and has been shown to alter gene expression and protein synthesis in skin fibroblasts in vitro. Here, we have developed a new in vitro model system for testing the effects of precisely defined, different types of ES on the collagen expression of normal and keloid human skin fibroblasts. Keloid fibroblasts were studied because they show excessive collagen production. Both types of fibroblasts were electrically stimulated with alternating current (AC), direct current (DC) or degenerate waves (DW). Cells were subjected to 20, 75 and 150mV/mm electric field strengths at 10 and 60Hz frequencies. At lower electric fields, all types of ES upregulated collagen I in both cell types compared to controls. However, at higher electric field strength (150mV/mm) and frequency (60Hz), DW maximally downregulated collagen I in keloid fibroblasts, yet had significantly lower cytotoxic effects on normal fibroblasts than AC and DC. Compared to unstimulated cells, both normal skin and keloid fibroblasts showed a significant decrease in collagen I expression after 12h of DW and AC stimulation. In contrast, increasing amplitude of DC upregulated collagen I and PAI-1 gene transcription in normal and keloid fibroblasts, along with increased cytotoxicity effects. Thus, our new preclinical assay system shows highly differential effects of specific types of ES on human fibroblast collagen expression and cytotoxicity and identifies DW of electrical current (DW) as a promising, novel therapeutic strategy for suppressing excessive collagen I formation in keloid disease.

Zinc released from injured cells is acting via the Zn2+-sensing receptor, ZnR, to trigger signaling leading to epithelial repair

A role for Zn(2+) in accelerating wound healing is established, yet, the signaling pathways linking Zn(2+) to tissue repair are not well known. We show that in the human HaCaT keratinocytes extracellular Zn(2+) induces a metabotropic Ca(2+) response that is abolished by silencing the expression of the G-protein-coupled receptor GPR39, suggesting that this Zn(2+)-sensing receptor, ZnR, is mediating the response. Keratinocytic-ZnR signaling is highly selective for Zn(2+) and can be triggered by nanomolar concentrations of this ion. Interestingly, Zn(2+) was also released following cellular injury, as monitored by a specific non-permeable fluorescent Zn(2+) probe, ZnAF-2. Chelation of Zn(2+) and scavenging of ATP from conditioned medium, collected from injured epithelial cultures, was sufficient to eliminate the metabotropic Ca(2+) signaling. The signaling triggered by Zn(2+), via ZnR, or by ATP further activated MAP kinase and induced up-regulation of the sodium/proton exchanger NHE1 activity. Finally, activation of ZnR/GPR39 signaling or application of ATP enhanced keratinocytes scratch closure in an in vitro model. Thus our results indicate that extracellular Zn(2+), which is either applied or released following injury, activates ZnR/GPR39 to promote signaling leading to epithelial repair.