1
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Cai Z, Wang S, Zhou H, Cao D. Low expression of ZHX3 is associated with progression and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101829. [PMID: 37979559 PMCID: PMC10656720 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating studies suggest that ZHX3, the member of ZHX family, is involved in a variety of biological functions such as development and differentiation. Recently, ZHX3 may also be involved in the progression of several cancer types including renal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer and breast cancer. However, the potential role of ZHX3 in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unknown. In this study, we analyzed the protein levels of ZHX3 by immunohistochemistry and evaluated its relationship with the clinicopathological features and prognosis in 286 CRC patients. In vitro cell proliferation assay, plate colony formation assay and xenograft model in nude mice were applied to evaluate CRC cell proliferative ability. Our results showed that the expression of ZHX3 was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues compared with paired adjacent nontumor tissues. Furthermore, the ZHX3 expression was found to have a strong correlation with tumor size, tumor invasion depth and TNM stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that low ZHX3 expression was related to a poorer overall survival and disease-free survival in CRC patients. In addition, cox's proportional hazards analysis indicated that low ZHX3 expression was an independent prognostic indicator of poor prognosis. Functionally, reduced expression of ZHX3 promotes the proliferation of CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, overexpression of ZHX3 inhibited the growth of CRC cells, indicated that ZHX3 was significantly correlated with CRC progression. Our results indicate for the first time that ZHX3 may be a potential marker of cancer prognosis and CRC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhai Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Songsheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huabin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ding Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Chugh SS, Clement LC. "Idiopathic" minimal change nephrotic syndrome: a podocyte mystery nears the end. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 325:F685-F694. [PMID: 37795536 PMCID: PMC10878723 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00219.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of zinc fingers and homeoboxes (ZHX) transcriptional factors and the upregulation of hyposialylated angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in podocytes have been crucial in explaining the cardinal manifestations of human minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). Recently, uncovered genomic defects upstream of ZHX2 induce a ZHX2 hypomorph state that makes podocytes inherently susceptible to mild cytokine storms resulting from a common cold. In ZHX2 hypomorph podocytes, ZHX proteins are redistributed away from normal transmembrane partners like aminopeptidase A (APA) toward alternative binding partners like IL-4Rα. During disease relapse, high plasma soluble IL-4Rα (sIL-4Rα) associated with chronic atopy complements the cytokine milieu of a common cold to displace ZHX1 from podocyte transmembrane IL-4Rα toward the podocyte nucleus. Nuclear ZHX1 induces severe upregulation of ANGPTL4, resulting in incomplete sialylation of part of the ANGPTL4 protein, secretion of hyposialylated ANGPTL4, and hyposialylation-related injury in the glomerulus. This pattern of injury induces many of the classic manifestations of human minimal change disease (MCD), including massive and selective proteinuria, podocyte foot process effacement, and loss of glomerular basement membrane charge. Administration of glucocorticoids reduces ANGPTL4 upregulation, which reduces hyposialylation injury to improve the clinical phenotype. Improving sialylation of podocyte-secreted ANGPTL4 also reduces proteinuria and improves experimental MCD. Neutralizing circulating TNF-α, IL-6, or sIL-4Rα after the induction of the cytokine storm in Zhx2 hypomorph mice reduces albuminuria, suggesting potential new therapeutic targets for clinical trials to prevent MCD relapse. These studies collectively lay to rest prior suggestions of a role of single cytokines or soluble proteins in triggering MCD relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumant S Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Lionel C Clement
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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3
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Chen Y, Wu Y, Li J, Chen K, Wang W, Ye Z, Feng K, Yang Y, Xu Y, Kang J, Guo X. Cooperative regulation of Zhx1 and hnRNPA1 drives the cardiac progenitor-specific transcriptional activation during cardiomyocyte differentiation. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:244. [PMID: 37452012 PMCID: PMC10349095 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01548-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger proteins (ZNFs) mediated transcriptional regulation is critical for cell fate transition. However, it is still unclear how the ZNFs realize their specific regulatory roles in the stage-specific determination of cardiomyocyte differentiation. Here, we reported that the zinc fingers and homeoboxes 1 (Zhx1) protein, transiently expressed during the cell fate transition from mesoderm to cardiac progenitors, was indispensable for the proper cardiomyocyte differentiation of mouse and human embryonic stem cells. Moreover, Zhx1 majorly promoted the specification of cardiac progenitors via interacting with hnRNPA1 and co-activated the transcription of a wide range of genes. In-depth mechanistic studies showed that Zhx1 was bound with hnRNPA1 by the amino acid residues (Thr111-His120) of the second Znf domain, thus participating in the formation of cardiac progenitors. Together, our study highlights the unrevealed interaction of Zhx1/hnRNPA1 for activating gene transcription during cardiac progenitor specification and also provides new evidence for the specificity of cell fate determination in cardiomyocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yukang Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jianguo Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wuchan Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zihui Ye
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ke Feng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yiwei Yang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanxin Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiuhong Kang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Xudong Guo
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Institute for Advanced Study, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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4
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Del Nogal Avila M, Das R, Kharlyngdoh J, Molina-Jijon E, Donoro Blazquez H, Gambut S, Crowley M, Crossman DK, Gbadegesin RA, Chugh SS, Chugh SS, Avila-Casado C, Macé C, Clement LC, Chugh SS. Cytokine storm-based mechanisms for extrapulmonary manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e166012. [PMID: 37040185 PMCID: PMC10322692 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.166012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral illnesses like SARS-CoV-2 have pathologic effects on nonrespiratory organs in the absence of direct viral infection. We injected mice with cocktails of rodent equivalents of human cytokine storms resulting from SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 or rhinovirus common cold infection. At low doses, COVID-19 cocktails induced glomerular injury and albuminuria in zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2) hypomorph and Zhx2+/+ mice to mimic COVID-19-related proteinuria. Common Cold cocktail induced albuminuria selectively in Zhx2 hypomorph mice to model relapse of minimal change disease, which improved after depletion of TNF-α, soluble IL-4Rα, or IL-6. The Zhx2 hypomorph state increased cell membrane to nuclear migration of podocyte ZHX proteins in vivo (both cocktails) and lowered phosphorylated STAT6 activation (COVID-19 cocktail) in vitro. At higher doses, COVID-19 cocktails induced acute heart injury, myocarditis, pericarditis, acute liver injury, acute kidney injury, and high mortality in Zhx2+/+ mice, whereas Zhx2 hypomorph mice were relatively protected, due in part to early, asynchronous activation of STAT5 and STAT6 pathways in these organs. Dual depletion of cytokine combinations of TNF-α with IL-2, IL-13, or IL-4 in Zhx2+/+ mice reduced multiorgan injury and eliminated mortality. Using genome sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9, an insertion upstream of ZHX2 was identified as a cause of the human ZHX2 hypomorph state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Nogal Avila
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ranjan Das
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joubert Kharlyngdoh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Eduardo Molina-Jijon
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hector Donoro Blazquez
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stéphanie Gambut
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael Crowley
- Genomics Core Lab, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - David K. Crossman
- Genomics Core Lab, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rasheed A. Gbadegesin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sunveer S. Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sunjeet S. Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Carmen Avila-Casado
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Camille Macé
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lionel C. Clement
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sumant S. Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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5
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Smith JL, Wilson ML, Nilson SM, Rowan TN, Schnabel RD, Decker JE, Seabury CM. Genome-wide association and genotype by environment interactions for growth traits in U.S. Red Angus cattle. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:517. [PMID: 35842584 PMCID: PMC9287884 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08667-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genotypic information produced from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays has routinely been used to identify genomic regions associated with complex traits in beef and dairy cattle. Herein, we assembled a dataset consisting of 15,815 Red Angus beef cattle distributed across the continental U.S. and a union set of 836,118 imputed SNPs to conduct genome-wide association analyses (GWAA) for growth traits using univariate linear mixed models (LMM); including birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight. Genomic relationship matrix heritability estimates were produced for all growth traits, and genotype-by-environment (GxE) interactions were investigated. Results Moderate to high heritabilities with small standard errors were estimated for birth weight (0.51 ± 0.01), weaning weight (0.25 ± 0.01), and yearling weight (0.42 ± 0.01). GWAA revealed 12 pleiotropic QTL (BTA6, BTA14, BTA20) influencing Red Angus birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight which met a nominal significance threshold (P ≤ 1e-05) for polygenic traits using 836K imputed SNPs. Moreover, positional candidate genes associated with Red Angus growth traits in this study (i.e., LCORL, LOC782905, NCAPG, HERC6, FAM184B, SLIT2, MMRN1, KCNIP4, CCSER1, GRID2, ARRDC3, PLAG1, IMPAD1, NSMAF, PENK, LOC112449660, MOS, SH3PXD2B, STC2, CPEB4) were also previously associated with feed efficiency, growth, and carcass traits in beef cattle. Collectively, 14 significant GxE interactions were also detected, but were less consistent among the investigated traits at a nominal significance threshold (P ≤ 1e-05); with one pleiotropic GxE interaction detected on BTA28 (24 Mb) for Red Angus weaning weight and yearling weight. Conclusions Sixteen well-supported QTL regions detected from the GWAA and GxE GWAA for growth traits (birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight) in U.S. Red Angus cattle were found to be pleiotropic. Twelve of these pleiotropic QTL were also identified in previous studies focusing on feed efficiency and growth traits in multiple beef breeds and/or their composites. In agreement with other beef cattle GxE studies our results implicate the role of vasodilation, metabolism, and the nervous system in the genetic sensitivity to environmental stress. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08667-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna L Smith
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, USA
| | - Miranda L Wilson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, USA
| | - Sara M Nilson
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Troy N Rowan
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Robert D Schnabel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.,Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Jared E Decker
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.,Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Christopher M Seabury
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, USA.
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6
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You Y, Hu F, Hu S. Attenuated ZHX3 expression is predictive of poor outcome for liver cancer: Indication for personalized therapy. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:224. [PMID: 35720472 PMCID: PMC9185145 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc-fingers and homeoboxes (ZHX) family members have been characterized as master regulators in cancer initiation and development. The present study performed in silico data-mining with publicly available datasets and immunohistochemistry to assess the expression status of ZHX factors and the corresponding prognostic implications in liver cancer. Increased ZHX3 mRNA expression was associated with favorable overall survival in patients with liver cancer. Subgroups analyses revealed a significant association between the expression of ZHX factors and outcomes in select patient cohorts. Immunohistochemical analysis supported that ZHX3 expression was an independent prognostic indicator for patient survival. These results suggested that dysregulation of ZHX factors is involved in disease progression and ZHX3 expression may serve as a prognostic biomarker for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie You
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750002, P.R. China
| | - Fangrui Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750002, P.R. China
| | - Shengjuan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750002, P.R. China
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7
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Molina-Jijon E, Gambut S, Macé C, Avila-Casado C, Clement LC. Secretion of the epithelial sodium channel chaperone PCSK9 from the cortical collecting duct links sodium retention with hypercholesterolemia in nephrotic syndrome. Kidney Int 2020; 98:1449-1460. [PMID: 32750454 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2020.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The proprotein PCSK9 functions as a chaperone for the epithelial sodium channel in the cortical collecting duct (CCD), is highly expressed in the liver, and plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia. Lower levels of PCSK9 expression also occur in the normal kidney and intestine. Here, we found increased PCSK9 expression in the CCD of biopsies of patients with primary glomerular disease and explored a possible relationship with hypercholesterolemia of nephrotic syndrome. Significantly elevated serum PCSK9 and cholesterol levels were noted in two models of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, the Rrm2b-/- mouse and the Buffalo/Mna rat. Increased expression of PCSK9 in the kidney occurred when liver expression was reduced in both models. The impact of reduced or increased PCSK9 in the CCD on hypercholesterolemia in nephrotic syndrome was next studied. Mice with selective deficiency of PCSK9 expression in the collecting duct failed to develop hypercholesterolemia after injection of nephrotoxic serum. Blocking epithelial sodium channel activity with Amiloride in Rrm2b-/- mice resulted in increased expression of its chaperone PCSK9 in the CCD, followed by elevated plasma levels and worsening hypercholesterolemia. Thus, our data suggest that PCSK9 in the kidney plays a role in the initiation of hypercholesterolemia in nephrotic syndrome and make a case for depletion of PCSK9 early in patients with nephrotic syndrome to prevent the development of hypercholesterolemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Molina-Jijon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stéphanie Gambut
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Camille Macé
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Carmen Avila-Casado
- Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lionel C Clement
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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8
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Ge BH, Li GC. Long non-coding RNA SNHG17 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells by regulating the miR-23b-3p/ZHX1 axis. J Gene Med 2020; 22:e3247. [PMID: 32602607 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3247] [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: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 17 (SNHG17) is a carcinogenic lncRNA in diverse cancers. The expression pattern and mechanisms of SNHG17 in glioma still await verification. METHODS Paired glioma samples were enrolled. SNHG17, miR-23b-3p, and zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 1 (ZHX1) mRNA expression were examined by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). SNHG17 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and miR-23b-3p mimics were transfected into LN229 and U251 cell lines to repress SNHG17 and up-regulate miR-23b-3p expression, respectively. Proliferation, migration and invasion of LN229 and U251 cells were probed by a cell counting kit-8 assay and a Transwell assay. Bioinformatics prediction, dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, qRT-PCR and western blotting were applied to determine the regulatory relationships among SNHG17, miR-23b-3p and ZHX1. RESULTS SNHG17 expression was markedly raised in glioma tissues, which was positively correlated with ZHX1 expression and negatively associated with the expression of miR-23b-3p. After transfection of SNHG17 shRNAs into glioma cells, the proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells was markedly restrained. miR-23b-3p mimics the function of SHNG17 knockdown. Furthermore, miR-23b-3p was shown to be negatively modulated by SNHG17, and ZHX1 was identified as a target of miR-23b-3p. CONCLUSIONS SNHG17 is a "competing endogenous RNA" with respect to modulating ZHX1 expression by adsorbing miR-23b-3p and thereby promoting glioma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei-Hai Ge
- Department of Neurology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Brain Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Guo-Cheng Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Brain Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
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9
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Nail AN, Smith JJ, Peterson ML, Spear BT. Evolutionary Analysis of the Zinc Finger and Homeoboxes Family of Proteins Identifies Multiple Conserved Domains and a Common Early Chordate Ancestor. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:174-184. [PMID: 32125369 PMCID: PMC7144352 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Zinc Fingers and Homeoboxes (Zhx) proteins, Zhx1, Zhx2, and Zhx3, comprise a small family of proteins containing two amino-terminal C2–H2 zinc fingers and four or five carboxy-terminal homeodomains. These multiple homeodomains make Zhx proteins unusual because the majority of homeodomain-containing proteins contain a single homeodomain. Studies in cultured cells and mice suggest that Zhx proteins can function as positive or negative transcriptional regulators. Zhx2 regulates numerous hepatic genes, and all three Zhx proteins have been implicated in different cancers. Because Zhx proteins contain multiple predicted homeodomains, are associated with interesting physiological traits, and seem to be only present in the vertebrate lineage, we investigated the evolutionary history of this small family by comparing Zhx homologs from a wide range of chordates. This analysis indicates that the zinc finger motifs and homeodomains are highly similar among all Zhx proteins and also identifies additional Zhx-specific conserved regions, including a 13 amino acid amino-terminal motif that is nearly identical among all gnathostome Zhx proteins. We found single Zhx proteins in the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and in the nonvertebrate chordates sea squirt (Ciona intestinalis) and lancelet (Branchiostoma floridae); these Zhx proteins are most similar to gnathostome Zhx3. Based on our analyses, we propose that a duplication of the primordial Zhx gene gave rise to Zhx3 and the precursor to Zhx1 and Zhx2. A subsequent tandem duplication of this precursor generated Zhx1 and Zhx2 found in gnathostomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Nail
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky
| | - Jeramiah J Smith
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky
| | - Martha L Peterson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky
| | - Brett T Spear
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky
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10
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Ke J, Peng X, Mei S, Tian J, Ying P, Yang N, Wang X, Zou D, Yang Y, Zhu Y, Gong Y, Gong J, Zhong R, Chang J, Fang Z, Miao X. Evaluation of polymorphisms in microRNA-binding sites and pancreatic cancer risk in Chinese population. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:2252-2259. [PMID: 31880394 PMCID: PMC7011162 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As promising biomarkers and therapy targets, microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various physiological and tumorigenic processes. Genetic variants in miRNA‐binding sites can lead to dysfunction of miRNAs and contribute to disease. However, systematic investigation of the miRNA‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for pancreatic cancer (PC) risk remains elusive. We performed integrative bioinformatics analyses to select 31 SNPs located in miRNA‐target binding sites using the miRNASNP v2.0, a solid database providing miRNA‐related SNPs for genetic research, and investigated their associations with risk of PC in two large case‐control studies totally including 1847 cases and 5713 controls. We observed that the SNP rs3802266 is significantly associated with increased risk of PC (odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.11‐1.31, P = 1.29E‐05). Following luciferase reporter gene assays show that rs3802266‐G creates a stronger binding site for miR‐181a‐2‐3p in 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the gene ZHX2. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis suggests that ZHX2 expression is lower in individuals carrying rs3802266‐G with increased PC risk. In conclusion, our findings highlight the involvement of miRNA‐binding SNPs in PC susceptibility and provide new clues for PC carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiating Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shufang Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianbo Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pingting Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Danyi Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Gong
- College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zemin Fang
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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11
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The zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 protein ZHX2 and its interacting proteins regulate upstream pathways in podocyte diseases. Kidney Int 2019; 97:753-764. [PMID: 32059999 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Zinc fingers and homeoboxes (ZHX) proteins are heterodimeric transcriptional factors largely expressed at the cell membrane in podocytes in vivo. We found ZHX2-based heterodimers in podocytes, with ZHX2-ZHX1 predominantly at the cell membrane of the podocyte cell body, and ZHX2-ZHX3 at the slit diaphragm. In addition to changes in overall ZHX2 expression, there was increased podocyte nuclear ZHX3 and ZHX2 in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and increased podocyte nuclear ZHX1 in patients with minimal change disease. Zhx2 deficient mice had increased podocyte ZHX1 and ZHX3 expression. Zhx2 deficient mice and podocyte specific Zhx2 overexpressing transgenic rats develop worse experimental focal segmental glomerulosclerosis than controls, with increased nuclear ZHX3 and ZHX2, respectively. By contrast, podocyte specific Zhx2 overexpressing transgenic rats develop lesser proteinuria during experimental minimal change disease due to peripheral sequestration of ZHX1 by ZHX2. Using co-immunoprecipitation, the interaction of ZHX2 with aminopeptidase A in the podocyte body cell membrane, and EPHRIN B1 in the slit diaphragm were noted to be central to upstream events in animal models of minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, respectively. Mice deficient in Enpep, the gene for aminopeptidase A, and Efnb1, the gene for ephrin B1 developed worse albuminuria in glomerular disease models. Targeting aminopeptidase A in Zhx2 deficient mice with monoclonal antibodies induced albuminuria and upregulation of the minimal change disease mediator angiopoietin-like 4 through nuclear entry of ZHX1. Thus, podocyte ZHX2 imbalance is a critical factor in human glomerular disease, with minimal change disease disparities mediated mostly through ZHX1, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis deviations through ZHX3 and ZHX2.
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12
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Balkawade RS, Chen C, Crowley MR, Crossman DK, Clapp WL, Verlander JW, Marshall CB. Podocyte-specific expression of Cre recombinase promotes glomerular basement membrane thickening. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2019; 316:F1026-F1040. [PMID: 30810063 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00359.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditional gene targeting using Cre recombinase has offered a powerful tool to modify gene function precisely in defined cells/tissues and at specific times. However, in mammalian cells, Cre recombinase can be genotoxic. The importance of including Cre-expressing control mice to avoid misinterpretation and to maximize the validity of the experimental results has been increasingly recognized. While studying the role of podocytes in the pathogenesis of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickening, we used Cre recombinase driven by the podocyte-specific podocin promoter (NPHS2-Cre) to generate a conditional knockout. By conventional structural and functional measures (histology by periodic acid-Schiff staining, albuminuria, and plasma creatinine), we did not detect significant differences between NPHS2-Cre transgenic and wild-type control mice. However, surprisingly, the group that expressed Cre transgene alone developed signs of podocyte toxicity, including marked GBM thickening, loss of normal foot process morphology, and reduced Wilms tumor 1 expression. GBM thickening was characterized by altered expression of core structural protein laminin isoform α5β2γ1. RNA sequencing analysis of extracted glomeruli identified 230 genes that were significant and differentially expressed (applying a q < 0.05-fold change ≥ ±2 cutoff) in NPHS2-Cre mice compared with wild-type control mice. Many biological processes were reflected in the RNA sequencing data, including regulation of the extracellular matrix and pathways related to apoptosis and cell death. This study highlights the importance of including the appropriate controls for potential Cre-mediated toxicity in conditional gene-targeting experiments. Indeed, omitting the Cre transgene control can result in critical errors during interpretation of experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan S Balkawade
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Birmingham, Alabama.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Chao Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, College of Medicine Electron Microscopy Core, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Michael R Crowley
- Heflin Center for Genomic Science, Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David K Crossman
- Heflin Center for Genomic Science, Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - William L Clapp
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jill W Verlander
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, College of Medicine Electron Microscopy Core, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Caroline B Marshall
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Birmingham, Alabama.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
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13
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You Y, Ma Y, Wang Q, Ye Z, Deng Y, Bai F. Attenuated ZHX3 expression serves as a potential biomarker that predicts poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:1199-1210. [PMID: 30787639 PMCID: PMC6368119 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s184340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ZHX family has recently been in the spotlight as an integrator and an indispensable node in carcinogenesis, whose expression is frequently dysregulated in multiple cancers. The current study provides a novel investigation of the expression profiles of ZHX factors in breast cancer. Materials and methods The mRNA levels of ZHXs and follow-up periods in breast cancer patients were mined through the Oncomine, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, bc-GenExMiner, cBioPortal and Kaplan–Meier plotter databases. In addition, ZHX3 protein expression was examined in 98 primary tumor samples by immunohistochemistry to investigate its association with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcomes. Results We found that the transcriptional levels of ZHX1, ZHX2 and ZHX3 were not significantly altered in tumor tissues compared with those in nontumor tissues. ZHX2 and ZHX3 mRNA levels were observed to be positively correlated with estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression, while ZHX2 mRNA levels were negatively associated with HER2 expression. Survival analyses revealed that high mRNA levels of ZHX2 and ZHX3 correlated with better overall survival in patients with breast cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that patients with decreased ZHX3 protein levels had poorer outcomes. Multivariate analysis exhibited that ZHX3 expression may serve as an independent high-risk prognostic predictor. Conclusion Dysregulated expression of ZHXs may be involved in the progression of breast cancer and could serve as a novel biomarker and potential target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie You
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China, ;
| | - Yuhong Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China, ;
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Science and Education, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Zhengcai Ye
- Endoscopy Center, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China, ;
| | - Feihu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China, ;
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14
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Guo Y, Pace J, Li Z, Ma'ayan A, Wang Z, Revelo MP, Chen E, Gu X, Attalah A, Yang Y, Estrada C, Yang VW, He JC, Mallipattu SK. Podocyte-Specific Induction of Krüppel-Like Factor 15 Restores Differentiation Markers and Attenuates Kidney Injury in Proteinuric Kidney Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:2529-2545. [PMID: 30143559 PMCID: PMC6171275 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2018030324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Podocyte injury is the hallmark of proteinuric kidney diseases, such as FSGS and minimal change disease, and destabilization of the podocyte's actin cytoskeleton contributes to podocyte dysfunction in many of these conditions. Although agents, such as glucocorticoids and cyclosporin, stabilize the actin cytoskeleton, systemic toxicity hinders chronic use. We previously showed that loss of the kidney-enriched zinc finger transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) increases susceptibility to proteinuric kidney disease and attenuates the salutary effects of retinoic acid and glucocorticoids in the podocyte. METHODS We induced podocyte-specific KLF15 in two proteinuric murine models, HIV-1 transgenic (Tg26) mice and adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy, and used RNA sequencing of isolated glomeruli and subsequent enrichment analysis to investigate pathways mediated by podocyte-specific KLF15 in Tg26 mice. We also explored in cultured human podocytes the potential mediating role of Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1), a transcription factor critical for podocyte differentiation. RESULTS In Tg26 mice, inducing podocyte-specific KLF15 attenuated podocyte injury, glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and inflammation, while improving renal function and overall survival; it also attenuated podocyte injury in ADR-treated mice. Enrichment analysis of RNA sequencing from the Tg26 mouse model shows that KLF15 induction activates pathways involved in stabilization of actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, and podocyte differentiation. Transcription factor enrichment analysis, with further experimental validation, suggests that KLF15 activity is in part mediated by WT1. CONCLUSIONS Inducing podocyte-specific KLF15 attenuates kidney injury by directly and indirectly upregulating genes critical for podocyte differentiation, suggesting that KLF15 induction might be a potential strategy for treating proteinuric kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhengzhe Li
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and
| | - Avi Ma'ayan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Zichen Wang
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Monica P Revelo
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Edward Chen
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | | | | | | | - Vincent W Yang
- Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - John C He
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Renal Section, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Sandeep K Mallipattu
- Divisions of Nephrology and .,Renal Section, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York
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15
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Xu L, Wu Z, Tan S, Wang Z, Lin Q, Li X, Song X, Liu Y, Song Y, Zhang J, Peng J, Gao L, Gong Y, Liang X, Zuo X, Ma C. Tumor suppressor ZHX2 restricts hepatitis B virus replication via epigenetic and non-epigenetic manners. Antiviral Res 2018; 153:114-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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16
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Kwon RJ, Han ME, Kim JY, Liu L, Kim YH, Jung JS, Oh SO. ZHX1 Promotes the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Cholangiocarcinoma Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165516. [PMID: 27835650 PMCID: PMC5105949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 1 (ZHX1) is a transcription repressor that has been associated with the progressions of hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, and breast cancer. However, the functional roles of ZHX1 in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) have not been determined. We investigated the expression and roles of ZHX1 during the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CCA cells. In silico analysis and immunohistochemical studies showed amplification and overexpression of ZHX1 in CCA tissues. Furthermore, ZHX1 knockdown using specific siRNAs decreased CCA cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas ZHX1 overexpression promoted all three characteristics. In addition, results suggested EGR1 might partially mediate the effect of ZHX1 on the proliferation of CCA cells. Taken together, these results show ZHX1 promotes CCA cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and present ZHX1 as a potential target for the treatment of CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuk-Jun Kwon
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- Gene & Therapy Research Center for Vessel-associated Diseases, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Eun Han
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- Gene & Therapy Research Center for Vessel-associated Diseases, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-young Kim
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- Gene & Therapy Research Center for Vessel-associated Diseases, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Liangwen Liu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- Gene & Therapy Research Center for Vessel-associated Diseases, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hak Kim
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- Gene & Therapy Research Center for Vessel-associated Diseases, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Sup Jung
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae-Ock Oh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- Gene & Therapy Research Center for Vessel-associated Diseases, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro 49, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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17
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Marshall CB. Rethinking glomerular basement membrane thickening in diabetic nephropathy: adaptive or pathogenic? Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2016; 311:F831-F843. [PMID: 27582102 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00313.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States and is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and death. DN develops insidiously over a span of years before clinical manifestations, including microalbuminuria and declining glomerular filtration rate (GFR), are evident. During the clinically silent period, structural lesions develop, including glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickening, mesangial expansion, and glomerulosclerosis. Once microalbuminuria is clinically apparent, structural lesions are often considerably advanced, and GFR decline may then proceed rapidly toward end-stage kidney disease. Given the current lack of sensitive biomarkers for detecting early DN, a shift in focus toward examining the cellular and molecular basis for the earliest structural change in DN, i.e., GBM thickening, may be warranted. Observed within one to two years following the onset of diabetes, GBM thickening precedes clinically evident albuminuria. In the mature glomerulus, the podocyte is likely key in modifying the GBM, synthesizing and assembling matrix components, both in physiological and pathological states. Podocytes also secrete matrix metalloproteinases, crucial mediators in extracellular matrix turnover. Studies have shown that the critical podocyte-GBM interface is disrupted in the diabetic milieu. Just as healthy podocytes are essential for maintaining the normal GBM structure and function, injured podocytes likely have a fundamental role in upsetting the balance between the GBM's synthetic and degradative pathways. This article will explore the biological significance of GBM thickening in DN by reviewing what is known about the GBM's formation, its maintenance during health, and its disruption in DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Marshall
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; and Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
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18
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Abstract
Podocytes are highly specialized cells of the kidney glomerulus that wrap around capillaries and that neighbor cells of the Bowman’s capsule. When it comes to glomerular filtration, podocytes play an active role in preventing plasma proteins from entering the urinary ultrafiltrate by providing a barrier comprising filtration slits between foot processes, which in aggregate represent a dynamic network of cellular extensions. Foot processes interdigitate with foot processes from adjacent podocytes and form a network of narrow and rather uniform gaps. The fenestrated endothelial cells retain blood cells but permit passage of small solutes and an overlying basement membrane less permeable to macromolecules, in particular to albumin. The cytoskeletal dynamics and structural plasticity of podocytes as well as the signaling between each of these distinct layers are essential for an efficient glomerular filtration and thus for proper renal function. The genetic or acquired impairment of podocytes may lead to foot process effacement (podocyte fusion or retraction), a morphological hallmark of proteinuric renal diseases. Here, we briefly discuss aspects of a contemporary view of podocytes in glomerular filtration, the patterns of structural changes in podocytes associated with common glomerular diseases, and the current state of basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Reiser
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mehmet M Altintas
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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19
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Liu Y, Ma D, Ji C. Zinc fingers and homeoboxes family in human diseases. Cancer Gene Ther 2015; 22:223-6. [PMID: 25857360 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2015.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The zinc-fingers and homeoboxes (ZHX) family is a group of nuclear homodimeric transcriptional repressors that interact with a subunit of nuclear factor-Y (NF-YA) and contain two C2H2-type zinc fingers and five homeobox DNA-binding domains. The members of ZHX family form homodimers or heterodimers with other members or a subunit of NF-YA to repress transcription. ZHX family members function in hematopoietic cell development and differentiation, and neural progenitor maintenance. Dysfunction of ZHX family members correlates with the development and progression of various diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hematological diseases, neurological diseases and glomerular diseases. Furthermore, low expression of ZHX is associated with poor prognosis in malignancies. This review provides an update on the role of ZHX family in development and its function in cancer, with special emphasis on HCC and hematological malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Liu
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - D Ma
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - C Ji
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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20
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Clement LC, Macé C, Del Nogal Avila M, Marshall CB, Chugh SS. The proteinuria-hypertriglyceridemia connection as a basis for novel therapeutics for nephrotic syndrome. Transl Res 2015; 165:499-504. [PMID: 25005737 PMCID: PMC4270958 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The development of new and specific treatment options for kidney disease in general and glomerular diseases in specific has lagged behind other fields like heart disease and cancer. As a result, nephrologists have had to test and adapt therapeutics developed for other indications to treat glomerular diseases. One of the major factors contributing to this inertia has been the poor understanding of disease mechanisms. One way to elucidate these disease mechanisms is to study the association between the cardinal manifestations of glomerular diseases. Because many of these patients develop nephrotic syndrome, understanding the relationship of proteinuria, the primary driver in this syndrome, with hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, edema, and lipiduria could provide valuable insight. The recent unraveling of the relationship between proteinuria and hypertriglyceridemia mediated by free fatty acids, albumin, and the secreted glycoprotein angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) offers a unique opportunity to develop novel therapeutics for glomerular diseases. In this review, the therapeutic potential of mutant forms of Angptl4 in reducing proteinuria and, as a consequence, alleviating the other manifestations of nephrotic syndrome is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel C Clement
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Camille Macé
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Maria Del Nogal Avila
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Caroline B Marshall
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sumant S Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Copy-number variation associated with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. Pediatr Nephrol 2015; 30:487-95. [PMID: 25270717 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-014-2962-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most common cause of end-stage renal disease in children can be attributed to congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Despite this high incidence of disease, the genetic mutations responsible for the majority of CAKUT cases remain unknown. METHODS To identify novel genomic regions associated with CAKUT, we screened 178 children presenting with the entire spectrum of structural anomalies associated with CAKUT for submicroscopic chromosomal imbalances (deletions or duplications) using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays. RESULTS Copy-number variation (CNV) was detected in 10.1 % (18/178) of the patients; in 6.2 % of the total cohort, novel duplications or deletions of unknown significance were identified, and the remaining 3.9 % harboured CNV of known pathogenicity. CNVs were inherited in 90 % (9/10) of the families tested. In this cohort, patients diagnosed with multicystic dysplastic kidney (30 %) and posterior urethral valves (24 %) had a higher incidence of CNV. CONCLUSIONS The genes contained in the altered genomic regions represent novel candidates for CAKUT. This study has demonstrated that a significant proportion of patients with CAKUT harbour submicroscopic chromosomal imbalances, warranting screening in clinics for CNV.
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Mahajan A, Sim X, Ng HJ, Manning A, Rivas MA, Highland HM, Locke AE, Grarup N, Im HK, Cingolani P, Flannick J, Fontanillas P, Fuchsberger C, Gaulton KJ, Teslovich TM, Rayner NW, Robertson NR, Beer NL, Rundle JK, Bork-Jensen J, Ladenvall C, Blancher C, Buck D, Buck G, Burtt NP, Gabriel S, Gjesing AP, Groves CJ, Hollensted M, Huyghe JR, Jackson AU, Jun G, Justesen JM, Mangino M, Murphy J, Neville M, Onofrio R, Small KS, Stringham HM, Syvänen AC, Trakalo J, Abecasis G, Bell GI, Blangero J, Cox NJ, Duggirala R, Hanis CL, Seielstad M, Wilson JG, Christensen C, Brandslund I, Rauramaa R, Surdulescu GL, Doney ASF, Lannfelt L, Linneberg A, Isomaa B, Tuomi T, Jørgensen ME, Jørgensen T, Kuusisto J, Uusitupa M, Salomaa V, Spector TD, Morris AD, Palmer CNA, Collins FS, Mohlke KL, Bergman RN, Ingelsson E, Lind L, Tuomilehto J, Hansen T, Watanabe RM, Prokopenko I, Dupuis J, Karpe F, Groop L, Laakso M, Pedersen O, Florez JC, Morris AP, Altshuler D, Meigs JB, Boehnke M, McCarthy MI, Lindgren CM, Gloyn AL. Identification and functional characterization of G6PC2 coding variants influencing glycemic traits define an effector transcript at the G6PC2-ABCB11 locus. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1004876. [PMID: 25625282 PMCID: PMC4307976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome wide association studies (GWAS) for fasting glucose (FG) and insulin (FI) have identified common variant signals which explain 4.8% and 1.2% of trait variance, respectively. It is hypothesized that low-frequency and rare variants could contribute substantially to unexplained genetic variance. To test this, we analyzed exome-array data from up to 33,231 non-diabetic individuals of European ancestry. We found exome-wide significant (P<5×10-7) evidence for two loci not previously highlighted by common variant GWAS: GLP1R (p.Ala316Thr, minor allele frequency (MAF)=1.5%) influencing FG levels, and URB2 (p.Glu594Val, MAF = 0.1%) influencing FI levels. Coding variant associations can highlight potential effector genes at (non-coding) GWAS signals. At the G6PC2/ABCB11 locus, we identified multiple coding variants in G6PC2 (p.Val219Leu, p.His177Tyr, and p.Tyr207Ser) influencing FG levels, conditionally independent of each other and the non-coding GWAS signal. In vitro assays demonstrate that these associated coding alleles result in reduced protein abundance via proteasomal degradation, establishing G6PC2 as an effector gene at this locus. Reconciliation of single-variant associations and functional effects was only possible when haplotype phase was considered. In contrast to earlier reports suggesting that, paradoxically, glucose-raising alleles at this locus are protective against type 2 diabetes (T2D), the p.Val219Leu G6PC2 variant displayed a modest but directionally consistent association with T2D risk. Coding variant associations for glycemic traits in GWAS signals highlight PCSK1, RREB1, and ZHX3 as likely effector transcripts. These coding variant association signals do not have a major impact on the trait variance explained, but they do provide valuable biological insights. Understanding how FI and FG levels are regulated is important because their derangement is a feature of T2D. Despite recent success from GWAS in identifying regions of the genome influencing glycemic traits, collectively these loci explain only a small proportion of trait variance. Unlocking the biological mechanisms driving these associations has been challenging because the vast majority of variants map to non-coding sequence, and the genes through which they exert their impact are largely unknown. In the current study, we sought to increase our understanding of the physiological pathways influencing both traits using exome-array genotyping in up to 33,231 non-diabetic individuals to identify coding variants and consequently genes associated with either FG or FI levels. We identified novel association signals for both traits including the receptor for GLP-1 agonists which are a widely used therapy for T2D. Furthermore, we identified coding variants at several GWAS loci which point to the genes underlying these association signals. Importantly, we found that multiple coding variants in G6PC2 result in a loss of protein function and lower fasting glucose levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubha Mahajan
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xueling Sim
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Hui Jin Ng
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alisa Manning
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Manuel A. Rivas
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Heather M. Highland
- Human Genetics Center, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Adam E. Locke
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Niels Grarup
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hae Kyung Im
- Department of Health Studies, Biostatistics Laboratory, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Pablo Cingolani
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason Flannick
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pierre Fontanillas
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christian Fuchsberger
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kyle J. Gaulton
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tanya M. Teslovich
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - N. William Rayner
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Human Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Neil R. Robertson
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola L. Beer
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jana K. Rundle
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jette Bork-Jensen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claes Ladenvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Christine Blancher
- High Throughput Genomics, Oxford Genomics Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Buck
- High Throughput Genomics, Oxford Genomics Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Buck
- High Throughput Genomics, Oxford Genomics Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Noël P. Burtt
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stacey Gabriel
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anette P. Gjesing
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christopher J. Groves
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mette Hollensted
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeroen R. Huyghe
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Anne U. Jackson
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Goo Jun
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Johanne Marie Justesen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Massimo Mangino
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacquelyn Murphy
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matt Neville
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Onofrio
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kerrin S. Small
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heather M. Stringham
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ann-Christine Syvänen
- Department of Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joseph Trakalo
- High Throughput Genomics, Oxford Genomics Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Goncalo Abecasis
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Graeme I. Bell
- Departments of Medicine and Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - John Blangero
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nancy J. Cox
- Department of Medicine, Section of Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ravindranath Duggirala
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Craig L. Hanis
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mark Seielstad
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - James G. Wilson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Cramer Christensen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Ivan Brandslund
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rainer Rauramaa
- Foundation for Research in Health, Exercise and Nutrition, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Gabriela L. Surdulescu
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex S. F. Doney
- Division of Cardiovascular and Diabetes Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Lannfelt
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Allan Linneberg
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Bo Isomaa
- Department of Social Services and Health Care, Jakobstad, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Centre, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiinamaija Tuomi
- Folkhälsan Research Centre, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Endocrinology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Torben Jørgensen
- Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Johanna Kuusisto
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Matti Uusitupa
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Veikko Salomaa
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timothy D. Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. Morris
- Clinical Research Centre, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Colin N. A. Palmer
- Pat Macpherson Centre for Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Francis S. Collins
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Karen L. Mohlke
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Richard N. Bergman
- Cedars-Sinai Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Erik Ingelsson
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Molecular Epidemiology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jaakko Tuomilehto
- Diabetes Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria del Hospital Universario LaPaz (IdiPAZ), University Hospital LaPaz, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Vascular Prevention, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
- Diabetes Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Torben Hansen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Richard M. Watanabe
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Inga Prokopenko
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Genomics of Common Disease, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Josee Dupuis
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Fredrik Karpe
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Leif Groop
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Markku Laakso
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Oluf Pedersen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jose C. Florez
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Diabetes Research Center (Diabetes Unit), Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrew P. Morris
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Estonian Genome Centre, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - David Altshuler
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Diabetes Research Center (Diabetes Unit), Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James B. Meigs
- General Medicine Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael Boehnke
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mark I. McCarthy
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Cecilia M. Lindgren
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CML); (ALG)
| | - Anna L. Gloyn
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (CML); (ALG)
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Solution NMR structures of homeodomains from human proteins ALX4, ZHX1, and CASP8AP2 contribute to the structural coverage of the Human Cancer Protein Interaction Network. JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS 2014; 15:201-7. [PMID: 24941917 DOI: 10.1007/s10969-014-9184-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
High-quality solution NMR structures of three homeodomains from human proteins ALX4, ZHX1 and CASP8AP2 were solved. These domains were chosen as targets of a biomedical theme project pursued by the Northeast Structural Genomics Consortium. This project focuses on increasing the structural coverage of human proteins associated with cancer.
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Macé C, Chugh SS. Nephrotic syndrome: components, connections, and angiopoietin-like 4-related therapeutics. J Am Soc Nephrol 2014; 25:2393-8. [PMID: 24854282 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2014030267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome is recognized by the presence of proteinuria in excess of 3.5 g/24 h along with hypoalbuminemia, edema, hyperlipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia), and lipiduria. Each component has been investigated individually over the past four decades with some success. Studies published recently have started unraveling the molecular basis of proteinuria and its relationship with other components. We now have improved understanding of the threshold for nephrotic-range proteinuria and the pathogenesis of hypertriglyceridemia. These studies reveal that modifying sialylation of the soluble glycoprotein angiopoietin-like 4 or changing key amino acids in its sequence can be used successfully to treat proteinuria. Treatment strategies on the basis of fundamental relationships among different components of nephrotic syndrome use naturally occurring pathways and have great potential for future development into clinically relevant therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Macé
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sumant S Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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25
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Macé C, Chugh SS. Nephrotic syndrome: components, connections, and angiopoietin-like 4-related therapeutics. J Am Soc Nephrol 2014. [PMID: 24854282 DOI: 10.1681/asn.20140303267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome is recognized by the presence of proteinuria in excess of 3.5 g/24 h along with hypoalbuminemia, edema, hyperlipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia), and lipiduria. Each component has been investigated individually over the past four decades with some success. Studies published recently have started unraveling the molecular basis of proteinuria and its relationship with other components. We now have improved understanding of the threshold for nephrotic-range proteinuria and the pathogenesis of hypertriglyceridemia. These studies reveal that modifying sialylation of the soluble glycoprotein angiopoietin-like 4 or changing key amino acids in its sequence can be used successfully to treat proteinuria. Treatment strategies on the basis of fundamental relationships among different components of nephrotic syndrome use naturally occurring pathways and have great potential for future development into clinically relevant therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Macé
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sumant S Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Liu H, Murthi P, Qin S, Kusuma GD, Borg AJ, Knöfler M, Haslinger P, Manuelpillai U, Pertile MD, Abumaree M, Kalionis B. A novel combination of homeobox genes is expressed in mesenchymal chorionic stem/stromal cells in first trimester and term pregnancies. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:1382-94. [PMID: 24692208 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114526471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human chorionic mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (CMSCs) derived from the placenta are similar to adult tissue-derived MSCs. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of these cells in normal placental development. Transcription factors, particularly members of the homeobox gene family, play crucial roles in maintaining stem cell proliferation and lineage specification in embryonic tissues. In adult tissues and organs, stem cells proliferate at low levels in their niche until they receive cues from the microenvironment to differentiate. The homeobox genes that are expressed in the CMSC niche in placental tissues have not been identified. We used the novel strategy of laser capture microdissection to isolate the stromal component of first trimester villi and excluded the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast layers that comprise the outer layer of the chorionic villi. Microarray analysis was then used to screen for homeobox genes in the microdissected tissue. Candidate homeobox genes were selected for further RNA analysis. Immunohistochemistry of candidate genes in first trimester placental villous stromal tissue revealed homeobox genes Meis1, myeloid ectropic viral integration site 1 homolog 2 (MEIS2), H2.0-like Drosophila (HLX), transforming growth factor β-induced factor (TGIF), and distal-less homeobox 5 (DLX5) were expressed in the vascular niche where CMSCs have been shown to reside. Expression of MEIS2, HLX, TGIF, and DLX5 was also detected in scattered stromal cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry verified expression of MEIS2, HLX, TGIF, and DLX5 homeobox genes in first trimester and term CMSCs. These data suggest a combination of regulatory homeobox genes is expressed in CMSCs from early placental development to term, which may be required for stem cell proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, QiLu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gina D Kusuma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J Borg
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Haslinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Manuelpillai
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria
| | - Mark D Pertile
- VCGS, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Childrens Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohamed Abumaree
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences/ King Abdulla International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Chugh SS, Macé C, Clement LC, Del Nogal Avila M, Marshall CB. Angiopoietin-like 4 based therapeutics for proteinuria and kidney disease. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:23. [PMID: 24611049 PMCID: PMC3933785 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Current drugs used to treat proteinuric disorders of the kidney have been borrowed from other branches of medicine, and are only partially effective. The discovery of a central, mechanistic role played by two different forms of the secreted glycoprotein angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) in human and experimental glomerular disease has opened new treatment avenues. Localized upregulation of a hyposialylated form (lacks sialic acid residues) of Angptl4 secreted by podocytes induces the cardinal morphological and clinical manifestations of human minimal change disease, and is also being increasingly recognized as a significant contributor toward proteinuria in experimental diabetic nephropathy. Oral treatment with low doses of N-acetyl-D-mannosamine, a naturally occurring precursor of sialic acid, improves sialylation of Angptl4 in vivo, and reduces proteinuria by over 40%. By contrast, a sialylated circulating form of Angptl4, mostly secreted from skeletal muscle, heart and adipose tissue in all major primary glomerular diseases, reduces proteinuria while also causing hypertriglyceridemia. Intravenous administration of recombinant human Angptl4 mutated to avoid hypertriglyceridemia and cleavage has remarkable efficacy in reducing proteinuria by as much as 65% for 2 weeks after a single low dose. Both interventions are mechanistically relevant, utilize naturally occurring pathways, and represent new generation therapeutic agents for chronic kidney disease related to glomerular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumant S Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Camille Macé
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lionel C Clement
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Maria Del Nogal Avila
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Caroline B Marshall
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
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Clement LC, Macé C, Avila-Casado C, Joles JA, Kersten S, Chugh SS. Circulating angiopoietin-like 4 links proteinuria with hypertriglyceridemia in nephrotic syndrome. Nat Med 2013; 20:37-46. [PMID: 24317117 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The molecular link between proteinuria and hyperlipidemia in nephrotic syndrome is not known. We show in the present study that plasma angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) links proteinuria with hypertriglyceridemia through two negative feedback loops. In previous studies in a rat model that mimics human minimal change disease, we observed localized secretion by podocytes of hyposialylated Angptl4, a pro-proteinuric form of the protein. But in this study we noted high serum levels of Angptl4 (presumably normosialylated based on a neutral isoelectric point) in other glomerular diseases as well. Circulating Angptl4 was secreted by extrarenal organs in response to an elevated plasma ratio of free fatty acids (FFAs) to albumin when proteinuria reached nephrotic range. In a systemic feedback loop, these circulating pools of Angptl4 reduced proteinuria by interacting with glomerular endothelial αvβ5 integrin. Blocking the Angptl4-β5 integrin interaction or global knockout of Angptl4 or β5 integrin delayed recovery from peak proteinuria in animal models. But at the same time, in a local feedback loop, the elevated extrarenal pools of Angptl4 reduced tissue FFA uptake in skeletal muscle, heart and adipose tissue, subsequently resulting in hypertriglyceridemia, by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-mediated hydrolysis of plasma triglycerides to FFAs. Injecting recombinant human ANGPTL4 modified at a key LPL interacting site into nephrotic Buffalo Mna and Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats reduced proteinuria through the systemic loop but, by bypassing the local loop, without increasing plasma triglyceride levels. These data show that increases in circulating Angptl4 in response to nephrotic-range proteinuria reduces the degree of this pathology, but at the cost of inducing hypertriglyceridemia, while also suggesting a possible therapy to treat these linked pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel C Clement
- 1] Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. [2]
| | - Camille Macé
- 1] Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. [2]
| | - Carmen Avila-Casado
- 1] Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. [2] Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional De Cardiologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jaap A Joles
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Kersten
- Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sumant S Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Wang J, Liu D, Liang X, Gao L, Yue X, Yang Y, Ma C, Liu J. Construction of a recombinant eukaryotic human ZHX1 gene expression plasmid and the role of ZHX1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2013; 8:1531-6. [PMID: 24064680 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2013.1700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc-fingers and homeoboxes protein 1 (ZHX1) consists of 873 amino acid residues, is localized in the cell nucleus and appears to act as a transcriptional repressor. Previous studies have shown that ZHX1 interacts with nuclear factor Y subunit α (NF-YA), DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) 3B and ZHX2, all of which are involved in tumorigenesis. However, the exact role of ZHX1 in tumorigenesis remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to construct a recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid containing the human ZHX1 (hZHX1) gene and to investigate the biological activities of ZHX1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) was used to amplify the N- and C-terminal fragments (ZHX1‑N and ZHX1‑C, respectively) of the hZHX1 gene. The two PCR fragments were cloned into the pEASY-T1 vector and subcloned into the pcDNA3 plasmid to generate a recombinant pcDNA3‑ZHX1 plasmid. Following identification by enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing, the recombinant pcDNA3‑ZHX1 plasmid was transfected into SMMC-7721 cells. The level of ZHX1 expression was detected by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Cell growth curve assays were used to evaluate the effect of ZHX1 on cell proliferation. Moreover, the differential expression of ZHX1 between cancer and adjacent cirrhotic liver tissue was investigated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing confirmed the successful construction of the recombinant plasmid, pcDNA3‑ZHX1. qPCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that ZHX1 was efficiently expressed in SMMC-7721 cells and overexpression of ZHX1 may inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells. In addition, reduced ZHX1 expression is widespread among cancer tissues from HCC patients. In conclusion, a recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid, pcDNA3‑ZHX1, was successfully constructed. In addition, the current results indicate that a low expression of ZHX1 may be responsible for hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
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YUE XUETIAN, ZHANG ZHENYU, LIANG XIAOHONG, GAO LIFEN, ZHANG XIAONING, ZHAO DI, LIU XIAO, MA HONGXIN, GUO MIN, SPEAR BRETTT, GONG YAOQIN, MA CHUNHONG. Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and represses expression of Cyclins A and E. Gastroenterology 2012; 142:1559-70.e2. [PMID: 22406477 PMCID: PMC3367107 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) represses transcription of several genes associated with liver cancer. However, little is known about the role of ZHX2 in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the mechanisms by which ZHX2 might affect proliferation of HCC cells. METHODS We overexpressed and knocked down ZHX2 in HCC cells and analyzed the effects on proliferation, colony formation, and the cell cycle. We also analyzed the effects of ZHX2 overexpression in growth of HepG2.2.15 tumor xenografts in nude mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays were used to measure binding of ZHX2 target promoters. Levels of ZHX2 in HCC samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS ZHX2 overexpression significantly reduced proliferation of HCC cells and growth of tumor xenografts in mice; it led to G1 arrest and reduced levels of Cyclins A and E in HCC cell lines. ZHX2 bound to promoter regions of CCNA2 (which encodes Cyclin A) and CCNE1 (which encodes Cyclin E) and inhibited their transcription. Knockdown of Cyclin A or Cyclin E reduced the increased proliferation mediated by ZHX2 knockdown. Nuclear localization of ZHX2 was required for it to inhibit proliferation of HCC cells in culture and in mice. Nuclear localization of ZHX2 was reduced in human HCC samples, even in small tumors (diameter, <5 cm), compared with adjacent nontumor tissues. Moreover, reduced nuclear levels of ZHX2 correlated with reduced survival times of patients, high levels of tumor microvascularization, and hepatocyte proliferation. CONCLUSIONS ZHX2 inhibits HCC cell proliferation by preventing expression of Cyclins A and E, and reduces growth of xenograft tumors in mice. Loss of nuclear ZHX2 might be an early step in the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- XUETIAN YUE
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
| | - ZHENYU ZHANG
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
| | - XIAOHONG LIANG
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
| | - LIFEN GAO
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
| | - XIAONING ZHANG
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
| | - DI ZHAO
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
| | - XIAO LIU
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
| | - HONGXIN MA
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
| | - MIN GUO
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
| | - BRETT T. SPEAR
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - YAOQIN GONG
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Genetics, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
| | - CHUNHONG MA
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012 P.R. China
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Abstract
As an integral member of the filtration barrier in the kidney glomerulus, the podocyte is in a unique geographical position: It is exposed to chemical signals from the urinary space (Bowman's capsule), it receives and transmits chemical and mechanical signals to/from the glomerular basement membrane upon which it elaborates, and it receives chemical and mechanical signals from the vascular space with which it also communicates. As with every cell, the ability of the podocyte to receive signals from the surrounding environment and to translate them to the intracellular milieu is dependent largely on molecules residing on the cell membrane. These molecules are the first-line soldiers in the ongoing battle to sense the environment, to respond to friendly signals, and to defend against injurious foes. In this review, we take a membrane biologist's view of the podocyte, examining the many membrane receptors, channels, and other signaling molecules that have been implicated in podocyte biology. Although we attempt to be comprehensive, our goal is not to capture every membrane-mediated pathway but rather to emphasize that this approach may be fruitful in understanding the podocyte and its unique properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Greka
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA.
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The homeobox leucine zipper gene Homez plays a role in Xenopus laevis neurogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 415:11-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.09.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Chen QJ, Lv ZL, Dang YW, Wei JJ, Sun ZL. Clinical significance of ZHX2 protein expression in gastric carcinoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2011; 19:3163-3167. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v19.i30.3163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the expression of zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) in gastric carcinoma and to analyze its clinical significance.
METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of ZHX2 protein in 62 cases of gastric carcinoma and tumor-adjacent tissue specimens. The relationship between ZHX2 protein expression and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric carcinoma was then analyzed.
RESULTS: The positive rate of ZHX2 expression was significantly higher in gastric carcinoma than in tumor-adjacent tissue (72.58% vs 14.52%, P < 0.001). The expression of ZHX2 was not associated with age, gender, tumor size, classification, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis or TNM stage. However, ZHX2 expression was significantly associated with tumor location and depth of invasion (both P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The expression of ZHX2 protein in gastric carcinoma was significantly higher than that in tumor-adjacent tissue. ZHX2 may be used to evaluate the origin and prognosis of gastric carcinoma.
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Chugh SS, Clement LC, Macé C. New insights into human minimal change disease: lessons from animal models. Am J Kidney Dis 2011; 59:284-92. [PMID: 21974967 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2011.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of minimal change disease (MCD), considered to be the simplest form of nephrotic syndrome, has been one of the major unsolved mysteries in kidney disease. In this review, recent landmark studies that have led to the unraveling of MCD are discussed. A recent study now explains the molecular basis of major clinical and morphologic changes in MCD. Overproduction of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in podocytes in MCD causes binding of ANGPTL4 to the glomerular basement membrane, development of nephrotic-range selective proteinuria, diffuse effacement of foot processes, and loss of glomerular basement membrane charge, but is not associated with changes shown by light microscopy in the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments. At least some of this ability of ANGPTL4 to induce proteinuria is linked to a deficiency of sialic acid residues because oral supplementation with sialic acid precursor N-acetyl-d-mannosamine improves sialylation of podocyte-secreted ANGPTL4 and significantly decreases proteinuria. Animal models of MCD, recent advances in potential biomarkers, and studies of upstream factors that may initiate glomerular changes also are discussed. In summary, recent progress in understanding MCD is likely to influence the diagnosis and treatment of MCD in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumant S Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
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35
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Yaddanapudi S, Altintas MM, Kistler AD, Fernandez I, Möller CC, Wei C, Peev V, Flesche JB, Forst AL, Li J, Patrakka J, Xiao Z, Grahammer F, Schiffer M, Lohmüller T, Reinheckel T, Gu C, Huber TB, Ju W, Bitzer M, Rastaldi MP, Ruiz P, Tryggvason K, Shaw AS, Faul C, Sever S, Reiser J. CD2AP in mouse and human podocytes controls a proteolytic program that regulates cytoskeletal structure and cellular survival. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:3965-80. [PMID: 21911934 DOI: 10.1172/jci58552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney podocytes are highly differentiated epithelial cells that form interdigitating foot processes with bridging slit diaphragms (SDs) that regulate renal ultrafiltration. Podocyte injury results in proteinuric kidney disease, and genetic deletion of SD-associated CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) leads to progressive renal failure in mice and humans. Here, we have shown that CD2AP regulates the TGF-β1-dependent translocation of dendrin from the SD to the nucleus. Nuclear dendrin acted as a transcription factor to promote expression of cytosolic cathepsin L (CatL). CatL proteolyzed the regulatory GTPase dynamin and the actin-associated adapter synaptopodin, leading to a reorganization of the podocyte microfilament system and consequent proteinuria. CD2AP itself was proteolyzed by CatL, promoting sustained expression of the protease during podocyte injury, and in turn increasing the apoptotic susceptibility of podocytes to TGF-β1. Our study identifies CD2AP as the gatekeeper of the podocyte TGF-β response through its regulation of CatL expression and defines a molecular mechanism underlying proteinuric kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suma Yaddanapudi
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
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Suehiro F, Nishimura M, Kawamoto T, Kanawa M, Yoshizawa Y, Murata H, Kato Y. Impact of zinc fingers and homeoboxes 3 on the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation. Stem Cells Dev 2011; 20:1539-47. [PMID: 21174497 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2010.0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose zinc fingers and homeoboxes 3 (ZHX3) as new osteogenic markers for mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). ZHX3 mRNA expression was upregulated within 1-6 h after incubation of MSCs in the osteogenic induction medium, and reached maximum levels after 24 h of incubation. Two to 4 days later, ZHX3 mRNA levels had decreased sharply. Maximal mRNA levels were 3- to 5-fold higher than those in the undifferentiated state. In contrast, Runt-related transcription factor2 (RUNX2) mRNA expression was downregulated at 2-4 h after incubation, and levels were only enhanced 1.4-fold after 12 and 24 h of incubation. Further, Osterix mRNA levels increased only 1.6-fold after 4 and 24 h of incubation. Thus, ZHX3 expression may be a better marker of MSC osteogenic differentiation than RUNX2 or Osterix expression at the initial stage of differentiation. Knockdown of ZHX3 using 2 distinct small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotides had little effect on cell morphology or on MSC proliferation, regardless of the differentiation state of the cells. However, ZHX3 siRNAs suppressed Osterix, but not RUNX2 mRNA expression, within 1 h of osteogenic differentiation, and this suppression was sustained for at least 24 h. The 2 ZHX3 siRNAs also suppressed alkaline phosphatase induction and matrix mineralization (assessed using alizarin red staining), and, further, suppressed the calcium content of the cultures at a later stage of differentiation (days 6-21). The effects of ZHX3 siRNAs on the osteogenic differentiation were comparable to those of RUNX2 and Osterix siRNAs. These findings suggest that ZHX3 is involved in the switch from the undifferentiated state of MSC to an osteogenic program, and that ZHX3 may be useful as an early osteogenic differentiation marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumio Suehiro
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Peterson ML, Ma C, Spear BT. Zhx2 and Zbtb20: novel regulators of postnatal alpha-fetoprotein repression and their potential role in gene reactivation during liver cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2011; 21:21-7. [PMID: 21216289 PMCID: PMC3313486 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The mouse alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene is abundantly expressed in the fetal liver, normally silent in the adult liver but is frequently reactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma. The basis for AFP expression in the fetal liver has been studied extensively. However, the basis for AFP reactivation during hepatocarcinogenesis is not well understood. Two novel factors that control postnatal AFP repression, Zhx2 and Zbtb20, were recently identified. Here, we review the transcription factors that regulate AFP in the fetal liver, as well as Zhx2 and Zbtb20, and raise the possibility that the loss of these postnatal repressors may be involved in AFP reactivation in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha L Peterson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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39
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Clement LC, Avila-Casado C, Macé C, Soria E, Bakker WW, Kersten S, Chugh SS. Podocyte-secreted angiopoietin-like-4 mediates proteinuria in glucocorticoid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Nat Med 2010; 17:117-22. [PMID: 21151138 PMCID: PMC3021185 DOI: 10.1038/nm.2261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lionel C Clement
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, and Nephrology Research and Training Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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White JT, Zhang B, Cerqueira DM, Tran U, Wessely O. Notch signaling, wt1 and foxc2 are key regulators of the podocyte gene regulatory network in Xenopus. Development 2010; 137:1863-73. [PMID: 20431116 PMCID: PMC2867321 DOI: 10.1242/dev.042887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Podocytes are highly specialized cells in the vertebrate kidney. They participate in the formation of the size-exclusion barrier of the glomerulus/glomus and recruit mesangial and endothelial cells to form a mature glomerulus. At least six transcription factors (wt1, foxc2, hey1, tcf21, lmx1b and mafb) are known to be involved in podocyte specification, but how they interact to drive the differentiation program is unknown. The Xenopus pronephros was used as a paradigm to address this question. All six podocyte transcription factors were systematically eliminated by antisense morpholino oligomers. Changes in the expression of the podocyte transcription factors and of four selected markers of terminal differentiation (nphs1, kirrel, ptpru and nphs2) were analyzed by in situ hybridization. The data were assembled into a transcriptional regulatory network for podocyte development. Although eliminating the six transcription factors individually interfered with aspects of podocyte development, no single gene regulated the entire differentiation program. Only the combined knockdown of wt1 and foxc2 resulted in a loss of all podocyte marker gene expression. Gain-of-function studies showed that wt1 and foxc2 were sufficient to increase podocyte gene expression within the glomus proper. However, the combination of wt1, foxc2 and Notch signaling was required for ectopic expression in ventral marginal zone explants. Together, this approach demonstrates how complex interactions are required for the correct spatiotemporal execution of the podocyte gene expression program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T. White
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, LSU Health Sciences Center, MEB 6A12, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, LSU Health Sciences Center, MEB 6A12, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Débora M. Cerqueira
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, LSU Health Sciences Center, MEB 6A12, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Uyen Tran
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, LSU Health Sciences Center, MEB 6A12, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Oliver Wessely
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, LSU Health Sciences Center, MEB 6A12, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Genetics, LSU Health Sciences Center, MEB 6A12, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Bird LE, Ren J, Nettleship JE, Folkers GE, Owens RJ, Stammers DK. Novel structural features in two ZHX homeodomains derived from a systematic study of single and multiple domains. BMC STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2010; 10:13. [PMID: 20509910 PMCID: PMC2893186 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6807-10-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zhx1 to 3 (zinc-fingers and homeoboxes) form a set of paralogous genes encoding multi-domain proteins. ZHX proteins consist of two zinc fingers followed by five homeodomains. ZHXs have biological roles in cell cycle control by acting as co-repressors of the transcriptional regulator Nuclear Factor Y. As part of a structural genomics project we have expressed single and multi-domain fragments of the different human ZHX genes for use in structure determination. RESULTS A total of 30 single and multiple domain ZHX1-3 constructs selected from bioinformatics protocols were screened for soluble expression in E. coli using high throughput methodologies. Two homeodomains were crystallized leading to structures for ZHX1 HD4 and ZHX2 HD2. ZHX1 HD4, although closest matched to homeodomains from 'homez' and 'engrailed', showed structural differences, notably an additional C-terminal helix (helix V) which wrapped over helix I thereby making extensive contacts. Although ZHX2 HD2-3 was successfully expressed and purified, proteolysis occurred during crystallization yielding crystals of just HD2. The structure of ZHX2 HD2 showed an unusual open conformation with helix I undergoing 'domain-swapping' to form a homodimer. CONCLUSIONS Although multiple-domain constructs of ZHX1 selected by bioinformatics studies could be expressed solubly, only single homeodomains yielded crystals. The crystal structure of ZHX1 HD4 showed additional hydrophobic interactions relative to many known homeodomains via extensive contacts formed by the novel C-terminal helix V with, in particular, helix I. Additionally, the replacement of some charged covariant residues (which are commonly observed to form salt bridges in non-homeotherms such as the Drosophila 'engrailed' homeodomain), by apolar residues further increases hydrophobic contacts within ZHX1 HD4, and potentially stability, relative to engrailed homeodomain. ZHX1 HD4 helix V points away from the normally observed DNA major groove binding site on homeodomains and thus would not obstruct the putative binding of nucleic acid. In contrast, for ZHX2 HD2 the observed altered conformation involving rearrangement of helix I, relative to the canonical homeodomain fold, disrupts the normal DNA binding site, although protein-protein binding is possible as observed in homodimer formation.
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Kim JH, Konieczkowski M, Mukherjee A, Schechtman S, Khan S, Schelling JR, Ross MD, Bruggeman LA, Sedor JR. Podocyte injury induces nuclear translocation of WTIP via microtubule-dependent transport. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:9995-10004. [PMID: 20086015 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.061671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocyte structural and transcriptional phenotype plasticity characterizes glomerular injury. Transcriptional activity of WT1 (Wilm's tumor 1) is required for normal podocyte structure and is repressed by the podocyte adherens junction protein, WTIP (WT1 interacting protein). Here we show that WTIP translocated into podocyte nuclei in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice, a model of transient nephrotic syndrome. Cultured podocytes, which stably expressed an epitope-tagged WTIP, were treated with LPS. Imaging and cellular fractionation studies demonstrated that WTIP translocated from podocyte cell contacts into nuclei within 6 h and relocalized to cell contacts within 24 h after LPS treatment. LPS-stimulated WTIP nuclear translocation required JNK activity, which assembled a multiprotein complex of the scaffolding protein JNK-interacting protein 3 and the molecular motor dynein. Intact microtubule networks and dynein activity were necessary for LPS-stimulated WTIP translocation. Podocytes expressing sh-Wtip change morphology and demonstrate altered actin assembly in cell spreading assays. Stress signaling pathways initiate WTIP nuclear translocation, and the concomitant loss of WTIP from cell contacts changes podocyte morphology and dynamic actin assembly, suggesting a mechanism that transmits changes in podocyte morphology to the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane H Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
| | - Martha Konieczkowski
- Case Western Reserve University Center for the Study of Kidney Disease and Biology, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
| | - Amitava Mukherjee
- Case Western Reserve University Center for the Study of Kidney Disease and Biology, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
| | - Sam Schechtman
- Case Western Reserve University Center for the Study of Kidney Disease and Biology, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
| | - Shenaz Khan
- Case Western Reserve University Center for the Study of Kidney Disease and Biology, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
| | - Jeffrey R Schelling
- Case Western Reserve University Center for the Study of Kidney Disease and Biology, Cleveland, Ohio 44109; Department of Medicine, MetroHealth System Campus, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
| | - Michael D Ross
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Leslie A Bruggeman
- Case Western Reserve University Center for the Study of Kidney Disease and Biology, Cleveland, Ohio 44109; Department of Medicine, MetroHealth System Campus, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
| | - John R Sedor
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44109; Case Western Reserve University Center for the Study of Kidney Disease and Biology, Cleveland, Ohio 44109; Department of Medicine, MetroHealth System Campus, Cleveland, Ohio 44109.
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Gargalovic PS, Erbilgin A, Kohannim O, Pagnon J, Wang X, Castellani L, LeBoeuf R, Peterson ML, Spear BT, Lusis AJ. Quantitative trait locus mapping and identification of Zhx2 as a novel regulator of plasma lipid metabolism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 3:60-7. [PMID: 20160197 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.109.902320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously mapped a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 15 in mice contributing to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels and now report the identification of the underlying gene. METHODS AND RESULTS We first fine-mapped the locus by studying a series of congenic strains derived from the parental strains BALB/cJ and MRL/MpJ. Analysis of gene expression and sequencing followed by transgenic complementation led to the identification of zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2), a transcription factor previously implicated in the developmental regulation of alpha-fetoprotein. Reduced expression of the protein in BALB/cJ mice resulted in altered hepatic transcript levels for several genes involved in lipoprotein metabolism. Most notably, the Zhx2 mutation resulted in a failure to suppress expression of lipoprotein lipase, a gene normally silenced in the adult liver, and this was normalized in BALB/cJ mice carrying the Zhx2 transgene. CONCLUSIONS We identified the gene underlying the chromosome 15 quantitative trait locus, and our results show that Zhx2 functions as a novel developmental regulator of key genes influencing lipoprotein metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Gargalovic
- Department of Medicine, Microbiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA
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ZHX2 Interacts with Ephrin-B and regulates neural progenitor maintenance in the developing cerebral cortex. J Neurosci 2009; 29:7404-12. [PMID: 19515908 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5841-08.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells in the ventricular zone of the developing mammalian cerebral cortex give rise to specialized cortical cell types via consecutive rounds of proliferation and differentiation, but the mechanisms by which progenitor cell self-renewal and differentiation are regulated during cortical development are not well understood. Here, we show that zinc-finger and homeodomain protein 2 (ZHX2) is specifically expressed in neural progenitor cells during cortical neurogenesis. ZHX2 binds to the cytoplasmic domain of ephrin-B1, which is expressed in cortical neural progenitors and plays a role in neural progenitor cell maintenance. ZHX2 acts as a transcriptional repressor in cell, and its repressor activity is enhanced by coexpression of an ephrin-B1 intracellular domain. Blocking ZHX2 function in cultured neural progenitor cells or in the embryonic cortex causes neuronal differentiation, whereas overexpression of ZHX2 and an ephrin-B1 intracellular domain disrupts the normal differentiation of cortical neural progenitor cells. This study identifies ZHX2 as a novel regulator of neural progenitor cell maintenance and suggests a potential nuclear mechanism of the ephrin-B function in the cortex.
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Genetic forms of nephrotic syndrome: a single-center experience in Brussels. Pediatr Nephrol 2009; 24:287-94. [PMID: 18709391 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-008-0953-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2008] [Revised: 07/01/2008] [Accepted: 07/02/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to present our experience in treating children with genetic forms of nephrotic syndrome and diagnosing these diseases. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data, mutational analyses, histopathological features, treatment modalities, and outcome of 26 consecutive children (20 families) suffering from congenital and/or steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome who were assessed by genetic analysis. Ten out of 26 children (38%) had congenital nephrotic syndrome, 4/26 (15%) had infantile nephrotic syndrome, 10/26 (38%) had late-onset nephrotic syndrome, and 2/26 (9%) had asymptomatic proteinuria. We detected a mutation in 21/26 (81%) patients and in 15/20 (75%) families. NPHS1 mutation analyses were positive in 4/20 (20%), NPHS2 mutations in 4/20 (20%), WT1 mutations in 4/20 (20%), and PLCE1 mutations in 3/20 (15%) families. NPHS1 and PLCE1 mutations were solely found in patients with the earliest onset. The majority of patients, especially those with early onset of nephrotic syndrome, had serious adverse events related to the nephrotic status, and 19/26 (73%) reached end-stage renal failure at a median age of 27 months. Genetic forms of nephrotic syndrome comprise a heterogeneous group of genetic mutations. The progression toward end-stage renal failure is the rule but is highly variable between patients.
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Tesař V, Zima T. Recent Progress in the Pathogenesis of Nephrotic Proteinuria. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2008; 45:139-220. [DOI: 10.1080/10408360801934865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Sun L, Xie P, Wada J, Kashihara N, Liu FY, Zhao Y, Kumar D, Chugh SS, Danesh FR, Kanwar YS. Rap1b GTPase ameliorates glucose-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. J Am Soc Nephrol 2008; 19:2293-301. [PMID: 18753253 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2008030336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of tubular injury in diabetic nephropathy is relatively unknown, despite that apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells is commonly observed in human renal biopsies. The GTPase Ras-proximate-1 (Rap1b) is upregulated in the hyperglycemic state and is known to increase B-Raf, an antiapoptotic effector protein. In this study, the effects of high glucose on renal tubular apoptosis and the potential ability for Rap1b to ameliorate these effects were investigated. In the kidneys of diabetic mice, apoptotic tubular cells and dysmorphic mitochondria were observed, Bcl-2 expression was decreased, and Bax expression was increased. Total Rap1b expression was slightly increased, but its associated GTPase activity was significantly decreased. In vitro, high extracellular glucose led to decreased Bcl-2 expression, reduced Rap1b GTPase activity, and increased levels of both Bax and GTPase activating protein in a proximal tubular cell line (HK-2). These changes were accompanied by increased DNA fragmentation, decreased high molecular weight mitochondrial DNA, altered mitochondrial morphology and function, disrupted Bcl-2-Bax and Bcl-2-Rap1b interactions, and reduced cell survival. Overexpression of Rap1b partially prevents these abnormalities. Furthermore, the BH4 domain of Bcl-2 was found to be required for successful protein-protein interaction between Bcl-2 and Rap1b. In summary, these data suggest that Rap1b ameliorates glucose-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in renal tubular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Sun
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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Abstract
Mutations in the NPHS2 gene, encoding podocin, are responsible for familial autosomal recessive and sporadic cases of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. We have successfully generated a mouse model in which the common p.R138Q mutation found in nephrotic patients is expressed in the kidney. Homozygous mice express the mutant protein, which is mislocated to the cytoplasm, along with a portion of the nephrin pool. These mice die within the first month of life, but their survival depends on the genetic background. Albuminuria manifests early and leads to progressive renal insufficiency, characterized histologically by diffuse mesangiolysis and mesangial sclerosis, endothelial lesions along with podocyte abnormalities such as widespread foot process effacement. Gene expression profiling revealed marked differences between these and the podocin-null mice, including significant perturbations of podocyte-expressed genes such as Cd2ap, Vegfa and the transcription factors Lmx1b and Zhx2. Upregulation of Serpine1 and Tgfb1 implicates these as potential mediators of disease progression in these mice. This mouse model of nephrotic syndrome may serve as a valuable tool in studies of in vivo intracellular protein trafficking of podocyte proteins, as well as testing therapeutic modalities aimed at correcting the targeting of mutant proteins.
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Chugh SS. Transcriptional regulation of podocyte disease. Transl Res 2007; 149:237-42. [PMID: 17466922 PMCID: PMC1974875 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2007.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2006] [Revised: 01/08/2007] [Accepted: 01/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The podocyte is a highly specialized visceral epithelial cell that forms the outermost layer of the glomerular capillary loop and plays a critical role in the maintenance of the glomerular filtration barrier. Several transcriptional factors regulate the podocyte function under normal and disease conditions. In this review, the role of Wilms tumor 1 (WT1), LIM homeobox transcription factor 1, beta (Lmx1b), pod1, pax-2, kreisler, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), smad7, and zinc fingers and homeoboxes (ZHX) proteins in the development of podocyte disease is outlined. The regulation of several important podocyte genes, including transcriptional factors, by ZHX proteins, their predominant non-nuclear localization in the normal in vivo podocyte, and changes in ZHX expression related to the development of minimal change disease and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis are discussed. Finally, some future therapeutic strategies for glomerular disease are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumant S Chugh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Clement LC, Liu G, Perez-Torres I, Kanwar YS, Avila-Casado C, Chugh SS. Early changes in gene expression that influence the course of primary glomerular disease. Kidney Int 2007; 72:337-47. [PMID: 17457373 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ki.5002302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Serial changes in glomerular capillary loop gene expression were used to uncover mechanisms contributing to primary glomerular disease in rat models of passive Heymann nephritis and puromycin nephrosis. Before the onset of proteinuria, podocyte protein-tyrosine phosphatase (GLEPP1) expression was transiently decreased in the nephrosis model, whereas the immune costimulatory molecule B7.1 was stimulated in both models. To relate these changes to the development of proteinuria, the time of onset and intensity of proteinuria were altered. When the models were induced simultaneously, proteinuria and anasarca occurred earlier with the collapse of glomerular capillary loops. Upregulation of B7.1 with the downregulation of GLEPP1, Wilms' tumor gene (WT1), megalin, and vascular endothelial growth factor started early and persisted through the course of disease. In the puromycin and the combined models, changes in GLEPP1 expression were corticosteroid-sensitive, whereas B7.1, WT1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and most slit diaphragm genes involved later in the combined model, except podocin, were corticosteroid-resistant. There was a very early increase in the nuclear expression of podocyte transcription factors ZHX2 and ZHX1 that may be linked to the changes in gene expression in the combined proteinuric model. Our studies suggest that an early and persistent change in mostly steroid-resistant glomerular gene expression is the hallmark of severe and progressive glomerular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Clement
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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