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Zhang J, Sheng X, Ding Q, Wang Y, Zhao J, Zhang J. Subretinal fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:378-393. [PMID: 38819041 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It causes local damage to photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroidal vessels, which leads to permanent central vision loss of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis is complex, and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, there are no effective treatment options. A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis and its related mechanisms is important to elucidate its complications and explore potential treatments. The current article reviews several aspects of subretinal fibrosis, including the current understanding on the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal fibrosis; multimodal imaging techniques for subretinal fibrosis; animal models for studying subretinal fibrosis; cellular and non-cellular constituents of subretinal fibrosis; pathophysiological mechanisms involved in subretinal fibrosis, such as aging, infiltration of macrophages, different sources of mesenchymal transition to myofibroblast, and activation of complement system and immune cells; and several key molecules and signaling pathways participating in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and the axis of heat shock protein 70-Toll-like receptors 2/4-interleukin-10. This review will improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, allow the discovery of molecular targets, and explore potential treatments for the management of subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Quanju Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
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2
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Zheng M, Liu Z, He Y. Radiation-induced fibrosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies from an immune microenvironment perspective. Immunology 2024; 172:533-546. [PMID: 38561001 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13788] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a severe chronic complication of radiotherapy (RT) manifested by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) components deposition within the irradiated area. The lung, heart, skin, jaw, pelvic organs and so on may be affected by RIF, which hampers body functions and quality of life. There is accumulating evidence suggesting that the immune microenvironment may play a key regulatory role in RIF. This article discussed the synergetic or antagonistic effects of immune cells and mediators in regulating RIF's development. Several potential preventative and therapeutic strategies for RIF were proposed based on the immunological mechanisms to provide clinicians with improved cognition and clinical treatment guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Zheng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhonglong Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue He
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
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3
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Gill K, Yoo HS, Chakravarthy H, Granville DJ, Matsubara JA. Exploring the role of granzyme B in subretinal fibrosis of age-related macular degeneration. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1421175. [PMID: 39091492 PMCID: PMC11291352 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1421175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a prevalent and progressive degenerative disease of the macula, is the leading cause of blindness in elderly individuals in developed countries. The advanced stages include neovascular AMD (nAMD), characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), leading to subretinal fibrosis and permanent vision loss. Despite the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in stabilizing or improving vision in nAMD, the development of subretinal fibrosis following CNV remains a significant concern. In this review, we explore multifaceted aspects of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD, focusing on its clinical manifestations, risk factors, and underlying pathophysiology. We also outline the potential sources of myofibroblast precursors and inflammatory mechanisms underlying their recruitment and transdifferentiation. Special attention is given to the potential role of mast cells in CNV and subretinal fibrosis, with a focus on putative mast cell mediators, tryptase and granzyme B. We summarize our findings on the role of GzmB in CNV and speculate how GzmB may be involved in the pathological transition from CNV to subretinal fibrosis in nAMD. Finally, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of animal models of subretinal fibrosis and pinpoint potential therapeutic targets for subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karanvir Gill
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hyung-Suk Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Harshini Chakravarthy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David J. Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanne A. Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
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4
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Moro M, Balestrero FC, Grolla AA. Pericytes: jack-of-all-trades in cancer-related inflammation. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1426033. [PMID: 39086395 PMCID: PMC11288921 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1426033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pericytes, recognized as mural cells, have long been described as components involved in blood vessel formation, playing a mere supporting role for endothelial cells (ECs). Emerging evidence strongly suggests their multifaceted roles in tissues and organs. Indeed, pericytes exhibit a remarkable ability to anticipate endothelial cell behavior and adapt their functions based on the specific cells they interact with. Pericytes can be activated by pro-inflammatory stimuli and crosstalk with immune cells, actively participating in their transmigration into blood vessels. Moreover, they can influence the immune response, often sustaining an immunosuppressive phenotype in most of the cancer types studied. In this review, we concentrate on the intricate crosstalk between pericytes and immune cells in cancer, highlighting the primary evidence regarding pericyte involvement in primary tumor mass dynamics, their contributions to tumor reprogramming for invasion and migration of malignant cells, and their role in the formation of pre-metastatic niches. Finally, we explored recent and emerging pharmacological approaches aimed at vascular normalization, including novel strategies to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy through combined use with anti-angiogenic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ambra A. Grolla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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Fazio A, Neri I, Koufi FD, Marvi MV, Galvani A, Evangelisti C, McCubrey JA, Cocco L, Manzoli L, Ratti S. Signaling Role of Pericytes in Vascular Health and Tissue Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6592. [PMID: 38928298 PMCID: PMC11203602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126592] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are multipotent cells embedded within the vascular system, primarily surrounding capillaries and microvessels where they closely interact with endothelial cells. These cells are known for their intriguing properties due to their heterogeneity in tissue distribution, origin, and multifunctional capabilities. Specifically, pericytes are essential in regulating blood flow, promoting angiogenesis, and supporting tissue homeostasis and regeneration. These multifaceted roles draw on pericytes' remarkable ability to respond to biochemical cues, interact with neighboring cells, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. This review aims to summarize existing knowledge on pericytes, emphasizing their versatility and involvement in vascular integrity and tissue health. In particular, a comprehensive view of the major signaling pathways, such as PDGFβ/ PDGFRβ, TGF-β, FOXO and VEGF, along with their downstream targets, which coordinate the behavior of pericytes in preserving vascular integrity and promoting tissue regeneration, will be discussed. In this light, a deeper understanding of the complex signaling networks defining the phenotype of pericytes in healthy tissues is crucial for the development of targeted therapies in vascular and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Fazio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.F.); (I.N.); (F.-D.K.); (M.V.M.); (A.G.); (C.E.); (L.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Irene Neri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.F.); (I.N.); (F.-D.K.); (M.V.M.); (A.G.); (C.E.); (L.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Foteini-Dionysia Koufi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.F.); (I.N.); (F.-D.K.); (M.V.M.); (A.G.); (C.E.); (L.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Maria Vittoria Marvi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.F.); (I.N.); (F.-D.K.); (M.V.M.); (A.G.); (C.E.); (L.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Andrea Galvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.F.); (I.N.); (F.-D.K.); (M.V.M.); (A.G.); (C.E.); (L.C.); (L.M.)
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.F.); (I.N.); (F.-D.K.); (M.V.M.); (A.G.); (C.E.); (L.C.); (L.M.)
| | - James A. McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.F.); (I.N.); (F.-D.K.); (M.V.M.); (A.G.); (C.E.); (L.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.F.); (I.N.); (F.-D.K.); (M.V.M.); (A.G.); (C.E.); (L.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.F.); (I.N.); (F.-D.K.); (M.V.M.); (A.G.); (C.E.); (L.C.); (L.M.)
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Zhu Y, Xiang M, Brulois KF, Lazarus NH, Pan J, Butcher EC. Endothelial cell Notch signaling programs cancer-associated fibroblasts to promote tumor immune evasion. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4538031. [PMID: 38947054 PMCID: PMC11213189 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4538031/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Stromal cells within the tumor tissue promote immune evasion as a critical strategy for cancer development and progression, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we explore the role of endothelial cells (ECs) in the regulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Using mouse pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) models, we found that canonical Notch signaling in endothelial cells suppresses the recruitment of antitumor T cells and promotes tumor progression by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Abrogation of endothelial Notch signaling modulates EC-derived angiocrine factors to enhance the pro-inflammatory activities of CAFs, which drive CXCL9/10-CXCR3-mediated T cell recruitment to inhibit tumor growth. Additionally, abrogation of endothelial Notch unleashed interferon gamma responses in the tumor microenvironment, upregulated PDL1 expression on tumor cells, and sensitized PDAC to PD1-based immunotherapy. Collectively, these data uncover a pivotal role of endothelial cells in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment, and suggest the potential of targeting EC-CAF interaction as a novel therapeutic modality to boost antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhu
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Menglan Xiang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kevin F. Brulois
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nicole H. Lazarus
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Junliang Pan
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Eugene C. Butcher
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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7
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Liu N, Fan X, Shao Y, Chen S, Wang T, Yao T, Chen X. Resveratrol attenuates inflammation and fibrosis in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease via the AKT/TMEM175 pathway. J Transl Med 2024; 22:457. [PMID: 38745204 PMCID: PMC11095009 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05228-1] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a significant complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that lacks effective treatment options. This study aimed to investigate the intrinsic mechanism by which resveratrol attenuates rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease through the AKT/TMEM175 pathway. METHODS We established an arthritis model by combining chicken type II collagen and complete Freund's adjuvant. Resveratrol treatment was administered via tube feeding for 10 days. Pathological changes in both the joints and lungs were evaluated using HE and Masson staining techniques. Protein expression of TGF-β1, AKT, and TMEM175 was examined in lung tissue. MRC-5 cells were stimulated using IL-1β in combination with TGF-β1 as an in vitro model of RA-ILD, and agonists of AKT, metabolic inhibitors, and SiRNA of TMEM175 were used to explore the regulation and mechanism of action of resveratrol RA-ILD. RESULTS Resveratrol mitigates fibrosis in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in RA-ILD. Furthermore, resveratrol restored cellular autophagy. When combined with the in vitro model, it was further demonstrated that resveratrol could suppress TGF-β1 expression, and reduce AKT metamorphic activation, consequently inhibiting the opening of AKT/MEM175 ion channels. This, in turn, lowers lysosomal pH and enhances the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, ultimately ameliorating the progression of RA-ILD. CONCLUSION In this study, we demonstrated that resveratrol restores autophagic flux through the AKT/MEM175 pathway to attenuate inflammation as well as fibrosis in RA-ILD by combining in vivo and in vitro experiments. It further provides a theoretical basis for the selection of therapeutic targets for RA-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xuefei Fan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yubao Shao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Suhuan Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Taorong Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Yao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 390 Huaihe Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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8
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Tamiato A, Tombor LS, Fischer A, Muhly-Reinholz M, Vanicek LR, Toğru BN, Neitz J, Glaser SF, Merten M, Rodriguez Morales D, Kwon J, Klatt S, Schumacher B, Günther S, Abplanalp WT, John D, Fleming I, Wettschureck N, Dimmeler S, Luxán G. Age-Dependent RGS5 Loss in Pericytes Induces Cardiac Dysfunction and Fibrosis. Circ Res 2024; 134:1240-1255. [PMID: 38563133 PMCID: PMC11081481 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.324183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pericytes are capillary-associated mural cells involved in the maintenance and stability of the vascular network. Although aging is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the consequences of aging on cardiac pericytes are unknown. METHODS In this study, we have combined single-nucleus RNA sequencing and histological analysis to determine the effects of aging on cardiac pericytes. Furthermore, we have conducted in vivo and in vitro analysis of RGS5 (regulator of G-protein signaling 5) loss of function and finally have performed pericytes-fibroblasts coculture studies to understand the effect of RGS5 deletion in pericytes on the neighboring fibroblasts. RESULTS Aging reduced the pericyte area and capillary coverage in the murine heart. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis further revealed that the expression of Rgs5 was reduced in cardiac pericytes from aged mice. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that the deletion of RGS5 impaired cardiac function, induced fibrosis, and morphological changes in pericytes characterized by a profibrotic gene expression signature and the expression of different ECM (extracellular matrix) components and growth factors, for example, TGFB2 and PDGFB. Indeed, culturing fibroblasts with the supernatant of RGS5-deficient pericytes induced their activation as evidenced by the increased expression of αSMA (alpha smooth muscle actin) in a TGFβ (transforming growth factor beta)2-dependent mechanism. CONCLUSIONS Our results have identified RGS5 as a crucial regulator of pericyte function during cardiac aging. The deletion of RGS5 causes cardiac dysfunction and induces myocardial fibrosis, one of the hallmarks of cardiac aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Tamiato
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
| | - Lukas S. Tombor
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
| | - Ariane Fischer
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marion Muhly-Reinholz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Leah Rebecca Vanicek
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Büşra Nur Toğru
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jessica Neitz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Franziska Glaser
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
| | - Maximilian Merten
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
| | - David Rodriguez Morales
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jeonghyeon Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology (J.K., N.W.), Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Stephan Klatt
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Center of Molecular Medicine (S.K., I.F.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bianca Schumacher
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
| | - Stefan Günther
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
- Bioinformatics and Deep Sequencing Platform (S.G.), Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Wesley T. Abplanalp
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
| | - David John
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
| | - Ingrid Fleming
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Center of Molecular Medicine (S.K., I.F.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
| | - Nina Wettschureck
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology (J.K., N.W.), Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
| | - Guillermo Luxán
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine (A.T., L.S.T., A.F., M.M.-R., L.R.V., B.N.T., J.N., S.F.G., M.M., D.R.M., B.S., W.T.A., D.J., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., S.K., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany (A.T., L.S.T., S.F.G., M.M., B.S., S.G., W.T.A., D.J., I.F., N.W., S.D., G.L.)
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9
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Chen Z, Zhou T, Luo H, Wang Z, Wang Q, Shi R, Li Z, Pang R, Tan H. HWJMSC-EVs promote cartilage regeneration and repair via the ITGB1/TGF-β/Smad2/3 axis mediated by microfractures. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:177. [PMID: 38609995 PMCID: PMC11015550 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02451-2] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The current first-line treatment for repairing cartilage defects in clinical practice is the creation of microfractures (MF) to stimulate the release of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); however, this method has many limitations. Recent studies have found that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) play an important role in tissue regeneration. This study aimed to verify whether MSC-EVs promote cartilage damage repair mediated by MFs and to explore the repair mechanisms. In vitro experiments showed that human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly MSC-EVs (hWJMSC-EVs) promoted the vitality of chondrocytes and the proliferation and differentiation ability of bone marrow-derived MSCs. This was mainly because hWJMSC-EVs carry integrin beta-1 (ITGB1), and cartilage and bone marrow-derived MSCs overexpress ITGB1 after absorbing EVs, thereby activating the transforming growth factor-β/Smad2/3 axis. In a rabbit knee joint model of osteochondral defect repair, the injection of different concentrations of hWJMSC-EVs into the joint cavity showed that a concentration of 50 µg/ml significantly improved the formation of transparent cartilage after MF surgery. Extraction of regenerated cartilage revealed that the changes in ITGB1, transforming growth factor-β, and Smad2/3 were directly proportional to the repair of regenerated cartilage. In summary, this study showed that hWJMSC-EVs promoted cartilage repair after MF surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhian Chen
- Graduate School, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Basic Medical Laboratory, People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force 920th Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Tianhua Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force 920th Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Huan Luo
- Graduate School, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Graduate School, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Basic Medical Laboratory, People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force 920th Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Rongmao Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force 920th Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zian Li
- Basic Medical Laboratory, People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force 920th Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Rongqing Pang
- Basic Medical Laboratory, People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force 920th Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Hongbo Tan
- Department of Orthopaedics, People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force 920th Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
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10
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Leonard-Duke J, Agro SMJ, Csordas DJ, Bruce AC, Eggertsen TG, Tavakol TN, Barker TH, Bonham CA, Saucerman JJ, Taite LJ, Peirce SM. Multiscale computational model predicts how environmental changes and drug treatments affect microvascular remodeling in fibrotic disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585249. [PMID: 38559112 PMCID: PMC10979947 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Investigating the molecular, cellular, and tissue-level changes caused by disease, and the effects of pharmacological treatments across these biological scales, necessitates the use of multiscale computational modeling in combination with experimentation. Many diseases dynamically alter the tissue microenvironment in ways that trigger microvascular network remodeling, which leads to the expansion or regression of microvessel networks. When microvessels undergo remodeling in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), functional gas exchange is impaired due to loss of alveolar structures and lung function declines. Here, we integrated a multiscale computational model with independent experiments to investigate how combinations of biomechanical and biochemical cues in IPF alter cell fate decisions leading to microvascular remodeling. Our computational model predicted that extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening reduced microvessel area, which was accompanied by physical uncoupling of endothelial cell (ECs) and pericytes, the cells that comprise microvessels. Nintedanib, an FDA-approved drug for treating IPF, was predicted to further potentiate microvessel regression by decreasing the percentage of quiescent pericytes while increasing the percentage of pericytes undergoing pericyte-myofibroblast transition (PMT) in high ECM stiffnesses. Importantly, the model suggested that YAP/TAZ inhibition may overcome the deleterious effects of nintedanib by promoting EC-pericyte coupling and maintaining microvessel homeostasis. Overall, our combination of computational and experimental modeling can explain how cell decisions affect tissue changes during disease and in response to treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Leonard-Duke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Samuel M. J. Agro
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David J. Csordas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Anthony C. Bruce
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Taylor G. Eggertsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Tara N. Tavakol
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Thomas H. Barker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Catherine A. Bonham
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Jeffery J. Saucerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Lakeshia J. Taite
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Shayn M. Peirce
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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11
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Chen S, Guo D, Zhu Y, Xiao S, Xie J, Zhang Z, Hu Y, Huang J, Ma X, Ning Z, Cao L, Cheng J, Tang Y. Amyloid β oligomer induces cerebral vasculopathy via pericyte-mediated endothelial dysfunction. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:56. [PMID: 38475929 PMCID: PMC10935813 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01423-w] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein is thought to be the main cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD), emerging evidence suggests a pivotal vascular contribution to AD. Aberrant amyloid β induces neurovascular dysfunction, leading to changes in the morphology and function of the microvasculature. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms between Aβ deposition and vascular injuries. Recent studies have revealed that pericytes play a substantial role in the vasculopathy of AD. Additional research is imperative to attain a more comprehensive understanding. METHODS Two-photon microscopy and laser speckle imaging were used to examine cerebrovascular dysfunction. Aβ oligomer stereotactic injection model was established to explain the relationship between Aβ and vasculopathy. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot, and real-time PCR were applied to detect the morphological and molecular alternations of pericytes. Primary cultured pericytes and bEnd.3 cells were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Vasculopathy including BBB damage, hypoperfusion, and low vessel density were found in the cortex of 8 to 10-month-old 5xFAD mice. A similar phenomenon accompanied by pericyte degeneration appeared in an Aβ-injected model, suggesting a direct relationship between Aβ and vascular dysfunction. Pericytes showed impaired features including low PDGFRβ expression and increased pro-inflammatory chemokines secretion under the administration of Aβ in vitro, of which supernatant cultured with bEND.3 cells led to significant endothelial dysfunction characterized by TJ protein deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanism underlying Aβ-induced vasculopathy. Targeting pericyte therapies are promising to ameliorate vascular dysfunction in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Daji Guo
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Songhua Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jiatian Xie
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jialin Huang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xueying Ma
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ning
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Lin Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Jinping Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
| | - Yamei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
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12
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Wang X, Wang P. Effect of a protein kinase B (Akt) inhibitor on the angiogenesis of HUVECs and corneal neovascularization. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024; 136:154-162. [PMID: 37261487 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02208-1] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a vision-threatening disease and an increasing public health concern. It was found that administering an Akt inhibitor in the second phase of retinopathy significantly decreased retinal neovascularization. METHODS This study investigated the effect of an Akt inhibitor on the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and its impacts on the degree of CNV and corneal opacity in a rat keratoplasty model. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, tube formation assays, cell scratch experiments, and a fully allogeneic corneal transplant model were performed. RESULTS It was found that an Akt inhibitor inhibited the proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration of HUVECs induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The results showed that both CNV and corneal opacity were decreased in rats after Akt inhibitor administration. CONCLUSION The research illustrates the vital role of Akt inhibitors in mediating CNV. The analysis shows that the Akt inhibitor may provide a novel and feasible therapeutic approach to prevent CNV, but its mechanism needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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13
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Zhang Y, Cui J, Cang Z, Pei J, Zhang X, Song B, Fan X, Ma X, Li Y. Hair follicle stem cells promote epidermal regeneration under expanded condition. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1306011. [PMID: 38455843 PMCID: PMC10917960 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1306011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Skin soft tissue expansion is the process of obtaining excess skin mixed with skin development, wound healing, and mechanical stretching. Previous studies have reported that tissue expansion significantly induces epidermal proliferation throughout the skin. However, the mechanisms underlying epidermal regeneration during skin soft tissue expansion are yet to be clarified. Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) have been recognized as a promising approach for epidermal regeneration. This study examines HFSC-related epidermal regeneration mechanisms under expanded condition and proposes a potential method for its cellular and molecular regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xing Fan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xianjie Ma
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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14
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Huang J, Chen Y, Zhou L, Ren J, Tian M, Yang Q, Wang L, Wu Y, Wen J, Yang Q. M2a macrophages regulate fibrosis and affect the outcome after stroke via PU.1/mTOR pathway in fibroblasts. Neurochem Int 2024; 173:105674. [PMID: 38184171 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105674] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The moderate formation of the fibrotic scar plays an important role in functional recovery after stroke. M2a macrophages have been identified as an important source of early fibrosis after cerebral ischemia. However, the underlying mechanisms by which macrophages interact with fibroblasts in this context remain largely unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to further investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of macrophages on fibroblasts following ischemic stroke. In vitro and in vivo, recombinant rat interleukin 4 (IL4) was used to induce macrophages to polarize into M2a macrophages. In vitro, primary Sprague-Dawley newborn rat meningeal-derived fibroblasts were treated with PU.1 knockdown, the PU.1 inhibitor DB1976 or the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, which were then co-cultured with M2a macrophage conditioned medium (MCM). In vivo, Sprague-Dawley adult rats were infected with negative control adenoviruses or PU.1-shRNA adenoviruses. Ten days after infection, an injury model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) was constructed. Subsequently, IL4 was injected intracerebroventricularly to induce M2a macrophages polarization. In vitro, M2a MCM upregulated PU.1 expression and promoted the differentiation, proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix generation of fibroblasts, which could be reversed by treatment with the PU.1 inhibitor DB1976 or PU.1 knockdown. In vivo, PU.1 expression in fibroblasts was increased within ischemic core following MCAO/R, and this upregulation was further enhanced by exposure to IL4. Treatment with IL4 promoted fibrosis, increased angiogenesis, reduced apoptosis and infarct volume, as well as mitigated neurological deficits after MCAO/R, and these effects could be reversed by PU.1 knockdown. Furthermore, both in vivo and in vitro studies showed that IL4 treatment increased the levels of phosphorylated Akt and mTOR proteins, which were markedly decreased by PU.1 knockdown. Additionally, the use of an mTOR inhibitor rapamycin obviously suppressed the migration and differentiation of fibroblasts, and Col1 synthesis. In conclusion, our findings suggest for the first time that M2a macrophages, at least in part, regulate fibrosis and affect the outcome after cerebral ischemic stroke via the PU.1/mTOR signaling pathway in fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiagui Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Neurology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiangxia Ren
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingfen Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghuan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Youlin Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Wen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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15
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Zhao Q, Lai K. Role of immune inflammation regulated by macrophage in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2024; 239:109770. [PMID: 38145794 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109770] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to irreversible impairment of visual function, and the number of patients with AMD has been increasing globally. The immunoinflammatory theory is an important pathogenic mechanism of AMD, with macrophages serving as the primary inflammatory infiltrating cells in AMD lesions. Its powerful immunoinflammatory regulatory function has attracted considerable attention. Herein, we provide an overview of the involvement of macrophage-regulated immunoinflammation in different stages of AMD. Additionally, we summarize novel therapeutic approaches for AMD, focusing on targeting macrophages, such as macrophage/microglia modulators, reduction of macrophage aggregation in the subretinal space, modulation of macrophage effector function, macrophage phenotypic alterations, and novel biomimetic nanocomposites development based on macrophage-associated functional properties. We aimed to provide a basis and reference for the further exploration of AMD pathogenesis, developmental influences, and new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Kunbei Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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16
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Liang Y, Kong L, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Shi M, Huang J, Kong H, Qi S, Yang Y, Hong J, Zhu M, Zhu X, Sun X, Zhang S, Wu L, Zhao C. Transfer RNA derived fragment, tRF-Glu-CTC, aggravates the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Theranostics 2024; 14:1500-1516. [PMID: 38389841 PMCID: PMC10879880 DOI: 10.7150/thno.92943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Angiogenesis expedites tissue impairment in many diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of irreversible blindness in elderly. A substantial proportion of neovascular AMD patients, characterized by aberrant choroidal neovascularization (CNV), exhibit poor responses or adverse reactions to anti-VEGF therapy. Herein, we aimed to unveil the function of newly identified transfer RNA-derived small RNA, tRF-Glu-CTC, in the pathology of CNV and determine its potential in inhibiting angiogenesis. Methods: Small non-coding RNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were conducted to detect expression pattern of tRF-Glu-CTC in CNV development. Immunofluorescence staining, fundus fluorescein angiography and ex vivo choroidal sprouting assays were employed for the evaluation of tRF-Glu-CTC's function in CNV development. The role of tRF-Glu-CTC in endothelial cells were determined by in vitro endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation assays. Transcriptome sequencing, dual-luciferase reporter assay and in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate downstream mechanism of tRF-Glu-CTC mediated pathology. Results: tRF-Glu-CTC exhibited substantial up-regulation in AMD patients, laser-induced CNV model, and endothelial cells under hypoxia condition, which is a hallmark of CNV. Inhibiting tRF-Glu-CTC reduced angiogenesis and hypoxia stress in the neovascular region without neuroretina toxicity in laser-induced CNV model, showing an anti-angiogenic effect comparable to bevacizumab, while overexpression of tRF-Glu-CTC significantly augmented CNV. Mechanically, under hypoxia condition, angiogenin was involved in the production of tRF-Glu-CTC, which in turn triggered endothelial cell tubulogenesis, migration and promoted the secretion of inflammatory factors via the suppression of vasohibin 1 (VASH1). When downregulating VASH1 expression, the inhibition of tRF-Glu-CTC showed minimal suppression on angiogenesis. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the important role of tRF-Glu-CTC in the progression of angiogenesis. Targeting of tRF-Glu-CTC may be an alternative to current anti-VEGF therapy for CNV in AMD and other conditions with angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Lingjie Kong
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuelu Zhang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yihan Zhang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Mingsu Shi
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jiaqiu Huang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Hongyu Kong
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Siyi Qi
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yunlong Yang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaxu Hong
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Meidong Zhu
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2000, Australia
- New South Weals Tissue Bank, New South Weals Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, Australia
| | - Xiangjia Zhu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shujie Zhang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Lianqun Wu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
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17
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Sorenson CM, Belecky-Adams TL, Sheibani N. Editorial: Ocular fibrosis: molecular and cellular mechanisms and treatment modalities. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 4:1362601. [PMID: 38984111 PMCID: PMC11182198 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2024.1362601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Sorenson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Teri L Belecky-Adams
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nader Sheibani
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
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18
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Jahnke L, Perrenoud V, Zandi S, Li Y, Conedera FM, Enzmann V. Modulation of Extracellular Matrix Composition and Chronic Inflammation with Pirfenidone Promotes Scar Reduction in Retinal Wound Repair. Cells 2024; 13:164. [PMID: 38247855 PMCID: PMC10814251 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020164] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Wound repair in the retina is a complex mechanism, and a deeper understanding of it is necessary for the development of effective treatments to slow down or even prevent degenerative processes leading to photoreceptor loss. In this study, we harnessed a laser-induced retinal degeneration model (532-nm laser photocoagulation with 300 μm spot size, 60 ms duration and 60 mV pulse), enabling a profound molecular elucidation and a comprehensive, prolonged observation of the wound healing sequence in a murine laser-induced degeneration model (C57BL/6J mice, 6-12 weeks) until day 49 post-laser. Our observations included the expression of specific extracellular matrix proteins and myofibroblast activity, along with an analysis of gene expression related to extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules through RNA measurements. Furthermore, the administration of pirfenidone (10 mg/kg via drinking water), an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic compound, was used to modulate scar formation after laser treatment. Our data revealed upregulated collagen expression in late regenerative phases and sustained inflammation in the damaged tissue. Notably, treatment with pirfenidone was found to mitigate scar tissue formation, effectively downregulating collagen production and diminishing the presence of inflammatory markers. However, it did not lead to the regeneration of the photoreceptor layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jahnke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Perrenoud
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Souska Zandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yuebing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Federica Maria Conedera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
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19
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Deng W, Yi C, Pan W, Liu J, Qi J, Chen J, Zhou Z, Duan Y, Ning X, Li J, Ye C, Chen Z, Xu H. Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) contributes to macular fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration through modulating macrophage functions. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:65. [PMID: 37985993 PMCID: PMC10659061 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00389-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a major cause of blindness in the elderly. The disease is due to the growth of abnormal blood vessels into the macula, leading to the loss of central vision. Intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors (e.g., anti-VEGF) is the standard of care for nAMD. However, nearly 50% of patients do not respond or respond poorly to the therapy. More importantly, up to 70% of nAMD patients develop macular fibrosis after 10 years of anti-VEGF therapy. The underlying mechanism of nAMD-mediated macular fibrosis is unknown although inflammation is known to play an important role in the development of abnormal macular blood vessels and its progression to fibro-vascular membrane. In this study, we measured the intraocular levels of adhesion molecule VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CD44, CD62L, and CD62P in nAMD patients with and without macular fibrosis and investigated the link between the levels of adhesion molecule and clinical features (e.g., visual improvement, retinal thickness, etc.). We further investigated the effect of VCAM-1 in macrophage function in vitro and the development of subretinal fibrosis in vivo using a two-stage laser-induced protocol. RESULTS The aqueous levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CD44, and CD62L were significantly higher in nAMD patients compared to cataract controls. The aqueous level of VCAM-1 (but not other adhesion molecules) was significantly higher in patients with macular fibrosis than those without and the level correlated positively with the retinal thickness. VCAM-1 was highly expressed at the lesion site in the mouse model of subretinal fibrosis. Blocking VCAM-1 or its receptor VLA-4 significantly prevented macrophage infiltration and reduced subretinal fibrosis in vivo. VCAM-1 induced macrophage migration and upregulated the expression of Arg-1, Mmp12 and Il6 but down-regulated the expression of iNOS and Il1b in macrophages. CONCLUSIONS VCAM-1 may contribute to the development of macular fibrosis in nAMD patients by modulating macrophage functions, including migration and profibrotic polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Deng
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, China
| | - Caijiao Yi
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, China
| | - Jinyan Qi
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, China
| | | | - Yiqin Duan
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, China
| | | | - Jun Li
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Changhua Ye
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongping Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Heping Xu
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, China.
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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20
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Usui Y, Iwanishi H, Sumioka T, Ichikawa K, Miyajima M, Usui-Kusumoto K, Reinach PS, Okada Y, Saika S. Engineered Knockout of TRPA1 Inhibits Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Along With Associated TGFβ1 Expression and Neutrophil Infiltration. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100256. [PMID: 37797886 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100256] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the effects of gene ablation and chemical inhibition of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) on the growth of experimental argon laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice. CNV was induced in the eyes of 6- to 8-week-old TRPA1-null (knockout [KO]) and wild-type (WT) mice by argon laser irradiation. Gene expression analysis was performed in laser-injured tissues at days 1 and 3. CNV growth was evaluated at day 14. Reciprocal bone marrow transplantation was performed between each genotype to identify the components responsible for either recipient tissue or bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells. Our results show that laser irradiation successfully induced CNV growth at the site of laser injury. The size of induced CNV was significantly smaller in KO mice than in WT mice at day 14, as determined by angiography with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. Invasion of neutrophils, but not macrophages, was suppressed in association with suppression of the expression of transforming growth factor β1 and interleukin 6 in laser-irradiated KO tissue. Bone marrow transplantation indicated that the genotype of the recipient mouse, but not of inflammatory cells, is attributable to the KO phenotype. Systemic administration of a TRPA1 antagonist also reduced the CNV in a WT mouse. In conclusion, TRPA1 signaling in local cells is involved in growth of laser-induced CNV. The phenotype was not attributable to vascular endothelial cells and inflammatory cells. Blocking TRPA1 signal may therefore be a potential treatment strategy for CNV-related ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Usui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Iwanishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Takayoshi Sumioka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kana Ichikawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masayasu Miyajima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Keiko Usui-Kusumoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Peter Sol Reinach
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University School, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuka Okada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University Kihoku Hospital, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shizuya Saika
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
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21
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Ma Z, Shen P, Xu X, Li W, Li Y. Role of alpha smooth muscle actin in odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. Eur J Oral Sci 2023; 131:e12956. [PMID: 37849216 DOI: 10.1111/eos.12956] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Pulpotomy is an effective treatment for retaining vital pulp after pulp exposure caused by caries removal and/or trauma. The expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is increased during the wound-healing process, and α-SMA-positive fibroblasts accelerate tissue repair. However, it remains largely unknown whether α-SMA-positive fibroblasts influence pulpal repair. In this study, we established an experimental rat pulpotomy model and found that the expression of α-SMA was increased in dental pulp after pulpotomy relative to that in normal dental pulp. In vitro results showed that the expression of α-SMA was increased during the induction of odontogenic differentiation in dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) compared with untreated DPSCs. Moreover, α-SMA overexpression promoted the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs via increasing mitochondrial function. Mechanistically, α-SMA overexpression activated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway by rapamycin decreased the mitochondrial function in α-SMA-overexpressing DPSCs and suppressed the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Furthermore, we found that α-SMA overexpression increased the secretion of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). In sum, our present study demonstrates a novel mechanism by which α-SMA promotes odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs by increasing mitochondrial respiratory activity via the mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyi Ma
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peiqi Shen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiyu Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaoyin Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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22
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Wang D, Zhu Z, Fu Y, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Wang T, Weng Y, Wen Y, Cao W, Tao G, Wang Y. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 activates androgen receptor transcription and promotes ovarian fibrosis in PCOS. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113090. [PMID: 37669164 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113090] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder and the main cause of anovulatory infertility, in which persistent activation of androgen receptor (AR) due to aberrant acetylation modifications of transcription is a potential trigger; however, the precise mechanisms of AR activation are poorly understood. In this study, AR activation in dehydroepiandrosterone- and letrozole-induced rat PCOS ovaries coincided with a marked increase of a chromatin acetylation "reader" BRD4. Further bioinformatic analysis showed that the AR promoter contained highly conserved binding motifs of BRD4 and HIF-1α. BRD4 and HIF-1α inducibly bound to the histone 3/4 acetylation-modified AR promoter, while administration of a BRD4-selective inhibitor JQ1 reduced the binding and AR transcription and improved the adverse expression of the core fibrotic mediators in PCOS ovaries and DHT-treated granulosa cells. Our data indicate that BRD4 upregulation and the resultant AR transcriptional activation constitute an important regulatory pathway that promotes ovarian fibrosis in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daojuan Wang
- The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Department of Pain Management, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhengquan Zhu
- The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yu Fu
- The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Tingyu Wang
- Department of Pain Management, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yajing Weng
- The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanting Wen
- The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wangsen Cao
- The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Department of Nephrology, Yangzhou Precision Research Institute of Kidney Disease, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Teaching Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Gaojian Tao
- Department of Pain Management, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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23
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Fu J, Liang H, Yuan P, Wei Z, Zhong P. Brain pericyte biology: from physiopathological mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications in ischemic stroke. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1267785. [PMID: 37780206 PMCID: PMC10536258 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1267785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pericytes play an indispensable role in various organs and biological processes, such as promoting angiogenesis, regulating microvascular blood flow, and participating in immune responses. Therefore, in this review, we will first introduce the discovery and development of pericytes, identification methods and functional characteristics, then focus on brain pericytes, on the one hand, to summarize the functions of brain pericytes under physiological conditions, mainly discussing from the aspects of stem cell characteristics, contractile characteristics and paracrine characteristics; on the other hand, to summarize the role of brain pericytes under pathological conditions, mainly taking ischemic stroke as an example. Finally, we will discuss and analyze the application and development of pericytes as therapeutic targets, providing the research basis and direction for future microvascular diseases, especially ischemic stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Fu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Huazheng Liang
- Monash Suzhou Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Wei
- Department of Neurology, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhong
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
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24
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Tu W, Cao YW, Sun M, Liu Q, Zhao HG. mTOR signaling in hair follicle and hair diseases: recent progress. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1209439. [PMID: 37727765 PMCID: PMC10506410 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1209439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a major regulator of cell proliferation and metabolism, playing significant roles in proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and illness. More and more evidences showed that the mTOR signaling pathway affects hair follicle circulation and maintains the stability of hair follicle stem cells. mTOR signaling may be a critical cog in Vitamin D receptor (VDR) deficiency-mediated hair follicle damage and degeneration and related alopecia disorders. This review examines the function of mTOR signaling in hair follicles and hair diseases, and talks about the underlying molecular mechanisms that mTOR signaling regulates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Heng-Guang Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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25
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Liu D, Zhang C, Zhang J, Xu GT, Zhang J. Molecular pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular AMD focusing on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of retinal pigment epithelium. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 185:106250. [PMID: 37536385 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106250] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among elderly people in developed countries. Neovascular AMD (nAMD) accounts for more than 90% of AMD-related vision loss. At present, intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is widely used as the first-line therapy to decrease the choroidal and retinal neovascularizations, and thus to improve or maintain the visual acuity of the patients with nAMD. However, about 1/3 patients still progress to irreversible visual impairment due to subretinal fibrosis even with adequate anti-VEGF treatment. Extensive literatures support the critical role of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD, but the underlying mechanisms still remain largely unknown. This review summarized the molecular pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD, especially focusing on the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced EMT pathways. It was also discussed how these pathways crosstalk and respond to signals from the microenvironment to mediate EMT and contribute to the progression of nAMD-related subretinal fibrosis. Targeting EMT signaling pathways might provide a promising and effective therapeutic strategy to treat subretinal fibrosis secondary to nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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26
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Parker JB, Valencia C, Akras D, DiIorio SE, Griffin MF, Longaker MT, Wan DC. Understanding Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Form and Function. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2264. [PMID: 37626760 PMCID: PMC10452440 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically believed to be a homogeneous cell type that is often overlooked, fibroblasts are more and more understood to be heterogeneous in nature. Though the mechanisms behind how fibroblasts participate in homeostasis and pathology are just beginning to be understood, these cells are believed to be highly dynamic and play key roles in fibrosis and remodeling. Focusing primarily on fibroblasts within the skin and during wound healing, we describe the field's current understanding of fibroblast heterogeneity in form and function. From differences due to embryonic origins to anatomical variations, we explore the diverse contributions that fibroblasts have in fibrosis and plasticity. Following this, we describe molecular techniques used in the field to provide deeper insights into subpopulations of fibroblasts and their varied roles in complex processes such as wound healing. Limitations to current work are also discussed, with a focus on future directions that investigators are recommended to take in order to gain a deeper understanding of fibroblast biology and to develop potential targets for translational applications in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B. Parker
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (M.F.G.)
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Caleb Valencia
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (M.F.G.)
| | - Deena Akras
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (M.F.G.)
| | - Sarah E. DiIorio
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (M.F.G.)
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michelle F. Griffin
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (M.F.G.)
| | - Michael T. Longaker
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (M.F.G.)
| | - Derrick C. Wan
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (M.F.G.)
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27
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Usui Y, Iwanishi H, Sumioka T, Ichikawa K, Miyajima M, Usui-Kusumoto K, Reinach PS, Okada Y, Saika S. WITHDRAWN: Engineered knockout of TRPA1 inhibits laser-induced choroidal neovascularization along with associated TGFb1 expression and neutrophil infiltration. J Transl Med 2023:100232. [PMID: 37567390 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Usui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Iwanishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Sumioka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kana Ichikawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masayasu Miyajima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Keiko Usui-Kusumoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Peter Sol Reinach
- Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University School, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuka Okada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University Kihoku Hospital, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shizuya Saika
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
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28
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Ishikane S, Arioka M, Takahashi-Yanaga F. Promising small molecule anti-fibrotic agents: Newly developed or repositioned drugs targeting myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 214:115663. [PMID: 37336252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115663] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs in all organs and tissues except the brain, and its progression leads to dysfunction of affected organs. Fibrosis-induced organ dysfunction results from the loss of elasticity, strength, and functionality of tissues due to the extracellular matrix secreted by myofibroblasts that express smooth muscle-type actin as a marker. Myofibroblasts, which play a major role in fibrosis, were once thought to originate exclusively from activated fibroblasts; however, it is now clear that myofibroblasts are diverse in origin, from epithelial cells, endothelial cells, adipocytes, macrophages, and other cells. Fibrosis of vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver, is a serious chronic disease that ultimately leads to death. Currently, anti-cancer drugs have made remarkable progress, as evidenced by the development of many molecular-targeted drugs, and are making a significant contribution to improving the prognosis of cancer treatment. However, the development of anti-fibrotic agents, which also play an important role in prognosis, has lagged. In this review, the current knowledge regarding myofibroblasts is summarized, with particular attention given to their origin and transdifferentiation signaling pathways (e.g., TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, YAP/TAZ and AMPK signaling pathways). The development of new small molecule anti-fibrotic agents and the repositioning of existing drugs targeting myofibroblast transdifferentiation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ishikane
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Masaki Arioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Fumi Takahashi-Yanaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
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29
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Shen Y, Xu M, Ren L, Li X, Han X, Cao X, Yao J, Yan B. A novel retinoic acid drug, EYE-502, inhibits choroidal neovascularization by targeting endothelial cells and pericytes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10439. [PMID: 37369771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37619-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) occurs in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and often leads to permanent visual impairment. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents is the gold standard for the treatment of CNV. However, anti-VEGF treatment did not always cause vision improvement and sometimes had detrimental effects on normal retinal tissues. Herein, we identified a novel retinoic acid drug, EYE-502, which had great therapeutic effects on CNV. Administration of EYE-502 could inhibit VEGF-induced dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs) and reduce platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced recruitment of pericytes to ECs in vitro. Administration of EYE-502 could reduce the area of choroidal sprouting and laser-induced CNV, exhibiting similar anti-angiogenic effects as aflibercept. Moreover, administration of EYE-502 could reduce pericyte coverage in the sprouting vessels and choroidal neovascularization. Mechanistically, EYE-502 primarily bound to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and exerted the anti-angiogenic effects by targeting ECs and pericytes via affecting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin and PDGF/PDGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling. Taken together, this study reports a novel retinoic acid drug, EYE-502, which can exert the anti-angiogenic effects by simultaneous targeting of ECs and pericytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaming Shen
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Miao Xu
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Ren
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiumiao Li
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Han
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Cao
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jin Yao
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Biao Yan
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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30
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Xia M, Jiao L, Wang XH, Tong M, Yao MD, Li XM, Yao J, Li D, Zhao PQ, Yan B. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a unique pericyte type associated with capillary dysfunction. Theranostics 2023; 13:2515-2530. [PMID: 37215579 PMCID: PMC10196835 DOI: 10.7150/thno.83532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Capillary dysfunction has been implicated in a series of life- threatening vascular diseases characterized by pericyte and endothelial cell (EC) degeneration. However, the molecular profiles that govern the heterogeneity of pericytes have not been fully elucidated. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing was conducted on oxygen-induced proliferative retinopathy (OIR) model. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify specific pericytes involved in capillary dysfunction. qRT-PCRs and western blots were conducted to detect Col1a1 expression pattern during capillary dysfunction. Matrigel co-culture assays, PI staining, and JC-1 staining was conducted to determine the role of Col1a1 in pericyte biology. IB4 and NG2 staining was conducted to determine the role of Col1a1 in capillary dysfunction. Results: We constructed an atlas of > 76,000 single-cell transcriptomes from 4 mouse retinas, which could be annotated to 10 distinct retinal cell types. Using the sub-clustering analysis, we further characterized retinal pericytes into 3 different subpopulations. Notably, GO and KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that pericyte sub-population 2 was identified to be vulnerable to retinal capillary dysfunction. Based on the single-cell sequencing results, Col1a1 was identified as a marker gene of pericyte sub-population 2 and a promising therapeutic target for capillary dysfunction. Col1a1 was abundantly expressed in pericytes and its expression was obviously upregulated in OIR retinas. Col1a1 silencing could retard the recruitment of pericytes toward endothelial cells and aggravated hypoxia-induced pericyte apoptosis in vitro. Col1a1 silencing could reduce the size of neovascular area and avascular area in OIR retinas and suppressed pericyte-myofibroblast transition and endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, Col1a1 expression was up-regulated in the aqueous humor of the patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and up-regulated in the proliferative membranes of PDR patients. Conclusions: These findings enhance the understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of retinal cells and have important implications for future treatment of capillary dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xia
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Lyu Jiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiao-Han Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Min Tong
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Mu-Di Yao
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiu-Miao Li
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Jin Yao
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Dan Li
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Pei-Quan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Biao Yan
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai 200030, China
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31
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Garrison AT, Bignold RE, Wu X, Johnson JR. Pericytes: The lung-forgotten cell type. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1150028. [PMID: 37035669 PMCID: PMC10076600 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1150028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are a heterogeneous population of mesenchymal cells located on the abluminal surface of microvessels, where they provide structural and biochemical support. Pericytes have been implicated in numerous lung diseases including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and allergic asthma due to their ability to differentiate into scar-forming myofibroblasts, leading to collagen deposition and matrix remodelling and thus driving tissue fibrosis. Pericyte-extracellular matrix interactions as well as other biochemical cues play crucial roles in these processes. In this review, we give an overview of lung pericytes, the key pro-fibrotic mediators they interact with, and detail recent advances in preclinical studies on how pericytes are disrupted and contribute to lung diseases including PAH, allergic asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several recent studies using mouse models of PAH have demonstrated that pericytes contribute to these pathological events; efforts are currently underway to mitigate pericyte dysfunction in PAH by targeting the TGF-β, CXCR7, and CXCR4 signalling pathways. In allergic asthma, the dissociation of pericytes from the endothelium of blood vessels and their migration towards inflamed areas of the airway contribute to the characteristic airway remodelling observed in allergic asthma. Although several factors have been suggested to influence this migration such as TGF-β, IL-4, IL-13, and periostin, recent evidence points to the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway as a potential therapeutic target. Pericytes might also play an essential role in lung dysfunction in response to ageing, as they are responsive to environmental risk factors such as cigarette smoke and air pollutants, which are the main drivers of COPD. However, there is currently no direct evidence delineating the contribution of pericytes to COPD pathology. Although there is a lack of human clinical data, the recent available evidence derived from in vitro and animal-based models shows that pericytes play important roles in the initiation and maintenance of chronic lung diseases and are amenable to pharmacological interventions. Therefore, further studies in this field are required to elucidate if targeting pericytes can treat lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelise T. Garrison
- School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca E. Bignold
- School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Xinhui Wu
- School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jill R. Johnson
- School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Xu M, Shen YM, Han XY, Liu C, Jiang Q, Cao X, Yan B. "One stone and two birds" strategy to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration by a novel retinoid drug, EYE-101. Exp Eye Res 2023; 227:109385. [PMID: 36638858 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a typical pathological feature of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and has become a major cause of vision loss in the elderly. Current therapies require repeated intraocular injections of anti-VEGF drugs by inhibiting endothelial angiogenic effects, which is painful and may cause adverse effects on normal vascular and neuronal functions. Herein, we designed a novel retinoid drug, EYE-101, determined its therapeutic effects on CNV, and clarified the anti-angiogenic mechanism. The results show that administration of EYE-101 did not cause obvious cytotoxicity and ocular tissue toxicity at the concentrations less than 5 μM. Topical administration of EYE-101 could reduce choroidal sprouting, suppress laser-induced CNV formation, and decrease pericyte coverages on ocular vessels. Administration of EYE-101 also suppressed endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation and reduced pericyte proliferation, migration, recruitment towards endothelial cells. EYE-101 exerted its anti-angiogenic effects by targeting endothelial cells and pericytes via antagonizing Wnt/β-catenin signaling and PDGF signaling. Thus, EYE-101 administration may offer an"one stone and two birds" strategy for the prevention and treatment of ocular neovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Xu
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ya-Ming Shen
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Han
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xin Cao
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Biao Yan
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Dabravolski SA, Markin AM, Andreeva ER, Eremin II, Orekhov AN, Melnichenko AA. Emerging role of pericytes in therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113928. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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