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Soffritti I, D’Accolti M, Bini F, Mazziga E, Di Luca D, Maccari C, Arcangeletti MC, Caselli E. Virus-Induced MicroRNA Modulation and Systemic Sclerosis Disease. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1360. [PMID: 38927567 PMCID: PMC11202132 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNA sequences that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They are involved in the regulation of multiple pathways, related to both physiological and pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases, such as Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Specifically, SSc is recognized as a complex and multifactorial disease, characterized by vascular abnormalities, immune dysfunction, and progressive fibrosis, affecting skin and internal organs. Among predisposing environmental triggers, evidence supports the roles of oxidative stress, chemical agents, and viral infections, mostly related to those sustained by beta-herpesviruses such as HCMV and HHV-6. Dysregulated levels of miRNA expression have been found in SSc patients compared to healthy controls, at both the intra- and extracellular levels, providing a sort of miRNA signature of the SSc disease. Notably, HCMV/HHV-6 viral infections were shown to modulate the miRNA profile, often superposing that observed in SSc, potentially promoting pathological pathways associated with SSc development. This review summarizes the main data regarding miRNA alterations in SSc disease, highlighting their potential as prognostic or diagnostic markers for SSc disease, and the impact of the putative SSc etiological agents on miRNA modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Soffritti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.S.); (M.D.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria D’Accolti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.S.); (M.D.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Bini
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.S.); (M.D.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mazziga
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.S.); (M.D.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Clara Maccari
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.M.); (M.-C.A.)
| | - Maria-Cristina Arcangeletti
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.M.); (M.-C.A.)
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.S.); (M.D.); (F.B.); (E.M.)
- CIAS Research Center, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
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Abraham D, Lescoat A, Stratton R. Emerging diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101252. [PMID: 38325132 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (also called scleroderma, SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition leading to skin fibrosis and various internal organ manifestations. The emergent diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for scleroderma focus on early detection and targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Diagnostics for SSc have evolved significantly in recent years, driven by advancements in serological markers and imaging techniques. Autoantibody profiling, especially antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and specific scleroderma-associated autoantibodies, aids in identifying subsets of scleroderma and predicting disease progression. Furthermore, novel imaging modalities, such as high-frequency ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography, enable early detection of skin fibrosis and internal organ involvement, enhancing the diagnostic precision and allowing for tailored management. Therapeutic strategies for SSc are multifaceted, targeting immune dysregulation, vascular abnormalities, and fibrotic processes. Emerging biologic agents have shown promise in clinical trials, including monoclonal antibodies directed against key cytokines involved in fibrosis, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, small-molecule inhibitors that disrupt fibrotic pathways, like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have exhibited potential in limiting collagen deposition and preventing disease progression. Stem cell therapy, cell ablation and gene editing techniques hold great potential in regenerating damaged tissue and halting fibrotic processes. Early intervention remains crucial in managing SSc, as irreversible tissue damage often occurs in advanced stages. Novel diagnostic methods, such as biomarkers and gene expression profiling, are being explored to identify individuals at high risk for developing progressive severe disease and intervene proactively. Furthermore, patient-tailored therapeutic approaches, employing a combination of immunosuppressive agents and targeted anti-fibrotic therapies, are being investigated to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. The emergent diagnostics and therapeutic strategies in scleroderma are transforming the management of this challenging disease. Nevertheless, ongoing research and clinical trials are needed to optimize the efficacy and safety of these novel approaches in the complex and diverse spectrum of SSc manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Abraham
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, London, UK
| | - Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Richard Stratton
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, London, UK.
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Shir-az O, Berl A, Mann D, Bilal BS, Levy Y, Shalom A. Treatment of Scleroderma-Related Microstomia Using Hyaluronic Acid: An Interventional Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2176. [PMID: 38004316 PMCID: PMC10671914 DOI: 10.3390/life13112176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) or scleroderma is a rare, systemic, autoimmune connective tissue disease. It causes increased collagen synthesis, leading to multi-organ sclerosis, including the skin and joints. Patients' overall health and quality of life are harmed dramatically. Involvement of the face and, especially, the oral opening can limit patients' ability to speak and eat, oral hygiene, and cosmetic appearance. Profhilo® (NAHYCO®) is an over-the-counter product consisting of pure hyaluronic acid. It is used to improve skin quality by increasing collagen production and adipocyte vitality. This interventional study evaluated the results of perioral injections of hyaluronic acid in terms of improved skin quality, elasticity, and increased oral opening. Patients diagnosed with SSc received an injection of one syringe of Profhilo® (2 mL of hyaluronic acid) at each of two clinic visits at one-month intervals. The oral opening was measured between the upper and lower central incisors before and after treatment. Quality of life was assessed using the modified Rodnan Skin Score and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index. A total of 14 patients received the first treatment, and 11 received the second treatment. The mean oral opening increased from 31.6 mm (range 17-50 mm) prior to therapy to 35.8 mm (range 21-56) 2 months following the second injection. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant increase in the oral opening as observed one week (36.2 mm, p = 0.011), one month (36.2 mm, p = 0.007), and three months (31.6 mm, p = 0.023) after the second injection, at the 5-month follow-up. Treatment of SSc patients' perioral area with Profhilo® can result in significant improvements in oral opening and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofir Shir-az
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel; (O.S.-a.); (D.M.); (B.S.B.); (A.S.)
- The Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Ariel Berl
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel; (O.S.-a.); (D.M.); (B.S.B.); (A.S.)
- The Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Din Mann
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel; (O.S.-a.); (D.M.); (B.S.B.); (A.S.)
- The Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Biader Samih Bilal
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel; (O.S.-a.); (D.M.); (B.S.B.); (A.S.)
- The Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Yair Levy
- The Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Department of Internal Medicine E, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | - Avshalom Shalom
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel; (O.S.-a.); (D.M.); (B.S.B.); (A.S.)
- The Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
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Leask A, Naik A, Stratton RJ. Back to the future: targeting the extracellular matrix to treat systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:713-723. [PMID: 37789119 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the excessive deposition of a stable extracellular matrix (ECM); fibrotic tissue is composed principally of highly crosslinked type I collagen and highly contractile myofibroblasts. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by skin and organ fibrosis. The fibrotic process has been recognized in SSc for >40 years, but drugs with demonstrable efficacy against SSc fibrosis in ameliorating the lung involvement have only recently been identified. Unfortunately, these treatments are ineffective at improving the skin score in patients with SSc. Previous clinical trials in SSc have largely focused on the cross-purposing of anti-inflammatory drugs and the use of immunosuppressive drugs from the transplantation field, which address inflammatory and/or autoimmune processes. Limited examination has taken place of specific anti-fibrotic agents developed through their ability to directly target the ECM in SSc by, for example, alleviating the persistent matrix stiffness and mechanotransduction that might be required for both the initiation and maintenance of fibrosis, including in SSc. However, because of the importance of the ECM in the SSc phenotype, attempts have now been made to identify drugs that specifically target the ECM, including some drugs that are currently under consideration for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Richard J Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London, UK
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Moezinia C, Wong V, Watson J, Nagib L, Lopez Garces S, Zhang S, Ahmed Abdi B, Newton F, Abraham D, Stratton R. Autoantibodies Which Bind to and Activate Keratinocytes in Systemic Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:2490. [PMID: 37887334 PMCID: PMC10605821 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202490] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disease characterised by pathological processes involving autoimmunity, vasculopathy and resultant extensive skin and organ fibrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated activation and aberrant wound healing responses in the epithelial layer of the skin in this disease, implicating the epithelial keratinocytes as a source of pro-fibrotic and inflammatory mediators. In this paper, we investigated the role of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies directed against epithelial cells, as potential initiators and propagators of pathological keratocyte activation and the ensuing SSc fibrotic cascade. A keratinocyte cell-based ELISA is used to evaluate the binding of SSc IgG. SSc skin biopsies were stained by immunofluorescence for the presence of IgG in the keratinocyte layer. Moreover, IgG purified from SSc sera was evaluated for the potential to activate keratinocytes in tissue culture and to induce TLR2 and 3 signalling in reporter cell lines. We demonstrate enhanced binding of SSc IgG to keratinocytes and the activation of these cells leading to the release of IL-1α, representing a potential initiating pathway in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Richard Stratton
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Division of Medicine, London NW3 2QG, UK (V.W.); (J.W.); (L.N.); (F.N.)
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Berkowitz JS, Tabib T, Xiao H, Sadej GM, Khanna D, Fuschiotti P, Lafyatis RA, Das J. Cell Type-Specific Biomarkers of Systemic Sclerosis Disease Severity Capture Cell-Intrinsic and Cell-Extrinsic Circuits. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:1819-1830. [PMID: 37096444 PMCID: PMC10543405 DOI: 10.1002/art.42536] [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] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multifactorial autoimmune fibrotic disorder involving complex rewiring of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic signaling coexpression networks involving a range of cell types. However, the rewired circuits as well as corresponding cell-cell interactions remain poorly understood. To address this, we used a predictive machine learning framework to analyze single-cell RNA-sequencing data from 24 SSc patients across the severity spectrum as quantified by the modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS). METHODS We used a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-based predictive machine learning approach on the single-cell RNA-sequencing data set to identify predictive biomarkers of SSc severity, both across and within cell types. The use of L1 regularization helps prevent overfitting on high-dimensional data. Correlation network analyses were coupled to the LASSO model to identify cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic co-correlates of the identified biomarkers of SSc severity. RESULTS We found that the uncovered cell type-specific predictive biomarkers of MRSS included previously implicated genes in fibroblast and myeloid cell subsets (e.g., SFPR2+ fibroblasts and monocytes), as well as novel gene biomarkers of MRSS, especially in keratinocytes. Correlation network analyses revealed novel cross-talk between immune pathways and implicated keratinocytes in addition to fibroblast and myeloid cells as key cell types involved in SSc pathogenesis. We then validated the uncovered association of key gene expression and protein markers in keratinocytes, KRT6A and S100A8, with SSc skin disease severity. CONCLUSION Our global systems analyses reveal previously uncharacterized cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic signaling coexpression networks underlying SSc severity that involve keratinocytes, myeloid cells, and fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S Berkowitz
- Center for Systems Immunology, Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hanxi Xiao
- Center for Systems Immunology, Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gabrielle M. Sadej
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patrizia Fuschiotti
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert A. Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jishnu Das
- Center for Systems Immunology, Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Motta F, Tonutti A, Isailovic N, Ceribelli A, Costanzo G, Rodolfi S, Selmi C, De Santis M. Proteomic aptamer analysis reveals serum biomarkers associated with disease mechanisms and phenotypes of systemic sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1246777. [PMID: 37753072 PMCID: PMC10518467 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1246777] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that affects multiple organs, leading to elevated morbidity and mortality with limited treatment options. The early detection of organ involvement is challenging as there is currently no serum marker available to predict the progression of SSc. The aptamer technology proteomic analysis holds the potential to correlate SSc manifestations with serum proteins up to femtomolar concentrations. Methods This is a two-tier study of serum samples from women with SSc (including patients with interstitial lung disease - ILD - at high-resolution CT scan) and age-matched healthy controls (HC) that were first analyzed with aptamer-based proteomic analysis for over 1300 proteins. Proposed associated proteins were validated by ELISA first in an independent cohort of patients with SSc and HC, and selected proteins subject to further validation in two additional cohorts. Results The preliminary aptamer-based proteomic analysis identified 33 proteins with significantly different concentrations in SSc compared to HC sera and 9 associated with SSc-ILD, including proteins involved in extracellular matrix formation and cell-cell adhesion, angiogenesis, leukocyte recruitment, activation, and signaling. Further validations in independent cohorts ultimately confirmed the association of specific proteins with early SSc onset, specific organ involvement, and serum autoantibodies. Conclusions Our multi-tier proteomic analysis identified serum proteins discriminating patients with SSc and HC or associated with different SSc subsets, disease duration, and manifestations, including ILD, skin involvement, esophageal disease, and autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Motta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Antonio Tonutti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Natasa Isailovic
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Angela Ceribelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Costanzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Stefano Rodolfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Carlo Selmi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Maria De Santis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
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Saracino AM, Kelberman D, Otto GW, Gagunashvili A, Abraham DJ, Denton CP. Unravelling morphoea aetiopathogenesis by next-generation sequencing of paired skin biopsies. Arch Dermatol Res 2023; 315:2035-2056. [PMID: 36912952 PMCID: PMC10366313 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02541-5] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morphoea can have a significant disease burden. Aetiopathogenesis remains poorly understood, with very limited existing genetic studies. Linear morphoea (LM) may follow Blascho's lines of epidermal development, providing potential pathogenic clues. OBJECTIVE The first objective of this study was to identify the presence of primary somatic epidermal mosaicism in LM. The second objective was tTo explore differential gene expression in morphoea epidermis and dermis to identify potential pathogenic molecular pathways and tissue layer cross-talk. METHODOLOGY Skin biopsies from paired affected and contralateral unaffected skin were taken from 16 patients with LM. Epidermis and dermis were isolated using a 2-step chemical-physical separation protocol. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS; n = 4 epidermal) and RNA-seq (n = 5-epidermal, n = 5-dermal) with gene expression analysis via GSEA-MSigDBv6.3 and PANTHER-v14.1 pathway analyses, were performed. RTqPCR and immunohistochemistry were used to replicate key results. RESULTS Sixteen participants (93.8% female, mean age 27.7 yrs disease-onset) were included. Epidermal WGS identified no single affected gene or SNV. However, many potential disease-relevant pathogenic variants were present, including ADAMTSL1 and ADAMTS16. A highly proliferative, inflammatory and profibrotic epidermis was seen, with significantly-overexpressed TNFα-via-NFkB, TGFβ, IL6/JAKSTAT and IFN-signaling, apoptosis, p53 and KRAS-responses. Upregulated IFI27 and downregulated LAMA4 potentially represent initiating epidermal 'damage' signals and enhanced epidermal-dermal communication. Morphoea dermis exhibited significant profibrotic, B-cell and IFN-signatures, and upregulated morphogenic patterning pathways such as Wnt. CONCLUSION This study supports the absence of somatic epidermal mosaicism in LM, and identifies potential disease-driving epidermal mechanisms, epidermal-dermal interactions and disease-specific dermal differential-gene-expression in morphoea. We propose a potential molecular narrative for morphoea aetiopathogenesis which could help guide future targeted studies and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Saracino
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissues Diseases, University College London, London, UK.
- Department of Dermatology, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Melbourne Dermatology Clinic, 258 Park Street, South Melbourne, VIC, 3205, Australia.
| | - Daniel Kelberman
- GOSgene, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormand Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Georg W Otto
- GOSgene, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormand Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrey Gagunashvili
- GOSgene, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormand Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - David J Abraham
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissues Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissues Diseases, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Chitturi P, Xu S, Ahmed Abdi B, Nguyen J, Carter DE, Sinha S, Arora R, Biernaskie J, Stratton RJ, Leask A. Tripterygium wilfordii derivative celastrol, a YAP inhibitor, has antifibrotic effects in systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1191-1204. [PMID: 37328193 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-223859] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterised by extensive tissue fibrosis maintained by mechanotranductive/proadhesive signalling. Drugs targeting this pathway are therefore of likely therapeutic benefit. The mechanosensitive transcriptional co-activator, yes activated protein-1 (YAP1), is activated in SSc fibroblasts. The terpenoid celastrol is a YAP1 inhibitor; however, if celastrol can alleviate SSc fibrosis is unknown. Moreover, the cell niches required for skin fibrosis are unknown. METHODS Human dermal fibroblasts from healthy individuals and patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc were treated with or without transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), with or without celastrol. Mice were subjected to the bleomycin-induced model of skin SSc, in the presence or absence of celastrol. Fibrosis was assessed using RNA Sequencing, real-time PCR, spatial transcriptomic analyses, Western blot, ELISA and histological analyses. RESULTS In dermal fibroblasts, celastrol impaired the ability of TGFβ1 to induce an SSc-like pattern of gene expression, including that of cellular communication network factor 2, collagen I and TGFβ1. Celastrol alleviated the persistent fibrotic phenotype of dermal fibroblasts cultured from lesions of SSc patients. In the bleomycin-induced model of skin SSc, increased expression of genes associated with reticular fibroblast and hippo/YAP clusters was observed; conversely, celastrol inhibited these bleomycin-induced changes and blocked nuclear localisation of YAP. CONCLUSIONS Our data clarify niches within the skin activated in fibrosis and suggest that compounds, such as celastrol, that antagonise the YAP pathway may be potential treatments for SSc skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratyusha Chitturi
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Shiwen Xu
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Bahja Ahmed Abdi
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - John Nguyen
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Sartak Sinha
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rohit Arora
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard J Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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10
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Chairta PP, Nicolaou P, Christodoulou K. Enrichr in silico analysis of MS-based extracted candidate proteomic biomarkers highlights pathogenic pathways in systemic sclerosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1934. [PMID: 36732374 PMCID: PMC9894849 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rheumatic disease characterised by vasculopathy, inflammation and fibrosis. Its aetiopathogenesis is still unknown, and the pathways/mechanisms of the disease are not clarified. This study aimed to perform in silico analysis of the already Mass Spectrometry (MS)-based discovered biomarkers of SSc to extract possible pathways/mechanisms implicated in the disease. We recorded all published candidate MS-based found biomarkers related to SSc. We then selected a number of the candidate biomarkers using specific criteria and performed pathway and cellular component analyses using Enrichr. We used PANTHER and STRING to assess the biological processes and the interactions of the recorded proteins, respectively. Pathway analysis extracted several pathways that are associated with the three different stages of SSc pathogenesis. Some of these pathways are also related to other diseases, including autoimmune diseases. We observe that these biomarkers are located in several cellular components and implicated in many biological processes. STRING analysis showed that some proteins interact, creating significant clusters, while others do not display any evidence of an interaction. All these data highlight the complexity of SSc, and further investigation of the extracted pathways/biological processes and interactions may help study the disease from a different angle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi P Chairta
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Paschalis Nicolaou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyproula Christodoulou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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11
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Zheng SY, Hu XM, Huang K, Li ZH, Chen QN, Yang RH, Xiong K. Proteomics as a tool to improve novel insights into skin diseases: what we know and where we should be going. Front Surg 2022; 9:1025557. [PMID: 36338621 PMCID: PMC9633964 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1025557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biochemical processes involved in complex skin diseases (skin cancers, psoriasis, and wound) can be identified by combining proteomics analysis and bioinformatics tools, which gain a next-level insight into their pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic targets. Methods Articles were identified through a search of PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE references dated to May 2022, to perform system data mining, and a search of the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection was utilized to conduct a visual bibliometric analysis. Results An increased trend line revealed that the number of publications related to proteomics utilized in skin diseases has sharply increased recent years, reaching a peak in 2021. The hottest fields focused on are skin cancer (melanoma), inflammation skin disorder (psoriasis), and skin wounds. After deduplication and title, abstract, and full-text screening, a total of 486 of the 7,822 outcomes met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for detailed data mining in the field of skin disease tooling with proteomics, with regard to skin cancer. According to the data, cell death, metabolism, skeleton, immune, and inflammation enrichment pathways are likely the major part and hotspots of proteomic analysis found in skin diseases. Also, the focuses of proteomics in skin disease are from superficial presumption to depth mechanism exploration within more comprehensive validation, from basic study to a combination or guideline for clinical applications. Furthermore, we chose skin cancer as a typical example, compared with other skin disorders. In addition to finding key pathogenic proteins and differences between diseases, proteomic analysis is also used for therapeutic evaluation or can further obtain in-depth mechanisms in the field of skin diseases. Conclusion Proteomics has been regarded as an irreplaceable technology in the study of pathophysiological mechanism and/or therapeutic targets of skin diseases, which could provide candidate key proteins for the insight into the biological information after gene transcription. However, depth pathogenesis and potential clinical applications need further studies with stronger evidence within a wider range of skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-yuan Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xi-min Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zi-han Li
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing-ning Chen
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong-hua Yang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of 173 Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Correspondence: Rong-hua Yang Kun Xiong
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma, Ministry of Education, College of Emergency and Trauma, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Correspondence: Rong-hua Yang Kun Xiong
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12
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Reduced hydration regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines via CD14 in barrier function-impaired skin. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166482. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Zanin-Silva DC, Santana-Gonçalves M, Kawashima-Vasconcelos MY, Lima-Júnior JR, Dias JBE, Moraes DA, Covas DT, Malmegrim KCR, Ramalho L, Oliveira MC. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation promotes connective tissue remodeling in systemic sclerosis patients. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:95. [PMID: 35488348 PMCID: PMC9052524 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02779-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) treats patients with severe and progressive systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, basic mechanisms associated with the therapeutic efficacy of the procedure are not entirely understood. We aimed to evaluate how AHSCT affects skin fibrosis in SSc patients. METHODS Clinical data, serum, and skin samples from 39 SSc patients who underwent AHSCT were retrospectively evaluated. Skin biopsies were analyzed by immunohistochemistry with anti-MMP-1, -MMP-2, -MMP-3, -MMP-9, -TIMP-1, -α-SMA, -TGF-β, and -NF-κB p65 antibodies, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and picrosirius red to assess skin thickness and collagen density, respectively. Serum samples were evaluated by Multiplex Assay for COL1A1, COL4A1, FGF-1, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-12, MMP-13, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, S100A9, and TIMP-1 levels and compared to healthy controls. RESULTS After AHSCT, SSc patients showed clinical improvement in skin involvement, assessed by modified Rodnan's skin score (mRSS). Histologically, collagen density and skin thickness decreased after AHSCT. Immunohistochemical analyses showed increased expression of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 after AHSCT, whereas expression of NF-κB p65 decreased. At baseline, serum levels of COL4A1 and S100A9 were higher than in healthy controls. Serum levels of S100A9 normalized after AHCST in SSc patients compared to controls. Serum levels of PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, TIMP-1, and MMP-1 decreased, while COL1A1 increased after AHSCT in SSc patients. No changes were detected in MMP-3, MMP-12, MMP-13, and FGF-1 serum levels after AHSCT. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the therapeutic effects of AHSCT on skin fibrosis are related to changes in molecules associated with connective tissue maintenance and inflammation in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djúlio C Zanin-Silva
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Basic and Applied Immunology Graduate Program, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maynara Santana-Gonçalves
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Oncology, Stem cell and Cell-Therapy Graduate Program, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marianna Y Kawashima-Vasconcelos
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Internal Medicine Graduate Program, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João R Lima-Júnior
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Juliana B E Dias
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil
| | - Daniela A Moraes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil
| | - Dimas T Covas
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Kelen C R Malmegrim
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Oncology, Stem cell and Cell-Therapy Graduate Program, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Clinical, Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Leandra Ramalho
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina Oliveira
- Center for Cell-based Therapy, Regional Hemotherapy Center of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. .,Oncology, Stem cell and Cell-Therapy Graduate Program, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil.
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14
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Marjanovic EJ, Sharma V, Smith L, Pinder C, Moore TL, Manning JB, Dinsdale G, Berks M, Newton VL, Wilkinson S, Dickinson MR, Herrick AL, Watson REB, Murray AK. Polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography measurement of retardance in fibrosis, a non-invasive biomarker in patients with systemic sclerosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2893. [PMID: 35190594 PMCID: PMC8861061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06783-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) offers a novel, non-invasive method of assessing skin fibrosis in the multisystem disease systemic sclerosis (SSc) by measuring collagen retardance. This study aimed to assess retardance as a biomarker in SSc. Thirty-one patients with SSc and 27 healthy controls (HC) underwent PS-OCT imaging. 'Skin score' was assessed by clinical palpation (0-3 scale). A subset of ten patients and ten age/sex-matched HC had a biopsy and longitudinal imaging. Histological assessment included quantification of epidermal thickness, collagen content (to assess fibrosis) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity (in situ zymography). PS-OCT images were assessed for epidermal thickness (structure) and fibrosis (retardance). Positive correlation was observed between epidermal thickness as measured by histology and structural PS-OCT (r = 0.79; p < 0.001). Retardance was: HC mean 0.21 (SD 0.21) radian/pixel; SSc skin score 0, 0.30 (0.19); skin score 1, 0.11 (0.16); skin score 2, 0.06 (0.12); skin score 3, 0.36 (0.35). Longitudinal retardance decreased at one-week across groups, increasing at one-month for HC/skin score 0-1; HC biopsy site retardance suggests scarring is akin to fibrosis. Relationships identified between retardance with both biopsy and skin score data indicate that retardance warrants further investigation as a suitable biomarker for SSc-related fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Marjanovic
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Rm C215, Clinical Sciences Building, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
- Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
| | - V Sharma
- Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
- Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - L Smith
- Photon Science Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - C Pinder
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - T L Moore
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Rm C215, Clinical Sciences Building, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
- Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
| | - J B Manning
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Rm C215, Clinical Sciences Building, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
- Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
| | - G Dinsdale
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Rm C215, Clinical Sciences Building, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
- Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
| | - M Berks
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - V L Newton
- Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
- Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - S Wilkinson
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Rm C215, Clinical Sciences Building, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
- Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
| | - M R Dickinson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Photon Science Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - A L Herrick
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Rm C215, Clinical Sciences Building, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
- Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - R E B Watson
- Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
- Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - A K Murray
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Rm C215, Clinical Sciences Building, Salford, M6 8HD, UK.
- Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, M6 8HD, UK.
- Photon Science Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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15
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Russo B, Borowczyk J, Cacialli P, Moguelet P, Truchetet ME, Modarressi A, Brembilla NC, Bertrand J, Boehncke WH, Chizzolini C. IL-25 participates in keratinocyte-driven dermal matrix turnover and is reduced in Systemic Sclerosis epidermis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:4558-4569. [PMID: 35171244 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evidence shows that dysfunctional SSc keratinocytes contribute to fibrosis by altering dermal homeostasis. Whether interleukin-25 (IL-25), an IL-17 family member regulating many epidermal functions, takes part in skin fibrosis is unknown. Here we address the role of IL-25 in skin fibrosis. METHODS The expression of IL-25 was evaluated by immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization in 10 SSc and 7 healthy donors (HD) skin biopsies. Epidermal equivalents (EE) reconstituted by primary HD keratinocytes were used as a model to study transcriptomic changes induced by IL-25 in the epidermis. RNA expression profile in EE was characterized by RNAseq. The conditioned medium (CM) from primary SSc and HD keratinocytes primed with IL-25 was used to stimulate fibroblasts. IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, type-I collagen (col-I), and fibronectin production by fibroblasts was assessed by ELISA. RESULTS SSc epidermis expressed lower levels of IL-25 compared with HD. In EE, IL-25 regulated several molecular pathways related to wound healing and ECM remodeling. Compared with control CM, the CM from IL-25-primed keratinocytes enhanced the fibroblast production of MMP-1, IL-6, IL-8, but not of Col-I nor fibronectin. However, IL-25 significantly reduced the production of Col-I when applied directly to fibroblasts. The activation of keratinocytes by IL-25 was receptor-dependent and evident after a very short incubation time (10 min), largely mediated by IL-1, suggesting enhanced and specific release of preformed mediators. CONCLUSIONS These results show that IL-25 participates to skin homeostasis and its decreased expression in SSc may contribute to skin fibrosis by favoring ECM deposition over degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Russo
- Pathology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julia Borowczyk
- Pathology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Cacialli
- Pathology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Ali Modarressi
- Plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic unit, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolò C Brembilla
- Pathology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julien Bertrand
- Pathology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wolf-Henning Boehncke
- Pathology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Chizzolini
- Pathology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.,Immunology & Allergy, Department of internal medicine, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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16
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Peters F, Rahn S, Mengel M, Scharfenberg F, Otte A, Koudelka T, Wagner EF, Wunderlich FT, Haase M, Naumann R, Tholey A, Becker-Pauly C. Syndecan-1 shedding by meprin β impairs keratinocyte adhesion and differentiation in hyperkeratosis. Matrix Biol 2021; 102:37-69. [PMID: 34508852 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of proteolytic enzymes has huge impact on epidermal homeostasis, which can result in severe pathological conditions such as fibrosis or Netherton syndrome. The metalloprotease meprin β was found to be upregulated in hyperproliferative skin diseases. AP-1 transcription factor complex has been reported to induce Mep1b expression. Since AP-1 and its subunit fos-related antigen 2 (fra-2) are associated with the onset and progression of psoriasis, we wanted to investigate if this could partially be attributed to increased meprin β activity. Here, we demonstrate that fra-2 transgenic mice show increased meprin β expression and proteolytic activity in the epidermis. To avoid influence by other fra-2 regulated genes, we additionally generated a mouse model that enabled tamoxifen-inducible expression of meprin β under the Krt5-promotor to mimic the pathological condition. Interestingly, induced meprin β expression in the epidermis resulted in hyperkeratosis, hair loss and mottled pigmentation of the skin. Employing N-terminomics revealed syndecan-1 as a substrate of meprin β in skin. Shedding of syndecan-1 at the cell surface caused delayed calcium-induced differentiation and impaired adhesion of keratinocytes, which was blocked by the meprin β inhibitor fetuin-B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Peters
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany; Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Zurich 8952, Switzerland
| | - Sascha Rahn
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Marion Mengel
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Franka Scharfenberg
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Anna Otte
- Biochemical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Tomas Koudelka
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Erwin F Wagner
- Laboratory Genes and Disease, Department of Dermatology and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - F Thomas Wunderlich
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Michael Haase
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty, Dresden University, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Ronald Naumann
- MPI of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Andreas Tholey
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany
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17
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Abstract
From the clinical standpoint, systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by skin and internal organ fibrosis, diffuse fibroproliferative vascular modifications, and autoimmunity. Clinical presentation and course are highly heterogenous and life expectancy variably affected mostly dependent on lung and heart involvement. SSc touches more women than men with differences in disease severity and environmental exposure. Pathogenetic events originate from altered homeostasis favored by genetic predisposition, environmental cues and a variety of endogenous and exogenous triggers. Epigenetic modifications modulate SSc pathogenesis which strikingly associate profound immune-inflammatory dysregulation, abnormal endothelial cell behavior, and cell trans-differentiation into myofibroblasts. SSc myofibroblasts show enhanced survival and enhanced extracellular matrix deposition presenting altered structure and altered physicochemical properties. Additional cell types of likely pathogenic importance are pericytes, platelets, and keratinocytes in conjunction with their relationship with vessel wall cells and fibroblasts. In SSc, the profibrotic milieu is favored by cell signaling initiated in the one hand by transforming growth factor-beta and related cytokines and in the other hand by innate and adaptive type 2 immune responses. Radical oxygen species and invariant receptors sensing danger participate to altered cell behavior. Conventional and SSc-specific T cell subsets modulate both fibroblasts as well as endothelial cell dysfunction. Beside autoantibodies directed against ubiquitous antigens important for enhanced clinical classification, antigen-specific agonistic autoantibodies may have a pathogenic role. Recent studies based on single-cell RNAseq and multi-omics approaches are revealing unforeseen heterogeneity in SSc cell differentiation and functional states. Advances in system biology applied to the wealth of data generated by unbiased screening are allowing to subgroup patients based on distinct pathogenic mechanisms. Deciphering heterogeneity in pathogenic mechanisms will pave the way to highly needed personalized therapeutic approaches.
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18
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Kendall RT, Renaud L, Baatz JE, Malaab M, Nguyen XX, Feghali-Bostwick CA. Systemic sclerosis biomarkers detection in the secretome of TGFβ1-activated primary human lung fibroblasts. J Proteomics 2021; 242:104243. [PMID: 33930553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
TGFβ1 is a profibrotic mediator that contributes to a broad spectrum of pathologies, including systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF). However, the secretome of TGFβ1-stimulated primary human normal lung (NL) fibroblasts has not been well characterized. Using fluorescent 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and differential gel electrophoresis (DIGE) followed by Mass Spectrometry, we identified 37 differentially secreted proteins in the conditioned media of TGFβ1-activated NL fibroblasts and generated a protein-protein association network of the TGFβ1 secretome using STRING. Functional enrichment revealed that several biological processes and pathways characteristic of PF were enriched. Additionally, by comparing the TGFβ1 secretome of NL fibroblasts to proteomic biomarkers from biological fluids of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, we identified 11 overlapping proteins. Together our data validate the TGFβ1-induced secretome of NL fibroblasts as a valid in vitro model that reflects SSc biomarkers and identify potential therapeutic targets for SSc-PF. SIGNIFICANCE: All proteins secreted by fibroblasts into the extracellular space, representing the secretome, promote cell-to-cell communication as well as tissue homeostasis, immune mechanisms, developmental regulation, proteolysis, development of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell adhesion. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how TGFβ1, a well-known profibrotic cytokine, modulates the secretome of pulmonary fibroblasts, and how the TGFβ1-induced secretome resembles biomarkers in SSc. Using functional enrichment analysis, key pathways and hub proteins can be identified and studied as potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T Kendall
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - John E Baatz
- Department of Pediatrics, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - Maya Malaab
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - Xinh-Xinh Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - Carol A Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, MUSC, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
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19
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Russo B, Borowczyk J, Boehncke WH, Truchetet ME, Modarressi A, Brembilla NC, Chizzolini C. Dysfunctional Keratinocytes Increase Dermal Inflammation in Systemic Sclerosis: Results From Studies Using Tissue-Engineered Scleroderma Epidermis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 73:1311-1317. [PMID: 33497035 DOI: 10.1002/art.41659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence suggests that keratinocyte-fibroblast interactions are abnormal in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The present study was undertaken to investigate potential epidermal dysfunction in SSc and its effects on dermal homeostasis. METHODS Epidermal equivalents (EEs) were generated using keratinocytes from 6 healthy donors and 4 individuals with SSc. Skin and EE expression of markers of proliferation, differentiation, and activation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The transcriptomic profile of SSc EEs and healthy donor EEs was identified by RNA sequencing. EE conditioned medium (CM) was used to stimulate fibroblasts, and their production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), type I collagen, and fibronectin was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Compared to healthy donor EEs, SSc EEs exhibited aberrant differentiation, enhanced expression of activation markers, and a lower rate of basal keratinocyte mitosis, reproducing most of the abnormalities observed in SSc epidermis. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that, compared to healthy donor EEs, SSc EEs were characterized by lower expression of homeobox gene family members and by enhanced metabolic and oxidative stress molecular pathways. EE CM enhanced fibroblast production of IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, type I collagen, and fibronectin (P < 0.05). Except for type I collagen and fibronectin, this effect was 2-fold higher in the presence of CM generated form SSc EEs. IL-1 was responsible, at least in part, for keratinocyte-dependent fibroblast activation. CONCLUSION SSc EEs recapitulate the in vivo characteristics of SSc epidermis, demonstrating that SSc keratinocytes have an intrinsically altered differentiation program, possibly due to the dysregulation of genes from the homeobox family. The increased metabolic and oxidative stress associated with SSc epidermis may contribute to chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the dermis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Russo
- University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julia Borowczyk
- University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Ali Modarressi
- University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolò C Brembilla
- University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Chizzolini
- University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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20
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Diversity of Mechanisms Underlying Latent TGF-β Activation in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:1450-1460.e9. [PMID: 33333127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Injury- and inflammation-driven progressive dermal fibrosis is a severe manifestation of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa-a genetic skin blistering disease caused by mutations in COL7A1. TGF-β activation plays a prominent part in progressing dermal fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. TGF-β is secreted in a latent form, which has to be activated for its biological functions. In this study, we determined that recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa fibroblasts have an enhanced capacity to activate the latent form. Mechanistic and functional assessment demonstrated that this process depends on multiple latent TGF-β activators, including TSP-1, RGD-binding integrins, matrix metalloproteinases, and ROS, which act in concert, in a self-perpetuating feedback loop to progress fibrosis. Importantly, our study also disclosed keratinocytes as prominent facilitators of fibrosis in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. They stimulate microenvironmental latent TGF-β activation through enhanced production of the above mediators. Collectively, our study provides data on the molecular mechanism behind dysregulated TGF-β signaling in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, which are much needed for the development of evidence-based fibrosis-delaying treatments.
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21
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Chen C, Cheng Y, Zhu X, Cai Y, Xue Y, Kong N, Yu Y, Xuan D, Zheng S, Yang X, Zhu Z, Zhao T, Wan W, Zou H, Liang M. Ultrasound assessment of skin thickness and stiffness: the correlation with histology and clinical score in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:197. [PMID: 32843083 PMCID: PMC7448329 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02285-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ultrasound is a useful tool to evaluate and quantify skin lesions. Few studies have assessed the criterion validity of skin ultrasound in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aims of the study were to investigate skin thickness and stiffness using ultrasound and shear wave elastography (SWE) in SSc and to validate skin ultrasound measurements against histological skin thickness. Methods A total of 22 patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), 22 with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), and 22 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Skin thickness and stiffness were measured by B-mode ultrasound with SWE imaging on the bilateral fingers and hands. Additional ultrasound evaluation was carried out in 13 patients (9 dcSSc and 4 lcSSc) on their dorsal forearms, followed by skin biopsy conducted in the same skin areas. Correlations between ultrasound measurements and histological skin thickness and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) were investigated using Spearman’s correlation. Results Compared with controls, ultrasound-measured skin thickness and skin stiffness were significantly higher in patients with SSc (p < 0.001) and even higher in those with dcSSc. No clear correlation could be established between ultrasound-determined skin thickness and stiffness at the same site. Ultrasound-measured skin thickness correlated well with histological skin thickness (r = 0.6926, p = 0.009). A weaker association was also observed between histological skin thickness and local mRSS (r = 0.5867, p = 0.050). Conclusions Ultrasound is a reliable tool for quantifying skin involvement in SSc. Ultrasound-measured skin thickness showed good agreement with histological skin thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yehua Cai
- Department of Ultrasound, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Xue
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Kong
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyun Yu
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Xuan
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shucong Zheng
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zaihua Zhu
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyi Zhao
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Wan
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China. .,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hejian Zou
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China. .,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Minrui Liang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China. .,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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22
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Role of type I interferons and innate immunity in systemic sclerosis: unbalanced activities on distinct cell types? Curr Opin Rheumatol 2020; 31:569-575. [PMID: 31436583 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The role of type I IFNs (IFN-I) in the promotion of autoimmunity has been well established. However, its role in the skin fibrosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is less clear. IFN-I can participate to tissue repair, and, here, we will consider the extent to which IFN-I's role in SSc skin fibrosis may reflect in part IFN-I functions during wound healing. RECENT FINDINGS Studies are beginning to delineate whether IFN-I has a protective or pathogenic role and how IFN-I affects tissue biology. Recent support for a pathogenic role came from a study depleting plasmacytoid dendritic cells during bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis. The depletion reduced the bleomycin-induced IFN-I-stimulated transcripts and both prevented and reversed fibrosis. Additionally, two recent articles, one identifying SSc endothelial cell injury markers and one showing repressed IFN signaling in SSc keratinocytes, suggest the possibility of unbalanced IFN-I activities on distinct cells types. SUMMARY Recent results support a pathogenic role for IFN-I in skin fibrosis, and recent studies along with others suggest a scenario whereby SSc skin damage results from too much IFN-I-activity driving vasculopathy in combination with too little IFN-I-mediated epidermal integrity and antifibrotic fibroblast phenotype.
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23
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Dengjel J, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Nyström A. Skin proteomics - analysis of the extracellular matrix in health and disease. Expert Rev Proteomics 2020; 17:377-391. [PMID: 32552150 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1773261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The skin protects the human body from external insults and regulates water and temperature homeostasis. A highly developed extracellular matrix (ECM) supports the skin and instructs its cell functions. Reduced functionality of the ECM is often associated with skin diseases that cause physical impairment and also have implications on social interactions and quality of life of affected individuals. AREAS COVERED With a focus on the skin ECM we discuss how mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic approaches first contributed to establishing skin protein inventories and then facilitated elucidation of molecular functions and disease mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION MS-based proteomic approaches have significantly contributed to our understanding of skin pathophysiology, but also revealed the challenges in assessing the skin ECM. The numerous posttranslational modifications of ECM proteins, like glycosylation, crosslinking, oxidation, and proteolytic maturation in disease settings can be difficult to tackle and remain understudied. Increased ease of handling of LC-MS/MS systems and automated/streamlined data analysis pipelines together with the accompanying increased usage of LC-MS/MS approaches will ensure that in the coming years MS-based proteomic approaches will continue to play a vital part in skin disease research. They will facilitate the elucidation of molecular disease mechanisms and, ultimately, identification of new druggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg , Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg , Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany Germany
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg , Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany Germany
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24
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Chairta P, Nicolaou P, Sokratous K, Galant C, Houssiau F, Oulas A, Spyrou GM, Alarcon-Riquelme ME, Lauwerys BR, Christodoulou K. Comparative analysis of affected and unaffected areas of systemic sclerosis skin biopsies by high-throughput proteomic approaches. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:107. [PMID: 32381114 PMCID: PMC7206756 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02196-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pathogenesis and aetiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc) are currently unclear, thus rendering disease prognosis, diagnosis and treatment challenging. The aim of this study was to use paired skin biopsy samples from affected and unaffected areas of the same patient, in order to compare the proteomes and identify biomarkers and pathways which are associated with SSc pathogenesis. Methods Biopsies were obtained from affected and unaffected skin areas of SSc patients. Samples were cryo-pulverised and proteins were extracted and analysed using mass spectrometry (MS) discovery analysis. Differentially expressed proteins were revealed after analysis with the Progenesis QIp software. Pathway analysis was performed using the Enrichr Web server. Using specific criteria, fifteen proteins were selected for further validation with targeted-MS analysis. Results Proteomic analysis led to the identification and quantification of approximately 2000 non-redundant proteins. Statistical analysis showed that 169 of these proteins were significantly differentially expressed in affected versus unaffected tissues. Pathway analyses showed that these proteins are involved in multiple pathways that are associated with autoimmune diseases (AIDs) and fibrosis. Fifteen of these proteins were further investigated using targeted-MS approaches, and five of them were confirmed to be significantly differentially expressed in SSc affected versus unaffected skin biopsies. Conclusion Using MS-based proteomics analysis of human skin biopsies from patients with SSc, we identified a number of proteins and pathways that might be involved in SSc progression and pathogenesis. Fifteen of these proteins were further validated, and results suggest that five of them may serve as potential biomarkers for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Chairta
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Neurogenetics Department, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Paschalis Nicolaou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Neurogenetics Department, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kleitos Sokratous
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Bioinformatics ERA Chair, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Present Address: OMass Therapeutics, The Schrödinger Building, Heatley Road, The Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Christine Galant
- Department of Pathology, Université catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Houssiau
- Rheumatology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Université catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Anastasis Oulas
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Bioinformatics ERA Chair, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George M Spyrou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Bioinformatics ERA Chair, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marta E Alarcon-Riquelme
- Area of Medical Genomics, Pfizer-Universidad de Granada-Junta de Andalucía de Genómica e Investigación Oncológica (GENyO), Parque Tenológico de la Salud Fundación (PTS) Granada, Spain; Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, USA
| | - Bernard R Lauwerys
- Department of Pathology, Université catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Kyproula Christodoulou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus. .,Neurogenetics Department, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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25
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Frasca L, Lande R. Toll-like receptors in mediating pathogenesis in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 201:14-24. [PMID: 32048277 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are evolutionarily conserved receptors essential for the host defence against pathogens. Both immune and non-immune cells can express TLRs, although at different levels. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease in which autoimmunity, dysregulated profibrotic mediator release and activation of fibroblasts lead to dysregulated collagen deposition and fibrosis. There is now increasing knowledge that the innate immune system and, in particular, TLRs take a part in SSc pathogenesis. The list of endogenous ligands that can stimulate TLRs in SSc is growing: these ligands represent specific danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), involved either in the initiation or the perpetuation of inflammation, and in the release of factors that sustain the fibrotic process or directly stimulate the cells that produce collagen and the endothelial cells. This review reports evidences concerning TLR signalling involvement in SSc. We report the new DAMPs, as well as the TLR-linked pathways involved in disease, with emphasis on type I interferon signature in SSc, the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and platelets. The dissection of the contribution of all these pathways to disease, and their correlation with the disease status, as well as their values as prognostic tools, can help to plan timely intervention and design new drugs for more appropriate therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Frasca
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological Research and Experimental Therapy Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - R Lande
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological Research and Experimental Therapy Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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26
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Dufour AM, Borowczyk-Michalowska J, Alvarez M, Truchetet ME, Modarressi A, Brembilla NC, Chizzolini C. IL-17A Dissociates Inflammation from Fibrogenesis in Systemic Sclerosis. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:103-112.e8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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27
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Meng M, Tan J, Chen W, Du Q, Xie B, Wang N, Zhu H, Wang K. The Fibrosis and Immunological Features of Hypochlorous Acid Induced Mouse Model of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1861. [PMID: 31481954 PMCID: PMC6710365 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic animal models are critical for the pathogenesis investigations and drug explorations in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model is the classical and most widely used fibrosis model. However, traditional subcutaneous injection of BLM rarely induced diffuse skin and lung lesions. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl)-induced mice are a more representative model that have diffuse cutaneous lesions, lung fibrosis and renal involvement. However, the fibrotic and immunological features of this model are not fully elucidated. Here, we injected BALB/c mice subcutaneously with HOCl used at different concentrations of HOCl (1:55, 1:70, and 1:110 NaClO: KH2PO4, hereafter named HOCl55, HOCl70, and HOCl110, respectively) for 6 weeks to induce fibrosis, and also used HOCl110 at different time course (4, 5, and 6 weeks). Morphological changes were observed via HE and Masson's trichrome staining. Immunohistochemistry or real-time PCR was used to detect inflammatory infiltrates, important fibrosis pathways and pro-inflammatory mediator expression. Flow cytometry was used to detect the alteration of immune cells in mouse spleen. Skin and lung fibrosis were most obvious in the HOCl55 group compared to lower concentration groups. In the HOCl110 group, dominant inflammatory infiltrates were found after 5 weeks, and significant fibrosis was found after 6 weeks. Then we explored the fibrosis and immunological profiles in the HOCl110 (6 weeks) group. Important fibrosis pathway proteins such as TGF-β, NF-κB, Smad3, p-Smad3, STAT3, and p-STAT3 were significantly elevated at week 6 in the HOCl110 group. Increased infiltration of CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, CD20+B cells, and myofibroblasts was found both in skin and lung tissues. However, decreased CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, monocytes and macrophages and increased CD19+B cells were found in the spleen tissues. The mRNA expression of fibrosis mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-33, TNF-α, and CTGF was also upregulated in skin and lung tissues. In conclusion, HOCl induced fibrosis mouse model displayed systemic immune cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory mediator release, vasculopathy and fibrosis, which better mimicked human SSc than BLM-induced mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Meng
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jieqiong Tan
- The Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weilin Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Du
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nian Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kangkai Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Laboratory Animals, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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28
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Tétreault MP, Kahrilas P. GI Manifestations With a Focus on the Esophagus: Recent Progress in Understanding Pathogenesis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2019; 21:42. [PMID: 31270707 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-019-0841-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Esophageal dysfunction is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Limited treatment options are available for scleroderma esophageal disease. Here, we discuss recent updates on the diagnosis, treatment, and characterization that have been made in patients with scleroderma esophageal disease. RECENT FINDINGS In the past few years, novel diagnostic tools have provided insight into esophageal dysmotility in SSc patients. New drugs are being tested and might improve symptoms and quality of life in SSc patients with esophageal dysfunction. Molecular stratification methods have facilitated the identification of molecular signatures in the esophagus of SSc patients. The Friend leukemia integration 1 (Fli1) conditional knockout mouse is the first animal model to report an esophageal phenotype with SSc features. The clinical presentation in SSc patients with esophageal dysfunction is heterogeneous, complicating diagnosis and management. The improvement of diagnostic tools for esophageal symptoms and dysfunction and the use of molecular approaches in SSc mouse models and patient biopsies offer an opportunity to improve the characterization of SSc esophageal disease, which should help improve management and treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pier Tétreault
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 15-753 Tarry Building, 300 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611-3010, USA.
| | - Peter Kahrilas
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 15-753 Tarry Building, 300 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611-3010, USA
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29
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Saigusa R, Yamashita T, Miura S, Hirabayashi M, Nakamura K, Miyagawa T, Fukui Y, Yoshizaki A, Sato S, Asano Y. A potential contribution of decreased galectin‐7 expression in stratified epithelia to the development of cutaneous and oesophageal manifestations in systemic sclerosis. Exp Dermatol 2019; 28:536-542. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Shunsuke Miura
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Megumi Hirabayashi
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Yuki Fukui
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
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30
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Lande R, Lee EY, Palazzo R, Marinari B, Pietraforte I, Santos GS, Mattenberger Y, Spadaro F, Stefanantoni K, Iannace N, Dufour AM, Falchi M, Bianco M, Botti E, Bianchi L, Alvarez M, Riccieri V, Truchetet ME, C.L. Wong G, Chizzolini C, Frasca L. CXCL4 assembles DNA into liquid crystalline complexes to amplify TLR9-mediated interferon-α production in systemic sclerosis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1731. [PMID: 31043596 PMCID: PMC6494823 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09683-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vasculopathy. CXCL4 represents an early serum biomarker of severe SSc and likely contributes to inflammation via chemokine signaling pathways, but the exact role of CXCL4 in SSc pathogenesis is unclear. Here, we elucidate an unanticipated mechanism for CXCL4-mediated immune amplification in SSc, in which CXCL4 organizes "self" and microbial DNA into liquid crystalline immune complexes that amplify TLR9-mediated plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC)-hyperactivation and interferon-α production. Surprisingly, this activity does not require CXCR3, the CXCL4 receptor. Importantly, we find that CXCL4-DNA complexes are present in vivo and correlate with type I interferon (IFN-I) in SSc blood, and that CXCL4-positive skin pDCs coexpress IFN-I-related genes. Thus, we establish a direct link between CXCL4 overexpression and the IFN-I-gene signature in SSc and outline a paradigm in which chemokines can drastically modulate innate immune receptors without being direct agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Lande
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological research and experimental therapy UNIT, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ernest Y. Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Raffaella Palazzo
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological research and experimental therapy UNIT, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Marinari
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133 Italy
| | - Immacolata Pietraforte
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Santiago Santos
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Yves Mattenberger
- Department of Microbiol and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Spadaro
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Confocal Microscopy Unit, Core Facilities, Rome, 00161 Italy
| | - Katia Stefanantoni
- Division of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Iannace
- Division of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Aleksandra Maria Dufour
- Immunology & Allergy and Immunology & Pathology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mario Falchi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, National AIDS Center, Rome, 00161 Italy
| | - Manuela Bianco
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological research and experimental therapy UNIT, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Botti
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133 Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133 Italy
| | - Montserrat Alvarez
- Immunology & Allergy and Immunology & Pathology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Riccieri
- Division of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Elise Truchetet
- Division of Rheumatology and immunoConcept, University Hospital, Bordeaux, 33076 France
| | - Gerard C.L. Wong
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Carlo Chizzolini
- Immunology & Allergy and Immunology & Pathology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Loredana Frasca
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacological research and experimental therapy UNIT, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Immunology & Allergy and Immunology & Pathology, University Hospital and School of Medicine, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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31
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Asano Y, Takahashi T, Saigusa R. Systemic sclerosis: Is the epithelium a missing piece of the pathogenic puzzle? J Dermatol Sci 2019; 94:259-265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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32
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Zhu H, Chen W, Liu D, Luo H. The role of metabolism in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Metabolism 2019; 93:44-51. [PMID: 30586574 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities. The cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear, and current therapies are limited. Cell metabolism has been shown to play an essential role in cancer survival and tumour invasion as well as in rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Although little is known about SSc, cell metabolism may provide new clues for understanding its pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent studies of metabolism in SSc and fibrotic disease, specifically focusing on glycolysis, fatty acid metabolism and oxidative stress. We highlight the role of metabolism in fibroblast differentiation and emphasize its potential therapeutic prospects in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilin Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People's Republic of China.
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Chaigne B, Clary G, Le Gall M, Dumoitier N, Fernandez C, Lofek S, Chafey P, Moinzadeh P, Krieg T, Denton CP, Mouthon L. Proteomic Analysis of Human Scleroderma Fibroblasts Response to Transforming Growth Factor-ß. Proteomics Clin Appl 2018; 13:e1800069. [PMID: 30141531 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201800069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy and fibrosis. Fibrosis is due to an activation of fibroblasts by the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß). This study investigates the proteomic response of SSc fibroblasts to TGF-ß. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Skin fibroblasts from diffuse SSc patients and healthy controls (HC) are cultured with or without TGF-ß. Two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (MS) combined with Ingenuity Pathway analysis (IPA) and Panther/David software analyze proteins differentially expressed between groups. Real-time cell analyzer (RTCA) assesses fibroblast proliferation and viability. RESULTS Two-hundred-and-seventy-nine proteins are differentially expressed between groups. Principal component analysis shows significant differences between groups. IPA shows specific process networks such as actin cytoskeleton and integrin signaling. Panther and David software show predominant biological processes such as cellular and metabolic processes. TGF-ß enhances protein synthesis and protein pathways. IPA and RTCA suggest the involvement of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (Pi3K). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE That the proteome of fibroblasts differs between SSc patients and HC is confirmed, and it is demonstrated that fibroblasts exacerbate their proteomic phenotype upon stimulation with TGF-ß. EGFR and Pi3K are highlighted as proteins of interest in SSc fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Chaigne
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, 75014 Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France.,Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares, Vascularites Nécrosantes Et Sclérodermie Systémique, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Guilhem Clary
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, 75014 Paris, France.,Proteomic core facility of Paris Descartes University (3P5), 75014 Paris, France
| | - Morgane Le Gall
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, 75014 Paris, France.,Proteomic core facility of Paris Descartes University (3P5), 75014 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Dumoitier
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, 75014 Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Claire Fernandez
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, 75014 Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France.,Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares, Vascularites Nécrosantes Et Sclérodermie Systémique, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Sebastien Lofek
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Chafey
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, 75014 Paris, France.,Proteomic core facility of Paris Descartes University (3P5), 75014 Paris, France
| | - Pia Moinzadeh
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, NW3 2QG London, UK
| | - Luc Mouthon
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, 75014 Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France.,Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares, Vascularites Nécrosantes Et Sclérodermie Systémique, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
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Svegliati S, Spadoni T, Moroncini G, Gabrielli A. NADPH oxidase, oxidative stress and fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 125:90-97. [PMID: 29694853 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.04.554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage of small vessels, immune abnormalities and exaggerated production of extracellular matrix. The etiology of the disease is unknown and the pathogenesis ill defined. However, there is consistent evidence that oxidative stress contributes to the establishment and progression of the disease. This review examines the most relevant research regarding the involvement of free radicals and of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidases; NOX) in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Svegliati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, Clinica Medica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy
| | - Tatiana Spadoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, Clinica Medica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy
| | - Gianluca Moroncini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, Clinica Medica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy
| | - Armando Gabrielli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, Clinica Medica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy.
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Gonçalves RSG, Pereira MC, Dantas AT, Almeida ARD, Marques CDL, Rego MJBM, Pitta IR, Duarte ALBP, Pitta MGR. IL-17 and related cytokines involved in systemic sclerosis: Perspectives. Autoimmunity 2017; 51:1-9. [PMID: 29256263 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2017.1416467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystemic, complex, and rare disease of connective tissue, with high morbidity and mortality, and without specific treatment. The disease is characterized by three main principles: vascular disease, autoantibody production and inflammation, and fibrosis. Since it is well defined that SSc is characterized by elevated production of TGF-β, IL-6, and IL-1, all of them cytokines related to Th17 differentiation, the hypothesis is that this disease may be strongly related to a polarization of the immune response towards the Th17 pathway. Considering the importance of a better understanding of the pathophysiology of Th17 pathway in SSc, this article aims to propose an update for a better understanding of current knowledge on main cytokines secreted by the Th17 cells (IL-17 A, IL-21, and IL-22) and the future prospects in the current disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Silva Guimarães Gonçalves
- a Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil.,b Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas Suely Galdino , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil
| | - Michelly C Pereira
- b Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas Suely Galdino , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil
| | - Andréa Tavares Dantas
- a Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil.,b Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas Suely Galdino , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil
| | - Anderson Rodrigues de Almeida
- b Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas Suely Galdino , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil
| | | | - Moacyr J B M Rego
- b Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas Suely Galdino , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil
| | - Ivan R Pitta
- b Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas Suely Galdino , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil
| | - Angela Luzia Branco Pinto Duarte
- a Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil.,b Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas Suely Galdino , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil
| | - Maira Galdino R Pitta
- b Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas Suely Galdino , Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Recife , Brazil
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36
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King J, Abraham D, Stratton R. Chemokines in systemic sclerosis. Immunol Lett 2017; 195:68-75. [PMID: 29247681 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie King
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, UCL, NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
| | - David Abraham
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, UCL, NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, UCL, NW3 2QG, United Kingdom.
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37
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Wermuth PJ, Piera-Velazquez S, Jimenez SA. Identification of novel systemic sclerosis biomarkers employing aptamer proteomic analysis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 57:1698-1706. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Wermuth
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and The Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and The Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and The Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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38
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Petushkova NA, Rusanov AL, Zgoda VG, Pyatnitskiy MA, Larina OV, Nakhod KV, Luzgina NG, Lisitsa AV. Proteome of the human HaCaT keratinocytes: Identification of the oxidative stress proteins after sodium dodecyl sulpfate exposur. Mol Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893317050259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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39
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Saracino AM, Denton CP, Orteu CH. The molecular pathogenesis of morphoea: from genetics to future treatment targets. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:34-46. [PMID: 27553363 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A number of immunoinflammatory and profibrotic mechanisms are recognized in the pathogenesis of broad sclerotic skin processes and, more specifically, morphoea. However, the precise aetiopathogenesis is complex and remains unclear. Morphoea is clinically heterogeneous, with variable anatomical patterning, depth of tissue involvement and sclerotic, inflammatory, atrophic and dyspigmented morphology. Underlying mechanisms determining these reproducible clinical subsets are poorly understood but of great clinical and therapeutic relevance. Regional susceptibility mechanisms (e.g. environmental triggers, mosaicism and positional identity) together with distinct pathogenic determinants (including innate, adaptive and imbalanced pro- and antifibrotic signalling pathways) are likely implicated. In the age of genetic profiling and personalized medicine, improved characterization of the environmental, systemic, local, genetic and immunopathological factors underpinning morphoea pathogenesis may open the door to novel targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Saracino
- The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Dermatology, London, U.K.,University College London, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, London, U.K
| | - C P Denton
- University College London, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, London, U.K.,The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Rheumatology, London, U.K
| | - C H Orteu
- The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Dermatology, London, U.K
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40
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Zuo X, Zhang L, Luo H, Li Y, Zhu H. Systematic approach to understanding the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Clin Genet 2017; 92:365-371. [PMID: 27918067 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Zuo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha People's Republic of China
| | - Yisha Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha People's Republic of China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha People's Republic of China
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41
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Corallo C, Santucci A, Bernardini G, Figura N, Leoncini R, Riolo G, Montella A, Chirico C, Nuti R, Giordano N. Proteomic Investigation of Dermal Fibroblasts Isolated from Affected and Unaffected Skin Samples from Patients with Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: 2 Distinct Entities? J Rheumatol 2016; 44:40-48. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.160736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective.To identify using proteomic analysis the proteins of altered abundance in the affected and unaffected limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) skin fibroblasts.Methods.Excision biopsies (3 mm) were obtained from the affected and unaffected skin of 5 patients with lcSSc. Dermal fibroblasts were isolated enzymatically. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to separate and define proteins in affected and unaffected fibroblast lysates. Proteins of altered abundance were identified by mass spectrometry. Differences among skin samples were confirmed also by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for type I collagen (Col-1) and vimentin (VIM).Results.Proteomic analysis revealed different expressions of proteins involved in cytoskeleton organization (27%), extracellular matrix remodeling (11%), response to oxidative stress (22%), energy metabolism (19%), protein metabolism (5%), cellular homeostasis (5%), signal transduction (3%), and protein transcription, synthesis, and turnover (8%). IHC analysis showed that SSc-affected epidermis is thickened and the dermis is strongly reactive to Col-1 and VIM (typical markers of activated myofibroblasts) compared to SSc-unaffected skin, whose stainings are comparable to those of control healthy skin. Overexpression of Col-1 and VIM mRNA levels in affected lcSSc fibroblasts compared to unaffected lcSSc ones was confirmed by qRT-PCR.Conclusion.Consistent with previous studies, these findings are important for 2 reasons: first, because they reveal the opposite behavior of dermal fibroblasts in the unaffected and affected skin areas of the same patient with lcSSc; second, because they demonstrate the histological/histochemical similarities between unaffected skin from patients with lcSSc and healthy control skin.
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42
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Varga J, Roberson EDO. Editorial: genomic advances in systemic sclerosis: it is time for precision. Arthritis Rheumatol 2016; 67:2801-5. [PMID: 26239971 DOI: 10.1002/art.39285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John Varga
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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43
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Assassi S, Swindell WR, Wu M, Tan FD, Khanna D, Furst DE, Tashkin DP, Jahan-Tigh RR, Mayes MD, Gudjonsson JE, Chang JT. Dissecting the heterogeneity of skin gene expression patterns in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2016; 67:3016-26. [PMID: 26238292 DOI: 10.1002/art.39289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the heterogeneity of global transcriptome patterns in systemic sclerosis (SSc) skin in a large sample of patients with SSc and control subjects. METHODS Skin biopsy specimens obtained from 61 patients enrolled in the Genetics versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcome Study (GENISOS) cohort and 36 unaffected control subjects with a similar demographic background were examined by Illumina HumanHT-12 bead arrays. Followup experiments using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis were also performed. RESULTS We identified 2,754 differentially expressed transcripts in SSc patients compared with controls. Clustering analysis revealed 2 prominent transcriptomes in SSc patients: the keratin and fibroinflammatory signatures. Higher keratin transcript scores were associated with shorter disease duration and interstitial lung disease, while higher fibroinflammatory scores were associated with diffuse cutaneous involvement, a higher skin score at the biopsy site, and a higher modified Rodnan skin thickness score. A subgroup of patients with significantly longer disease duration had a normal-like transcript pattern. Analysis of cell type-specific signature scores revealed remarkable heterogeneity across patients. Significantly higher scores were calculated for fibroblasts (72% of patients), microvascular cells (61%), macrophages (54%), and dendritic cells (DCs) (49%). The majority of samples with significantly higher fibroblast scores (35 of 44 [80%]) had significantly increased macrophage and/or DC scores. Further analysis and immunohistochemical staining indicated that the keratin signature was not a general marker of keratinocyte activation but was in fact associated with an activation pattern in hair and adnexal structures. CONCLUSION Prominent fibroinflammatory and keratin signatures are present in SSc skin. Expression profiles of SSc skin show significant heterogeneity, and this finding might be useful for stratifying patients for targeted therapies or predicting the response to immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Minghua Wu
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Filemon D Tan
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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44
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Lemaire R, Burwell T, Sun H, Delaney T, Bakken J, Cheng L, Rebelatto MC, Czapiga M, de-Mendez I, Coyle AJ, Herbst R, Lafyatis R, Connor J. Resolution of Skin Fibrosis by Neutralization of the Antifibrinolytic Function of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1. Arthritis Rheumatol 2016; 68:473-83. [DOI: 10.1002/art.39443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Lemaire
- MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Boston University School of Medicine; Boston Massachusetts
| | | | - Hong Sun
- MedImmune LLC; Gaithersburg Maryland
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45
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Shiwen X, Stratton R, Nikitorowicz-Buniak J, Ahmed-Abdi B, Ponticos M, Denton C, Abraham D, Takahashi A, Suki B, Layne MD, Lafyatis R, Smith BD. A Role of Myocardin Related Transcription Factor-A (MRTF-A) in Scleroderma Related Fibrosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126015. [PMID: 25955164 PMCID: PMC4425676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc), persistent activation of myofibroblast leads to severe skin and organ fibrosis resistant to therapy. Increased mechanical stiffness in the involved fibrotic tissues is a hallmark clinical feature and a cause of disabling symptoms. Myocardin Related Transcription Factor-A (MRTF-A) is a transcriptional co-activator that is sequestered in the cytoplasm and translocates to the nucleus under mechanical stress or growth factor stimulation. Our objective was to determine if MRTF-A is activated in the disease microenvironment to produce more extracellular matrix in progressive SSc. Immunohistochemistry studies demonstrate that nuclear translocation of MRTF-A in scleroderma tissues occurs in keratinocytes, endothelial cells, infiltrating inflammatory cells, and dermal fibroblasts, consistent with enhanced signaling in multiple cell lineages exposed to the stiff extracellular matrix. Inhibition of MRTF-A nuclear translocation or knockdown of MRTF-A synthesis abolishes the SSc myofibroblast enhanced basal contractility and synthesis of type I collagen and inhibits the matricellular profibrotic protein, connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF). In MRTF-A null mice, basal skin and lung stiffness was abnormally reduced and associated with altered fibrillar collagen. MRTF-A has a role in SSc fibrosis acting as a central regulator linking mechanical cues to adverse remodeling of the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Shiwen
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Nikitorowicz-Buniak
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bahja Ahmed-Abdi
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Markella Ponticos
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Abraham
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ayuko Takahashi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bela Suki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew D. Layne
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Rheumatology Department, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Barbara D. Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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46
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Shi ZR, Tan GZ, Meng Z, Yu M, Li KW, Yin J, Wei KH, Luo YJ, Jia SQ, Zhang SJ, Wu J, Mi XB, Wang L. Association of Anti-Acidic Ribosomal Protein P0 and Anti-Galectin 3 Antibodies With the Development of Skin Lesions in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Rheumatol 2014; 67:193-203. [PMID: 25307291 DOI: 10.1002/art.38891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-rui Shi
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Guo-zhen Tan
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Zhen Meng
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Min Yu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Kai-wen Li
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Jing Yin
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences; Jinan China
| | - Kai-hua Wei
- State Key Lab of Proteome, Beijing Proteome Research Center; Beijing China
| | - Yi-jin Luo
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Shu-qing Jia
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Shu-juan Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Jian Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Geriatrics, Guangdong General Hospital, and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences; Guangzhou China
| | - Xiang-bin Mi
- Zhujiang Hospital and Southern Medical University; Guangzhou China
| | - Liangchun Wang
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou China
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Castelino FV, Varga J. Current status of systemic sclerosis biomarkers: applications for diagnosis, management and drug development. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 9:1077-90. [PMID: 24168414 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2013.848792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a clinically heterogeneous orphan disease of unknown etiology and no effective therapy. It is characterized by protean manifestations, an unpredictable disease course and variable outcomes. Clinical manifestations reflect underlying autoimmunity, small vessel vasculopathy and progressive multi-organ fibrosis. Predicting disease progression, pattern and severity of complications and response to therapy in SSc remain major challenges both for the management of patients and for the development of effective disease-modifying therapies. This review summarizes contemporary understanding of novel and emerging biomarkers for SSc. We focus on the development of new classification criteria, the utility of SSc-specific autoantibodies as diagnostic and prognostic markers, and on biomarkers for skin and lung involvement. Finally, we review genome-wide expression analysis as a tool to predict therapeutic responses. We anticipate that the development, validation and application of these biomarkers, singly or more likely in combination, will have a transformative impact in SSc, informing early diagnosis, classification and management, as well as the design, execution and interpretation of clinical trials of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia V Castelino
- Division of Rheumatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Yawkey 2C-2100, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Abnormally differentiating keratinocytes in the epidermis of systemic sclerosis patients show enhanced secretion of CCN2 and S100A9. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:2693-2702. [PMID: 24933320 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Skin involvement with dermal fibrosis is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and keratinocytes may be critical regulators of fibroblast function through secretion of chemo-attracting agents, as well as through growth factors and cytokines influencing the phenotype and proliferation rate of fibroblasts. Epithelial-fibroblast interactions have an important role in fibrosis in general. We have characterized the SSc epidermis and asked whether SSc-injured epidermal cells release factors capable of promoting fibrosis. Our results show that the SSc epidermis is hypertrophic, and has altered expression of terminal differentiation markers involucrin, loricrin, and filaggrin. Multiplex profiling revealed that SSc epidermal explants release increased levels of CCN2 and S100A9. CCN2 induction was found to spread into the upper papillary dermis, whereas S100A9 was shown to induce fibroblast proliferation and to enhance fibroblast CCN2 expression via Toll-like receptor 4. These data suggest that the SSc epidermis provides an important source of pro-fibrotic CCN2 and proinflammatory S100A9 in SSc skin, and therefore contributes to the fibrosis and inflammation seen in the disease.
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Bălănescu P, Lădaru A, Bălănescu E, Băicuş C, Dan GA. Systemic sclerosis biomarkers discovered using mass-spectrometry-based proteomics: a systematic review. Biomarkers 2014; 19:345-55. [PMID: 24831309 DOI: 10.3109/1354750x.2014.920046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with incompletely known physiopathology. There is a great challenge to predict its course and therapeutic response using biomarkers. OBJECTIVE To critically review proteomic biomarkers discovered from biological specimens from systemic sclerosis patients using mass spectrometry technologies. METHODS Medline and Embase databases were searched in February 2014. RESULTS Out of the 199 records retrieved, a total of 20 records were included, identifying 116 candidate proteomic biomarkers. CONCLUSION Research in SSc proteomic biomarkers should focus on biomarker validation, as there are valuable mass-spectrometry proteomics studies in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bălănescu
- Clinical Immunology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital , Bucharest , Romania
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Vorstenbosch J, Al-Ajmi H, Winocour S, Trzeciak A, Lessard L, Philip A. CD109 overexpression ameliorates skin fibrosis in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 65:1378-83. [PMID: 23436317 DOI: 10.1002/art.37907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a profibrotic cytokine, and its aberrant function is implicated in several types of fibrotic pathologies including scleroderma (systemic sclerosis [SSc]). Multiple lines of evidence show that increased TGFβ signaling contributes to progressive fibrosis in SSc by promoting fibroblast activation, excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and dermal thickening. We have previously identified CD109 as a TGFβ coreceptor and have shown that it antagonizes TGFβ signaling and TGFβ-induced ECM expression in vitro in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The aim of the present study was to examine the ability of CD109 to prevent skin fibrosis in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced SSc. METHODS Transgenic mice overexpressing CD109 in the epidermis and their wild-type (WT) littermates were injected with bleomycin in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or with PBS alone every other day for 21 days or 28 days. Dermal thickness and collagen deposition were determined histologically using Masson's trichrome and picrosirius red staining. In addition, collagen and fibronectin content was analyzed using Western blotting, and activation of TGFβ signaling was examined by determining phospho-Smad2 and phospho-Smad3 levels using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Transgenic mice overexpressing CD109 in the epidermis showed resistance to bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis, as evidenced by a significant decrease in dermal thickness, collagen crosslinking, collagen and fibronectin content, and phospho-Smad2/3 levels, as compared to their WT littermates. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that CD109 inhibits TGFβ signaling and fibrotic responses in experimental murine scleroderma. They also suggest that CD109 regulates dermal-epidermal interactions to decrease extracellular matrix synthesis in the dermis. Thus, CD109 is a potential molecular target for therapeutic intervention in scleroderma.
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