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Muñoz Forti K, Weisman GA, Jasmer KJ. Cell type-specific transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in the regulation of salivary gland fibrosis and regeneration. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res 2024; 14:257-272. [PMID: 38559587 PMCID: PMC10979288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland damage and hypofunction result from various disorders, including autoimmune Sjögren's disease (SjD) and IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), as well as a side effect of radiotherapy for treating head and neck cancers. There are no therapeutic strategies to prevent the loss of salivary gland function in these disorders nor facilitate functional salivary gland regeneration. However, ongoing aquaporin-1 gene therapy trials to restore saliva flow show promise. To identify and develop novel therapeutic targets, we must better understand the cell-specific signaling processes involved in salivary gland regeneration. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is essential to tissue fibrosis, a major endpoint in salivary gland degeneration, which develops in the salivary glands of patients with SjD, IgG4-RD, and radiation-induced damage. Though the deposition and remodeling of extracellular matrix proteins are essential to repair salivary gland damage, pathological fibrosis results in tissue hardening and chronic salivary gland dysfunction orchestrated by multiple cell types, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, stromal cells, and lymphocytes, macrophages, and other immune cell populations. This review is focused on the role of TGF-β signaling in the development of salivary gland fibrosis and the potential for targeting TGF-β as a novel therapeutic approach to regenerate functional salivary glands. The studies presented highlight the divergent roles of TGF-β signaling in salivary gland development and dysfunction and illuminate specific cell populations in damaged or diseased salivary glands that mediate the effects of TGF-β. Overall, these studies strongly support the premise that blocking TGF-β signaling holds promise for the regeneration of functional salivary glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Muñoz Forti
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center and Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, United States
| | - Gary A. Weisman
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center and Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, United States
| | - Kimberly J. Jasmer
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center and Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, United States
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Tang Y, Dou S, Wei C, Sun Z, Sun D, Zhou Q, Xie L. Single-Nuclei Characterization of Lacrimal Gland in Scopolamine-Induced Dry Eye Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:46. [PMID: 38687491 PMCID: PMC11067549 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.4.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The lacrimal gland (LG) is the main organ responsible for tear secretion and an important pathogenic site for dry eye disease (DED). This study aimed to comprehensively characterize LG cellular heterogeneity under normal and DED conditions using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq). Methods Single LG nuclei isolated from mice with or without DED induced by scopolamine (SCOP)/desiccating stress (DS) were subjected to snRNA-seq using the 10x Genomics platform. These cells were clustered and annotated using the t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) method and unbiased computational informatic analysis. Cluster identification and functional analysis were performed based on marker gene expression and bioinformatic data mining. Results The snRNA-seq analysis of 30,351 nuclei identified eight major cell types, with acinar cells (∼72.6%) being the most abundant cell type in the LG. Subclustering analysis revealed that the LG mainly contained two acinar cell subtypes, two ductal cell subclusters, three myoepithelial cell (MECs) subtypes, and four immunocyte subclusters. In the SCOP-induced DED model, three major LG parenchymal cell types were significantly altered, characterized by a reduced proportion of acinar cells with a lowered secretion potential and an augmented proportion of ductal cells and MECs. LG immunocytes in DED scenarios showed an intensified inflammatory response and dysregulated intercellular communication with three major LG parenchymal cells. Conclusions Overall, this study offers a systemic single-nucleus transcriptomic profile of LGs in both normal and DED conditions and an atlas of the complicated interactions of immunocytes with major LG parenchymal cells. The findings also facilitate understanding the pathogenesis of DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Tang
- Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shengqian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ziwen Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Di Sun
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lixin Xie
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
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Fan Q, Yan R, Li Y, Lu L, Liu J, Li S, Fu T, Xue Y, Liu J, Li Z. Exploring Immune Cell Diversity in the Lacrimal Glands of Healthy Mice: A Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Atlas. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1208. [PMID: 38279208 PMCID: PMC10816500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021208] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The lacrimal gland is responsible for maintaining the health of the ocular surface through the production of tears. However, our understanding of the immune system within the lacrimal gland is currently limited. Therefore, in this study, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to identify and analyze immune cells and molecules present in the lacrimal glands of normal mice. A total of 34,891 cells were obtained from the lacrimal glands of mice and classified into 18 distinct cell clusters using Seurat clustering. Within these cell populations, 26 different immune cell subpopulations were identified, including T cells, innate lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, dendritic cells, and B cells. Network analysis revealed complex cell-cell interactions between these immune cells, with particularly significant interactions observed among T cells, macrophages, plasma cells, and dendritic cells. Interestingly, T cells were found to be the main source of ligands for the Thy1 signaling pathway, while M2 macrophages were identified as the primary target of this pathway. Moreover, some of these immune cells were validated using immunohistological techniques. Collectively, these findings highlight the abundance and interactions of immune cells and provide valuable insights into the complexity of the lacrimal gland immune system and its relevance to associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Fan
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Q.F.); (J.L.)
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Ruyu Yan
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yan Li
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Liyuan Lu
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jiangman Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Q.F.); (J.L.)
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Senmao Li
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Ting Fu
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yunxia Xue
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jun Liu
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- International Ocular Surface Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (R.Y.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (S.L.); (T.F.); (Y.X.); (J.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
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Tokumasu R, Yasuhara R, Kang S, Funatsu T, Mishima K. Transcription factor FoxO1 regulates myoepithelial cell diversity and growth. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1069. [PMID: 38212454 PMCID: PMC10784559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51619-1] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland myoepithelial cells regulate saliva secretion and have been implicated in the histological diversity of salivary gland tumors. However, detailed functional analysis of myoepithelial cells has not been determined owing to the few of the specific marker to isolate them. We isolated myoepithelial cells from the submandibular glands of adult mice using the epithelial marker EpCAM and the cell adhesion molecule CD49f as indicators and found predominant expression of the transcription factor FoxO1 in these cells. RNA-sequence analysis revealed that the expression of cell cycle regulators was negatively regulated in FoxO1-overexpressing cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that FoxO1 bound to the p21/p27 promoter DNA, indicating that FoxO1 suppresses cell proliferation through these factors. In addition, FoxO1 induced the expression of ectodysplasin A (Eda) and its receptor Eda2r, which are known to be associated with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and are involved in salivary gland development in myoepithelial cells. FoxO1 inhibitors suppressed Eda/Eda2r expression and salivary gland development in primordial organ cultures after mesenchymal removal. Although mesenchymal cells are considered a source of Eda, myoepithelial cells might be one of the resources of Eda. These results suggest that FoxO1 regulates myoepithelial cell proliferation and Eda secretion during salivary gland development in myoepithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rino Tokumasu
- Division of Pathology, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan
- Division of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Perioperative Medicine, Graduate School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan
| | - Rika Yasuhara
- Division of Pathology, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Seya Kang
- Division of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Perioperative Medicine, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan
| | - Takahiro Funatsu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan
| | - Kenji Mishima
- Division of Pathology, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan.
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Mauduit O, Delcroix V, Wong A, Ivanova A, Miles L, Lee HS, Makarenkova H. A closer look into the cellular and molecular biology of myoepithelial cells across various exocrine glands. Ocul Surf 2024; 31:63-80. [PMID: 38141817 PMCID: PMC10855576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Myoepithelial cells (MECs) are a unique subset of epithelial cells that possess several smooth muscle cell characteristics, such as a high number of actin-myosin filaments and the ability to contract. These cells are primarily located around the secretory cells of exocrine glands, including the salivary, mammary, lacrimal, and sweat glands. Their primary functions involve the construction of the basement membrane and help with secretion of gland products through contraction. So far, no comparative analysis of MECs in different exocrine glands had ever evaluated their differences. In this review, we took advantage of the various publicly available scRNAseq data from mouse exocrine glands to identify their shared and unique characteristics. The aim of this review is to compare the role of MECs in maintaining healthy glandular function, their involvement in disease states, and their regenerative capacity, with a particular emphasis on the latest research findings in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Mauduit
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Vanessa Delcroix
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Andrew Wong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Anastasiia Ivanova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Lindsey Miles
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Hyun Soo Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Helen Makarenkova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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