1
|
Ma S, Wang L, Zhang J, Geng L, Yang J. The role of transcriptional and epigenetic modifications in astrogliogenesis. PeerJ 2024; 12:e18151. [PMID: 39314847 PMCID: PMC11418818 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are widely distributed and play a critical role in the central nervous system (CNS) of the human brain. During the development of CNS, astrocytes provide essential nutritional and supportive functions for neural cells and are involved in their metabolism and pathological processes. Despite the numerous studies that have reported on the regulation of astrogliogenesis at the transcriptional and epigenetic levels, there is a paucity of literature that provides a comprehensive summary of the key factors influencing this process. In this review, we analyzed the impact of transcription factors (e.g., NFI, JAK/STAT, BMP, and Ngn2), DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and noncoding RNA on astrocyte behavior and the regulation of astrogliogenesis, hope it enhances our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying astrogliogenesis and offers a theoretical foundation for the treatment of patients with neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuangping Ma
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Clinical Medicine Center, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Clinical Medicine Center, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Junhe Zhang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Clinical Medicine Center, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lujing Geng
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Junzheng Yang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Clinical Medicine Center, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Guangdong Nephrotic Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, The R&D Center of Drug for Renal Diseases, Consun Pharmaceutical Group, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu J, Tan S, Feng Z, Zhao H, Yu C, Yang Y, Zhong B, Zheng W, Yu H, Li H. Whole-genome de novo sequencing reveals genomic variants associated with differences of sex development in SRY negative pigs. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:68. [PMID: 39223676 PMCID: PMC11367908 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00644-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions in which chromosomal, gonadal, or phenotypic sex is atypical. In more than 50% of human DSD cases, a molecular diagnosis is not available. In intensively farmed pig populations, the incidence of XX DSD pigs is relatively high, leading to economic losses for pig breeders. Interestingly, in the majority of 38, XX DSD pigs, gonads still develop into testis-like structures or ovotestes despite the absence of the testis-determining gene (SRY). However, the current understanding of the molecular background of XX DSD pigs remains limited. METHODS Anatomical and histological characteristics of XX DSD pigs were analysed using necropsy and HE staining. We employed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) with 10× Genomics technology and used de novo assembly methodology to study normal female and XX DSD pigs. Finally, the identified variants were validated in 32 XX DSD pigs, and the expression levels of the candidate variants in the gonads of XX DSD pigs were further examined. RESULTS XX DSD pigs are characterised by the intersex reproductive organs and the absence of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules of the gonads. We identified 4,950 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from non-synonymous mutations in XX DSD pigs. Cohort validation results highlighted two specific SNPs, "c.218T > C" in the "Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 gene (IFITM1)" and "c.1043C > G" in the "Newborn ovary homeobox gene (NOBOX)", which were found exclusively in XX DSD pigs. Moreover, we verified 14 candidate structural variants (SVs) from 1,474 SVs, identifying a 70 bp deletion fragment in intron 5 of the WW domain-containing oxidoreductase gene (WWOX) in 62.5% of XX DSD pigs. The expression levels of these three candidate genes in the gonads of XX DSD pigs were significantly different from those of normal female pigs. CONCLUSION The nucleotide changes of IFITM1 (c.218T > C), NOBOX (c.1043 C > G), and a 70 bp deletion fragment of the WWOX were the most dominant variants among XX DSD pigs. This study provides a theoretical basis for better understanding the molecular background of XX DSD pigs. DSD are conditions affecting development of the gonads or genitalia. These disorders can happen in many different types of animals, including pigs, goats, dogs, and people. In people, DSD happens in about 0.02-0.13% of births, and in pigs, the rate is between 0.08% and 0.75%. Pigs have a common type of DSD where the animal has female chromosomes (38, XX) but no SRY gene, which is usually found on the Y chromosome in males. XX DSD pigs may look like both males and females on the outside and have testis-like or ovotestis (a mix of ovary and testis) gonads inside. XX DSD pigs often lead to not being able to have piglets, slower growth, lower chance of survival, and poorer meat quality. Here, we used a method called whole-genome de novo sequencing to look for variants in the DNA of XX DSD pigs. We then checked these differences in a larger group of pigs. Our results reveal the nucleotide changes in IFITM1 (c.218T > C), NOBOX (c.1043 C > G), and a 70 bp deletion fragment in intron 5 of the WWOX, all linked to XX DSD pigs. The expression levels of these three genes were also different in the gonads of XX DSD pigs compared to normal female pigs. These variants are expected to serve as valuable molecular markers for XX DSD pigs. Because pigs are a lot like humans in their genes, physiology, and body structure, this research could help us learn more about what causes DSD in people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528255, P.R. China
| | - Shuwen Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528255, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528255, P.R. China
| | - Haiquan Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528255, P.R. China
| | - Congying Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528255, P.R. China
| | - Yin Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528255, P.R. China
| | - Bingzhou Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528255, P.R. China
| | - Wenxiao Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528255, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528255, P.R. China.
| | - Hua Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528255, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ichiyama-Kobayashi S, Hata K, Wakamori K, Takahata Y, Murakami T, Yamanaka H, Takano H, Yao R, Uzawa N, Nishimura R. Chromatin profiling identifies chondrocyte-specific Sox9 enhancers important for skeletal development. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e175486. [PMID: 38855864 PMCID: PMC11382882 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.175486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor SRY-related HMG box 9 (Sox9) is essential for chondrogenesis. Mutations in and around SOX9 cause campomelic dysplasia (CD) characterized by skeletal malformations. Although the function of Sox9 in this context is well studied, the mechanisms that regulate Sox9 expression in chondrocytes remain to be elucidated. Here, we have used genome-wide profiling to identify 2 Sox9 enhancers located in a proximal breakpoint cluster responsible for CD. Enhancer activity of E308 (located 308 kb 5' upstream) and E160 (located 160 kb 5' upstream) correlated with Sox9 expression levels, and both enhancers showed a synergistic effect in vitro. While single deletions in mice had no apparent effect, simultaneous deletion of both E308 and E160 caused a dwarf phenotype, concomitant with a reduction of Sox9 expression in chondrocytes. Moreover, bone morphogenetic protein 2-dependent chondrocyte differentiation of limb bud mesenchymal cells was severely attenuated in E308/E160 deletion mice. Finally, we found that an open chromatin region upstream of the Sox9 gene was reorganized in the E308/E160 deletion mice to partially compensate for the loss of E308 and E160. In conclusion, our findings reveal a mechanism of Sox9 gene regulation in chondrocytes that might aid in our understanding of the pathophysiology of skeletal disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachi Ichiyama-Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, and
| | - Kenji Hata
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
| | - Kanta Wakamori
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, and
| | - Yoshifumi Takahata
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
- Genome Editing Research and Development Unit, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Hitomi Yamanaka
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takano
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoji Yao
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Narikazu Uzawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, and
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sojka C, Sloan SA. Gliomas: a reflection of temporal gliogenic principles. Commun Biol 2024; 7:156. [PMID: 38321118 PMCID: PMC10847444 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05833-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The hijacking of early developmental programs is a canonical feature of gliomas where neoplastic cells resemble neurodevelopmental lineages and possess mechanisms of stem cell resilience. Given these parallels, uncovering how and when in developmental time gliomagenesis intersects with normal trajectories can greatly inform our understanding of tumor biology. Here, we review how elapsing time impacts the developmental principles of astrocyte (AS) and oligodendrocyte (OL) lineages, and how these same temporal programs are replicated, distorted, or circumvented in pathological settings such as gliomas. Additionally, we discuss how normal gliogenic processes can inform our understanding of the temporal progression of gliomagenesis, including when in developmental time gliomas originate, thrive, and can be pushed towards upon therapeutic coercion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Sojka
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven A Sloan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao J, Xu Y. PITX1 plays essential functions in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1253238. [PMID: 37841446 PMCID: PMC10570508 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1253238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PITX1, also known as the pituitary homeobox 1 gene, has emerged as a key regulator in animal growth and development, attracting significant research attention. Recent investigations have revealed the implication of dysregulated PITX1 expression in tumorigenesis, highlighting its involvement in cancer development. Notably, PITX1 interacts with p53 and exerts control over crucial cellular processes including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and chemotherapy resistance. Its influence extends to various tumors, such as esophageal, colorectal, gastric, and liver cancer, contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. Despite its significance, a comprehensive review examining PITX1's role in oncology remains lacking. This review aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of PITX1 in different cancer types, with a particular focus on its clinicopathological significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingpu Zhao
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yongfeng Xu
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kim YI, Tseng YC, Ayaz G, Wang S, Yan H, du Bois W, Yang H, Zhen T, Lee MP, Liu P, Kaplan RN, Huang J. SOX9 is a key component of RUNX2-regulated transcriptional circuitry in osteosarcoma. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:136. [PMID: 37491298 PMCID: PMC10367263 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The absence of prominent, actionable genetic alternations in osteosarcomas (OS) implies that transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms significantly contribute to the progression of this life-threatening form of cancer. Therefore, the identification of potential transcriptional events that promote the survival of OS cells could be key in devising targeted therapeutic approaches for OS. We have previously shown that RUNX2 is a transcription factor (TF) essential for OS cell survival. Unfortunately, the transcriptional network or circuitry regulated by RUNX2 in OS cells is still largely unknown. METHODS The TFs that are in the RUNX2 transcriptional circuitry were identified by analyzing RNAseq and ChIPseq datasets of RUNX2. To evaluate the effect of SOX9 knockdown on the survival of osteosarcoma cells in vitro, we employed cleaved caspase-3 immunoblotting and propidium iodide staining techniques. The impact of SOX9 and JMJD1C depletion on OS tumor growth was examined in vivo using xenografts and immunohistochemistry. Downstream targets of SOX9 were identified and dissected using RNAseq, pathway analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis. Furthermore, the interactome of SOX9 was identified using BioID and validated by PLA. RESULT Our findings demonstrate that SOX9 is a critical TF that is induced by RUNX2. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that SOX9 plays a pivotal role in the survival of OS. RNAseq analysis revealed that SOX9 activates the transcription of MYC, a downstream target of RUNX2. Mechanistically, our results suggest a transcriptional network involving SOX9, RUNX2, and MYC, with SOX9 binding to RUNX2. Moreover, we discovered that JMJD1C, a chromatin factor, is a novel binding partner of SOX9, and depletion of JMJD1C impairs OS tumor growth. CONCLUSION The findings of this study represent a significant advancement in our understanding of the transcriptional network present in OS cells, providing valuable insights that may contribute to the development of targeted therapies for OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Im Kim
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics Group, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yu-Chou Tseng
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics Group, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gamze Ayaz
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics Group, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shasha Wang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics Group, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hualong Yan
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics Group, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wendy du Bois
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics Group, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Howard Yang
- High-Dimension Data Analysis Group, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tao Zhen
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maxwell P Lee
- High-Dimension Data Analysis Group, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul Liu
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rosandra N Kaplan
- Tumor Microenvironment Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jing Huang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics Group, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fedoseyeva VB, Novosadova EV, Nenasheva VV, Novosadova LV, Grivennikov IA, Tarantul VZ. Activation of Embryonic Gene Transcription in Neural Precursor Cells Derived from the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of the Patients with Parkinson's Disease. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:515-525. [PMID: 37080937 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923040077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world. Despite numerous studies, the causes of this pathology remain completely unknown. This is, among other things, due to the difficulty of obtaining biological material for analysis. Neural cell cultures derived from the induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) provide a great potential for studying molecular events underlying the pathogenesis of PD. This paper presents the results of bioinformatic analysis of the data obtained using RNA-seq technology in the study of neural precursors (NP) derived from IPSCs of the healthy donors and patients with PD carrying various mutations that are commonly associated with familial PD. This analysis showed that the level of transcription of multiple genes actively expressed in the nervous system at the embryonic stage of development was significantly increased in the NP cells obtained from the patients with PD, unlike in the case of healthy donors. Bioinformatic data have been, in general, confirmed using real-time PCR. The obtained data suggest that one of the causes of PD may be the shift of the gene expression pattern in neuronal cells towards embryonic gene expression pattern (termed dematuration).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viya B Fedoseyeva
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, 123182, Russia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
MicroRNA-22-3p ameliorates Alzheimer's disease by targeting SOX9 through the NF-κB signaling pathway in the hippocampus. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:180. [PMID: 35821145 PMCID: PMC9277852 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02548-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have suggested that many down-regulated miRNAs identified in the brain tissue or serum of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients were involved in the formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Specifically, our previous study revealed that microRNA-22-3p (miR-22-3p) was significantly down-regulated in AD patients. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the down-regulation of miR-22-3p has not been comprehensively investigated. Methods The ameliorating effect of miR-22-3p on apoptosis of the Aβ-treated HT22 cells was detected by TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting. The cognition of mice with stereotaxic injection of agomir or antagomir of miR-22-3p was assessed by Morris water maze test. Pathological changes in the mouse hippocampus were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining, and immunohistochemistry. Proteomics analysis was performed to identify the targets of miR-22-3p, which were further validated using dual-luciferase reporter analysis and western blotting analysis. Results The miR-22-3p played an important role in ameliorating apoptosis in the Aβ-treated HT22 cells. Increased levels of miR-22-3p in the mouse hippocampus improved the cognition in mice. Although the miR-22-3p did not cause the decrease of neuronal loss in the hippocampus, it reduced the Aβ deposition. Proteomics analysis revealed Sox9 protein as the target of miR-22-3p, which was verified by the luciferase reporter experiments. Conclusion Our study showed that miR-22-3p could improve apoptosis and reduce Aβ deposition by acting on Sox9 through the NF-κB signaling pathway to improve the cognition in AD mice. We concluded that miR-22-3p ameliorated AD by targeting Sox9 through the NF-κB signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02548-1.
Collapse
|
9
|
Fels JA, Casalena G, Konrad C, Holmes HE, Dellinger RW, Manfredi G. Gene expression profiles in sporadic ALS fibroblasts define disease subtypes and the metabolic effects of the investigational drug EH301. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3458-3477. [PMID: 35652455 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic alterations shared between the nervous system and skin fibroblasts have emerged in ALS. Recently, we found that a subgroup of sporadic ALS (sALS) fibroblasts (sALS1) is characterized by metabolic profiles distinct from other sALS cases (sALS2) and controls, suggesting that metabolic therapies could be effective in sALS. The metabolic modulators nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene (EH301) are under clinical development for the treatment of ALS. Here, we studied the transcriptome and metabolome of sALS cells to understand the molecular bases of sALS metabotypes and the impact of EH301. Metabolomics and transcriptomics were investigated at baseline and after EH301 treatment. Moreover, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to investigate the association of metabolic and clinical features. We found that the sALS1 transcriptome is distinct from sALS2 and that EH301 modifies gene expression differently in sALS1, sALS2, and controls. Furthermore, EH301 had strong protective effects against metabolic stress, an effect linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. WGCNA revealed that ALS functional rating scale and metabotypes are associated with gene modules enriched for cell cycle, immunity, autophagy, and metabolism genes, which are modified by EH301. Meta-analysis of publicly available transcriptomics data from induced motor neurons by Answer ALS confirmed functional associations of genes correlated with disease traits. A subset of genes differentially expressed in sALS fibroblasts was used in a machine learning model to predict disease progression. In conclusion, multi-omics analyses highlighted differential metabolic and transcriptomic profiles in patient-derived fibroblast sALS, which translate into differential responses to the investigational drug EH301.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine A Fels
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065
| | - Gabriella Casalena
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065
| | - Csaba Konrad
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065
| | | | | | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lattke M, Guillemot F. Understanding astrocyte differentiation: Clinical relevance, technical challenges, and new opportunities in the omics era. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1557. [PMID: 35546493 PMCID: PMC9539907 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a major type of glial cells that have essential functions in development and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Immature astrocytes in the developing CNS support neuronal maturation and possess neural-stem-cell-like properties. Mature astrocytes partially lose these functions but gain new functions essential for adult CNS homeostasis. In pathological conditions, astrocytes become "reactive", which disrupts their mature homeostatic functions and reactivates some immature astrocyte-like properties, suggesting a partial reversal of astrocyte maturation. The loss of homeostatic astrocyte functions contributes to the pathogenesis of various neurological conditions, and therefore activating maturation-promoting mechanisms may be a promising therapeutic strategy to restore homeostasis. Manipulating the mechanisms underlying astrocyte maturation might also allow to facilitate CNS regeneration by enhancing developmental functions of adult astrocytes. However, such therapeutic strategies are still some distance away because of our limited understanding of astrocyte differentiation and maturation, due to biological and technical challenges, including the high degree of similarity of astrocytes with neural stem cells and the shortcomings of astrocyte markers. Current advances in systems biology have a huge potential to overcome these challenges. Recent transcriptomic analyses have already revealed new astrocyte markers and new regulators of astrocyte differentiation. However, the epigenomic changes that presumably occur during astrocyte differentiation remain an important, largely unexplored area for future research. Emerging technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9-based functional screens will further improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying astrocyte differentiation. This may open up new clinical approaches to restore homeostasis in neurological disorders and/or promote CNS regeneration. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Neurological Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lattke
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Francois Guillemot
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shi X, Luo L, Wang J, Shen H, Li Y, Mamtilahun M, Liu C, Shi R, Lee JH, Tian H, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Chung WS, Tang Y, Yang GY. Stroke subtype-dependent synapse elimination by reactive gliosis in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6943. [PMID: 34836962 PMCID: PMC8626497 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27248-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological role of reactive gliosis in CNS repair remains controversial. In this study, using murine ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke models, we demonstrated that microglia/macrophages and astrocytes are differentially involved in engulfing synapses in the reactive gliosis region. By specifically deleting MEGF10 and MERTK phagocytic receptors, we determined that inhibiting phagocytosis of microglia/macrophages or astrocytes in ischemic stroke improved neurobehavioral outcomes and attenuated brain damage. In hemorrhagic stroke, inhibiting phagocytosis of microglia/macrophages but not astrocytes improved neurobehavioral outcomes. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that phagocytosis related biological processes and pathways were downregulated in astrocytes of the hemorrhagic brain compared to the ischemic brain. Together, these findings suggest that reactive microgliosis and astrogliosis play individual roles in mediating synapse engulfment in pathologically distinct murine stroke models and preventing this process could rescue synapse loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Shi
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Longlong Luo
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China ,grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Present Address: Dermatology and Venerology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jixian Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Rehabilitation, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Hui Shen
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Yongfang Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Rehabilitation, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Muyassar Mamtilahun
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Chang Liu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Rubing Shi
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Joon-Hyuk Lee
- grid.37172.300000 0001 2292 0500Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141 South Korea
| | - Hengli Tian
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Yongting Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Won-Suk Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
| | - Yaohui Tang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Guo-Yuan Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China. .,Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
PITX1 inhibits the growth and proliferation of melanoma cells through regulation of SOX family genes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18405. [PMID: 34526609 PMCID: PMC8443576 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer wherein resistance to treatment prevails. Therefore, it is important to discover novel molecular targets of melanoma progression as potential treatments. Here we show that paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 1 (PITX1) plays a crucial role in the inhibition of melanoma progression through regulation of SRY-box transcription factors (SOX) gene family mRNA transcription. Overexpression of PITX1 in melanoma cell lines resulted in a reduction in cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. Additionally, analysis of protein levels revealed an antagonistic cross-regulation between SOX9 and SOX10. Interestingly, PITX1 binds to the SOX9 promoter region as a positive regulatory transcription factor; PITX1 mRNA expression levels were positively correlated with SOX9 expression, and negatively correlated with SOX10 expression in melanoma tissues. Furthermore, transcription of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), survival-associated mitochondrial melanoma-specific oncogenic noncoding RNA (SAMMSON), was decreased in PITX1-overexpressing cells. Taken together, the findings in this study indicate that PITX1 may act as a negative regulatory factor in the development and progression of melanoma via direct targeting of the SOX signaling.
Collapse
|