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Ruiz WG, Clayton DR, Parakala-Jain T, Dalghi MG, Franks J, Apodaca G. The umbrella cell keratin network: organization as a tile-like mesh, formation of a girded layer in response to bladder filling, and dependence on the plectin cytolinker. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.11.598498. [PMID: 38915686 PMCID: PMC11195278 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.11.598498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The keratin cytoskeleton and associated desmosomes contribute to the mechanical stability of epithelial tissues, but their organization in bladder umbrella cells and their responses to bladder filling are poorly understood. Using super-resolution confocal microscopy, along with 3D image reconstruction and platinum replica electron microscopy, we observed that the apical keratin network of umbrella cells was organized as a dense tile-like mesh comprised of tesserae bordered on their edges by cortical actin filaments, filled with woven keratin filaments, and crosslinked by plectin. A band of keratin was also observed at the cell periphery that was linked to the junction-associated actin ring by plectin. During bladder filling, the junction-localized desmosomal necklace expanded, and a subjacent girded layer was formed that linked the keratin network to desmosomes, including those at the umbrella cell-intermediate cell interface. Disruption of plectin led to focal keratin network dissolution, loss of the junction-associated band of keratin, perturbation of tight junction continuity, and loss of cell-cell cohesion. Our studies reveal a novel tile-like organization of the umbrella cell keratin cytoskeleton that is dependent on plectin, that reorganizes in response to bladder filling, and that likely serves to maintain umbrella cell continuity in the face of mechanical distension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wily G. Ruiz
- Department of Medicine Renal-Electrolyte Division and George M. O’Brien Pittsburgh Center for Kidney Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dennis R. Clayton
- Department of Medicine Renal-Electrolyte Division and George M. O’Brien Pittsburgh Center for Kidney Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tanmay Parakala-Jain
- Department of Medicine Renal-Electrolyte Division and George M. O’Brien Pittsburgh Center for Kidney Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marianela G. Dalghi
- Department of Medicine Renal-Electrolyte Division and George M. O’Brien Pittsburgh Center for Kidney Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Franks
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gerard Apodaca
- Department of Medicine Renal-Electrolyte Division and George M. O’Brien Pittsburgh Center for Kidney Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Apodaca G. Defining the molecular fingerprint of bladder and kidney fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 325:F826-F856. [PMID: 37823192 PMCID: PMC10886799 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00284.2023] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are integral to the organization and function of all organs and play critical roles in pathologies such as fibrosis; however, we have limited understanding of the fibroblasts that populate the bladder and kidney. In this review, I describe how transcriptomics is leading to a revolution in our understanding of fibroblast biology by defining the molecular fingerprint (i.e., transcriptome) of universal and specialized fibroblast types, revealing gene signatures that allows one to resolve fibroblasts from other mesenchymal cell types, and providing a new comprehension of the fibroblast lineage. In the kidney, transcriptomics is giving us new insights into the molecular fingerprint of kidney fibroblasts, including those for cortical fibroblasts, medullary fibroblasts, and erythropoietin (EPO)-producing Norn fibroblasts, as well as new information about the gene signatures of kidney myofibroblasts and the transition of kidney fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Transcriptomics has also revealed that the major cell type in the bladder interstitium is the fibroblast, and that multiple fibroblast types, each with their own molecular fingerprint, are found in the bladder wall. Interleaved throughout is a discussion of how transcriptomics can drive our future understanding of fibroblast identification, diversity, function, and their roles in bladder and kidney biology and physiology in health and in disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Apodaca
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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3
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Ruiz WG, Clayton DR, Dalghi MG, Montalbetti N, Carattino MD, Apodaca G. Expression of Transgenes in Native Bladder Urothelium using Adenovirus-Mediated Transduction. J Vis Exp 2022:10.3791/64584. [PMID: 36282713 PMCID: PMC10108903 DOI: 10.3791/64584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to forming a high-resistance barrier, the urothelium lining the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and proximal urethra is hypothesized to sense and transmit information about its environment to the underlying tissues, promoting voiding function and behavior. Disruption of the urothelial barrier, or its sensory/transducer function, can lead to disease. Studying these complex events is hampered by lack of simple strategies to alter gene and protein expression in the urothelium. Methods are described here that allow investigators to generate large amounts of high-titer adenovirus, which can then be used to transduce rodent urothelium with high efficiency, and in a relatively straightforward manner. Both cDNAs and small interfering RNAs can be expressed using adenoviral transduction, and the impact of transgene expression on urothelial function can be assessed 12 h to several days later. These methods have broad applicability to studies of normal and abnormal urothelial biology using mouse or rat animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wily G Ruiz
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Dennis R Clayton
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Marianela G Dalghi
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Nicolas Montalbetti
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Marcelo D Carattino
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Gerard Apodaca
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine;
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Clayton DR, Ruiz WG, Dalghi MG, Montalbetti N, Carattino MD, Apodaca G. Studies of ultrastructure, gene expression, and marker analysis reveal that mouse bladder PDGFRA + interstitial cells are fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2022; 323:F299-F321. [PMID: 35834272 PMCID: PMC9394772 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00135.2022] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are crucial to normal and abnormal organ and tissue biology, yet we lack basic insights into the fibroblasts that populate the bladder wall. Candidates may include bladder interstitial cells (also referred to as myofibroblasts, telocytes, and interstitial cells of Cajal-like cells), which express the fibroblast-associated marker PDGFRA along with VIM and CD34 but whose form and function remain enigmatic. By applying the latest insights in fibroblast transcriptomics, coupled with studies of gene expression, ultrastructure, and marker analysis, we observe the following: 1) that mouse bladder PDGFRA+ cells exhibit all of the ultrastructural hallmarks of fibroblasts including spindle shape, lack of basement membrane, abundant endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi, and formation of homotypic cell-cell contacts (but not heterotypic ones); 2) that they express multiple canonical fibroblast markers (including Col1a2, CD34, LY6A, and PDGFRA) along with the universal fibroblast genes Col15a1 and Pi16 but they do not express Kit; and 3) that PDGFRA+ fibroblasts include suburothelial ones (which express ACTA2, CAR3, LY6A, MYH10, TNC, VIM, Col1a2, and Col15a1), outer lamina propria ones (which express CD34, LY6A, PI16, VIM, Col1a2, Col15a1, and Pi16), intermuscular ones (which express CD34, VIM, Col1a2, Col15a1, and Pi16), and serosal ones (which express CD34, PI16, VIM, Col1a2, Col15a1, and Pi16). Collectively, our study revealed that the ultrastructure of PDFRA+ interstitial cells combined with their expression of multiple canonical and universal fibroblast-associated gene products indicates that they are fibroblasts. We further propose that there are four regionally distinct populations of fibroblasts in the bladder wall, which likely contribute to bladder function and dysfunction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We currently lack basic insights into the fibroblasts that populate the bladder wall. By exploring the ultrastructure of mouse bladder connective tissue cells, combined with analyses of their gene and protein expression, our study revealed that PDGRA+ interstitial cells (also referred to as myofibroblasts, telocytes, and interstitial cells of Cajal-like cells) are fibroblasts and that the bladder wall contains multiple, regionally distinct populations of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis R Clayton
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Wily G Ruiz
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marianela G Dalghi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Marcelo D Carattino
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gerard Apodaca
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Murray BO, Flores C, Williams C, Flusberg DA, Marr EE, Kwiatkowska KM, Charest JL, Isenberg BC, Rohn JL. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection: A Mystery in Search of Better Model Systems. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:691210. [PMID: 34123879 PMCID: PMC8188986 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.691210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases worldwide but are significantly understudied. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) accounts for a significant proportion of UTI, but a large number of other species can infect the urinary tract, each of which will have unique host-pathogen interactions with the bladder environment. Given the substantial economic burden of UTI and its increasing antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need to better understand UTI pathophysiology - especially its tendency to relapse and recur. Most models developed to date use murine infection; few human-relevant models exist. Of these, the majority of in vitro UTI models have utilized cells in static culture, but UTI needs to be studied in the context of the unique aspects of the bladder's biophysical environment (e.g., tissue architecture, urine, fluid flow, and stretch). In this review, we summarize the complexities of recurrent UTI, critically assess current infection models and discuss potential improvements. More advanced human cell-based in vitro models have the potential to enable a better understanding of the etiology of UTI disease and to provide a complementary platform alongside animals for drug screening and the search for better treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin O. Murray
- Centre for Urological Biology, Department of Renal Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Flores
- Centre for Urological Biology, Department of Renal Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Corin Williams
- Department of Bioengineering, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Deborah A. Flusberg
- Department of Bioengineering, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth E. Marr
- Department of Bioengineering, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Karolina M. Kwiatkowska
- Centre for Urological Biology, Department of Renal Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph L. Charest
- Department of Bioengineering, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Brett C. Isenberg
- Department of Bioengineering, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Rohn
- Centre for Urological Biology, Department of Renal Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Lupo F, Ingersoll MA, Pineda MA. The glycobiology of uropathogenic E. coli infection: the sweet and bitter role of sugars in urinary tract immunity. Immunology 2021; 164:3-14. [PMID: 33763853 PMCID: PMC8358714 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most prevalent infectious diseases and the most common cause of nosocomial infections, worldwide. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) are responsible for approximately 80% of all UTI, which most commonly affect the bladder. UPEC colonize the urinary tract by ascension of the urethra, followed by cell invasion, and proliferation inside and outside urothelial cells, thereby causing symptomatic infections and quiescent intracellular reservoirs that may lead to recurrence. Sugars, or glycans, are key molecules for host–pathogen interactions, and UTI are no exception. Surface glycans regulate many of the events associated with UPEC adhesion and infection, as well as induction of the host immune response. While the bacterial protein FimH binds mannose‐containing host glycoproteins to initiate infection and UPEC‐secreted polysaccharides block immune mechanisms to favour intracellular replication, host glycans on the urothelial surface and on secreted glycoproteins prevent or limit infection by inhibiting UPEC adhesion. Given the importance of glycans during UTI, here we review the glycobiology of UPEC infection to highlight fundamental sugar‐mediated processes of immunological interest for their potential clinical applications. Interdisciplinary approaches incorporating glycomics and infection biology may help to develop novel non‐antibiotic‐based therapeutic strategies for bacterial infections as the spread of antimicrobial‐resistant uropathogens is currently threatening modern healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Lupo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Miguel A Pineda
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Saito D, Imai M, Yamada C, Takahashi N. Changes in the levels of α-actinin-4 in differentiating human myeloid leukemia cells induced by retinoic acid. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:118968. [PMID: 33454316 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.118968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) induces granulocytic differentiation and inhibits the growth of human promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cells. α-Actinin-4 is a member of the α-actinin family, which exhibits unique mechanosensory regulation. Herein, we elucidated the effects of RA on α-actinin-4 expression during cell differentiation. RA increased the levels of α-actinin-4 protein significantly, while mRNA expression remained unchanged. In addition, RA treatment altered the intracellular localization of α-actinin-4 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Cells pretreated with RA, maintained α-actinin-4 protein levels after cycloheximide treatment as compared with control cells. The amount of ubiquitylated α-actinin-4 protein in RA-treated cells was less than in control cells. These results indicate that RA may inhibit nuclei transport and proteasomal degradation of α-actinin-4 protein. α-Actinin-4 may play a significant role in RA-induced differentiation, including the promotion of cytomorphology changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Saito
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Masahiko Imai
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Chiho Yamada
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Noriko Takahashi
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan.
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Dalghi MG, Montalbetti N, Carattino MD, Apodaca G. The Urothelium: Life in a Liquid Environment. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1621-1705. [PMID: 32191559 PMCID: PMC7717127 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00041.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The urothelium, which lines the renal pelvis, ureters, urinary bladder, and proximal urethra, forms a high-resistance but adaptable barrier that surveils its mechanochemical environment and communicates changes to underlying tissues including afferent nerve fibers and the smooth muscle. The goal of this review is to summarize new insights into urothelial biology and function that have occurred in the past decade. After familiarizing the reader with key aspects of urothelial histology, we describe new insights into urothelial development and regeneration. This is followed by an extended discussion of urothelial barrier function, including information about the roles of the glycocalyx, ion and water transport, tight junctions, and the cellular and tissue shape changes and other adaptations that accompany expansion and contraction of the lower urinary tract. We also explore evidence that the urothelium can alter the water and solute composition of urine during normal physiology and in response to overdistension. We complete the review by providing an overview of our current knowledge about the urothelial environment, discussing the sensor and transducer functions of the urothelium, exploring the role of circadian rhythms in urothelial gene expression, and describing novel research tools that are likely to further advance our understanding of urothelial biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela G Dalghi
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicolas Montalbetti
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marcelo D Carattino
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gerard Apodaca
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Shiwarski DJ, Tashman JW, Eaton AF, Apodaca G, Feinberg AW. 3D printed biaxial stretcher compatible with live fluorescence microscopy. HARDWAREX 2020; 7:e00095. [PMID: 35097243 PMCID: PMC8794355 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2020.e00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical characterization and tensile testing of biological samples is important when determining the material properties of a tissue; however, performing tensile testing and tissue stretching while monitoring cellular changes via fluorescence microscopy is often challenging. Additionally, commercially available cell/tissue stretchers are often expensive, hard to customize, and limited in their fluorescence imaging compatibility. We have developed a 3D printed Open source Biaxial Stretcher (OBS) to be a low-cost stage top mountable biaxial stretching system for use with live cell fluorescence microscopy in both upright and inverted microscope configurations. Our OBS takes advantage of readily available open source desktop 3D printer hardware and software to deliver a fully motorized high precision (10 ± 0.5 μm movement accuracy) low cost biaxial stretching device capable of 4.5 cm of XY travel with a touch screen control panel, and an integrated heated platform with sample bath to maintain cell and tissue viability. Further, we designed a series of tissue mounts and clamps to accommodate varying samples from synthetic materials to biological tissue. By creating a low-profile design, we can directly mount the stretcher onto a microscope stage, and through coordinated biaxial stretching we maintain a constant field of view facilitating real-time sample tracking and time-lapse fluorescence imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Shiwarski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Joshua W. Tashman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Amity F. Eaton
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, and Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA United States
| | - Gerard Apodaca
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, and Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA United States
| | - Adam W. Feinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Corresponding author.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis E. Discher
- Molecular & Cell Biophysics Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104,*Address correspondence to: Dennis E. Discher ()
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