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Huang Y, Liu Z, Li M, Wang D, Ye J, Hu Q, Zhang Q, Lin Y, Chen R, Liang X, Li X, Lin X. Deciphering the impact of aging on splenic endothelial cell heterogeneity and immunosenescence through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:48. [PMID: 39026350 PMCID: PMC11256597 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-024-00452-1] [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: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging is associated with significant structural and functional changes in the spleen, leading to immunosenescence, yet the detailed effects on splenic vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and their immunomodulatory roles are not fully understood. In this study, a single-cell RNA (scRNA) atlas of EC transcriptomes from young and aged mouse spleens was constructed to reveal age-related molecular changes, including increased inflammation and reduced vascular development and also the potential interaction between splenic endothelial cells and immune cells. RESULTS Ten clusters of splenic endothelial cells were identified. DEGs analysis across different EC clusters revealed the molecular changes with aging, showing the increase in the overall inflammatory microenvironment and the loss in vascular development function of aged ECs. Notably, four EC clusters with immunological functions were identified, suggesting an Endothelial-to-Immune-like Cell Transition (EndICLT) potentially driven by aging. Pseudotime analysis of the Immunology4 cluster further indicated a possible aging-induced transitional state, potentially initiated by Ctss gene activation. Finally, the effects of aging on cell signaling communication between different EC clusters and immune cells were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive atlas elucidates the complex interplay between ECs and immune cells in the aging spleen, offering new insights into endothelial heterogeneity, reprogramming, and the mechanisms of immunosenescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Mengke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Dongliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jinguo Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Qiuling Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Qikai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yuheng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Rongxin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xuanwei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xingyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Xianchai Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Li C, Zhang J, Bi Y. Unveiling the prognostic significance of SOX5 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a comprehensive bioinformatic and experimental analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:7565-7582. [PMID: 37531195 PMCID: PMC10457070 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the expression and prognostic significance of SOX5 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data were analyzed to assess SOX5 expression in ESCC and normal tissues. Survival analysis was performed to evaluate its prognostic significance. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted to identify pathways associated with low SOX5 expression. Methylation status of CpG sites in ESCC cases was examined, and SOX5 expression was evaluated. Differential expression and ChIP-seq data analyses were used to identify genes significantly correlated with SOX5 and to obtain target genes. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using hub genes, and their association with immune cell infiltration was determined. In vitro ESCC cell experiments validated the findings. RESULTS SOX5 was significantly downregulated in ESCC samples compared to normal samples. Its downregulation was associated with shorter survival in ESCC patients. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed enrichment in regulated necrosis, NLRP3 inflammasome, formation of the cornified envelope, and PD-1 signaling. Methylation status of two CpG sites negatively correlated with SOX5 expression. Differential expression analysis identified 122 genes significantly correlated with SOX5, and 28 target genes were obtained from ChIP-seq analysis. Target genes were enriched in DNA replication, cell cycle, spindle, and ATPase activity. Five hub genes were identified, and the PPI network showed significant associations with immune cell infiltration. In vitro experiments confirmed SOX5 downregulation, upregulation of hub genes, and their functional effects on ESCC cell apoptosis and proliferation. CONCLUSIONS These findings enhance understanding of SOX5 in ESCC and potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jialing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanwen Bi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
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Extraterrestrial Gynecology: Could Spaceflight Increase the Risk of Developing Cancer in Female Astronauts? An Updated Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137465. [PMID: 35806469 PMCID: PMC9267413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Outer space is an extremely hostile environment for human life, with ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays and microgravity posing the most significant hazards to the health of astronauts. Spaceflight has also been shown to have an impact on established cancer hallmarks, possibly increasing carcinogenic risk. Terrestrially, women have a higher incidence of radiation-induced cancers, largely driven by lung, thyroid, breast, and ovarian cancers, and therefore, historically, they have been permitted to spend significantly less time in space than men. In the present review, we focus on the effects of microgravity and radiation on the female reproductive system, particularly gynecological cancer. The aim is to provide a summary of the research that has been carried out related to the risk of gynecological cancer, highlighting what further studies are needed to pave the way for safer exploration class missions, as well as postflight screening and management of women astronauts following long-duration spaceflight.
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McDonald JT, Stainforth R, Miller J, Cahill T, da Silveira WA, Rathi KS, Hardiman G, Taylor D, Costes SV, Chauhan V, Meller R, Beheshti A. NASA GeneLab Platform Utilized for Biological Response to Space Radiation in Animal Models. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E381. [PMID: 32045996 PMCID: PMC7072278 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) is one of the major risk factors that will impact the health of astronauts on extended missions outside the protective effects of the Earth's magnetic field. The NASA GeneLab project has detailed information on radiation exposure using animal models with curated dosimetry information for spaceflight experiments. Methods: We analyzed multiple GeneLab omics datasets associated with both ground-based and spaceflight radiation studies that included in vivo and in vitro approaches. A range of ions from protons to iron particles with doses from 0.1 to 1.0 Gy for ground studies, as well as samples flown in low Earth orbit (LEO) with total doses of 1.0 mGy to 30 mGy, were utilized. Results: From this analysis, we were able to identify distinct biological signatures associating specific ions with specific biological responses due to radiation exposure in space. For example, we discovered changes in mitochondrial function, ribosomal assembly, and immune pathways as a function of dose. Conclusions: We provided a summary of how the GeneLab's rich database of omics experiments with animal models can be used to generate novel hypotheses to better understand human health risks from GCR exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Stainforth
- Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A-1C1, Canada; (R.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Jack Miller
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA;
| | - Thomas Cahill
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.)
| | - Willian A. da Silveira
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.)
| | - Komal S. Rathi
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Gary Hardiman
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Deanne Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- The Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sylvain V. Costes
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA;
| | - Vinita Chauhan
- Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A-1C1, Canada; (R.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Robert Meller
- Department of Neurobiology and Pharmacology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA;
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA;
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Beheshti A, McDonald JT, Miller J, Grabham P, Costes SV. GeneLab Database Analyses Suggest Long-Term Impact of Space Radiation on the Cardiovascular System by the Activation of FYN Through Reactive Oxygen Species. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030661. [PMID: 30717456 PMCID: PMC6387434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Space radiation has recently been considered a risk factor for astronauts’ cardiac health. As an example, for the case of how to query and identify datasets within NASA’s GeneLab database and demonstrate the database utility, we used an unbiased systems biology method for identifying key genes/drivers for the contribution of space radiation on the cardiovascular system. This knowledge can contribute to designing appropriate experiments targeting these specific pathways. Microarray data from cardiomyocytes of male C57BL/6 mice followed-up for 28 days after exposure to 900 mGy of 1 GeV proton or 150 mGy of 1 GeV/n 56Fe were compared to human endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured for 7 days on the International Space Station (ISS). We observed common molecular pathways between simulated space radiation and HUVECs flown on the ISS. The analysis suggests FYN is the central driver/hub for the cardiovascular response to space radiation: the known oxidative stress induced immediately following radiation would only be transient and would upregulate FYN, which in turn would reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, protecting the cardiovascular system. The transcriptomic signature of exposure to protons was also much closer to the spaceflight signature than 56Fe’s signature. To our knowledge, this is the first time GeneLab datasets were utilized to provide potential biological indications that the majority of ions on the ISS are protons, clearly illustrating the power of omics analysis. More generally, this work also demonstrates how to combine animal radiation studies done on the ground and spaceflight studies to evaluate human risk in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Beheshti
- WYLE Labs, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field CA 94035, USA.
| | - J Tyson McDonald
- Department of Physics, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668 USA.
| | - Jack Miller
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Peter Grabham
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
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Amundson SA. Gene Expression Studies for the Development of Particle Therapy. Int J Part Ther 2018; 5:49-59. [PMID: 30555854 PMCID: PMC6292674 DOI: 10.14338/ijpt-18-00010.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Proton therapy for cancer is now in widespread use, and facilities for carbon ion therapy are showing great promise, but a more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying particle radiation therapy is still needed in order to optimize treatment. Studies of gene expression, especially those using whole genome techniques, can provide insight into many of the questions still remaining, from the molecular mechanisms involved to predicting patient outcome. This review will summarize gene expression studies of response to proton and carbon ion beams, as well as high-energy protons and high-z high-energy particles with relevance to particle therapy. In general, most such studies find that, in comparison with x-ray or gamma-ray exposure, particle irradiation increases both the number of genes responding and the magnitude of the response. Patterns of gene expression have suggested impacts on specific pathways of relevance to radiation therapy, such as enhancement or suppression of tumor progression or metastasis. However, even within the relatively small number of studies done to date there is no clear consensus of response, suggesting influence by multiple parameters, such as particle type, particle energy, and tumor type. Systematic gene expression studies can help to address these issues, and promoting a culture of data sharing will expedite the process, benefiting investigators across the radiation therapy field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A. Amundson
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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A microRNA signature and TGF-β1 response were identified as the key master regulators for spaceflight response. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199621. [PMID: 30044882 PMCID: PMC6059388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Translating fundamental biological discoveries from NASA Space Biology program into health risk from space flights has been an ongoing challenge. We propose to use NASA GeneLab database to gain new knowledge on potential systemic responses to space. Unbiased systems biology analysis of transcriptomic data from seven different rodent datasets reveals for the first time the existence of potential “master regulators” coordinating a systemic response to microgravity and/or space radiation with TGF-β1 being the most common regulator. We hypothesized the space environment leads to the release of biomolecules circulating inside the blood stream. Through datamining we identified 13 candidate microRNAs (miRNA) which are common in all studies and directly interact with TGF-β1 that can be potential circulating factors impacting space biology. This study exemplifies the utility of the GeneLab data repository to aid in the process of performing novel hypothesis–based research.
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Beheshti A, Miller J, Kidane Y, Berrios D, Gebre SG, Costes SV. NASA GeneLab Project: Bridging Space Radiation Omics with Ground Studies. Radiat Res 2018; 189:553-559. [DOI: 10.1667/rr15062.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Beheshti
- Wyle Labs, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, 94035
| | - Jack Miller
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720
| | - Yared Kidane
- Wyle Labs, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, 94035
| | - Daniel Berrios
- USRA, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calfornia 94035
| | - Samrawit G. Gebre
- Wyle Labs, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, 94035
| | - Sylvain V. Costes
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, California 94035
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Beheshti A, Neuberg D, McDonald JT, Vanderburg CR, Evens AM. The Impact of Age and Sex in DLBCL: Systems Biology Analyses Identify Distinct Molecular Changes and Signaling Networks. Cancer Inform 2015; 14:141-8. [PMID: 26691437 PMCID: PMC4676434 DOI: 10.4137/cin.s34144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Potential molecular alterations based on age and sex are not well defined in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We examined global transcriptome DLBCL data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) via a systems biology approach to determine the molecular differences associated with age and sex. Collectively, sex and age revealed striking transcriptional differences with older age associated with decreased metabolism and telomere functions and female sex was associated with decreased interferon signaling, transcription, cell cycle, and PD-1 signaling. We discovered that the key genes for most groups strongly regulated immune function activity. Furthermore, older females were predicted to have less DLBCL progression versus older males and young females. Finally, analyses in systems biology revealed that JUN and CYCS signaling were the most critical factors associated with tumor progression in older and male patients. We identified important molecular perturbations in DLBCL that were strongly associated with age and sex and were predicted to strongly influence tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Beheshti
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donna Neuberg
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew M Evens
- Director, Tufts Cancer Center, and Chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA. ; Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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