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Udugampolage NS, Frolova S, Taurino J, Pini A, Martelli F, Voellenkle C. Coding and Non-Coding Transcriptomic Landscape of Aortic Complications in Marfan Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7367. [PMID: 39000474 PMCID: PMC11242319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a rare congenital disorder of the connective tissue, leading to thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and dissection, among other complications. Currently, the most efficient strategy to prevent life-threatening dissection is preventive surgery. Periodic imaging applying complex techniques is required to monitor TAA progression and to guide the timing of surgical intervention. Thus, there is an acute demand for non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as for innovative therapeutic targets of MFS. Unraveling the intricate pathomolecular mechanisms underlying the syndrome is vital to address these needs. High-throughput platforms are particularly well-suited for this purpose, as they enable the integration of different datasets, such as transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles. In this narrative review, we summarize relevant studies investigating changes in both the coding and non-coding transcriptome and epigenome in MFS-induced TAA. The collective findings highlight the implicated pathways, such as TGF-β signaling, extracellular matrix structure, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Potential candidates as biomarkers, such as miR-200c, as well as therapeutic targets emerged, like Tfam, associated with mitochondrial respiration, or miR-632, stimulating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. While these discoveries are promising, rigorous and extensive validation in large patient cohorts is indispensable to confirm their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Svetlana Frolova
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (C.V.)
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Taurino
- Cardiovascular-Genetic Center, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 Milan, Italy; (N.S.U.); (J.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Cardiovascular-Genetic Center, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 Milan, Italy; (N.S.U.); (J.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (C.V.)
| | - Christine Voellenkle
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (C.V.)
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Christensen KB, Ünsal Ş, Ebbesen MF, Hemstra L, Schlosser A, Rosenstand K, Hansen PBL, Jensen BL, Bloksgaard M, Simonsen U, Sorensen GL. MFAP4-Deficiency Aggravates Age-Induced Changes in Resistance Artery Structure, While Ameliorating Hypertension. Hypertension 2024; 81:1308-1319. [PMID: 38563153 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.22283] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormalities of resistance arteries may play essential roles in the pathophysiology of aging and hypertension. Deficiency of the vascular extracellular matrix protein MFAP4 (microfibrillar-associated protein 4) has previously been observed as protective against aberrant arterial remodeling. We hypothesized that MFAP4-deficiency would reduce age- and hypertension-dependent arterial changes in extracellular matrix composition and stiffening. METHODS Mesenteric arteries were isolated from old (20-23 months) littermate Mfap4+/+ and Mfap4-/- mice, and 2-photon excitation microscopy imaging was used to quantify elastin and collagen volumes and dimensions in the vascular wall. Ten-week-old littermate Mfap4+/+ and Mfap4-/- mice were subjected to 20 days of continuous Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion and hypertension was monitored using invasive blood pressure measurements. Arterial stiffness, responses to vascular constrictors, and myogenic tone were monitored using wire- or pressure-myography. Collagen contents were assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS MFAP4-deficiency significantly increased collagen volume and elastin fragmentation in aged mesenteric arteries without affecting arterial stiffness. MFAP4-deficient mice exhibited reduced diastolic pressure in Ang II-induced hypertension. There was no significant effect of MFAP4-deficiency on mesenteric artery structural remodeling or myogenic tone, although collagen content in mesenteric arteries was tendentially increased in hypertensive Mfap4+/+ mice relative to Mfap4-/- mice. Increased efficacy of vasoconstrictors (phenylephrine, thromboxane) and reduced stiffness were observed in Ang II-treated Mfap4-/- mouse mesenteric arteries in ex vivo myography recordings. CONCLUSIONS MFAP4-deficiency reduces the elastin/collagen ratio in the aging resistance artery without affecting arterial stiffness. In contrast, MFAP4-deficiency reduces the stiffness of resistance arteries and ameliorates Ang II-induced hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimmie B Christensen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences (K.B.C., Ş.Ü., L.H., A.S., K.R., P.B.L.H., B.L.J., M.B., G.L.S.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense
| | - Şeyda Ünsal
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences (K.B.C., Ş.Ü., L.H., A.S., K.R., P.B.L.H., B.L.J., M.B., G.L.S.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense
| | - Morten F Ebbesen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (M.F.E.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense
| | - Line Hemstra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences (K.B.C., Ş.Ü., L.H., A.S., K.R., P.B.L.H., B.L.J., M.B., G.L.S.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense
| | - Anders Schlosser
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences (K.B.C., Ş.Ü., L.H., A.S., K.R., P.B.L.H., B.L.J., M.B., G.L.S.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense
| | - Kristoffer Rosenstand
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences (K.B.C., Ş.Ü., L.H., A.S., K.R., P.B.L.H., B.L.J., M.B., G.L.S.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense
| | - Pernille B L Hansen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences (K.B.C., Ş.Ü., L.H., A.S., K.R., P.B.L.H., B.L.J., M.B., G.L.S.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense
| | - Boye L Jensen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences (K.B.C., Ş.Ü., L.H., A.S., K.R., P.B.L.H., B.L.J., M.B., G.L.S.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense
| | - Maria Bloksgaard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences (K.B.C., Ş.Ü., L.H., A.S., K.R., P.B.L.H., B.L.J., M.B., G.L.S.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense
| | - Ulf Simonsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark (U.S.)
| | - Grith L Sorensen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences (K.B.C., Ş.Ü., L.H., A.S., K.R., P.B.L.H., B.L.J., M.B., G.L.S.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense
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Kasamatsu S, Takano K, Aoki M, Takahashi Y, Suzuki T. Rosemary extract and rosmarinic acid accelerate elastic fiber formation by increasing the expression of elastic fiber components in dermal fibroblasts. J Dermatol 2024; 51:816-826. [PMID: 38470170 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17185] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin photoaging is caused by qualitative and quantitative degradation of dermal extracellular matrix components such as collagen and elastic fibers. Elastic fibers are important for maintaining cutaneous elasticity, despite their small amount in the skin. Previously, microfibril-associated protein 4 (MFAP-4), which is downregulated in photoaging dermis, has been found to be essential for elastic fiber formation by interaction with both fibrillin-1 and elastin, which are core components of elastic fiber. In addition, enhanced cutaneous MFAP-4 expression in a human skin-xenografted murine photoaging model protects against UV-induced photodamage accompanied by the prevention of elastic fiber degradation and aggravated elasticity. We therefore hypothesized that the upregulation of MFAP-4 in dermal fibroblasts may more efficiently accelerate elastic fiber formation. We screened botanical extracts for MFAP-4 expression-promoting activity in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). We found that rosemary extract markedly promotes early microfibril formation and mature elastic fiber formation along with a significant upregulation of not only MFAP-4 but also fibrillin-1 and elastin in NHDFs. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid, which is abundant in rosemary extract, accelerated elastic fiber formation via upregulation of transforming growth factor β-1. This was achieved by the induction of cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation, demonstrating that rosmarinic acid represents one of the active ingredients in rosemary extract. Based on the findings in this study, we conclude that rosemary extract and rosmarinic acid represent promising materials that exert a preventive or ameliorative effect on skin photoaging by accelerating elastic fiber formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Kasamatsu
- Biological Science Research Laboratories, Kao Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kei Takano
- Biological Science Research Laboratories, Kao Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mika Aoki
- Biological Science Research Laboratories, Kao Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshito Takahashi
- Biological Science Research Laboratories, Kao Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tamio Suzuki
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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4
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Wozny MR, Nelea V, Siddiqui IFS, Wanga S, de Waard V, Strauss M, Reinhardt DP. Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 forms octamers that mediate interactions with elastogenic proteins and cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4015. [PMID: 38740766 PMCID: PMC11091212 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48377-z] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (MFAP4) is a 36-kDa extracellular matrix glycoprotein with critical roles in organ fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disorders, including aortic aneurysms. MFAP4 multimerises and interacts with elastogenic proteins, including fibrillin-1 and tropoelastin, and with cells via integrins. Structural details of MFAP4 and its potential interfaces for these interactions are unknown. Here, we present a cryo-electron microscopy structure of human MFAP4. In the presence of calcium, MFAP4 assembles as an octamer, where two sets of homodimers constitute the top and bottom halves of each octamer. Each homodimer is linked together by an intermolecular disulphide bond. A C34S missense mutation prevents disulphide-bond formation between monomers but does not prevent octamer assembly. The atomic model, built into the 3.55 Å cryo-EM map, suggests that salt-bridge interactions mediate homodimer assembly, while non-polar residues form the interface between octamer halves. In the absence of calcium, an MFAP4 octamer dissociates into two tetramers. Binding studies with fibrillin-1, tropoelastin, LTBP4, and small fibulins show that MFAP4 has multiple surfaces for protein-protein interactions, most of which depend upon MFAP4 octamer assembly. The C34S mutation does not affect these protein interactions or cell interactions. MFAP4 assemblies with fibrillin-1 abrogate MFAP4 interactions with cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Wozny
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Valentin Nelea
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Shaynah Wanga
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vivian de Waard
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mike Strauss
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Dieter P Reinhardt
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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5
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Zhu L, Gou W, Ou L, Liu B, Liu M, Feng H. Role and new insights of microfibrillar-associated protein 4 in fibrotic diseases. APMIS 2024; 132:55-67. [PMID: 37957836 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13358] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is one of the most worrisome complications of chronic inflammatory diseases, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and ultimately, death. The most notable pathological characteristic of fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen and fibronectin adjacent to foci of inflammation or damage. The human microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4), an important member of the superfamily of fibrinogen-related proteins, is considered to have an extremely important role in ECM transformation of fibrogenesis. This review summarizes the structure, characteristics, and physiological functions of MFAP4 and the importance of MFAP4 in various fibrotic diseases. Meanwhile, we elaborated the underlying actions and mechanisms of MFAP4 in the development of fibrosis, suggesting that a better understand of MFAP4 broadens novel perspective for early screening, diagnosis, prognostic risk assessment, and treatment of fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhu
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Changsha, China
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenqun Gou
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Changsha, China
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Changsha Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Lijia Ou
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Changsha, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Binjie Liu
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Changsha, China
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Manyi Liu
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Feng
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Changsha, China
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
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6
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Das A, Sil A, Kumar P, Khan I. Blue light and skin: what is the intriguing link? Clin Exp Dermatol 2023; 48:968-977. [PMID: 37097168 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llad150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Blue light has garnered attention because of its ability to penetrate more deeply into the skin layers, and induce cellular dysfunction and DNA damage. Photoageing, hyperpigmentation and melasma are some of the cutaneous changes that develop on exposure to blue light. To date, the therapeutic roles of blue light have been evaluated in dermatological conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, actinic keratosis and cutaneous malignancies, among others. In this review, we have attempted to present an evidence-based compilation of the effects of blue light on the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Das
- Department of Dermatology, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Abheek Sil
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Piyush Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, Madhubani Medical College & Hospital, Madhubani, Bihar, India
| | - Ismat Khan
- Department of Dermatology, Medical College and Hospital Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Phase-specific signatures of wound fibroblasts and matrix patterns define cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes. Matrix Biol 2023; 119:19-56. [PMID: 36914141 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Healing wounds and cancers present remarkable cellular and molecular parallels, but the specific roles of the healing phases are largely unknown. We developed a bioinformatics pipeline to identify genes and pathways that define distinct phases across the time-course of healing. Their comparison to cancer transcriptomes revealed that a resolution phase wound signature is associated with increased severity in skin cancer and enriches for extracellular matrix-related pathways. Comparisons of transcriptomes of early- and late-phase wound fibroblasts vs skin cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) identified an "early wound" CAF subtype, which localizes to the inner tumor stroma and expresses collagen-related genes that are controlled by the RUNX2 transcription factor. A "late wound" CAF subtype localizes to the outer tumor stroma and expresses elastin-related genes. Matrix imaging of primary melanoma tissue microarrays validated these matrix signatures and identified collagen- vs elastin-rich niches within the tumor microenvironment, whose spatial organization predicts survival and recurrence. These results identify wound-regulated genes and matrix patterns with prognostic potential in skin cancer.
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Pomerleau V, Nicolas VR, Jurkovic CM, Faucheux N, Lauzon MA, Boisvert FM, Perreault N. FOXL1+ Telocytes in mouse colon orchestrate extracellular matrix biodynamics and wound repair resolution. J Proteomics 2023; 271:104755. [PMID: 36272709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have identified FoxL1+-telocytes (TCFoxL1+) as key players in gut epithelial-mesenchymal interactions which can determine the colonic microenvironment. Bone morphogenetic protein signaling disruption in TCFoxL1+ alters the physical and cellular microenvironment and leads to colon pathophysiology. This suggests a role for TCFoxL1+ in stromagenesis, but it is hard to identify the specific contribution of TCFoxL1+ when analyzing whole tissue profiling studies. We performed ex vivo deconstruction of control and BmpR1a△FoxL1+ colon samples, isolated the mesenchyme-enriched fractions, and determined the protein composition of the in vivo extracellular matrix (ECM) to analyze microenvironment variation. Matrisomic analysis of mesenchyme fractions revealed modulations in ECM proteins with functions associated with innate immunity, epithelial wound healing, and the collagen network. These results show that TCFoxL1+ is critical in orchestrating the biodynamics of the colon ECM. TCFoxL1+ disfunction reprograms the gut's microenvironment and drives the intestinal epithelium toward colonic pathologies. SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, the method that was elected to isolate ECM proteins might not encompass the full extent of ECM proteins in a tissue, due to the protocol chosen, as this protocol by Naba et al., targets more the insoluble part of the matrisome and eliminates the more soluble components in the first steps. However, this ECM-enrichment strategy represents an improvement and interesting avenue to study ECM proteins in the colon compared to total tissue analysis with a background of abundant cellular protein. Thus, the matrisomic approach presented in this study, and its target validation delivered a broader evaluation of the matrix remodeling occurring in the colonic sub-epithelial mesenchyme of the BmpR1a△FoxL1+ mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Pomerleau
- Département d'Immunologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Vilcy Reyes Nicolas
- Département d'Immunologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Carla-Marie Jurkovic
- Département d'Immunologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Nathalie Faucheux
- Département de génie chimique et de génie biotechnologique, Faculté de Génie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Marc-Antoine Lauzon
- Département de génie chimique et de génie biotechnologique, Faculté de Génie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - François-Michel Boisvert
- Département d'Immunologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Nathalie Perreault
- Département d'Immunologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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Transcriptional Profiling Identifies Prognostic Gene Signatures for Conjunctival Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010115. [PMID: 36671500 PMCID: PMC9855408 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010115] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study characterizes the transcriptional profile and the cellular tumor microenvironment of conjunctival extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL) and identifies prognostically relevant biomarkers. Ten formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded conjunctival EMZL and eight healthy conjunctival specimens were analyzed by Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends (MACE) RNA sequencing. The 3417 upregulated genes in conjunctival EMZL were involved in processes such as B cell proliferation and Rac protein signaling, whereas the 1188 downregulated genes contributed most significantly to oxidative phosphorylation and UV protection. The tumor microenvironment, as determined by deconvolution analysis, was mainly composed of multiple B cell subtypes which reflects the tumor's B cell lineage. However, several T cell types, including T helper 2 cells and regulatory T cells, as well as innate immune cell types, such as anti-inflammatory macrophages and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, were also strongly enriched in conjunctival EMZL. A 13-biomarker prognostic panel, including S100A8 and S100A9, classified ocular and extraocular tumor recurrence, exceeded prognostic accuracy of Ann Arbor and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging, and demonstrated prognostic value for patient survival in 21 different cancer types in a database of 12,332 tumor patients. These findings may lead to new options of targeted therapy and may improve prognostic prediction for conjunctival EMZL.
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Choi Y, Takasugi M, Takemura K, Yoshida Y, Kamiya T, Adachi J, Tsuruta D, Ohtani N. Characterization of Transcriptomic and Proteomic Changes in the Skin after Chronic Fluocinolone Acetonide Treatment. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121822. [PMID: 36551249 PMCID: PMC9775701 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121822] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While topical corticosteroid (TCS) treatment is widely used for many skin diseases, it can trigger adverse side effects, and some of such effects can last for a long time after stopping the treatment. However, molecular changes induced by TCS treatment remain largely unexplored, although transient changes in histology and some major ECM components have been documented. Here, we investigated transcriptomic and proteomic changes induced by fluocinolone acetonide (FA) treatment in the mouse skin by conducting RNA-Seq and quantitative proteomics. Chronic FA treatment affected the expression of 4229 genes, where downregulated genes were involved in cell-cycle progression and ECM organization, and upregulated genes were involved in lipid metabolism. The effects of FA on transcriptome and histology of the skin largely returned to normal by two weeks after the treatment. Only a fraction of transcriptomic changes were reflected by proteomic changes, and the expression of 46 proteins was affected one day after chronic FA treatment. A comparable number of proteins were differentially expressed between control and FA-treated skin samples even at 15 and 30 days after stopping chronic FA treatment. Interestingly, proteins affected during and after chronic FA treatment were largely different. Our results provide fundamental information of molecular changes induced by FA treatment in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsu Choi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Masaki Takasugi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (N.O.)
| | - Kazuaki Takemura
- Department of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Yuya Yoshida
- Department of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Tomonori Kamiya
- Department of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Jun Adachi
- Laboratory of Proteomics for Drug Discovery, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki City 567-0085, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tsuruta
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Naoko Ohtani
- Department of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (N.O.)
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Mohammadi A, Sorensen GL, Pilecki B. MFAP4-Mediated Effects in Elastic Fiber Homeostasis, Integrin Signaling and Cancer, and Its Role in Teleost Fish. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132115. [PMID: 35805199 PMCID: PMC9265350 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein belonging to the fibrinogen-related domain superfamily. MFAP4 is highly expressed in elastin-rich tissues such as lung, blood vessels and skin. MFAP4 is involved in organization of the ECM, regulating proper elastic fiber assembly. On the other hand, during pathology MFAP4 actively contributes to disease development and progression due to its interactions with RGD-dependent integrin receptors. Both tissue expression and circulating MFAP4 levels are associated with various disorders, including liver fibrosis and cancer. In other experimental models, such as teleost fish, MFAP4 appears to participate in host defense as a macrophage-specific innate immune molecule. The aim of this review is to summarize the accumulating evidence that indicates the importance of MFAP4 in homeostasis as well as pathological conditions, discuss its known biological functions with special focus on elastic fiber assembly, integrin signaling and cancer, as well as describe the reported functions of non-mammalian MFAP4 in fish. Overall, our work provides a comprehensive overview on the role of MFAP4 in health and disease.
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Razia S, Park H, Shin E, Shim KS, Cho E, Kang MC, Kim SY. Synergistic effect of Aloe vera flower and Aloe gel on cutaneous wound healing targeting MFAP4 and its associated signaling pathway: In-vitro study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 290:115096. [PMID: 35182666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Liliaceae family) is a well-known traditional medicinal plant, that has been used to treat a variety of illnesses, for decades ranging from cancer to skin disorders including wounds. It has been included in the traditional and herbal healthcare systems of many cultures around the world, as well as the pharmacopeia of different countries. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have also confirmed its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities, etc. in the consistency of its historical and traditional uses. However, most studies to date are based on the A. vera gel and latex including its wound-healing effects. Very few studies have been focused on its flower, and rarely with its effects on cutaneous wound healing and its molecular mechanism. AIM OF THE STUDY To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the synergistic effect of the A. vera flower (AVF) and Aloe gel (PAG) on cutaneous wound-healing, as well as revealing its molecular mechanism targeting microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (MFAP4) and its associated signaling pathway. METHODS To investigate the synergistic effect of A. vera flower and Aloe gel in cutaneous wound healing, cell viability, and cell migration, as well proliferation assay was performed. This was followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses in wounded conditions to check the effects of this mixture on protein and mRNA levels in normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells. Moreover, small interfering RNA (siRNA) -mediated knockdown of MFAP4 in NHDF cells was performed followed by migration assay and cell cycle analysis, to confirm its role in cutaneous wound healing. Additionally, HaCaT cells were included in this study to evaluate its migratory and anti-inflammatory effects. RESULTS Based on our obtained results, the PAG and AVF mixture synergistically induced the proliferation, migration, and especially ECM formation of NHDF cells by enhancing the expression of MFAP4. Other extracellular components associated with MFAP4 signaling pathway, such as fibrillin, collagen, elastin, TGF β, and α-SMA, also increased at both the protein and mRNA levels. Subsequently, this mixture initiated the phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and AKT signaling pathways, and the S-phase of the cell cycle was also slightly modified. Also, the mixture induced the migration of HaCaT cells along with the suppression of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the siRNA-mediated knockdown highlighted the crucial role of MFAP4 in cutaneous wound healing in NHDF cells. CONCLUSION This study showed that the mixture of PAG and AVF has significant wound healing effects targeting MFAP4 and its associated signaling pathway. Additionally, MFAP4 was recognized as a new potential biomarker of wound healing, which can be confirmed by further in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultana Razia
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, South Korea; Department of Pharmacy, Jagannath University, Dhaka, 1100, Bangladesh
| | - Hyunsung Park
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, South Korea
| | - Eunju Shin
- Univera Co., Ltd., Seoul, 04782, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Suk Shim
- Univera Co., Ltd., Seoul, 04782, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunae Cho
- Univera Co., Ltd., Seoul, 04782, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Chol Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21936, South Korea
| | - Sun Yeou Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21936, South Korea.
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13
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Kanaan R, Medlej-Hashim M, Jounblat R, Pilecki B, Sorensen GL. Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 in health and disease. Matrix Biol 2022; 111:1-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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14
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Boraldi F, Lofaro FD, Cossarizza A, Quaglino D. The "Elastic Perspective" of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031559. [PMID: 35163482 PMCID: PMC8835950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Elastin represents the structural component of the extracellular matrix providing elastic recoil to tissues such as skin, blood vessels and lungs. Elastogenic cells secrete soluble tropoelastin monomers into the extracellular space where these monomers associate with other matrix proteins (e.g., microfibrils and glycoproteins) and are crosslinked by lysyl oxidase to form insoluble fibres. Once elastic fibres are formed, they are very stable, highly resistant to degradation and have an almost negligible turnover. However, there are circumstances, mainly related to inflammatory conditions, where increased proteolytic degradation of elastic fibres may lead to consequences of major clinical relevance. In severely affected COVID-19 patients, for instance, the massive recruitment and activation of neutrophils is responsible for the profuse release of elastases and other proteolytic enzymes which cause the irreversible degradation of elastic fibres. Within the lungs, destruction of the elastic network may lead to the permanent impairment of pulmonary function, thus suggesting that elastases can be a promising target to preserve the elastic component in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, intrinsic and extrinsic factors additionally contributing to damaging the elastic component and to increasing the spread and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Boraldi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.B.); (F.D.L.)
| | - Francesco Demetrio Lofaro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.B.); (F.D.L.)
| | - Andrea Cossarizza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Daniela Quaglino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.B.); (F.D.L.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Pilecki B, de Carvalho PVSD, Kirketerp-Møller KL, Schlosser A, Kejling K, Dubik M, Madsen NP, Stubbe J, Hansen PBL, Andersen TL, Moeller JB, Marcussen N, Azevedo V, Hvidsten S, Baun C, Shi GP, Lindholt JS, Sorensen GL. MFAP4 Deficiency Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation Through Regulation of Macrophage Infiltration and Activity. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:764337. [PMID: 34805319 PMCID: PMC8602692 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.764337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common age-related vascular disease characterized by progressive weakening and dilatation of the aortic wall. Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein involved in the induction of vascular remodeling. This study aimed to investigate if MFAP4 facilitates the development of AAA and characterize the underlying MFAP4-mediated mechanisms. Approach and Results: Double apolipoprotein E- and Mfap4-deficient (ApoE−/−Mfap4−/−) and control apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice were infused subcutaneously with angiotensin II (Ang II) for 28 days. Mfap4 expression was localized within the adventitial and medial layers and was upregulated after Ang II treatment. While Ang II-induced blood pressure increase was independent of Mfap4 genotype, ApoE−/−Mfap4−/− mice exhibited significantly lower AAA incidence and reduced maximal aortic diameter compared to ApoE−/− littermates. The ApoE−/−Mfap4−/− AAAs were further characterized by reduced macrophage infiltration, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity, proliferative activity, collagen content, and elastic membrane disruption. MFAP4 deficiency also attenuated activation of integrin- and TGF-β-related signaling within the adventitial layer of AAA tissues. Finally, MFAP4 stimulation promoted human monocyte migration and significantly upregulated MMP-9 activity in macrophage-like THP-1 cells. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that MFAP4 induces macrophage-rich inflammation, MMP activity, and maladaptive remodeling of the ECM within the vessel wall, leading to an acceleration of AAA development and progression. Collectively, our findings suggest that MFAP4 is an essential aggravator of AAA pathology that acts through regulation of monocyte influx and MMP production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Pilecki
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Paulo V S D de Carvalho
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of General Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Department of Mathematics and Informatics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Katrine L Kirketerp-Møller
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anders Schlosser
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Karin Kejling
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Magdalena Dubik
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Nicklas P Madsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jane Stubbe
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Pernille B L Hansen
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Innovative Medicines and Early Development Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas L Andersen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Pathology Research Unit, Institute of Clinical Research and Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper B Moeller
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels Marcussen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Department of General Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Svend Hvidsten
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christina Baun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Guo-Ping Shi
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jes S Lindholt
- Department of Thoracic, Heart and Vascular Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Grith L Sorensen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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16
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Liu B, Gou W, Feng H. Pathological investigations and correlation research of microfibrillar-associated protein 4 and tropoelastin in oral submucous fibrosis. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:588. [PMID: 34798886 PMCID: PMC8603475 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01962-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), distinguished by abnormal collagen deposition, is a potentially malignant disorder with 4.2% (95% CI 2.7–5.6%) of malignant transformation and rising global prevalence. However, the precise pathogenesis and effective treatment remain elusive and controversial despite the abundance of literature on this topic. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the clinicopathological characteristics and potential markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of OSF. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence and correlation of Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) and tropoelastin (TE) in the development of OSF patients. Material and methods Clinicopathological factors, hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and Masson trichome staining, immunohistochemical characteristics and the correlation between MFAP4 and TE were recorded and compared among different stages of OSF progression among cases (n = 60) and controls (n = 10). Student's t test, ANOVA analysis, and the chi-square test were performed to compare the categorical variables for clinicopathological characteristics and the expression level of MFAP4 and TE between the fibrotic and normal tissues. Correlation analysis of MFAP4 and TE was performed using Pearson's correlation test and linear regression. Results MFAP4 and TE proteins are upregulated and increased gradually in patients with varying stages of OSF, relative to the control group. Furthermore, statistical analyses revealed that the expression level of MFAP4 was positively associated with TE, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.3781 (p = 0.0048). Clinically, we found that OSF affected more males than females, with a ratio of 29:1. The age range was 16–60 years, and the mean age was 36.25 ± 10.25 years. In patients younger than 40 years, the positive expression rate of MFAP4 and TE was higher than in those over 40 years. All OSF cases had chewed areca nut, with 51.67% smoking tobacco. Conclusions Our study elucidates that the accumulation of MFAP4 and TE proteins may play a vital role in the occurrence and development of OSF and may be promising candidate moleculars for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for OSF in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Liu
- Department of Oral Medicine, Xiangya Stomalogical Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenqun Gou
- Department of Oral Medicine, Xiangya Stomalogical Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Changsha Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Feng
- Department of Oral Medicine, Xiangya Stomalogical Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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17
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Han Y, Xia K, Su T. Exploration of the Important Role of Microfibril-Associated Protein 4 Gene in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e931238. [PMID: 34210950 PMCID: PMC8259352 DOI: 10.12659/msm.931238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common tumor of the head and neck. Its treatment usually requires multiple modalities. Currently, there are no molecular biomarkers to guide these treatment strategies. Studies have shown that microfibril-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is potentially useful for non-invasive assessment of various diseases; however, its biological function in tumors is still unknown. In this study, we propose that MFAP4 is a new prognostic target for OSCC. Material/Methods First, we collected OSCC data (GSE25099 and GSE30784 datasets) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and compared the differential expression of MFAP4 gene between the patients (tumor) and normal (control) groups. The comparison was done with University of California Santa Cruz Xena (https://xenabrowser.net/Datapages/), and we calculated the difference in MFAP4 gene expression between normal and tumor tissues in a pan-cancer analysis. Then, we compared the 2 groups with high and low expression of MFAP4 gene in terms of tumor mutation burden (TMB), miRNA regulation, and immune cell infiltration. Results We found that the expression of MFAP4 gene was significantly decreased in tumors. Our research also showed that high expression of MFAP4 was related to better prognosis of patients and may be related to tumor gene mutation, miRNA regulation, and infiltration of different immune cells. Conclusions Our work provides evidence that expression of MFAP4 can be used as a prognostic biomarker for risk stratification of OSCC patients and elaborates on its relation with the regulation of TMB, miRNAs, and immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Han
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland).,Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland).,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumors, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
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18
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Sækmose SG, Holst R, Lottenburger T, Ytting H, Nielsen HJ, Junker P, Schlosser A, Sorensen GL. Circadian, Week-to-Week, and Physical Exercise-Induced Variation of Serum Microfibrillar-Associated Protein 4. Biomark Insights 2021; 16:11772719211016359. [PMID: 34035648 PMCID: PMC8127734 DOI: 10.1177/11772719211016359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (sMFAP4) has been investigated as a biomarker for various diseases and is demonstrated to show significant gradual increase with severity of liver fibrosis. Ideal biomarkers used for disease diagnosis or prognosis should display deviating levels in affected individuals only and be robust to factors unrelated to the disease. Here we show the impact of normal physiological variation of sMFAP4 by characterizing the circadian variation, week-to-week variation, and physical exercise-induced levels. Serum samples from 3 groups of healthy volunteers were drawn: 7 times during a 24-hour period, 5 times during a 3-week period, and before and after a standardized physical exercise challenge. sMFAP4 was determined by AlphaLISA. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed effects modeling of repeated measurements. Circadian variation of sMFAP4 was demonstrated, with time of peak and nadir values depending on age and gender. For males, the peak values were observed during nighttime whereas for females, peak values were observed in the morning. Individual sMFAP4 levels remained stable over a period of 3 weeks and physical exercise inferred a mild negative influence. In conclusion, the circadian sMFAP4 variation was significant, and the levels could be influenced by physical activity. However, these variations were of limited magnitude relative to previously observed disease-induced levels in support of the biomarker potential of sMFAP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Gjørup Sækmose
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Naestved Hospital, Naestved, Denmark
| | - René Holst
- Oslo Centre of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University in Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | | | - Henriette Ytting
- Department of Hepatology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Jørgen Nielsen
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Peter Junker
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Anders Schlosser
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Grith Lykke Sorensen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Almeida-González FR, González-Vázquez A, Mithieux SM, O'Brien FJ, Weiss AS, Brougham CM. A step closer to elastogenesis on demand; Inducing mature elastic fibre deposition in a natural biomaterial scaffold. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 120:111788. [PMID: 33545914 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Elastic fibres play a key role in bodily functions where fatigue resistance and elastic recovery are necessary while regulating phenotype, proliferation and migration in cells. While in vivo elastic fibres are created at a late foetal stage, a major obstacle in the development of engineered tissue is that human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs), one of the principal elastogenic cells, are unable to spontaneously promote elastogenesis in vitro. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to activate elastogenesis in vitro by hVSMCs seeded in fibrin, collagen, glycosaminoglycan (FCG) scaffolds, following the addition of recombinant human tropoelastin. This combination of scaffold, tropoelastin and cells induced the deposition of elastin and formation of lamellar maturing elastic fibres, similar to those found in skin, blood vessels and heart valves. Furthermore, higher numbers of maturing branched elastic fibres were synthesised when a higher cell density was used and by drop-loading tropoelastin onto cell-seeded FCG scaffolds prior to adding growth medium. The addition of tropoelastin showed no effect on cell proliferation or mechanical properties of the scaffold which remained dimensionally stable throughout. With these results, we have established a natural biomaterial scaffold that can undergo controlled elastogenesis on demand, suitable for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco R Almeida-González
- Biomedical Research Group, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, Technological University Dublin, Bolton St, Dublin 1, Ireland; Tissue Engineering Research Group, Dept. of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Arlyng González-Vázquez
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Dept. of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, RCSI, Ireland
| | - Suzanne M Mithieux
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Fergal J O'Brien
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Dept. of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, RCSI, Ireland
| | - Anthony S Weiss
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Claire M Brougham
- Biomedical Research Group, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, Technological University Dublin, Bolton St, Dublin 1, Ireland; Tissue Engineering Research Group, Dept. of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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20
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Dorn LE, Lawrence W, Petrosino JM, Xu X, Hund TJ, Whitson BA, Stratton MS, Janssen PML, Mohler PJ, Schlosser A, Sorensen GL, Accornero F. Microfibrillar-Associated Protein 4 Regulates Stress-Induced Cardiac Remodeling. Circ Res 2021; 128:723-737. [PMID: 33530700 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.120.317146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Dorn
- Physiology and Cell Biology (L.E.D., W.L., J.M.P., M.S.S., P.M.L.J., P.J.M., F.A.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - William Lawrence
- Physiology and Cell Biology (L.E.D., W.L., J.M.P., M.S.S., P.M.L.J., P.J.M., F.A.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Jennifer M Petrosino
- Physiology and Cell Biology (L.E.D., W.L., J.M.P., M.S.S., P.M.L.J., P.J.M., F.A.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Xianyao Xu
- Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus (X.X., T.J.H.)
| | - Thomas J Hund
- Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus (X.X., T.J.H.)
| | - Bryan A Whitson
- Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia (B.A.W., P.J.M.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.,Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and Surgery (B.A.W.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Matthew S Stratton
- Physiology and Cell Biology (L.E.D., W.L., J.M.P., M.S.S., P.M.L.J., P.J.M., F.A.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Paul M L Janssen
- Physiology and Cell Biology (L.E.D., W.L., J.M.P., M.S.S., P.M.L.J., P.J.M., F.A.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Peter J Mohler
- Physiology and Cell Biology (L.E.D., W.L., J.M.P., M.S.S., P.M.L.J., P.J.M., F.A.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.,Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia (B.A.W., P.J.M.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Anders Schlosser
- Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense (A.S., G.L.S.)
| | - Grith L Sorensen
- Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense (A.S., G.L.S.)
| | - Federica Accornero
- Physiology and Cell Biology (L.E.D., W.L., J.M.P., M.S.S., P.M.L.J., P.J.M., F.A.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
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21
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Coats JG, Maktabi B, Abou-Dahech MS, Baki G. Blue light protection, part II-Ingredients and performance testing methods. J Cosmet Dermatol 2020; 20:718-723. [PMID: 33340223 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are numerous cosmetic ingredients that have been identified to have blue light protection benefits. The urge to learn more about blue light protection claims has led to several substantiation test methods that can be utilized by companies to prove product efficacy. AIMS Part II of this article provides up-to-date information on cosmetic ingredients that can provide protection from blue light, and methods companies can use to substantiate blue light protection claims. METHODS An Internet search was completed using the Google Scholar database and a cosmetic ingredient supplier database (UL Prospector) for ingredients and relevant literature. RESULTS Multiple ingredient categories, for example, algae-derived ingredients, UV filters, botanical extracts, antioxidants, and vitamins, are available on the market to fight against blue light-induced skin damage. There is not a formal standardized method to test for blue light protection; however, spectrophotometers, imaging devices, measuring oxidative stress, and visual evaluations are some of the methods being used today. CONCLUSIONS The number of ingredients launched for blue light protection and new methods developed to test products for blue light protection claims is expected to increase in the near future as we are learning more about the mechanism of damage that occurs in the skin upon blue light exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahnna G Coats
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Briana Maktabi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Mariam S Abou-Dahech
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Gabriella Baki
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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Lin YJ, Chen AN, Yin XJ, Li C, Lin CC. Human Microfibrillar-Associated Protein 4 (MFAP4) Gene Promoter: A TATA-Less Promoter That Is Regulated by Retinol and Coenzyme Q10 in Human Fibroblast Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218392. [PMID: 33182307 PMCID: PMC7664931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Elastic fibers are one of the major structural components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in human connective tissues. Among these fibers, microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is one of the most important microfibril-associated glycoproteins. MFAP4 has been found to bind with elastin microfibrils and interact directly with fibrillin-1, and then aid in elastic fiber formation. However, the regulations of the human MFAP4 gene are not so clear. Therefore, in this study, we firstly aimed to analyze and identify the promoter region of the human MFAP4 gene. The results indicate that the human MFAP4 promoter is a TATA-less promoter with tissue- and species-specific properties. Moreover, the promoter can be up-regulated by retinol and coenzyme Q10 (coQ10) in Detroit 551 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ju Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan;
- Genetic Center, Proteomics Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - An-Ni Chen
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Providence University, Taichung 43301, Taiwan;
| | - Xi Jiang Yin
- Advanced Materials Technology Centre, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore 139651, Singapore; (X.J.Y.); (C.L.)
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Advanced Materials Technology Centre, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore 139651, Singapore; (X.J.Y.); (C.L.)
| | - Chih-Chien Lin
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Providence University, Taichung 43301, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-26328001; Fax: +886-4-26311167
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23
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O'Neill Moore S, Grubb TJ, Kothapalli CR. Insights into the biophysical forces between proteins involved in elastic fiber assembly. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:9239-9250. [PMID: 32966543 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb01591a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Elastogenesis is a complex process beginning with transcription, translation, and extracellular release of precursor proteins leading to crosslinking, deposition, and assembly of ubiquitous elastic fibers. While the biochemical pathways by which elastic fibers are assembled are known, the biophysical forces mediating the interactions between the constituent proteins are unknown. Using atomic force microscopy, we quantified the adhesive forces among the elastic fiber components, primarily between tropoelastin, elastin binding protein (EBP), fibrillin-1, fibulin-5, and lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2). The adhesive forces between tropoelastin and other tissue-derived proteins such as insoluble elastin, laminin, and type I collagens were also assessed. The adhesive forces between tropoelastin and laminin were strong (1767 ± 126 pN; p < 10-5vs. all others), followed by forces (≥200 pN) between tropoelastin and human collagen, mature elastin, or tropoelastin. The adhesive forces between tropoelastin and rat collagen, EBP, fibrillin-1, fibulin-5, and LOXL2 coated on fibrillin-1 were in the range of 100-200 pN. The forces between tropoelastin and LOXL2, LOXL2 and fibrillin-1, LOXL2 and fibulin-5, and fibrillin-1 and fibulin-5 were less than 100 pN. Introducing LOXL2 decreased the adhesive forces between the tropoelastin monomers by ∼100 pN. The retraction phase of force-deflection curves was fitted to the worm-like chain model to calculate the rigidity and flexibility of these proteins as they unfolded. The results provided insights into how each constituent's stretching under deformation contributes to structural and mechanical characteristics of these fibers and to elastic fiber assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean O'Neill Moore
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FH 460, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.
| | - Tyler Jacob Grubb
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FH 460, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.
| | - Chandrasekhar R Kothapalli
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FH 460, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.
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24
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Guerrero PE, Duran A, Ortiz MR, Castro E, Garcia-Velasco A, Llop E, Peracaula R. Microfibril associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is a carrier of the tumor associated carbohydrate sialyl-Lewis x (sLe x) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. J Proteomics 2020; 231:104004. [PMID: 33038510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.104004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Late diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the reasons of its low 5-year survival rate and it is due to its unspecific symptoms during the first stages of the disease and the lack of reliable serological markers. Since PDA shows an altered glycan expression, here we have focused on finding novel potential biomarkers, namely glycoproteins that express the tumor associated carbohydrate structure sialyl-Lewis x (sLex), which is described in PDA. Through a glycoproteomic approach, we have analyzed target proteins containing sLex from PDA tissues by 2DE and immunodetection techniques, and have identified by mass spectrometry the protein MFAP4 as a carrier of sLex in PDA. MFAP4 showed a higher expression in PDA tissues compared with pancreatic control tissues. In addition, the colocalization of sLex over MFAP4 was found only in PDA and not in control pancreatic tissues. The analysis of MFAP4 expression in PDA cell lines and their secretome, in combination with immunohistochemistry of pancreatic tissues, revealed that MFAP4 was not produced by PDA cells, but it was found in the pancreatic extracellular matrix. The specificity of MFAP4 glycoform containing sLex in PDA tissues shows its relevance as a potential PDA biomarker. SIGNIFICANCE: Despite advances in the field of cancer research, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) lacks of a specific and sensitive biomarker for its early detection, when curative resection is still possible before metastases arise. Thus, efforts to discover new PDA biomarkers represent the first line in the fight against the increase of its incidence reported in recent years. Glycan alterations on glycoconjugates, such as glycoproteins have emerged as a rich source for the identification of novel cancer markers. In the present work, we aimed to shed light on novel biomarkers based on altered glycosylation in PDA, in particular those glycoproteins of PDA tissues carrying the tumor carbohydrate antigen sialyl-Lewis x (sLex). Through a glycoproteomic approach, we have shown that the glycoprotein MFAP4 carries sLex in PDA tissues and not in control pancreatic tissues. MFAP4 is found in the extracellular matrix in PDA and although its role in cancer progression is unclear, its sLex glycoform could be a potential biomarker in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Enrique Guerrero
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Adrià Duran
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Maria Rosa Ortiz
- Pathology Department, Josep Trueta University Hospital, 17007 Girona, Spain
| | - Ernesto Castro
- Hepato-biliary and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Josep Trueta University Hospital, 17007 Girona, Spain
| | | | - Esther Llop
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain..
| | - Rosa Peracaula
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain..
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25
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Adamo CS, Zuk AV, Sengle G. The fibrillin microfibril/elastic fibre network: A critical extracellular supramolecular scaffold to balance skin homoeostasis. Exp Dermatol 2020; 30:25-37. [PMID: 32920888 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular networks composed of fibrillins (fibrillin-1 and fibrillin-2) and associated ligands form intricate cellular microenvironments which balance skin homoeostasis and direct remodelling. Fibrillins assemble into microfibrils which are not only indispensable for conferring elasticity to the skin, but also control the bioavailability of growth factors targeted to the extracellular matrix architecture. Fibrillin microfibrils (FMF) represent the core scaffolds for elastic fibre formation, and they also decorate the surface of elastic fibres and form independent networks. In normal dermis, elastic fibres are suspended in a three-dimensional basket-like lattice of FMF intersecting basement membranes at the dermal-epidermal junction and thus conferring pliability to the skin. The importance of FMF for skin homoeostasis is illustrated by the clinical features caused by mutations in the human fibrillin genes (FBN1, FBN2), summarized as "fibrillinopathies." In skin, fibrillin mutations result in phenotypes ranging from thick, stiff and fibrotic skin to thin, lax and hyperextensible skin. The most plausible explanation for this spectrum of phenotypic outcomes is that FMF regulate growth factor signalling essential for proper growth and homoeostasis of the skin. Here, we will give an overview about the current understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms leading to fibrillin-dependent fibrosis as well as forms of cutis laxa caused by mutational inactivation of FMF-associated ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin S Adamo
- Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexandra V Zuk
- Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gerhard Sengle
- Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics (CCMB), Cologne, Germany
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26
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Pan Z, Yang K, Wang H, Xiao Y, Zhang M, Yu X, Xu T, Bai T, Zhu H. MFAP4 deficiency alleviates renal fibrosis through inhibition of NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. FASEB J 2020; 34:14250-14263. [PMID: 32905637 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001026r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis, which is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in the renal tubulointerstitium, can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The role of microfiber-associated protein 4 (MFAP4), which is an ECM protein that interacts with elastin and collagen, in renal fibrosis has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the role of MFAP4 in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanism using in vivo and in vitro models. The MFAP4-/- mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) to elucidate the role of MFAP4 in renal fibrosis in vivo. Compared to the wild-type mice, the MFAP4-/- mice exhibited decreased protein expression of p-p65 and p-IKBα and ECM deposition after UUO. The MFAP4-/- mice exhibited attenuated nuclear translocation of p65 (the hub subunit of nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway), suppressed activation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathways, and downregulated expression of fibronectin, collagen I, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. The knockdown of MFAP4 mitigated the TGF-β-induced upregulated expression of fibronectin, collagen I, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in the human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). Compared to the HK-2 cells transfected with sh-MFAP4, the HK-2 cells co-transfected with sh-MFAP4 and Ad-MFAP4 exhibited severe inflammatory response and increased fibrosis-related proteins expression. Mechanistically, the knockdown of MFAP4 inhibited the activation of NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways and downregulated the expression of fibrosis-related proteins. The findings of this study indicate that MFAP4 is involved in UUO-induced renal fibrosis through regulation of NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Pan
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Kang Yang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Huibo Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Three Gorges University People's Hospital, The First People's Hospital of Yichang, Yichang, P.R. China
| | - Yusha Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma, Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xi Yu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hengcheng Zhu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China
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27
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Osada Y, Suzuki T, Mizuta H, Mori K, Miura K, Dohmae N, Simizu S. The fibrinogen C-terminal domain is seldom C-mannosylated but its C-mannosylation is important for the secretion of microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129637. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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28
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Goldstein NB, Steel A, Barbulescu CC, Koster MI, Wright MJ, Jones KL, Gao B, Ward B, Woessner B, Trottier Z, Pakieser J, Hu J, Lambert KA, Shellman YG, Fujita M, Robinson WA, Roop DR, Norris DA, Birlea SA. Melanocyte Precursors in the Hair Follicle Bulge of Repigmented Vitiligo Skin Are Controlled by RHO-GTPase, KCTD10, and CTNNB1 Signaling. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:638-647.e13. [PMID: 32800877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In repigmentation of human vitiligo, the melanocyte (MC) precursors in the hair follicle bulge proliferate, migrate, and differentiate to repopulate the depigmented epidermis. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of pathways and signals in the bulge that control the repigmentation process. Using biopsies from patients with vitiligo, we have selectively harvested, by laser capture microdissection, MC and keratinocyte precursors from the hair follicle bulge of untreated vitiligo skin and vitiligo skin treated with narrow-band UVB. The captured material was subjected to whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing. With this strategy, we found that repigmentation in the bulge MC precursors is driven by KCTD10, a signal with unknown roles in the skin, and CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin) and RHO guanosine triphosphatase [RHO GTPase, RHO], two signaling pathways previously shown to be involved in pigmentation biology. Knockdown studies in cultured human MCs of RHOJ, the upmost differentially expressed RHO family component, corroborated with our findings in patients with vitiligo, identified RHOJ involvement in UV response and melanization, and confirmed previously identified roles in melanocytic cell migration and apoptosis. A better understanding of mechanisms that govern repigmentation in MC precursors will enable the discovery of molecules that induce robust repigmentation phenotypes in vitiligo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Steel
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Maranke I Koster
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael J Wright
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Department of Hematology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Bifeng Gao
- Sequencing and Microarray Core, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Brian Ward
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Brian Woessner
- Sequencing and Microarray Core, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Zachary Trottier
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jen Pakieser
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Junxiao Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Cancer Center Biostatistics Core, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Karoline A Lambert
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Yiqun G Shellman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mayumi Fujita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Denver Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Dennis R Roop
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - David A Norris
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Denver Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Stanca A Birlea
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
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29
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Svärd A, Hammerman M, Eliasson P. Elastin levels are higher in healing tendons than in intact tendons and influence tissue compliance. FASEB J 2020; 34:13409-13418. [PMID: 32794252 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001255r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Elastic fibers containing elastin play an important role in tendon functionality, but the knowledge on presence and function of elastin during tendon healing is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate elastin content and distribution in intact and healing Achilles tendons and to understand how elastin influence the viscoelastic properties of tendons. The right Achilles tendon was completely transected in 81 Sprague-Dawley rats. Elastin content was quantified in intact and healing tendons (7, 14, and 28 days post-surgery) and elastin distribution was visualized by immunohistochemistry at 14 days post-surgery. Degradation of elastin by elastase incubation was used to study the role of elastin on viscoelastic properties. Mechanical testing was either performed as a cyclic test (20× 10 N) or as a creep test. We found significantly higher levels of elastin in healing tendons at all time-points compared to intact tendons (4% in healing tendons 28 days post-surgery vs 2% in intact tendons). The elastin was more widely distributed throughout the extracellular matrix in the healing tendons in contrast to the intact tendon where the distribution was not so pronounced. Elastase incubation reduced the elastin levels by approximately 30% and led to a 40%-50% reduction in creep. This reduction was seen in both intact and healing tendons. Our results show that healing tendons contain more elastin and is more compliable than intact tendons. The role of elastin in tendon healing and tissue compliance indicates a protective role of elastic fibers to prevent re-injuries during early tendon healing. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Tendons transfer high loads from muscles to bones during locomotion. They are primarily made by the protein collagen, a protein that provide strength to the tissues. Besides collagen, tendons also contain other building blocks such as, for example, elastic fibers. Elastic fibers contain elastin and elastin is important for the extensibility of the tendon. When a tendon is injured and ruptured the tissue heals through scar formation. This scar tissue is different from a normal intact tendon and it is important to understand how the tendons heal. Little is known about the presence and function of elastin during healing of tendon injuries. We have shown, in animal experiments, that healing tendons have higher amounts of elastin compared to intact tendons. The elastin is also spread throughout the tissue. When we reduced the levels of this protein, we discovered altered mechanical properties of the tendon. The healing tendon can normally extend quite a lot, but after elastin removal this extensibility was less obvious. The ability of the healing tissue to extend is probably important to protect the tendon from re-injuries during the first months after rupture. We therefore propose that the tendons heal with a large amount of elastin to prevent re-ruptures during early locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Svärd
- Division of Surgery, Orthopedics and Oncology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Cardiovascular Research Centre (CVRC), School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Malin Hammerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Eliasson
- Division of Surgery, Orthopedics and Oncology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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30
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High plasma microfibrillar-associated protein 4 is associated with reduced surgical repair in abdominal aortic aneurysms. J Vasc Surg 2020; 71:1921-1929. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2019.08.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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31
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Kim YH, Park HR, Cha SY, Lee SH, Jo JW, Go JN, Lee KH, Lee SY, Shin SS. Effect of red ginseng NaturalGEL on skin aging. J Ginseng Res 2020; 44:115-122. [PMID: 32148394 PMCID: PMC7033332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In aged skin, degradation of collagen fibers, which occupy the majority of the extracellular matrix in the dermis, and changes of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and skin constituents, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramide, cause wrinkles and decrease skin moisturization to contribute to dryness and lower elasticity skin. Red ginseng (RG) is used as a cosmetic and food material and is known to protect from UVB-induced cell death, increase skin hydration, prevent wrinkles, and have an antioxidative effect. But, in general, RG used as a material is the soluble liquid portion in the solvent, and the part that is not soluble in the solvent is discarded. Thus, we made the whole RG into microgranulation and dispersed in water to produce gel form for using entire RG, and it was named red ginseng NaturalGEL (RG NGEL). Methods RG NGEL was investigated for matrix metalloproteinases inhibitory activity, induction of Type I collagen, AQP3, hyaluronan synthetase 2, serine palmitoyl transferase, ceramide synthase 3, and filaggrin expression and compared with RG water extract. Results RG NGEL reduced the levels of UV-induced matrix metalloproteinases and increased Type I collagen in human fibroblast cells and upregulated AQP3, hyaluronan synthetase 2, serine palmitoyl transferase, ceramide synthase 3, and filaggrin expressions in human keratinocytes compared with RG water extract. Conclusion RG NGEL has the potential as an effective reagent for antiaging cosmetics to improve wrinkle formation and skin hydration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Hyang Kim
- Efficacy Research department, Natural Products and Materials Research Institute, SK Bioland, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Rim Park
- Efficacy Research department, Natural Products and Materials Research Institute, SK Bioland, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yoon Cha
- Efficacy Research department, Natural Products and Materials Research Institute, SK Bioland, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hun Lee
- Efficacy Research department, Natural Products and Materials Research Institute, SK Bioland, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Wung Jo
- Efficacy Research department, Natural Products and Materials Research Institute, SK Bioland, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Nam Go
- Efficacy Research department, Natural Products and Materials Research Institute, SK Bioland, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Hyuk Lee
- Efficacy Research department, Natural Products and Materials Research Institute, SK Bioland, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Yeon Lee
- Efficacy Research department, Natural Products and Materials Research Institute, SK Bioland, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Seok Shin
- Efficacy Research department, Natural Products and Materials Research Institute, SK Bioland, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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32
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Han L, Ao X, Lin S, Guan S, Zheng L, Han X, Ye H. Quantitative Comparative Proteomics Reveal Biomarkers for Dengue Disease Severity. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2836. [PMID: 31921022 PMCID: PMC6914681 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever (DF) could develop into dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) with increased mortality rate. Since the clinical characteristics and pathogen are same in DF and DHF. It's important to identify different molecular biomarkers to predict DHF patients from DF. We conducted a clinical plasma proteomics study using quantification (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics methodology to found the differential expressed protein in DF patients before they developed into DHF. In total 441 proteins were identified up or down regulated. There proteins are enriched in diverse biological processes such as proteasome pathway, Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism and arginine biosynthesis. Several proteins such as PLAT, LAMB2, and F9 were upregulated in only DF patients which developed into DHF cases, not in DF, compared with healthy-control. In another way, FGL1, MFAP4, GLUL, and VCAM1 were upregulated in both DHF and DF cases compare with healthy-control. RT-PCR and ELISA were used to validate these upregulated gene expression and protein level in 54 individuals. Results displayed the same pattern as proteomics analysis. All including PLAT, LAMB2, F9, VCAM1, FGL1, MFAP4, and GLUL could be considered as potential markers of predicting DHF since the levels of these proteins vary between DF and DHF. These new founding identified potential molecular biomarkers for future development in precision prediction of DHF in DF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifen Han
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiulan Ao
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shujin Lin
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shengcan Guan
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lin Zheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao Han
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hanhui Ye
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Zhang X, Li H, Kou W, Tang K, Zhao D, Zhang J, Zhuang J, Zhao Y, Ji S, Peng W, Xu Y. Increased plasma microfibrillar-associated protein 4 is associated with atrial fibrillation and more advanced left atrial remodelling. Arch Med Sci 2019; 15:632-640. [PMID: 31110528 PMCID: PMC6524186 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2018.74953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of plasma microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) to atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial structural remodelling. MATERIAL AND METHODS Plasma MFAP4 levels were measured in 92 patients with AF (61 paroxysmal AF (PAF) patients and 31 persistent AF (PersAF) patients) and 71 control subjects without AF. Linear and logistic multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the potential value of MFAP4 for predicting the incidence of AF and left atrial size. Then, plasma and atrial protein levels of MFAP4 and its association with atrial fibrosis ratio were analysed in an atrial-specific fibrosis rat model. RESULTS There were significant differences in MFAP4 levels based on clinical group, with a gradient from control (1.71 ±0.53 ng/ml) to PAF (1.98 ±0.53 ng/ml) to PersAF (2.09 ±0.76 ng/ml) (p < 0.01). With multivariate analyses, plasma MFAP4 was found to be an independent determinant of left atrial diameter in AF patients. In atrial fibrosis rats, both plasma MFAP4 and atrial MFAP4 protein levels increased in atrial fibrosis rats and positively correlated with atrial fibrosis severity. CONCLUSIONS Plasma MFAP4 was increased in patients with AF and was highest in those with PersAF; both plasma MFAP4 and atrial MFAP4 protein expression were directly associated with the extent of LA structural remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianlin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cardiology, the People’s Hospital of Maanshan, Maanshan City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Hailing Li
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxin Kou
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingying Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhui Zhuang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuya Ji
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yawei Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Johansson SL, Wulf-Johansson H, Schlosser A, Titlestad IL, Miller B, Tal-Singer R, Holmskov U, Vestbo J, Sørensen GL. Plasma microfibrillar-associated protein 4 is not prognostic of emphysema progression but is associated with cardiovascular disease history and mortality in COPD patients. ERJ Open Res 2019; 5:00021-2019. [PMID: 31024964 PMCID: PMC6469069 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00021-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by chronic airflow limitation and inflammation of the airways and lung parenchyma. COPD is associated with many comorbidities, especially cardiovascular disease (CVD), which share similar risk factors with COPD [1]. Circulating MFAP4 is a relevant biomarker to identify COPD patients at risk of death and cardiovascular comorbidity after smoking cessationhttp://ow.ly/6vnL30o8t1g
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Lock Johansson
- Dept of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Helle Wulf-Johansson
- Dept of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anders Schlosser
- Dept of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ingrid L Titlestad
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | - Uffe Holmskov
- Dept of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Vestbo
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, and Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Grith Lykke Sørensen
- Dept of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Yamawaki Y, Mizutani T, Okano Y, Masaki H. The impact of carbonylated proteins on the skin and potential agents to block their effects. Exp Dermatol 2019; 28 Suppl 1:32-37. [PMID: 30698875 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Carbonylated proteins (CPs) are synthesized by reactions between amino groups in proteins and reactive aldehyde compounds (RAC) yielded from lipid peroxidation initiated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the skin, CPs are detected in a higher frequency at sun-exposed sites of the skin in elderly subjects. Since CPs in the stratum corneum (SC) have been reported to correlate with skin water content and transepidermal water loss, it is considered that the accumulation of CPs in the SC involves the loss of skin moisture functions. However, the roles of CPs in the dermis on skin physiology are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of CPs in the dermis during the progression of photoaged skin and to propose a method to prevent or reduce the synthesis of CPs. The exposure of human normal dermal fibroblasts to CPs increased intracellular ROS levels and the synthesis of intracellular CPs. In addition, CPs caused morphological changes of fibroblasts. Furthermore, CPs caused alterations of mRNA expression levels of dermal matrix-related proteins, such as upregulating MMP-1 and IL-8. These results indicated that CPs disrupt construction of the dermal matrix. On the other hand, α-tocopherol and β-carotene suppressed the synthesis of RAC during lipid peroxidation which resulted in the reduction of UVA-induced CPs in the SC. From these results, we propose that extracellular CPs increase intracellular ROS levels and contribute to alterations of the dermal matrix. To prevent the synthesis of CPs, the application of α-tocopherol or β-carotene could be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Yamawaki
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taeko Mizutani
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuri Okano
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Masaki
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
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36
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Bhushan R, Altinbas L, Jäger M, Zaradzki M, Lehmann D, Timmermann B, Clayton NP, Zhu Y, Kallenbach K, Kararigas G, Robinson PN. An integrative systems approach identifies novel candidates in Marfan syndrome-related pathophysiology. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:2526-2535. [PMID: 30677223 PMCID: PMC6433740 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene. Although many peripheral tissues are affected, aortic complications, such as dilation, dissection and rupture, are the leading causes of MFS‐related mortality. Aberrant TGF‐beta signalling plays a major role in the pathophysiology of MFS. However, the contributing mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we aimed at identifying novel aorta‐specific pathways involved in the pathophysiology of MFS. For this purpose, we employed the Fbn1 under‐expressing mgR/mgR mouse model of MFS. We performed RNA‐sequencing of aortic tissues of 9‐week‐old mgR/mgR mice compared with wild‐type (WT) mice. With a false discovery rate <5%, our analysis revealed 248 genes to be differentially regulated including 20 genes previously unrelated with MFS‐related pathology. Among these, we identified Igfbp2, Ccl8, Spp1, Mylk2, Mfap4, Dsp and H19. We confirmed the expression of regulated genes by quantitative real‐time PCR. Pathway classification revealed transcript signatures involved in chemokine signalling, cardiac muscle contraction, dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, our immunoblot analysis of aortic tissues revealed altered regulation of pSmad2 signalling, Perk1/2, Igfbp2, Mfap4, Ccl8 and Mylk2 protein levels in mgR/mgR vs WT mice. Together, our integrative systems approach identified several novel factors associated with MFS‐aortic‐specific pathophysiology that might offer potential novel therapeutic targets for MFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Bhushan
- Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany.,Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, India
| | | | - Marten Jäger
- Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Core Genomics Facility, Charité, University Medical Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcin Zaradzki
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Klaus Kallenbach
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, INCCI HaerzZenter, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Georgios Kararigas
- Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter N Robinson
- Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.,The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
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Yang J, Song H, Chen L, Cao K, Zhang Y, Li Y, Hao X. Integrated analysis of microfibrillar-associated proteins reveals MFAP4 as a novel biomarker in human cancers. Epigenomics 2019; 11:1635-1651. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2018-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The potential functions and underlying mechanism of microfibrillar-associated proteins (MFAPs) are explored in human cancers. Materials & methods: Here, we examined the expression profiles, prognostic values, epigenetic and genetic alterations of MFAPs in human cancers from public omics repository. Results: Among MFAPs family, MFAP4 was frequently downregulated in the most human cancers and high mRNA expression of MFAP4 significantly correlated with better overall survival in breast cancer. DNA hypermethylation in the promoter of MFAP4 decreased its mRNA expression. MFAP4 strongly associated with pathway in impairment and alteration of the elastic fibers. Conclusion: This integrated analysis provides new insights into MFAPs in human cancers and indicates that MFAP4 could be used as novel biomarker for developing therapies against human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions & Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, PR China
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province & Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, PR China
| | - Hui Song
- The Key Laboratory of Endemic & Ethnic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550004, PR China
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550004, PR China
| | - Li Chen
- Guiyang University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guiyang 550025, PR China
| | - Kun Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- Guizhou University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Yanmei Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions & Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, PR China
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province & Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, PR China
| | - Xiaojiang Hao
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions & Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, PR China
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province & Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, PR China
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38
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Gershanov S, Toledano H, Michowiz S, Barinfeld O, Pinhasov A, Goldenberg-Cohen N, Salmon-Divon M. MicroRNA-mRNA expression profiles associated with medulloblastoma subgroup 4. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:339-352. [PMID: 29497332 PMCID: PMC5818864 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s156709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant brain tumor in children, is divided into four tumor subgroups: wingless-type (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4. Ideally, clinical practice and treatment design should be subgroup specific. While WNT and SHH subgroups have well-defined biomarkers, distinguishing Group 3 from Group 4 is not straightforward. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which regulate posttranscriptional gene expression, are involved in MB tumorigenesis. However, the miRNA–messenger RNA (mRNA) regulatory network in MB is far from being fully understood. Our aims were to investigate miRNA expression regulation in MB subgroups, to assess miRNA target relationships, and to identify miRNAs that can distinguish Group 3 from Group 4. Patients and methods With these aims, integrated transcriptome mRNA and miRNA expression analysis was performed on primary tumor samples collected from 18 children with MB, using miRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and quantitative PCR. Results Of all the expressed miRNAs, 19 appeared to be significantly differentially expressed (DE) between Group 4 and non-Group 4 subgroups (false discovery rate [FDR] <0.05), including 10 miRNAs, which, for the first time, are reported to be in conjunction with MB. RNA-seq analysis identified 165 genes that were DE between Group 4 and the other subgroups (FDR <0.05), among which seven are predicted targets of five DE miRNAs and exhibit inverse expression pattern. Conclusion This study identified miRNA molecules that may be involved in Group 4 etiology, in general, and can distinguish between Group 3 and Group 4, in particular. In addition, understanding the involvement of miRNAs and their targets in MB may improve diagnosis and advance the development of targeted treatment for MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivan Gershanov
- Genomic Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Helen Toledano
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shalom Michowiz
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Orit Barinfeld
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Krieger Eye Research Laboratory, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Albert Pinhasov
- Genomic Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Nitza Goldenberg-Cohen
- The Krieger Eye Research Laboratory, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Ophthalmology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mali Salmon-Divon
- Genomic Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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High frequency plant regeneration from cotyledonary node explants of Cucumis sativus L. cultivar 'Green Long' via adventitious shoot organogenesis and assessment of genetic fidelity by RAPD-PCR technology. 3 Biotech 2018; 8:60. [PMID: 29354371 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Influence of cytokinins, silver nitrate (AgNO3) and auxins on plant regeneration from cucumber was investigated. The cotyledonary node explants were cultured on MS medium augmented with various concentrations (0.5-2.5 mg l-1) of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) and kinetin (KIN) for shoot bud induction. BAP at 1.5 mg l-1 was found to be the best concentration for induction of high frequency of multiple shoots (98.4%). Interestingly, maximum percent of multiple shoot regeneration (100%) as well as number of shoot buds (54.6 shoots/culture) was recorded on MS medium containing the combination of 4.5 mg l-1 AgNO3 and 1.5 mg l-1 BAP. Multiple shoot bud regeneration frequency as well as the number of shoots was positively correlated with the concentrations of AgNO3. Addition of silver nitrate in the medium not only enhanced the rate of multiple shoot bud regeneration but also elongation of shoot buds was observed. The highest percent of rooting (96.2%) was noticed on a medium containing the combination of indole 3-butyric acid (IBA), 1.5 mg l-1 and KIN 0.5 mg l-1. Acclimatized plantlets were successfully established in the field where the survival rate observed was 72%. The RAPD profiles of in vitro regenerated plants were found to be highly monomorphic and identical banding pattern with mother plant. DNA fingerprinting results confirmed that the tissue culture plantlets were found to be true-to-type. The present study describes efficient protocol for high frequency plant regeneration via adventitious shoot organogenesis in cucumber.
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Zhang J, Zhi C, Zhen F, Yuan X, Jiao C, Zhu H, Zhu H, Feng Y. iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analyses of High Grade Esophageal Squamous Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Proteomics Clin Appl 2017; 11. [PMID: 28816019 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201600167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is the fourth most lethal cancer in China. Little is known about the proteome of high grade esophageal squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (HGN), which is a premalignant lesion of ESCC. A quantitative proteomic analysis using an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) approach is used to characterize the protein expression profiles in HGN. Among the 3156 identified proteins, a total of 236 proteins are discovered to be differentially expressed. Compared with paired normal esophageal epithelial tissues, 138 proteins are upregulated and 98 proteins are downregulated in HGN. Bioinformatics analyses are performed according to gene ontology, clusters of orthologous groups, and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses. Six differentially expressed proteins are chosen and validated by Western blotting. The results of the study increase our understanding of early tumorigenesis during ESCC, and provide insights into the proteome at the initial stages of the disease that can be used to identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and for therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning, Nanjing, China.,Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunchun Zhi
- Department of Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning, Nanjing, China
| | - Fuxi Zhen
- Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoqin Yuan
- Department of Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunhua Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning, Nanjing, China
| | - Yadong Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, China.,Previously Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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41
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Mithieux SM, Weiss AS. Design of an elastin-layered dermal regeneration template. Acta Biomater 2017; 52:33-40. [PMID: 27903444 PMCID: PMC5402719 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate a novel approach for the production of tunable quantities of elastic fibers. We also show that exogenous tropoelastin is rate-limiting for elastin synthesis regardless of the age of the dermal fibroblast donor. Additionally, we provide a strategy to further enhance synthesis by older cells through the application of conditioned media. We show that this approach delivers an elastin layer on one side of the leading dermal repair template for contact with the deep dermis in order to deliver prefabricated elastic fibers to a physiologically appropriate site during subsequent surgery. This system is attractive because it provides for the first time a viable path for sufficient, histologically detectable levels of patient elastin into full-thickness wound sites that have until now lacked this elastic underlayer. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The scars of full thickness wounds typically lack elasticity. Elastin is essential for skin elasticity and is enriched in the deep dermis. This paper is significant because it shows that: (1) we can generate elastic fibers in tunable quantities, (2) tropoelastin is the rate-limiting component in elastin synthesis in vitro, (3) we can generate elastin fibers regardless of donor age, (4) we describe a novel approach to further increase the numbers and thickness of elastic fibers for older donors, (5) we improve on Integra Dermal Regeneration Template and generate a new hybrid biomaterial intended to subsequently surgically deliver these elastic fibers, (6) the elastic fiber layer is presented on the side of Integra that is intended for delivery into its physiologically appropriate site i.e. the deep dermis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Mithieux
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anthony S Weiss
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Blindbæk SL, Schlosser A, Green A, Holmskov U, Sorensen GL, Grauslund J. Association between microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) and micro- and macrovascular complications in long-term type 1 diabetes mellitus. Acta Diabetol 2017; 54:367-372. [PMID: 28039584 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-016-0953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) as a marker of micro- and macrovascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 203 persons with a long duration of type 1 diabetes from a population-based cohort ascertained in the former Funen County, Denmark. Detection of plasma-MFAP4 (pMFAP4) was performed by the AlphaLISA Technique. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was graded in accordance with the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study adaptation of the modified Airlie House classification. A monofilament test was used to test for neuropathy, and nephropathy was evaluated in a single spot urine sample. Data describing macrovascular disease were obtained from the Danish National Patient Register. RESULTS Median age and duration of diabetes were 58.7 and 43 years, respectively, and 61% were males. High levels of pMFAP4 were found in participants of old age, in women and in non-smokers (p < 0.05). In a multiple logistic regression model, patients with high levels of pMFAP4 were more likely to have diabetic neuropathy (OR 2.47 for quartile 4 versus quartile 1, 95% CI 1.01-6.03). No association was found between pMFAP4 and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy or macrovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS No association between pMFAP4 and macrovascular vascular complications was found. However, high levels of pMFAP4 correlated independently with diabetic neuropathy. Further studies on the predictive value of increased circulating MFAP4 in diabetic neuropathy are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Blindbæk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - A Schlosser
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 21-25, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - A Green
- OPEN, Odense Patient data Exploratory Network, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9 A, 3rd floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- OPEN, Odense Patient data Exploratory Network, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9 A, 3rd floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - U Holmskov
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 21-25, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - G L Sorensen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 21-25, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - J Grauslund
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
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Abstract
A characteristic feature of liver cirrhosis is the accumulation of large amounts of connective tissue with the prevailing content of type I collagen. Elastin is a minor connective tissue component in normal liver but it is actively synthesized by hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts in diseased liver. The accumulation of elastic fibers in later stages of liver fibrosis may contribute to the decreasing reversibility of the disease with advancing time. Elastin is formed by polymerization of tropoelastin monomers. It is an amorphous protein highly resistant to the action of proteases that forms the core of elastic fibers. Microfibrils surrounding the core are composed of fibrillins that bind a number of proteins involved in fiber formation. They include microfibril-associated glycoproteins (MAGPs), microfibrillar-associated proteins (MFAPs) and fibulins. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase-like proteins (LOXLs) are responsible for tropoelastin cross-linking and polymerization. TGF-β complexes attached to microfibrils release this cytokine and influence the behavior of the cells in the neighborhood. The role of TGF-β as the main profibrotic cytokine in the liver is well-known and the release of the cytokines of TGF-β superfamily from their storage in elastic fibers may affect the course of fibrosis. Elastic fibers are often studied in the tissues where they provide elasticity and resilience but their role is no longer viewed as purely mechanical. Tropoelastin, elastin polymer and elastin peptides resulting from partial elastin degradation influence fibroblastic and inflammatory cells as well as angiogenesis. A similar role may be performed by elastin in the liver. This article reviews the results of the research of liver elastic fibers on the background of the present knowledge of elastin biochemistry and physiology. The regulation of liver elastin synthesis and degradation may be important for the outcome of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Kanta
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague Hradec Kralove, Czechia
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Kim HN, Gil CH, Kim YR, Shin HK, Choi BT. Anti-photoaging properties of the phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor cilostazol in ultraviolet B-irradiated hairless mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31169. [PMID: 27484958 PMCID: PMC4971469 DOI: 10.1038/srep31169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether cilostazol, an activator of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent intracellular signaling, could inhibit ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-induced photoaging in HR-1 hairless mice. Cilostazol decreased wrinkle formation and skin thickness in UVB-irradiated mice, as well as increased staining of collagen fibers and inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in the skin. Moreover, the proteolytic activities of gelatinase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and collagenase MMP-3 were significantly decreased in UVB-irradiated mice treated with cilostazol. Western blotting showed that UVB-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB was significantly inhibited by cilostazol, whereas the activation of Akt was significantly enhanced by cilostazol. Confirmation of localized protein expression in the skin revealed marked p38 MAPK and NF-κB activation that was mainly detected in the dermis. Marked Akt activation was mainly detected in the epidermis. Our results suggest that cilostazol may have anti-photoaging effects on UVB-induced wrinkle formation by maintaining the extracellular matrix density in the dermis, which occurs via regulation of ROS and related p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling, and subsequent down-regulation of MMPs. Therefore, cilostazol may protect against photoaging-induced wrinkle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Neui Kim
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.,Korean Medical Science Research Center for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Chan Hee Gil
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Yu Ri Kim
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.,Korean Medical Science Research Center for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Hwa Kyoung Shin
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.,Korean Medical Science Research Center for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.,Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Byung Tae Choi
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.,Korean Medical Science Research Center for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.,Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
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Bracht T, Mölleken C, Ahrens M, Poschmann G, Schlosser A, Eisenacher M, Stühler K, Meyer HE, Schmiegel WH, Holmskov U, Sorensen GL, Sitek B. Evaluation of the biomarker candidate MFAP4 for non-invasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis C patients. J Transl Med 2016; 14:201. [PMID: 27378383 PMCID: PMC4932744 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-0952-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is located to extracellular matrix fibers and plays a role in disease-related tissue remodeling. Previously, we identified MFAP4 as a serum biomarker candidate for hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis in hepatitis C patients. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the potential of MFAP4 as biomarker for hepatic fibrosis with a focus on the differentiation of no to moderate (F0-F2) and severe fibrosis stages and cirrhosis (F3 and F4, Desmet-Scheuer scoring system). METHODS MFAP4 levels were measured using an AlphaLISA immunoassay in a retrospective study including n = 542 hepatitis C patients. We applied a univariate logistic regression model based on MFAP4 serum levels and furthermore derived a multivariate model including also age and gender. Youden-optimal cutoffs for binary classification were determined for both models without restrictions and considering a lower limit of 80 % sensitivity (correct classification of F3 and F4), respectively. To assess the generalization error, leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) was performed. RESULTS MFAP4 levels were shown to differ between no to moderate fibrosis stages F0-F2 and severe stages (F3 and F4) with high statistical significance (t test on log scale, p value <2.2·10(-16)). In the LOOCV, the univariate classification resulted in 85.8 % sensitivity and 54.9 % specificity while the multivariate model yielded 81.3 % sensitivity and 61.5 % specificity (restricted approaches). CONCLUSIONS We confirmed the applicability of MFAP4 as a novel serum biomarker for assessment of hepatic fibrosis and identification of high-risk patients with severe fibrosis stages in hepatitis C. The combination of MFAP4 with existing tests might lead to a more accurate non-invasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis and allow a cost-effective disease management in the era of new direct acting antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Bracht
- />Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Mölleken
- />Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Maike Ahrens
- />Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Gereon Poschmann
- />Molecular Proteomics Laboratory (MPL), Biologisch-Medizinisches Forschungszentrum (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anders Schlosser
- />Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Martin Eisenacher
- />Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- />Molecular Proteomics Laboratory (MPL), Biologisch-Medizinisches Forschungszentrum (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helmut E. Meyer
- />Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Wolff H. Schmiegel
- />Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Uffe Holmskov
- />Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Grith L. Sorensen
- />Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Barbara Sitek
- />Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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Milićević NM, Schmidt F, Kunz N, Kalies K, Milićević Ž, Schlosser A, Holmskov U, Sorensen GL, Westermann J. The role of microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) in the formation and function of splenic compartments during embryonic and adult life. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 365:135-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2374-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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47
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Zhao Z, Ma X, Sung D, Li M, Kosti A, Lin G, Chen Y, Pertsemlidis A, Hsiao TH, Du L. microRNA-449a functions as a tumor suppressor in neuroblastoma through inducing cell differentiation and cell cycle arrest. RNA Biol 2016; 12:538-54. [PMID: 25760387 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2015.1023495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNA-449a (miR-449a) has been identified to function as a tumor suppressor in several types of cancers. However, the role of miR-449a in neuroblastoma has not been intensively investigated. We recently found that the overexpression of miR-449a significantly induces neuroblastoma cell differentiation, suggesting its potential tumor suppressor function in neuroblastoma. In this study, we further investigated the mechanisms underlying the tumor suppressive function of miR-449a in neuroblastoma. We observed that miR-449a inhibits neuroblastoma cell survival and growth through 2 mechanisms--inducing cell differentiation and cell cycle arrest. Our comprehensive investigations on the dissection of the target genes of miR-449a revealed that 3 novel targets- MFAP4, PKP4 and TSEN15 -play important roles in mediating its differentiation-inducing function. In addition, we further found that its function in inducing cell cycle arrest involves down-regulating its direct targets CDK6 and LEF1. To determine the clinical significance of the miR-449a-mediated tumor suppressive mechanism, we examined the correlation between the expression of these 5 target genes in neuroblastoma tumor specimens and the survival of neuroblastoma patients. Remarkably, we noted that high tumor expression levels of all the 3 miR-449a target genes involved in regulating cell differentiation, but not the target genes involved in regulating cell cycle, are significantly correlated with poor survival of neuroblastoma patients. These results suggest the critical role of the differentiation-inducing function of miR-449a in determining neuroblastoma progression. Overall, our study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the tumor-suppressive function of miR-449a in neuroblastoma, and reveals the potential clinical significance of the miR-449a-mediated tumor suppressive pathway in neuroblastoma prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenze Zhao
- a Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute; The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio ; San Antonio , TX USA
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48
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Pilecki B, Holm AT, Schlosser A, Moeller JB, Wohl AP, Zuk AV, Heumüller SE, Wallis R, Moestrup SK, Sengle G, Holmskov U, Sorensen GL. Characterization of Microfibrillar-associated Protein 4 (MFAP4) as a Tropoelastin- and Fibrillin-binding Protein Involved in Elastic Fiber Formation. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:1103-14. [PMID: 26601954 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.681775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
MFAP4 (microfibrillar-associated protein 4) is an extracellular glycoprotein found in elastic fibers without a clearly defined role in elastic fiber assembly. In the present study, we characterized molecular interactions between MFAP4 and elastic fiber components. We established that MFAP4 primarily assembles into trimeric and hexameric structures of homodimers. Binding analysis revealed that MFAP4 specifically binds tropoelastin and fibrillin-1 and -2, as well as the elastin cross-linking amino acid desmosine, and that it co-localizes with fibrillin-1-positive fibers in vivo. Site-directed mutagenesis disclosed residues Phe(241) and Ser(203) in MFAP4 as being crucial for type I collagen, elastin, and tropoelastin binding. Furthermore, we found that MFAP4 actively promotes tropoelastin self-assembly. In conclusion, our data identify MFAP4 as a new ligand of microfibrils and tropoelastin involved in proper elastic fiber organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Pilecki
- From the Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Anne T Holm
- From the Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Anders Schlosser
- From the Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Jesper B Moeller
- From the Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | | | | | - Stefanie E Heumüller
- the Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Russell Wallis
- the Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, United Kingdom, and
| | - Soren K Moestrup
- From the Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark, the Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Gerhard Sengle
- the Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Uffe Holmskov
- From the Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Grith L Sorensen
- From the Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark,
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Böttcher-Haberzeth S, Biedermann T, Klar AS, Widmer DS, Neuhaus K, Schiestl C, Meuli M, Reichmann E. Characterization of pigmented dermo-epidermal skin substitutes in a long-term in vivo assay. Exp Dermatol 2015; 24:16-21. [PMID: 25346346 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In our laboratory, we have been using human pigmented dermo-epidermal skin substitutes for short-term experiments since several years. Little is known, however, about the long-term biology of such constructs after transplantation. We constructed human, melanocyte-containing dermo-epidermal skin substitutes of different (light and dark) pigmentation types and studied them in a long-term animal experiment. Developmental and maturational stages of the epidermal and dermal compartment as well as signs of homoeostasis were analysed 15 weeks after transplantation. Keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts from human skin biopsies were isolated and assembled into dermo-epidermal skin substitutes. These were transplanted onto immuno-incompetent rats and investigated 15 weeks after transplantation. Chromameter evaluation showed a consistent skin colour between 3 and 4 months after transplantation. Melanocytes resided in the epidermal basal layer in physiological numbers and melanin accumulated in keratinocytes in a supranuclear position. Skin substitutes showed a mature epidermis in a homoeostatic state and the presence of dermal components such as Fibrillin and Tropoelastin suggested advanced maturation. Overall, pigmented dermo-epidermal skin substitutes show a promising development towards achieving near-normal skin characteristics and epidermal and dermal tissue homoeostasis. In particular, melanocytes function correctly over several months whilst remaining in a physiological, epidermal position and yield a pigmentation resembling original donor skin colour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Böttcher-Haberzeth
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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50
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Schlosser A, Pilecki B, Hemstra LE, Kejling K, Kristmannsdottir GB, Wulf-Johansson H, Moeller JB, Füchtbauer EM, Nielsen O, Kirketerp-Møller K, Dubey LK, Hansen PBL, Stubbe J, Wrede C, Hegermann J, Ochs M, Rathkolb B, Schrewe A, Bekeredjian R, Wolf E, Gailus-Durner V, Fuchs H, Hrabě de Angelis M, Lindholt JS, Holmskov U, Sorensen GL. MFAP4 Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Migration, Proliferation and Accelerates Neointima Formation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2015; 36:122-33. [PMID: 26564819 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.115.306672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Arterial injury stimulates remodeling responses that, when excessive, lead to stenosis. These responses are influenced by integrin signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is an integrin ligand localized to extracellular matrix fibers in the vascular wall. The role of MFAP4 in vascular biology is unknown. We aimed to test the hypothesis that MFAP4 would enhance integrin-dependent VSMC activation. APPROACH AND RESULTS We produced Mfap4-deficient (Mfap4(-/-)) mice and performed carotid artery ligation to explore the role of MFAP4 in vascular biology in vivo. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of MFAP4 in neointimal formation ex vivo and in primary VSMC and monocyte cultures in vitro. When challenged with carotid artery ligation, Mfap4(-/-) mice exhibited delayed neointimal formation, accompanied by early reduction in the number of proliferating medial and neointimal cells, as well as infiltrating leukocytes. Delayed neointimal formation was associated with decreased cross-sectional area of ligated Mfap4(-/-) carotid arteries resulting in lumen narrowing 28 days after ligation. MFAP4 blockade prohibited the formation of neointimal hyperplasia ex vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that MFAP4 is a ligand for integrin αVβ3 and mediates VSMC phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, migration, and proliferation in vitro. MFAP4-dependent VSMC activation was reversible by treatment with MFAP4-blocking antibodies and inhibitors of focal adhesion kinase and downstream kinases. In addition, we showed that MFAP4 promotes monocyte chemotaxis in integrin αVβ3-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS MFAP4 regulates integrin αVβ3-induced VSMC proliferation and migration, as well as monocyte chemotaxis, and accelerates neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Schlosser
- From the Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (A.S., B.P., L.E.H., K.K., G.B.K., H.W.-J., J.B.M., K.K.-M., L.K.D., P.B.L.H., J.S., U.H, G.L.S.); Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark (E.-M.F.); Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (O.N.); Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (C.W., J.H., M.O.); Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany (C.W., J.H., M.O.); REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover, Germany (C.W., J.H., M.O.); German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany (B.R., A.S., V.G.-D., H.F., M.H.d.A.); Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany (B.R, E.W.); Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (A.S., R.B.); Chair of Experimental Genetics, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Munich, Germany (M.H.d.A.); Cardiovascular Research Unit, Viborg Hospital, Viborg, Denmark (J.S.L.); and Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Center of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (J.S.L.)
| | - Bartosz Pilecki
- From the Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (A.S., B.P., L.E.H., K.K., G.B.K., H.W.-J., J.B.M., K.K.-M., L.K.D., P.B.L.H., J.S., U.H, G.L.S.); Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark (E.-M.F.); Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (O.N.); Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (C.W., J.H., M.O.); Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany (C.W., J.H., M.O.); REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover, Germany (C.W., J.H., M.O.); German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany (B.R., A.S., V.G.-D., H.F., M.H.d.A.); Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany (B.R, E.W.); Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (A.S., R.B.); Chair of Experimental Genetics, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Munich, Germany (M.H.d.A.); Cardiovascular Research Unit, Viborg Hospital, Viborg, Denmark (J.S.L.); and Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Center of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (J.S.L.)
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