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Liu C, Gao ZQ, Li J, Zhou Q. Identification of novel therapeutic targets for Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy based on gene bioinformatics analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264018. [PMID: 35239706 PMCID: PMC8893658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a disease where progressive visual impairment occurs by the thickening of the Descemet's membrane and the gradual degeneration and loss of corneal endothelial cells. This study aimed to investigate the key changes in gene expression associated with FECD and explore potential biomarkers and new therapeutic strategies for FECD. To explore the potential therapeutic targets of FECD, we downloaded the gene expression dataset GSE171830 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A total of 303 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the limma package. The enriched Gene Ontology (GO) annotations and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of DEGs mostly included the extracellular matrix organization, collagen-containing extracellular matrix, and the structural constituents of the extracellular matrix. Fifteen hub genes from the most significant module were ascertained by Cytoscape. Both collagen-containing extracellular matrix and extracellular matrix hit to ANXA1, VCAN, GPC3, TNC, IGFBP7, MATN3, and SPARCL1 genes in the GO cellular components. Among these genes, the expression of SPARCL1 was down-regulated in the FECD samples, whereas the expression of GPC3, MATN3, IGFBP7, TNC, VCAN, and ANXA1 was up-regulated in the FECD samples. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) plots showed that among the 20,937 genes, SPARCL1 played an important role in three pathways, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, the TGF-beta signaling pathway, and antigen processing and presentation. The top three pathways enriched by the GPC3, MATN3, IGFBP7, TNC, VCAN, and ANXA1 genes were those for cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, TGF-beta signaling, and RIG-I-like receptor signaling. In conclusion, the DEGs identified here might assist clinicians in understanding the pathogenesis of FECD. Furthermore, these identified biomarkers might serve as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of FECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zi-Qing Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
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2
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Mutoji KN, Sun M, Elliott G, Moreno IY, Hughes C, Gesteira TF, Coulson-Thomas VJ. Extracellular Matrix Deposition and Remodeling after Corneal Alkali Burn in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5708. [PMID: 34071909 PMCID: PMC8199272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal transparency relies on the precise arrangement and orientation of collagen fibrils, made of mostly Type I and V collagen fibrils and proteoglycans (PGs). PGs are essential for correct collagen fibrillogenesis and maintaining corneal homeostasis. We investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and PGs after a chemical injury. The chemical composition of chondroitin sulfate (CS)/dermatan sulfate (DS) and heparan sulfate (HS) were characterized in mouse corneas 5 and 14 days after alkali burn (AB), and compared to uninjured corneas. The expression profile and corneal distribution of CS/DSPGs and keratan sulfate (KS) PGs were also analyzed. We found a significant overall increase in CS after AB, with an increase in sulfated forms of CS and a decrease in lesser sulfated forms of CS. Expression of the CSPGs biglycan and versican was increased after AB, while decorin expression was decreased. We also found an increase in KS expression 14 days after AB, with an increase in lumican and mimecan expression, and a decrease in keratocan expression. No significant changes in HS composition were noted after AB. Taken together, our study reveals significant changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix following a corneal chemical injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazadi N. Mutoji
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (K.N.M.); (M.S.); (G.E.); (I.Y.M.); (T.F.G.)
| | - Mingxia Sun
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (K.N.M.); (M.S.); (G.E.); (I.Y.M.); (T.F.G.)
| | - Garrett Elliott
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (K.N.M.); (M.S.); (G.E.); (I.Y.M.); (T.F.G.)
| | - Isabel Y. Moreno
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (K.N.M.); (M.S.); (G.E.); (I.Y.M.); (T.F.G.)
| | - Clare Hughes
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK;
| | - Tarsis F. Gesteira
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (K.N.M.); (M.S.); (G.E.); (I.Y.M.); (T.F.G.)
- Optimvia, Batavia, OH 45103, USA
| | - Vivien J. Coulson-Thomas
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (K.N.M.); (M.S.); (G.E.); (I.Y.M.); (T.F.G.)
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3
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Puri S, Coulson-Thomas YM, Gesteira TF, Coulson-Thomas VJ. Distribution and Function of Glycosaminoglycans and Proteoglycans in the Development, Homeostasis and Pathology of the Ocular Surface. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:731. [PMID: 32903857 PMCID: PMC7438910 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ocular surface, which forms the interface between the eye and the external environment, includes the cornea, corneoscleral limbus, the conjunctiva and the accessory glands that produce the tear film. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) have been shown to play important roles in the development, hemostasis and pathology of the ocular surface. Herein we review the current literature related to the distribution and function of GAGs and PGs within the ocular surface, with focus on the cornea. The unique organization of ECM components within the cornea is essential for the maintenance of corneal transparency and function. Many studies have described the importance of GAGs within the epithelial and stromal compartment, while very few studies have analyzed the ECM of the endothelial layer. Importantly, GAGs have been shown to be essential for maintaining corneal homeostasis, epithelial cell differentiation and wound healing, and, more recently, a role has been suggested for the ECM in regulating limbal stem cells, corneal innervation, corneal inflammation, corneal angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Reports have also associated genetic defects of the ECM to corneal pathologies. Thus, we also highlight the role of different GAGs and PGs in ocular surface homeostasis, as well as in pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudan Puri
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yvette M Coulson-Thomas
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tarsis F Gesteira
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Optimvia, LLC, Batavia, OH, United States
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Tang PH, Velez G, Tsang SH, Bassuk AG, Mahajan VB. VCAN Canonical Splice Site Mutation is Associated With Vitreoretinal Degeneration and Disrupts an MMP Proteolytic Site. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:282-293. [PMID: 30657523 PMCID: PMC6735613 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To gain insight into the pathophysiology of vitreoretinal degeneration, the clinical course of three family members with Versican Vitreoretinopathy (VVR) is described, and a canonical splice site mutation in the gene encoding for versican (VCAN) protein was biochemically analyzed. Methods A retrospective chart review, human eye histopathology, Sanger DNA sequencing, protein structural modeling, and in vitro proteolysis assays were performed. Results The proband (II:1), mother (I:2), and younger sibling (II:2) suffered retinal degeneration with foveal sparing and retinal detachments with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, features that were confirmed on histopathologic analysis. All affected members carried a heterozygous adenine to guanine variant (c.4004-2A>G) predicted to result in exon 8 skipping or the deletion of 13 amino acids at the beginning of the GAGβ chain (VCAN p.1335-1347). This deleted region corresponded to a putative MMP cleavage site, validated using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based proteolysis assays. Proteomic network analysis identified 10 interacting partners in the human vitreous and retina linked to retinal detachment and degeneration. Conclusions VVR causes significant ocular disease, including retinal detachment and retinal dystrophy. The intronic VCAN mutation removes an MMP cleavage site, which alters versican structure and results in abnormal vitreous modeling. Disruption of a versican protein network may underlie clinicopathologic disease features and point to targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Tang
- Byers Eye Institute, Omics Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States.,Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Gabriel Velez
- Byers Eye Institute, Omics Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Alexander G Bassuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Byers Eye Institute, Omics Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States.,Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, United States
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Expression of a hyaluronic acid-binding proteoglycan (versican) in the cynomolgus monkey eye. Int Ophthalmol 2016; 36:651-6. [PMID: 26780096 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-015-0167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The expression of versican, a hyaluronic acid (HA)-binding protein, during the development and differentiation of the retina has been reported. In this study, we performed histochemical and immunohistological analysis of HA and versican from the ciliary body to the retina in cynomolgus monkey eyes. Paraffin-embedded sections of cynomolgus monkey eyes, including from the ciliary body to the macular region, were prepared. The distribution of versican and HA was examined by histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. The sites of HA expression and versican expression in the eye specimens were similar. Expression of HA and versican was observed in the peripheral retina and ciliary body, but not from the macular region to the mid-periphery of the retina. Versican was strongly expressed in the ciliary body, particularly in the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium. Expression in the retina from the periphery to posterior pole gradually decreased. Versican is expressed from the ciliary body to the peripheral retina, but this expression decreases toward the posterior pole. This suggests a physiological function for versican in the peripheral retina.
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Kang I, Barth JL, Sproul EP, Yoon DW, Workman GA, Braun KR, Argraves WS, Wight TN. Expression of V3 Versican by Rat Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells Promotes Differentiated and Anti-inflammatory Phenotypes. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:21629-41. [PMID: 26152723 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.657486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) undergo phenotypic changes during development and pathological processes in vivo and during cell culture in vitro. Our previous studies demonstrated that retrovirally mediated expression of the versican V3 splice variant (V3) by ASMCs retards cell proliferation and migration in vitro and reduces neointimal thickening and macrophage and lipid accumulation in animal models of vascular injury and atherosclerosis. However, the molecular pathways induced by V3 expression that are responsible for these changes are not yet clear. In this study, we employed a microarray approach to examine how expression of V3 induced changes in gene expression and the molecular pathways in rat ASMCs. We found that forced expression of V3 by ASMCs affected expression of 521 genes by more than 1.5-fold. Gene ontology analysis showed that components of the extracellular matrix were the most significantly affected by V3 expression. In addition, genes regulating the formation of the cytoskeleton, which also serve as markers of contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs), were significantly up-regulated. In contrast, components of the complement system, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and transcription factors crucial for regulating inflammatory processes were among the genes most down-regulated. Consistently, we found that the level of myocardin, a key transcription factor promoting contractile SMC phenotype, was greatly increased, and the proinflammatory transcription factors NFκB1 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β were significantly attenuated in V3-expressing SMCs. Overall, these findings demonstrate that V3 expression reprograms ASMCs promoting differentiated and anti-inflammatory phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inkyung Kang
- From the Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington 98101 and
| | - Jeremy L Barth
- the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Erin P Sproul
- the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Dong Won Yoon
- From the Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington 98101 and
| | - Gail A Workman
- From the Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington 98101 and
| | - Kathleen R Braun
- From the Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington 98101 and
| | - W Scott Argraves
- the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Thomas N Wight
- From the Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington 98101 and
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7
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Reinhard J, Joachim SC, Faissner A. Extracellular matrix remodeling during retinal development. Exp Eye Res 2015; 133:132-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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8
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Ho LTY, Harris AM, Tanioka H, Yagi N, Kinoshita S, Caterson B, Quantock AJ, Young RD, Meek KM. A comparison of glycosaminoglycan distributions, keratan sulphate sulphation patterns and collagen fibril architecture from central to peripheral regions of the bovine cornea. Matrix Biol 2014; 38:59-68. [PMID: 25019467 PMCID: PMC4199143 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated changes in collagen fibril architecture and the sulphation status of keratan sulphate (KS) glycosaminoglycan (GAG) epitopes from central to peripheral corneal regions. Freshly excised adult bovine corneal tissue was examined as a function of radial position from the centre of the cornea outwards. Corneal thickness, tissue hydration, hydroxyproline content, and the total amount of sulphated GAG were all measured. High and low-sulphated epitopes of keratan sulphate were studied by immunohistochemistry and quantified by ELISA. Chondroitin sulphate (CS) and dermatan sulphate (DS) distributions were observed by immunohistochemistry following specific enzyme digestions. Electron microscopy and X-ray fibre diffraction were used to ascertain collagen fibril architecture. The bovine cornea was 1021 ± 5.42 μm thick at its outer periphery, defined as 9–12 mm from the corneal centre, compared to 844 ± 8.10 μm at the centre. The outer periphery of the cornea was marginally, but not significantly, more hydrated than the centre (H = 4.3 vs. H = 3.7), and was more abundant in hydroxyproline (0.12 vs. 0.06 mg/mg dry weight of cornea). DMMB assays indicated no change in the total amount of sulphated GAG across the cornea. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of both high- and low-sulphated epitopes of KS, as well as DS, throughout the cornea, and CS only in the peripheral cornea before the limbus. Quantification by ELISA, disclosed that although both high- and low-sulphated KS remained constant throughout stromal depth at different radial positions, high-sulphated epitopes remained constant from the corneal centre to outer-periphery, whereas low-sulphated epitopes increased significantly. Both small angle X-ray diffraction and TEM analysis revealed that collagen fibril diameter remained relatively constant until the outer periphery was reached, after which fibrils became more widely spaced (from small angle x-ray diffraction analysis) and of larger diameter as they approached the sclera. Depth-profiled synchrotron microbeam analyses showed that, at different radial positions from the corneal centre outwards, fibril diameter was greater superficially than in deeper stromal regions. The interfibrillar spacing was also higher at mid-depth in the stroma than it was in anterior and posterior stromal regions. Collagen fibrils in the bovine cornea exhibited a fairly consistent spacing and diameter from the corneal centre to the 12 mm radial position, after which a significant increase was seen. While the constancy of the overall sulphation levels of proteoglycans in the cornea may correlate with the fibrillar architecture, there was no correlation between the latter and the distribution of low-sulphated KS. Proteoglycans (KS, DS, CS) and collagen were correlated with corneal radial position. Total sulfate levels on glycosaminoglycans remained constant across the cornea. KS and DS were ubiquitous; CS was found towards the edge of the cornea onwards. High-sulfated KS remained constant; low-sulfated KS increased peripherally. There was no correlation between fibrillar architecture and sulfation levels of KS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona T Y Ho
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff Centre for Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony M Harris
- Connective Tissue Biology Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Hidetoshi Tanioka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi dori, Kamigyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoto Yagi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Spring-8, Sayo, 1-1-1 Kouto, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kinoshita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi dori, Kamigyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Bruce Caterson
- Connective Tissue Biology Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Quantock
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff Centre for Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D Young
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff Centre for Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Keith M Meek
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff Centre for Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom.
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9
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Extracellular Matrix is an Important Component of Limbal Stem Cell Niche. J Funct Biomater 2012; 3:879-94. [PMID: 24955751 PMCID: PMC4030928 DOI: 10.3390/jfb3040879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix plays an important role in stem cell niche which maintains the undifferentiated stem cell phenotype. Human corneal epithelial stem cells are presumed to reside mainly at the limbal basal epithelium. Efforts have been made to characterize different components of the extracellular matrix that are preferentially expressed at the limbus. Mounting evidence from experimental data suggest that these components are part of the stem cell niche and play a role in the homeostasis of limbal stem cells. The extracellular matrix provides a mechanical and structural support as well as regulates cellular functions such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, self-renewal and differentiation. Optimization of the extracellular matrix components might be able to recreate an ex vivo stem cell niche to expand limbal stem cells.
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10
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Lee DY, Jeyapalan Z, Fang L, Yang J, Zhang Y, Yee AY, Li M, Du WW, Shatseva T, Yang BB. Expression of versican 3'-untranslated region modulates endogenous microRNA functions. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13599. [PMID: 21049042 PMCID: PMC2963607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mature microRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded RNAs that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression. In our previous study, we have shown that versican 3′UTR, a fragment of non-coding transcript, has the ability to antagonize miR-199a-3p function thereby regulating expression of the matrix proteins versican and fibronectin, and thus resulting in enhanced cell-cell adhesion and organ adhesion. However, the impact of this non-coding fragment on tumorigenesis is yet to be determined. Methods and Findings Using computational prediction confirmed with in vitro and in vivo experiments, we report that the expression of versican 3′UTR not only antagonizes miR-199a-3p but can also lower its steady state expression. We found that expression of versican 3′UTR in a mouse breast carcinoma cell line, 4T1, decreased miR-199a-3p levels. The decrease in miRNA activity consequently translated into differences in tumor growth. Computational analysis indicated that both miR-199a-3p and miR-144 targeted a cell cycle regulator, Rb1. In addition, miR-144 and miR-136, which have also been shown to interact with versican 3′UTR, was found to target PTEN. Expression of Rb1 and PTEN were up-regulated synergistically in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that the 3′UTR binds and modulates miRNA activities, freeing Rb1 and PTEN mRNAs for translation. In tumor formation assays, cells transfected with the 3′UTR formed smaller tumors compared with cells transfected with a control vector. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that a 3′UTR fragment can be used to modulate miRNA functions. Our study also suggests that miRNAs in the cancer cells are more susceptible to degradation, due to its interaction with a non-coding 3′UTR. This non-coding component of mRNA may be used retrospectively to modulate miRNA activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Y. Lee
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zina Jeyapalan
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ling Fang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Yang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yaou Zhang
- Life Science Division, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Albert Y. Yee
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Minhui Li
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - William W. Du
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tatiana Shatseva
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Burton B. Yang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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11
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Craig EA, Austin AF, Vaillancourt RR, Barnett JV, Camenisch TD. TGFβ2-mediated production of hyaluronan is important for the induction of epicardial cell differentiation and invasion. Exp Cell Res 2010; 316:3397-405. [PMID: 20633555 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2010.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Revised: 06/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In the developing heart, the epicardium is a major source of progenitor cells that contribute to the formation of the coronary vessel system. These epicardial progenitors give rise to the different cellular components of the coronary vasculature by undergoing a number of morphological and physiological changes collectively known as epithelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT). However, the specific signaling mechanisms that regulate epicardial EMT are yet to be delineated. In this study we investigated the role of TGFβ2 and hyaluronan (HA) during epicardial EMT and how signals from these two molecules are integrated during this important process. Here we show that TGFβ2 induces MEKK3 activation, which in turn promotes ERK1/2 and ERK5 phosphorylation. TGFβ2 also increases Has2 expression and subsequent HA production. Nevertheless, inhibition of MEKK3 kinase activity, silencing of ERK5 or pharmacological disruption of ERK1/2 activation significantly abrogates this response. Thus, TGFβ2 promotes Has2 expression and HA production through a MEKK3/ERK1/2/5-dependent cascade. Furthermore, TGFβ2 is able to induce epicardial cell invasion and differentiation but not proliferation. However, inhibition of MEKK3-dependent pathways, degradation of HA by hyaluronidases or blockade of CD44, significantly impairs the biological response to TGFβ2. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that TGFβ2 activation of MEKK3/ERK1/2/5 signaling modulates Has2 expression and HA production leading to the induction of EMT events. This is an important and novel mechanism showing how TGFβ2 and HA signals are integrated to regulate changes in epicardial cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evisabel A Craig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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12
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Knupp C, Pinali C, Lewis PN, Parfitt GJ, Young RD, Meek KM, Quantock AJ. The architecture of the cornea and structural basis of its transparency. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2009; 78:25-49. [PMID: 20663483 DOI: 10.1016/s1876-1623(08)78002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the transparent connective tissue window at the front of the eye. In the extracellular matrix of the corneal stroma, hybrid type I/V collagen fibrils are remarkably uniform in diameter at approximately 30 nm and are regularly arranged into a pseudolattice. Fibrils are believed to be kept at defined distances by the influence of proteoglycans. Light entering the cornea is scattered by the collagen fibrils, but their spatial distribution is such that the scattered light interferes destructively in all directions except from the forward direction. In this way, light travels forward through the cornea to reach the retina. In this chapter, we will review the macromolecular components of the corneal stroma, the way they are organized into a stacked lamellar array, and how this organization guarantees corneal transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Knupp
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4LU, UK
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13
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Craig EA, Parker P, Camenisch TD. Size-dependent regulation of Snail2 by hyaluronan: its role in cellular invasion. Glycobiology 2009; 19:890-8. [PMID: 19451547 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwp064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) induces changes in cellular behavior that are crucial during both embryonic development and cancer progression. However, the biological effects of varying sizes of HA and the signal transduction mechanisms that these polymers may activate remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that pulse stimulation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts with high-molecular-weight (HMW) HA, but not HA of lower molecular sizes, leads to increases in Snail2 protein which are dependent on NFkappaB activity. Involvement of CD44, the main HA receptor, in these responses was determined by use of a CD44 blocking antibody and CD44 siRNA. Both the blockade and silencing of CD44 significantly abrogate the increases in nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) activity and Snail2 protein following HMW-HA stimulation. Furthermore, we show that HMW-HA induces cellular invasion and that inhibition of CD44, Snail2, or NFkappaB significantly decreases this response. These studies elucidate a novel HA/Snail2 functional connection through CD44 and NFkappaB that is important for the induction of cellular invasion and is dependent on HA size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evisabel A Craig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Ducros E, Berthaut A, Mirshahi P, Lemarchand S, Soria J, Legeais JM, Mirshahi M. Expression of extracellular matrix proteins fibulin-1 and fibulin-2 by human corneal fibroblasts. Curr Eye Res 2007; 32:481-90. [PMID: 17612964 DOI: 10.1080/02713680701411269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The fibulins are a family of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules that regulate the organ shape along with other growth factors and stromal cells. We report here the in vitro expression of ECM proteins fibulin-1 and fibulin-2 by human corneal fibroblasts. The ability of fibulin-1 to modulate cell motility was investigated. METHODS Fibulin-1 and fibulin-2 mRNA and proteins expression were analyzed in primary and immortalized human corneal fibroblasts (CHN) respectively by gene array, RT-PCR, and immunocytochemistry. The motility and adhesion of the cells transfected with fibulin-1 siRNA were analyzed on tissue culture polystyrene coated with Matrigel or ECM secreted by those fibroblasts. RESULTS (1) The microarray analysis shows the expression of fibulin-1, fibulin-2, and their binding partners (i.e., fibronectin, nidogen-1, aggrecan, fibrilin-1, endostatin, and laminin alpha-2 chain). Interestingly, a matrix metalloprotease, ADAMTS-1, for which fibulin-1 acts as a cofactor, was also detected in CHN. (2) The synthesis by CHN of fibulin-1 and 2 mRNA and proteins was confirmed respectively by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. (3) Transfection of CHN by fibulin-1 siRNA has no effect on cell adhesion but increases cell migration compared with that of the control cells. This observation suggests an important role of fibulin-1 on cell motility. CONCLUSIONS The expression of fibulins and that of their binding partners by human corneal fibroblasts indicate the important role of these proteins in the organization of supramolecular ECM structures of cornea. The variation of their expression and the structural changes of fibulins remain to be determined in corneal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ducros
- UMRS 736 INSERM - Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6), Faculté de Médecine Paris VI, Paris, France
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