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Saadh MJ, Ahmed HH, Chandra M, Al-Hussainy AF, Hamid JA, Mishra A, Taher WM, Alwan M, Jawad MJ, Al-Nuaimi AMA, Alsaikhan F, Farhood B, Akhavan-Sigari R. Therapeutic effects of quercetin in oral cancer therapy: a systematic review of preclinical evidence focused on oxidative damage, apoptosis and anti-metastasis. Cancer Cell Int 2025; 25:66. [PMID: 39994659 PMCID: PMC11854426 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-025-03694-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral malignancies are among the common head and neck cancers. Various therapeutic modalities are used for targeting oral cancers. It was shown that quercetin (a flavonoid) has an anti-cancer effect on different cancers. In the current study, the anti-cancer potentials of quercetin against oral cancer cells were summarized. METHODS The current systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guideline for the identification of relevant studies in various electronic databases up to April 2023. After reviewing and screening 193 articles, 18 were chosen for this study based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS It was shown that quercetin significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation, cell viability, tumor volume, invasion, metastasis and migration. This anti-cancer agent induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the cancer cells. Quercetin treatment could also induce some biochemical alterations in the cancer cells. CONCLUSION According to the results, it can be mentioned that quercetin administration has an anti-cancer effect against oral cancer cells. This agent exerts its anticancer effects via reduced cell viability and different mechanisms, including induce oxidative damage, apoptosis, and reduced invasion and metastasis. However, suggesting the use of quercetin as a therapeutic agent of oral cancer patients requires further clinical studies due to its poor absorption rates, and the exact molecular mechanisms are still not well understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, 11831, Jordan
| | | | - Muktesh Chandra
- Marwadi University Research Center, Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Marwadi University, Rajkot, 360003, Gujarat, India
| | | | | | - Anurag Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Waam Mohammed Taher
- College of Nursing, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Mariem Alwan
- Pharmacy College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | | | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
- School of Pharmacy, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Dr. Schneiderhan GmbH and ISAR Klinikum, Munich, Germany
- Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
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Sheikh KA, Amjad M, Irfan MT, Anjum S, Majeed T, Riaz MU, Jassim AY, Sharif EAM, Ibrahim WN. Exploring TGF-β Signaling in Cancer Progression: Prospects and Therapeutic Strategies. Onco Targets Ther 2025; 18:233-262. [PMID: 39989503 PMCID: PMC11846535 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s493643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Cancer persists as a ubiquitous global challenge despite the remarkable advances. It is caused by uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis. The Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway is considered a primary regulator of various normal physiological processes in the human body. Recently, factors determining the nature of TGF-β response have received attention, specifically its signaling pathway which can be an attractive therapeutic target for various cancer treatments. The TGF-β receptor is activated by its ligands and undergoes transduction of signals via canonical (SMAD dependent) or non-canonical (SMAD independent) signaling pathways regulating several cellular functions. Furthermore, the cross talk of the TGF-β signaling pathway cross with other signaling pathways has shown the controlled regulation of cellular functions. This review highlights the cross talk between various major signaling pathways and TGF-β. These signaling pathways include Wnt, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and Hedgehog (Hh). TGF-β signaling pathway has a dual role at different stages. It can suppress tumor formation at early stages and promote progression at advanced stages. This complex behaviour of TGF-β has made it a promising target for therapeutic interventions. Moreover, many strategies have been designed to control TGF-β signaling pathways at different levels, inhibiting tumor-promoting while enhancing tumor-suppressive effects, each with unique molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. This review also discusses various therapeutic inhibitors including ligand traps, small molecule inhibitors (SMIs), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and antisense oligonucleotides which target specific components of TGF-β signaling pathway to inhibit TGF-β signaling and are studied in both preclinical and clinical trials for different types of cancer. The review also highlights the prospect of TGF-β signaling in normal physiology and in the case of dysregulation, TGF-β inhibitors, and different therapeutic effects in cancer therapy along with the perspective of combinational therapies to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khansa Ali Sheikh
- Department of Biotechnology, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Momna Amjad
- Department of Biotechnology, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Sumaira Anjum
- Department of Biotechnology, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tanveer Majeed
- Department of Biotechnology, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Riaz
- School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | | | - Elham Abdullatif M Sharif
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Hosseini F, Ahmadi A, Sarvi ZN, Iranshahi M, Rassouli FB. 7-Geranyloxycoumarin modulated metastatic potential of osteosarcoma cells via interaction with MMPs and JAK1/2. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2025:10.1007/s00210-025-03847-z. [PMID: 39954065 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-025-03847-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 12/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2025] [Indexed: 02/17/2025]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive bone cancer that primarily affects young adults. The tumor microenvironment and molecular mediators, including Janus kinases (JAKs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), significantly influence OS metastasis; activation of the JAK/STAT pathway enhances MMP expression and activity, promoting OS metastasis. 7-Geranyloxycoumarin, a natural agent found in various edible fruits and vegetables, possesses valuable pharmaceutical activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 7-geranyloxycoumarin on the metastasis of OS cells for the first time. To achieve this, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed from the potential molecular and pathogenic targets associated with 7-geranyloxycoumarin and OS to identify overlapping targets. Subsequently, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations were also performed to elucidate the binding affinity of 7-geranyloxycoumarin with JAK1 and JAK2. For in vitro studies, 7-geranyloxycoumarin was first extracted from Ferula szowitsiana using thin-layer chromatography. The cells were then treated and evaluated for viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, adhesion, and MMPs activity. The study identified 50 shared targets and revealed MMP-2, MMP-9, JAK1, and JAK2 as hub genes, confirmed through enrichment analyses. Molecular docking revealed strong interactions between 7-geranyloxycoumarin and JAK1 and JAK2 proteins, and molecular dynamics simulations indicated both conformational flexibility and binding stability of the ligand-protein complex. Moreover, experimental studies demonstrated that 7-geranyloxycoumarin did not induce apoptosis but significantly altered the migration, invasion, and adhesion of OS cells by inhibiting the activity of MMPs. In conclusion, 7-geranyloxycoumarin is proposed as a promising therapeutic agent for targeting metastasis in OS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemehsadat Hosseini
- Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Ahmadi
- Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Nasiri Sarvi
- Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Iranshahi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh B Rassouli
- Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
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Xu C, Yi M, Xiao Z, Xiang F, Wu M, Zhang Z, Zheng Y, Gong Y, Li Y, Su L, Liao Y, Zhang P, Xia B, Liao D, Lin L. New idea of Fuke Qianjin capsule in treating sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease: Anti-inflammatory in the early stage and reparative in the later stage. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 338:119066. [PMID: 39528116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.119066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 09/01/2024] [Revised: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 11/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease (SPID) occurs in female internal genitalia and surrounding connective tissue. Recent clinical studies have shown that the traditional Chinese medicine Fuke Qianjin capsule (FKQ) can shorten the course of this disease, but its pharmacological effects and potential mechanism have not been fully elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of FKQ in the treatment of SPID. METHODS In this study, we first established a mixed infection model to explore the protective effect of FKQ on common pathogens of SPID. Afterwards, mixed bacterial infection and mechanical injury were used in a SPID rat model to explore the protective mechanism of FKQ on SPID rats. Inflammation, repair and immune cells were tested. RESULTS FKQ has a protective effect against infections caused by SPID pathogenic bacterial and may reduce mortality from mixed infections. In the SPID model, FKQ improved pathological damage to the uterus, reduced the area of uterine fibrosis, and inhibited the levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-18, TGF-β1 and VEGF) caused by pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, FKQ treatment reduced the accumulation of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD Vimentin, and Cytokeratin 18 in the uterus and suppressed the expression of TGF-β1 and VEGF in the fallopian tubes, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting mucosal repair. In addition, FKQ can restore the immune function balance of SPID rats by increasing the proportion of Treg cells in the spleen and thymus in a rat model of SPID, reducing the proportion of Th17 lymphocytes, and promoting an immunological balance of Treg/Th17 cells, thereby regulating the immune system of the body. CONCLUSION In summary, FKQ treatment for SPID is the result of a fourfold combination of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, reparative and immune-enhancing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunfang Xu
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Meijin Yi
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Zhikui Xiao
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Feng Xiang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Mengyao Wu
- Zhuzhou Qianjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhuzhou, 412003, China.
| | - Zhimin Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Yuanqing Zheng
- Zhuzhou Qianjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhuzhou, 412003, China.
| | - Yun Gong
- Zhuzhou Qianjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhuzhou, 412003, China.
| | - Yamei Li
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Liang Su
- Zhuzhou Qianjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhuzhou, 412003, China.
| | - Yingyan Liao
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Zhuzhou Qianjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhuzhou, 412003, China.
| | - Bohou Xia
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Duanfang Liao
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Limei Lin
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
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Tan K, Deng J, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Xiong Y, Yuan S, Liu J, Chen Z, Liu Y, Cao W. Yiqi Juanshen decoction alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis by targeting the LOXL2/PI3K/AKT pathway to suppress EMT and inflammation. Sci Rep 2025; 15:4248. [PMID: 39905060 PMCID: PMC11794949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-86622-7] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/06/2025] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health concern, with renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) as a key feature. Effective management of RIF is crucial for treating CKD. Yiqi Juanshen decoction (YQJSD), as traditional Chinese medicine, has shown promising results in CKD treatment. This study evaluates YQJSD's effectiveness in ameliorating RIF and explores the underlying molecular mechanisms using the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. YQJSD has been shown to effectively reduce serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, decrease extracellular matrix deposition, and down-regulate the expression of α-SMA, COL4α1, Fibronectin (FN). Mechanistically, YQJSD exerts its effects by modulating multiple pathways: it inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like NF-κB1, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CCR1. Simultaneously, YQJSD suppresses the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by downregulating the expression of Snail1, Vimentin, Twist1, and FSP1, while increasing E-cadherin expression. Moreover, YQJSD can regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by decreasing the expression of LOXL2 and PIK3R1, along with p-AKT1/2/3. This modulation of the LOXL2/PI3K/AKT pathway contributes to the inhibition of both EMT and inflammation, highlighting a critical role in the therapeutic intervention against RIF. These findings suggest that YQJSD may serve as a promising therapeutic management of RIF in CKD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Tan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jingwei Deng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yudi Zhang
- College of Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 402760, China
| | - Yu Xiong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Su Yuan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Radiological Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Wenfu Cao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Klouda T, Kim Y, Baek SH, Bhaumik M, Li Y, Liu Y, Wu JC, Raby BA, Perez VDJ, Yuan K. Specialized pericyte subtypes in the pulmonary capillaries. EMBO J 2025; 44:1074-1106. [PMID: 39806101 PMCID: PMC11833098 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00349-1] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 11/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are essential for capillary stability and homeostasis, with impaired pericyte function linked to diseases like pulmonary arterial hypertension. Investigating pericyte biology has been challenging due to the lack of specific markers, making it difficult to distinguish pericytes from other stromal cells. Using bioinformatic analysis and RNAscope, we identified Higd1b as a unique gene marker for pericytes and subsequently generated a knock-in mouse line, Higd1b-CreERT2, that accurately labels pericytes in the lung and heart. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed two distinct Higd1b+ pericyte subtypes: while Type 1 pericytes support capillary homeostasis, Type 2 pericytes accumulate in arterioles, and co-express smooth muscle markers and higher levels of vimentin under hypoxic conditions. Lastly, healthy human lung pericytes with upregulation of vimentin exhibited increased adhesion, migration, and higher expression levels of the smooth muscle marker SM22 in vitro. These findings highlight the specialization of pulmonary pericytes and their contribution to vascular remodeling during hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Klouda
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yunhye Kim
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Seung-Han Baek
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mantu Bhaumik
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Benjamin A Raby
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Vinicio de Jesus Perez
- Division of Pulmonary and Allergy Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Ke Yuan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Isert L, Passi M, Freystetter B, Grab M, Roidl A, Müller C, Mehta A, Sundararaghavan HG, Zahler S, Merkel OM. Cellular EMT-status governs contact guidance in an electrospun TACS-mimicking in vitro model. Mater Today Bio 2025; 30:101401. [PMID: 39759848 PMCID: PMC11699613 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 10/17/2024] [Revised: 12/02/2024] [Accepted: 12/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2025] Open
Abstract
In this study, an advanced nanofiber breast cancer in vitro model was developed and systematically characterized including physico-chemical, cell-biological and biophysical parameters. Using electrospinning, the architecture of tumor-associated collagen signatures (TACS5 and TACS6) was mimicked. By employing a rotating cylinder or static plate collector set-up, aligned fibers (TACS5-like structures) and randomly orientated fibers (TACS6-like structures) fibers were produced, respectively. The biocompatibility of these fibers was enhanced by collagen coating, ensuring minimal toxicity and improved cell attachment. Various breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, HCC1954, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-231) were cultured on these fibers to assess epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, cellular morphology, and migration. Aligned fibers (TACS5) significantly influenced EMT-related changes, promoting cellular alignment, spindle-shaped morphology and a highly migratory phenotype in mesenchymal and hybrid EMT cells (MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231). Conversely, epithelial cells (MCF7, HCC1954) showed limited response, but - under growth factor treatment - started to infiltrate the fibrous scaffold and underwent EMT-like changes, particularly on TACS5-mimicks, emphasizing the interplay of topographical cues and EMT induction. The biophysical analysis revealed a clear correlation between cellular EMT status and cell mechanics, with increased EMT correlating to decreased total cellular stiffness. Cancer cell mechanics, however, were found to be dynamic during biochemical and topographical EMT-induction, exceeding initial stiffness by up to 2-fold. These findings highlight the potential of TACS5-like nanofiber scaffolds in modeling the tumor microenvironment and studying cancer cell behavior and mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Isert
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
| | - Mehak Passi
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Freystetter
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Ludwig Maximilians University München, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Grab
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Ludwig Maximilians University München, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Roidl
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Müller
- Center of Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Aditi Mehta
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Zahler
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia M. Merkel
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
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Toma T, Nakahara R, Otsuka M, Fujita M, Tateishi H. An anti-cell migration compound that binds to hnRNP U and suppresses nuclear deformation. Bioorg Chem 2025; 156:108215. [PMID: 39899942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.108215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/16/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2025] [Accepted: 01/24/2025] [Indexed: 02/05/2025]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with solid cancers. However, the detailed mechanisms of metastasis remain unclear, with no specific drugs against metastasis approved to date. In this study, we aimed to identify the target protein of the previously reported low-molecular-weight compound, HPH-15, which inhibits lung cancer cell migration. We synthesized biotinylated HPH-15 (Biotin-HPH-15) and successfully identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNP U) as an HPH-15-binding protein using the avidin-biotin technique. hnRNP U knockdown experiments revealed that HPH-15 inhibited cell migration by binding to hnRNP U. Although HPH-15 also inhibited epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), no association was observed between its anti-EMT activity and hnRNP U-binding. Moreover, hnRNP U inhibited cell migration induced by the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We also examined nuclear deformation, which is known to enhance cell migration. Microscopic observation and analysis of nuclear circularity revealed that hnRNP U suppressed the transforming growth factor-β-induced decrease in nuclear circularity. HPH-15 bound to hnRNP U and enhanced its functions to increase nuclear circularity. Additionally, HPH-15 derivatization study was performed using six derivatives. Similar to HPH-15, two derivatives bound to hnRNP U, suppressed nuclear deformation, and inhibited cell migration. However, unlike HPH-15, these derivatives did not show anti-EMT activity, indicating that the anti-cell migration and anti-EMT activities of HPH-15 and its derivatives are independent functions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the relationship between hnRNP U and nuclear deformation/cell migration and showed the roles of cell migration inhibitor HPH-15 in binding to hnRNP U and nuclear deformation. Our findings can contribute to further cancer biology studies and aid in the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsugumasa Toma
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Ryosei Nakahara
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Masami Otsuka
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; Research and Development, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
| | - Mikako Fujita
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Tateishi
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; Research and Development Department, Research and Development Headquarters, Hirata Corporation, Kumamoto 861-0198, Japan.
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Alduais MA, El Rabey HA, Mohammed GM, Al-Awthan YS, Althiyabi AS, Attia ES, Rezk SM, Tayel AA. The anticancer activity of fucoidan coated selenium nanoparticles and curcumin nanoparticles against colorectal cancer lines. Sci Rep 2025; 15:287. [PMID: 39747357 PMCID: PMC11697394 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-82687-y] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Cancers still globally endanger millions of people yearly; the incidences/mortalities of colorectal cancers are particularly increasing. The natural nanoparticles (NPs) and marine biopolymers were anticipated to provide effectual safe significances for managing cancers. The transformation of curcumin to nano-curcumin (NCur) was conducted with gum Arabic. The resulted NCur was utilized for the biosynthesis of selenium NPs (SeNPs), then bioactive nanocomposites (NC) from them with fucoidan (Fu) were fabricated and evaluated as candidates to suppress colorectal cancers (CaCo-2 and HT-29) cells. The NCur and NCur-synthesized SeNPs were effectually produced with mean diameters of 34.67 ± 4.32 and 5.17 ± 1.06 nm, respectively. The plain and NCs of Fu/NCur/SeNPs characterization, with infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy, emphasized their interaction and conjugations. The entire agents/NCs had potent cytotoxic effects against cancers' lines; the NC of Fu/NCur/SeNPs was the most effectual with IC50 of 10.35 ± 0.83 and 19.44 ± 1.39 mg/L against CaCo-2 and HT-29 cells, respectively, which were significantly exceeded the action of standard cisplatin drug. The NCs led to vigorous DNA damages in CaCo-2 cancerous cells, as proved with comet assay. The ultrastructure imagining (scanning/transmission microscopy) of treated cells with Fu/NCur/SeNPs confirmed the capability of NCs to induce severe apoptosis and deformation signs in cancerous cells. The bio-based constituents of Fu/NCur/SeNPs and advocate their prospective applications for preventing/managing colorectal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Alduais
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia.
- Faculty of Science, Ibb University, Ibb, 70270, Yemen.
| | - Haddad A El Rabey
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sadat City, El-Sadat City, 32897, Egypt
| | - Ghena M Mohammed
- Nutrition Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya S Al-Awthan
- Faculty of Science, Ibb University, Ibb, 70270, Yemen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S Althiyabi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman S Attia
- School of International Education, Hainan College of Economics and Business, Hainan, 571127, China
- National Nutrition Institute, Ministry of Health, Cairo, 4262114, Egypt
| | - Samar M Rezk
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Mahalla Hepatology Teaching Hospital, El-Mahalla El-Kubra, Gharbyia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Tayel
- Department of Fish Processing and Biotechnology, Faculty of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt.
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10
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Shiga A, Fujiwara C, Katoh Y, Ito T, Ohnuma-Koyama A, Takahashi N, Harada T. The relationship between spontaneous cystic degeneration and pseudocapillarization in sinusoids in the liver of aged Sprague-Dawley rats. J Toxicol Pathol 2025; 38:27-36. [PMID: 39839718 PMCID: PMC11745498 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2024-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2025] Open
Abstract
Cystic degeneration (CD) in the liver is a cyst-like lesion composed of one or more pseudocysts lacking lining cells, occurring spontaneously in rats older than 12 months, with a male predilection. In this study, 32 CDs were identified in 23 out of 104 non-treated, control male Sprague-Dawley rats from two combined chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies with agrochemicals. They were examined histologically, histochemically, and immunohistochemically to assess the pathogenesis and pathological significance of CD, focusing on pseudocapillarization in aged rat liver. Pseudocapillarization refers to age-related capillarization of hepatic sinusoids and is distinct from sinusoidal capillarization observed in hepatic cirrhosis. Both CD and pseudocapillarization, characterized by factor VIII-related antigen expression, were primarily noted in the periportal regions of the rat liver. CD areas exhibited enhanced vimentin expression in a diffuse linear pattern in their septa with occasional focal linear α-smooth muscle actin expression and the fluid containing hyaluronic acid accumulated in their lumen that are thought to be formed by hepatocellular apoptosis. These findings suggest a series of reactive changes associated with hepatocellular apoptosis due to pseudocapillarization in the sinusoids. In conclusion, spontaneous CD in rat liver is not a degenerative lesion or cystic enlargement of stellate cells, but a structural abnormality in pre-existing liver tissue resulting from aging-related changes in sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes. Pseudocapillarization of sinusoids is considered a precursor lesion of CD in the rat liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Shiga
- The Institute of Environmental Toxicology, 4321
Uchimoriya-machi, Joso-shi, Ibaraki 303-0043, Japan
| | - Chinatsu Fujiwara
- The Institute of Environmental Toxicology, 4321
Uchimoriya-machi, Joso-shi, Ibaraki 303-0043, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Katoh
- The Institute of Environmental Toxicology, 4321
Uchimoriya-machi, Joso-shi, Ibaraki 303-0043, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Ito
- The Institute of Environmental Toxicology, 4321
Uchimoriya-machi, Joso-shi, Ibaraki 303-0043, Japan
| | - Aya Ohnuma-Koyama
- The Institute of Environmental Toxicology, 4321
Uchimoriya-machi, Joso-shi, Ibaraki 303-0043, Japan
| | - Naofumi Takahashi
- The Institute of Environmental Toxicology, 4321
Uchimoriya-machi, Joso-shi, Ibaraki 303-0043, Japan
| | - Takanori Harada
- The Institute of Environmental Toxicology, 4321
Uchimoriya-machi, Joso-shi, Ibaraki 303-0043, Japan
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11
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Rosier M, Krstulović A, Kim HR, Kaur N, Enakireru EM, Symmes D, Dobra K, Chen R, Evans CA, Gad AKB. The Vimentin-Targeting Drug ALD-R491 Partially Reverts the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Vimentin Interactome of Lung Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 17:81. [PMID: 39796712 PMCID: PMC11720119 DOI: 10.3390/cancers17010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/17/2024] [Revised: 12/20/2024] [Accepted: 12/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a common feature in early cancer invasion. Increased vimentin is a canonical marker of the EMT; however, the role of vimentin in EMT remains unknown. Methods: To clarify this, we induced EMT in lung cancer cells with TGF-β1, followed by treatment with the vimentin-targeting drug ALD-R491, live-cell imaging, and quantitative proteomics. Results: We identified 838 proteins in the intermediate filament fraction of cells. TGF-β1 treatment increased the proportion of vimentin in this fraction and the levels of 24 proteins. Variants of fibronectin showed the most pronounced increase (137-fold), followed by regulators of the cytoskeleton, cell motility, and division, such as the mRNA-splicing protein SON. TGF-β1 increased cell spreading and cell migration speed, and changed a positive correlation between cell migration speed and persistence to negative. ALD-R491 reversed these mesenchymal phenotypes to epithelial and the binding of RNA-binding proteins, including SON. Conclusions: These findings present many new interactors of intermediate filaments, describe how EMT and vimentin filament dynamics influence the intermediate filament interactome, and present ALD-R491 as a possible EMT-inhibitor. The observations support the hypothesis that the dynamic turnover of vimentin filaments and their interacting proteins govern mesenchymal cell migration, EMT, cell invasion, and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Rosier
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.R.); (A.K.); (N.K.); (E.M.E.); (K.D.)
| | - Anja Krstulović
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.R.); (A.K.); (N.K.); (E.M.E.); (K.D.)
| | - Hyejeong Rosemary Kim
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK;
| | - Nihardeep Kaur
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.R.); (A.K.); (N.K.); (E.M.E.); (K.D.)
| | - Erhumuoghene Mary Enakireru
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.R.); (A.K.); (N.K.); (E.M.E.); (K.D.)
| | - Deebie Symmes
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (D.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Katalin Dobra
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.R.); (A.K.); (N.K.); (E.M.E.); (K.D.)
| | - Ruihuan Chen
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (D.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Caroline A. Evans
- School of Materials, Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK;
| | - Annica K. B. Gad
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.R.); (A.K.); (N.K.); (E.M.E.); (K.D.)
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12
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Pan KW, Chen HC. Perinuclear assembly of vimentin intermediate filaments induces cancer cell nuclear dysmorphia. J Biol Chem 2024:107981. [PMID: 39542246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 10/15/2024] [Accepted: 11/03/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear dysmorphia, characterized by crumpled or lobulated polymorphic nuclear shapes, has been used as an index for the malignant grades of certain cancers. The expression of vimentin, a type-III intermediate filament protein, is a hallmark of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. However, it remains unclear whether vimentin is involved in cancer cell nuclear dysmorphia. In this study, we found that vimentin intermediate filaments (VIFs) frequently accumulated at the concave of dysmorphic nucleus in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Depletion of vimentin apparently restored the nuclear shape of the cells, which was devastated by re-expression of vimentin, but not its assembly-defective Y117D mutant. Depletion of plectin, a cytoskeletal linker, partially prevented the perinuclear accumulation of VIFs and concomitantly restored the nuclear shape of the cells. In addition, depletion of vimentin in lung cancer A549 cells largely prevented nuclear dysmorphia during the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition induced by TGFβ. Moreover, we found that VIF-mediated nuclear dysmorphia led to defects in DNA repair. Together, our results unveil a novel role of VIFs in cancer cell nuclear dysmorphia, which is associated with genome instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Wei Pan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Chen Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Cancer and Immunology Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
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13
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Di Raimo R, Mizzoni D, Aloi A, Pietrangelo G, Dolo V, Poppa G, Fais S, Logozzi M. Antioxidant Effect of a Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles' Mix on Human Skin Fibroblasts: Induction of a Reparative Process. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:1373. [PMID: 39594515 PMCID: PMC11590891 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13111373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 10/29/2024] [Accepted: 11/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) from organic agriculture (without the use of pesticides and microbicides) contain high levels of antioxidants. Organic PDEVs have shown an increased antioxidant power compared to PDEVs from single plants, suggesting a synergistic effect of the bioactives constitutively expressed in the PDEVs from single fruits. With this study, we wanted to investigate the beneficial effects of a mix of PDEVs on human skin cells. We found detectable levels of citric acid, ascorbic acid, glutathione, catalase, and SOD in a mix of PDEVs deriving from five different fruits (grape, red orange, papaya, pomegranate, and tangerine). We then treated H2O2-conditioned fibroblasts with the mix of PDEVs. The results showed that the PDEVs' mixture reverted the H2O2-induced redox imbalance, restoring mitochondrial homeostasis, with a strong reduction of mitochondrial anion superoxide and an increase in sirtuin levels. The antioxidant action was consistent with wound repair on a lesion produced in a fibroblast's monolayer. This result was consistent with an increased level of vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase-9, whose expression is directly related to the efficiency of the reparative processes. These data support a beneficial role of PDEVs in both preventing and treating skin injuries through their potent antioxidant and reparative activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Di Raimo
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo D’Abruzzo, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (R.D.R.); (D.M.); (A.A.); (G.P.)
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Mizzoni
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo D’Abruzzo, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (R.D.R.); (D.M.); (A.A.); (G.P.)
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Aloi
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo D’Abruzzo, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (R.D.R.); (D.M.); (A.A.); (G.P.)
| | - Giulia Pietrangelo
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo D’Abruzzo, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (R.D.R.); (D.M.); (A.A.); (G.P.)
| | - Vincenza Dolo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.D.); (G.P.)
| | - Giuseppina Poppa
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.D.); (G.P.)
| | - Stefano Fais
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo D’Abruzzo, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (R.D.R.); (D.M.); (A.A.); (G.P.)
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Logozzi
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo D’Abruzzo, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (R.D.R.); (D.M.); (A.A.); (G.P.)
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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14
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Dayal AA, Parfenteva OI, Huiying W, Shakhov AS, Alieva IB, Minin AA. Vimentin and Desmin Intermediate Filaments Maintain Mitochondrial Membrane Potential. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:2028-2036. [PMID: 39647830 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924110154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 08/28/2024] [Revised: 10/04/2024] [Accepted: 10/09/2024] [Indexed: 12/10/2024]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IFs) represented by a diverse range of proteins, are one of the three main cytoskeleton components in different types of animal cells. IFs provide mechanical strength to cells and help position the nucleus and organelles in the cell. Desmin is an IF protein typical of muscle cells, while vimentin, which has a similar structure, is expressed in many mesenchymal cells. Both proteins are synthesized during myogenesis and regeneration of damaged muscle tissue and form a mixed IF network. Both desmin and vimentin regulate mitochondrial activity, including mitochondrial localization and maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential, in the corresponding cells, but the role of mixed IFs in the control of mitochondrial functions remains unclear. To investigate how a simultaneous presence of these proteins affects mitochondrial membrane potential, we used BHK21 cells expressing both vimentin and desmin IFs. Expression of vimentin or desmin individually or both proteins simultaneously was suppressed using gene knockout and/or RNA interference. It was found that disruption of biosynthesis of either vimentin or desmin did not affect the mitochondrial membrane potential, which remained unchanged compared to cells expressing both proteins. Simultaneous abolishment of both proteins resulted in a 20% reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating that both vimentin and desmin play an equally important role in its maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Dayal
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Olga I Parfenteva
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Wang Huiying
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Anton S Shakhov
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - Irina B Alieva
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - Alexander A Minin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
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15
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Hjelmeland ME, Lien HE, Berg HF, Woie K, Werner HMJ, Amant F, Haldorsen IS, Trovik J, Krakstad C. Loss of vimentin expression in preoperative biopsies independently predicts poor prognosis, lymph node metastasis and recurrence in endometrial cancer. BJC REPORTS 2024; 2:81. [PMID: 39516342 PMCID: PMC11524127 DOI: 10.1038/s44276-024-00105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precise preoperative risk classification of endometrial cancer is crucial for treatment decisions. Existing clinical markers often fail to accurately predict lymph node metastasis and recurrence risk. Loss of vimentin expression has emerged as a potential marker for predicting recurrence in low-risk endometrial cancer patients. We assessed whether vimentin expression in preoperative biopsies predicts poor prognosis and lymph node metastasis in a large multicentre cohort. METHODS Vimentin expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry in 1483 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer across 14 hospitals in Europe. Expression levels of vimentin were analyzed in conjunction with clinical characteristics for predicting disease-specific survival and lymph node metastases. RESULTS Vimentin loss was significantly associated with aggressive disease and poor survival. Adjusted for clinicopathological variables, vimentin remained independently prognostic with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.68 (95% CI 1.16-2.42, P = 0.006). Vimentin expression remained independently prognostic in endometrioid endometrial cancer- and FIGO staged 1 patient. Interestingly, vimentin loss independently predicted lymph node metastases, with an HR of 1.83 (95% CI 1.13-2.95, P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Loss of vimentin in preoperative biopsies serves as an independent predictor of poor prognosis and lymph node metastases. Incorporating vimentin as a clinical marker can improve risk stratification and treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta E Hjelmeland
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hilde E Lien
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hege F Berg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kathrine Woie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Henrica M J Werner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW-Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frédéric Amant
- Division Gynecologic Oncology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ingfrid S Haldorsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre, Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jone Trovik
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Camilla Krakstad
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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16
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Lee SY, Jeong YW, Choe YH, Oh SJ, Miah R, Lee WJ, Lee SL, Bok EY, Yoo DS, Son YB. Identification of Reference Gene for Quantitative Gene Expression in Early-Term and Late-Term Cultured Canine Fibroblasts Derived from Ear Skin. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2722. [PMID: 39335311 PMCID: PMC11429031 DOI: 10.3390/ani14182722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 08/11/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are cells that reside within the fibrous or loose connective tissues of most mammalian organs. For research purposes, fibroblasts are often subjected to long-term culture under defined conditions, during which their properties can significantly change. It is essential to understand and document these changes to obtain reliable outcomes. For the quantification of specific gene expressions, the most reliable and widely used technique is quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Here, we assessed the impact of a reference gene's stability on a qRT-PCR analysis of long-term cultured canine skin fibroblasts. After successfully isolating the fibroblasts from canine skin tissues, they were cultured and evaluated for proliferation and β-galactosidase activity at different passage numbers. With extended culture, the fibroblasts showed a long doubling time and elevated β-galactosidase activity. Using three widely used algorithms, geNorm, Normfinder, and Bestkeeper, we identified HPRT1, YWHAZ, and GUSB as the most stable reference genes for both early- and late-passage fibroblasts. Conventional reference genes such as GAPDH were found to be less stable than those genes. The normalization of Vimentin by the stable genes showed statistical differences, whereas normalization by an unstable gene did not. Collectively, this study indicates that using stable reference genes is essential for accurately and reliably measuring gene expression in both early- and late-passage fibroblasts. These findings provide valuable insights into internal controls for gene expression studies and are expected to be utilized for analyzing gene expression patterns in molecular biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52628, Republic of Korea
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Woo Jeong
- Department of Companion Animal and Animal Resources Science, Joongbu University, Geumsan 32713, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Ho Choe
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52628, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ju Oh
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52628, Republic of Korea
| | - Rubel Miah
- Department of Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, 300 Yonbongdong, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Jae Lee
- Department of Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Lim Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52628, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Yeong Bok
- Division of Animal Diseases & Health, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Sung Yoo
- Departement of Veterinary Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, 300 Yonbongdong, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Bum Son
- Department of Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, 300 Yonbongdong, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
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17
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Hunek G, Zembala J, Januszewski J, Bełżek A, Syty K, Jabiry-Zieniewicz Z, Ludwin A, Flieger J, Baj J. Micro- and Macronutrients in Endometrial Cancer-From Metallomic Analysis to Improvements in Treatment Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9918. [PMID: 39337406 PMCID: PMC11432114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is reported to be one of the most prevalent cancers of the female reproductive organs worldwide, with increasing incidence and mortality rates over the past decade. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Recently, there has been a growing focus on the role of nutrition and micronutrient and macronutrient status in patients with gynecologic cancers, including endometrial cancer. In the following paper, we have conducted an in-depth narrative literature review with the aim of evaluating the results of metallomic studies specifically concerning the micro- and macronutrient status of patients with endometrial cancer. The main objective of the paper was to analyze the results regarding the nutritional status of endometrial cancer patients and describe the role of chosen elements in the onset and progression of endometrial carcinogenesis. Further, we have focused on the evaluation of the usage of the described elements in the potential treatment of the abovementioned cancer, as well as the possible prevention of cancer considering proper supplementation of chosen elements in healthy individuals. Calcium supplementation has been proposed to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, although some studies offer conflicting evidence. Deficiencies in phosphorus, selenium, and zinc have been inversely associated with endometrial cancer risk, suggesting they may play a protective role, whereas excessive levels of iron, copper, and cadmium have been positively correlated with increased risk. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these elements affect endometrial carcinogenesis are not fully understood, and current findings are often contradictory. Further research is needed to clarify these relationships and to evaluate the potential of nutritional interventions for the prevention and treatment of endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Hunek
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Julita Zembala
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza 1/3, 02-015 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Januszewski
- Department of Correct, Clinical and Imaging Anatomy, Chair of Fundamental Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Bełżek
- Department of Correct, Clinical and Imaging Anatomy, Chair of Fundamental Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Syty
- Institute of Health Sciences, John Paul the II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1G, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Zoulikha Jabiry-Zieniewicz
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza 1/3, 02-015 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Artur Ludwin
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza 1/3, 02-015 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Correct, Clinical and Imaging Anatomy, Chair of Fundamental Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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18
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Smout JL, Bain MM, McLaughlin M, Elmer KR. Common lizard primary oviduct cell culture: A model system for the genetic and cellular basis of oviparity and viviparity. Exp Cell Res 2024; 442:114196. [PMID: 39117090 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Reproduction by egg-laying (oviparity) or live-bearing (viviparity) is a genetically determined trait fundamental to the biology of amniotes. Squamates are an emerging model for the genetics of reproductive mode yet lack cell culture models valuable for exploring molecular mechanisms. Here, we report a novel primary culture model for reproductive biology: cell cultures derived from the oviduct tissues (infundibulum, uterus and vagina) of oviparous and viviparous common lizards (Lacertidae: Zootoca vivipara). We maintained and expanded these cultures for over 100 days, including repeated subculturing and successful revival of cryopreserved cells. Immunocytochemical investigation suggested expression of both epithelial and fibroblast-like proteins, and RNA sequencing of cultured cells as compared to in vivo oviduct tissue showed changes in gene expression in response to the cell culture environment. Despite this, we confirmed the maintenance of distinct gene expression patterns in viviparous and oviparous cells after 60+ days of cell culture, finding 354 differentially expressed genes between viviparous and oviparous cells. Furthermore, we confirmed the expression of 15 viviparity-associated candidate genes in cells maintained for 60+ days in culture. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and utility of oviduct cell culture for molecular analysis of reproductive mode and provides a tool for future genetic experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Laurence Smout
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Maureen M Bain
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Mark McLaughlin
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Kathryn R Elmer
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8QQ, UK.
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19
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Coelho-Rato LS, Parvanian S, Andrs Salajkova S, Medalia O, Eriksson JE. Intermediate filaments at a glance. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261386. [PMID: 39206824 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261386] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IFs) comprise a large family of versatile cytoskeletal proteins, divided into six subtypes with tissue-specific expression patterns. IFs have a wide repertoire of cellular functions, including providing structural support to cells, as well as active roles in mechanical support and signaling pathways. Consequently, defects in IFs are associated with more than 100 diseases. In this Cell Science at a Glance article, we discuss the established classes of IFs and their general features, their functions beyond structural support, and recent advances in the field. We also highlight their involvement in disease and potential use as clinical markers of pathological conditions. Finally, we provide our view on current knowledge gaps and the future directions of the IF field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila S Coelho-Rato
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Sepideh Parvanian
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sarka Andrs Salajkova
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ohad Medalia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John E Eriksson
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Euro-Bioimaging ERIC, 20520 Turku, Finland
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20
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Huynh TN, Toperzer J, Scherer A, Gumina A, Brunetti T, Mansour MK, Markovitz DM, Russo BC. Vimentin regulates mitochondrial ROS production and inflammatory responses of neutrophils. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1416275. [PMID: 39139560 PMCID: PMC11319119 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1416275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The intermediate filament vimentin is present in immune cells and is implicated in proinflammatory immune responses. Whether and how it supports antimicrobial activities of neutrophils are not well established. Here, we developed an immortalized neutrophil model to examine the requirement of vimentin. We demonstrate that vimentin restricts the production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), but enhances phagocytosis and swarming. We observe that vimentin is dispensable for neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, degranulation, and inflammasome activation. Moreover, gene expression analysis demonstrated that the presence of vimentin was associated with changes in expression of multiple genes required for mitochondrial function and ROS overproduction. Treatment of wild-type cells with rotenone, an inhibitor for complex I of the electron transport chain, increases the ROS levels. Likewise, treatment with mitoTEMPO, a SOD mimetic, rescues the ROS production in cells lacking vimentin. Together, these data show vimentin regulates neutrophil antimicrobial functions and alters ROS levels through regulation of mitochondrial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao Ngoc Huynh
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jody Toperzer
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Allison Scherer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anne Gumina
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Tonya Brunetti
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Michael K. Mansour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David M. Markovitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Brian C. Russo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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21
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Wang Q, Meng D, Shen S, Cao Y, Zhang P, Liu Y, Du L, Li H, Shao C, Dong Q. P4HA3 promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression via the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155481. [PMID: 39053135 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Here, we explored the role of Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase Subunit Alpha 3 (P4HA3), the most recently identified member of the prolyl-4-hydroxylase (P4H) family, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression. P4HA3 is upregulated during cancer progression; however, its specific role in HNSCC progression remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the regulatory function of P4HA3 in HNSCC development and progression and to describe the underlying mechanisms. Initially, we analyzed the correlation between the expression of P4HA3 and the WNT pathway genes and clinicopathologic features in HNSCC based on microarray data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Next, we used Gene Oncology (GO) functional data to describe several potentially associated pathways in HNSCC. Then, we knocked down P4HA3 in SCC15 and SCC25 cells, two classic HNSCC cell lines, and assessed the resulting changes using RT-qPCR. Furthermore, we used Western blot to evaluate the regulatory role of P4HA3 in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. To explore the effect of P4HA3 knockdown on tumor progression, in vivo experiments were conducted using a murine model. Immunohistochemistry assays were then employed to identify proteins associated with EMT and the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in tumor tissues. Upregulated P4HA3 in HNSCC patient tumor tissues was positively correlated with poor prognosis. Notably, P4HA3 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferative and invasive abilities of HNSCC. The levels of genes and proteins associated with EMT and the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway were also markedly reduced by P4HA3 knockdown. Importantly, the in vivo experiments demonstrated that P4HA3 can promote subcutaneous tumorigenesis in nude mice and knockdown of P4HA3 induce a significant ihibitation of EMT and WNT/β-catenin pathway detected by immunohistochemistry assay in tumor tissues. In summary, we demonstrated that P4HA3 is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for HNSCC. As an oncogene, P4HA3 increases HNSCC proliferation by inducing the EMT and activating the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quannian Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang 154007, China; Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Danyang Meng
- School of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang 154007, China; Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Si Shen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Lianqun Du
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Hua Li
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300050, China.
| | - Changli Shao
- School of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang 154007, China.
| | - Qingyang Dong
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
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22
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Foglio E, D'Avorio E, Nieri R, Russo MA, Limana F. Epicardial EMT and cardiac repair: an update. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:219. [PMID: 39026298 PMCID: PMC11264588 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03823-z] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Epicardial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in both heart development and injury response and involves dynamic cellular changes that are essential for cardiogenesis and myocardial repair. Specifically, epicardial EMT is a crucial process in which epicardial cells lose polarity, migrate into the myocardium, and differentiate into various cardiac cell types during development and repair. Importantly, following EMT, the epicardium becomes a source of paracrine factors that support cardiac growth at the last stages of cardiogenesis and contribute to cardiac remodeling after injury. As such, EMT seems to represent a fundamental step in cardiac repair. Nevertheless, endogenous EMT alone is insufficient to stimulate adequate repair. Redirecting and amplifying epicardial EMT pathways offers promising avenues for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and treatment approaches for heart disease. In this review, we present a synthesis of recent literature highlighting the significance of epicardial EMT reactivation in adult heart disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Foglio
- Technoscience, Parco Scientifico e Tecnologico Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Erica D'Avorio
- Dipartimento di Promozione delle Scienze Umane e della Qualità della Vita, San Raffaele University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Nieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Federica Limana
- Dipartimento di Promozione delle Scienze Umane e della Qualità della Vita, San Raffaele University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- Laboratorio di Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy.
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23
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Dzhalilova D, Silina M, Tsvetkov I, Kosyreva A, Zolotova N, Gantsova E, Kirillov V, Fokichev N, Makarova O. Changes in the Expression of Genes Regulating the Response to Hypoxia, Inflammation, Cell Cycle, Apoptosis, and Epithelial Barrier Functioning during Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Depend on Individual Hypoxia Tolerance. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7801. [PMID: 39063041 PMCID: PMC11276979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147801] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the factors contributing to colorectal cancer (CRC) development is inflammation, which is mostly hypoxia-associated. This study aimed to characterize the morphological and molecular biological features of colon tumors in mice that were tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia based on colitis-associated CRC (CAC). Hypoxia tolerance was assessed through a gasping time evaluation in a decompression chamber. One month later, the animals were experimentally modeled for colitis-associated CRC by intraperitoneal azoxymethane administration and three dextran sulfate sodium consumption cycles. The incidence of tumor development in the distal colon in the susceptible to hypoxia mice was two times higher and all tumors (100%) were represented by adenocarcinomas, while in the tolerant mice, only 14% were adenocarcinomas and 86% were glandular intraepithelial neoplasia. The tumor area assessed on serially stepped sections was statistically significantly higher in the susceptible animals. The number of macrophages, CD3-CD19+, CD3+CD4+, and NK cells in tumors did not differ between animals; however, the number of CD3+CD8+ and vimentin+ cells was higher in the susceptible mice. Changes in the expression of genes regulating the response to hypoxia, inflammation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and epithelial barrier functioning in tumors and the peritumoral area depended on the initial mouse's hypoxia tolerance, which should be taken into account for new CAC diagnostics and treatment approaches development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzhuliia Dzhalilova
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (I.T.); (A.K.); (N.Z.); (E.G.); (N.F.); (O.M.)
| | - Maria Silina
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (I.T.); (A.K.); (N.Z.); (E.G.); (N.F.); (O.M.)
| | - Ivan Tsvetkov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (I.T.); (A.K.); (N.Z.); (E.G.); (N.F.); (O.M.)
| | - Anna Kosyreva
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (I.T.); (A.K.); (N.Z.); (E.G.); (N.F.); (O.M.)
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Zolotova
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (I.T.); (A.K.); (N.Z.); (E.G.); (N.F.); (O.M.)
| | - Elena Gantsova
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (I.T.); (A.K.); (N.Z.); (E.G.); (N.F.); (O.M.)
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Kirillov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, 117513 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nikolay Fokichev
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (I.T.); (A.K.); (N.Z.); (E.G.); (N.F.); (O.M.)
| | - Olga Makarova
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (I.T.); (A.K.); (N.Z.); (E.G.); (N.F.); (O.M.)
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24
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Casey-Clyde T, Liu SJ, Serrano JAC, Teng C, Jang YG, Vasudevan HN, Bush JO, Raleigh DR. Eed controls craniofacial osteoblast differentiation and mesenchymal proliferation from the neural crest. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.13.584903. [PMID: 38558995 PMCID: PMC10979956 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.13.584903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is required for specification of the neural crest, and mis-regulation of neural crest development can cause severe congenital malformations. PRC2 is necessary for neural crest induction, but the embryonic, cellular, and molecular consequences of PRC2 activity after neural crest induction are incompletely understood. Here we show that Eed, a core subunit of PRC2, is required for craniofacial osteoblast differentiation and mesenchymal proliferation after induction of the neural crest. Integrating mouse genetics with single-cell RNA sequencing, our results reveal that conditional knockout of Eed after neural crest cell induction causes severe craniofacial hypoplasia, impaired craniofacial osteogenesis, and attenuated craniofacial mesenchymal cell proliferation that is first evident in post-migratory neural crest cell populations. We show that Eed drives mesenchymal differentiation and proliferation in vivo and in primary craniofacial cell cultures by regulating diverse transcription factor programs that are required for specification of post-migratory neural crest cells. These data enhance understanding of epigenetic mechanisms that underlie craniofacial development, and shed light on the embryonic, cellular, and molecular drivers of rare congenital syndromes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Casey-Clyde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - S John Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juan Antonio Camara Serrano
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Camilla Teng
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yoon-Gu Jang
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Harish N Vasudevan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey O Bush
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David R Raleigh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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25
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Böhmert B, Chong GLW, Lo K, Algie M, Colbert D, Jordan MD, Stuart G, Wise LM, Lee LEJ, Bols NC, Dowd GC. Isolation and characterisation of two epithelial-like cell lines from the gills of Chrysophrys auratus (Australasian snapper) and Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Chinook salmon) and their use in aquatic toxicology. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2024:10.1007/s11626-024-00941-z. [PMID: 38987436 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-024-00941-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
In vitro gill models are becoming increasingly important in aquatic toxicology, yet the fish gill invitrome is underrepresented, encompassing approximately 0.1% of extant species. Here, we describe the establishment and characterisation of two gill-derived, epithelial-like cell lines isolated from fish species of significant importance to New Zealand: Chrysophrys auratus (Australasian snapper) and Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Chinook salmon). Designated CAgill1PFR (Chrysophrys auratus, gill 1, Plant & Food Research) and OTgill1PFR (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, gill 1, Plant & Food Research), these cell lines have each been passaged greater than each 70 times over several years and are considered spontaneously immortalised. Both cell lines required serum for growth and exhibited differential responses to basal media formulations. CAgill1PFR was sensitive to low temperatures (4 °C) but replicated at high temperatures (30 °C), whereas OTgill1PFR was sensitive to high temperatures but remained viable at low temperatures, mirroring the natural environment of their host species. Immunostaining revealed expression of epithelial cell markers cytokeratin and E-cadherin, alongside positivity for the mesenchymal cell marker, vimentin. CAgill1PFR was more sensitive to the environmental toxin 3,4 dichloroaniline than OTgill1PFR through measurements of metabolic activity, membrane integrity, and lysosomal function. Furthermore, CAgill1PFR produced less CYP1A activity, indicative of ongoing biotransformation processes, in response to beta-naphthoflavone than OTgill1PFR. These cell lines expand the toolbox of resources and emphasise the need for species-specific aquatic toxicology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Böhmert
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Nelson Research Centre, 293 Akersten Street, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Gavril L W Chong
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Nelson Research Centre, 293 Akersten Street, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Kim Lo
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Mt Albert Research Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Michael Algie
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Nelson Research Centre, 293 Akersten Street, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Damon Colbert
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Mt Albert Research Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Melissa D Jordan
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Mt Albert Research Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Gabriella Stuart
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lyn M Wise
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lucy E J Lee
- Faculty of Science, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8, Canada
| | - Niels C Bols
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Georgina C Dowd
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Nelson Research Centre, 293 Akersten Street, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand.
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26
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Jankovic J, Tièche E, Dettwiler M, Hahn K, Scheemaeker S, Kessler M, Daminet S, Rottenberg S, Campos M. Canine follicular cell and medullary thyroid carcinomas: Immunohistochemical characterization. Vet Pathol 2024; 61:524-533. [PMID: 38098215 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231217245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Research on modulation of iodine uptake by thyroid cells could help improve radioiodine treatment of dogs with thyroid tumors. The aim of this study was to characterize the immunohistochemical expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), thyroglobulin, thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), sodium iodide symporter (NIS), pendrin, thyroid peroxidase (TPO), vimentin, and Ki-67 in follicular cell thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) and medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs), and to compare protein expression between FTC causing hyperthyroidism and FTC of euthyroid dogs. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 25 FTCs (9 follicular, 8 follicular-compact, and 8 compact) and 8 MTCs. FTCs and MTCs were positive for TTF-1, and expression was higher in FTCs of euthyroid dogs compared with FTCs of hyperthyroid dogs (P= .041). Immunolabeling for thyroglobulin was higher in follicular and follicular-compact FTCs compared with compact FTCs (P = .001), while vimentin expression was higher in follicular-compact FTCs compared with follicular FTCs (P = .011). The expression of TSHR, NIS, pendrin, and TPO was not significantly different among the different subtypes of FTCs or between FTCs causing hyperthyroidism and FTCs in euthyroid dogs. TSHR, NIS, pendrin, and TPO were also expressed in MTCs. Ki-67 labeling index was comparable between FTCs and MTCs, and between FTCs causing hyperthyroidism and FTCs in euthyroid dogs. Proteins of iodine transport were also expressed in canine MTCs, which could have implications for diagnosis and treatment. The different expression of thyroglobulin and vimentin between FTC histological subtypes could reflect variations in tumor differentiation.
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27
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Jang J, Park HJ, Seong W, Kim J, Kim C. Vimentin-mediated buffering of internal integrin β1 pool increases survival of cells from anoikis. BMC Biol 2024; 22:139. [PMID: 38915055 PMCID: PMC11197373 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01942-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intermediate filament protein vimentin is widely recognized as a molecular marker of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Although vimentin expression is strongly associated with cancer metastatic potential, the exact role of vimentin in cancer metastasis and the underlying mechanism of its pro-metastatic functions remain unclear. RESULTS This study revealed that vimentin can enhance integrin β1 surface expression and induce integrin-dependent clustering of cells, shielding them against anoikis cell death. The increased integrin β1 surface expression in suspended cells was caused by vimentin-mediated protection of the internal integrin β1 pool against lysosomal degradation. Additionally, cell detachment was found to induce vimentin Ser38 phosphorylation, allowing the translocation of internal integrin β1 to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, the use of an inhibitor of p21-activated kinase PAK1, one of the kinases responsible for vimentin Ser38 phosphorylation, significantly reduced cancer metastasis in animal models. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that vimentin can act as an integrin buffer, storing internalized integrin β1 and releasing it when needed. Overall, this study provides insights regarding the strong correlation between vimentin expression and cancer metastasis and a basis for blocking metastasis using this novel therapeutic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Jang
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Park
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonyoung Seong
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoon Kim
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, ON, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Chungho Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Li T, Wang A, Zhang Y, Chen W, Guo Y, Yuan X, Liu Y, Geng Y. Chemoproteomic Profiling of Signaling Metabolite Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate Interacting Proteins in Living Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:15155-15166. [PMID: 38775806 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), a cellular endogenous sugar metabolite in the glycolytic pathway, has recently been reported to act as a signaling molecule to regulate various cellular events through the engagement of important proteins. Though tremendous progress has been made in identifying specific FBP-protein interactions, the comprehensive identification of FBP-interacting proteins and their regulatory mechanisms remains largely unexplored. Here, we describe a concise synthetic approach for the scalable preparation of a photoaffinity FBP probe that enables the quantitative chemoproteomic profiling of FBP-protein interactions based on photoaffinity labeling (PAL) directly in living cells. Using such a protocol, we captured known FBP targets including PKM2 and MDH2. Furthermore, among unknown FBP-interacting proteins, we identified a mitochondrial metabolic enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), against which FBP showed inhibitory activity and resulted in cellular ROS upregulation accompanied by mitochondrial fragmentation. Our findings disclosed a new mode of glucose signaling mediating by the FBP-ALDH2-ROS axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Anhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yanshen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xia Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yiqun Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Pickett MR, Chen YI, Kamra M, Kumar S, Kalkunte N, Sugerman GP, Varodom K, Rausch MK, Zoldan J, Yeh HC, Parekh SH. Assessing the impact of extracellular matrix fiber orientation on breast cancer cellular metabolism. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:199. [PMID: 38840117 PMCID: PMC11151503 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03385-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and complex microenvironment that modulates cell behavior and cell fate. Changes in ECM composition and architecture have been correlated with development, differentiation, and disease progression in various pathologies, including breast cancer [1]. Studies have shown that aligned fibers drive a pro-metastatic microenvironment, promoting the transformation of mammary epithelial cells into invasive ductal carcinoma via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [2]. The impact of ECM orientation on breast cancer metabolism, however, is largely unknown. Here, we employ two non-invasive imaging techniques, fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and intensity-based multiphoton microscopy, to assess the metabolic states of cancer cells cultured on ECM-mimicking nanofibers in a random and aligned orientation. By tracking the changes in the intrinsic fluorescence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide, as well as expression levels of metastatic markers, we reveal how ECM fiber orientation alters cancer metabolism and EMT progression. Our study indicates that aligned cellular microenvironments play a key role in promoting metastatic phenotypes of breast cancer as evidenced by a more glycolytic metabolic signature on nanofiber scaffolds of aligned orientation compared to scaffolds of random orientation. This finding is particularly relevant for subsets of breast cancer marked by high levels of collagen remodeling (e.g. pregnancy associated breast cancer), and may serve as a platform for predicting clinical outcomes within these subsets [3-6].
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison R Pickett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Yuan-I Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Mohini Kamra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Nikhith Kalkunte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Gabriella P Sugerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Kelsey Varodom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Manuel K Rausch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, The University of Texas at Austin, 78712, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 78712, Austin, TX, USA
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 78712, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Hsin-Chin Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sapun H Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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30
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Eibauer M, Weber MS, Kronenberg-Tenga R, Beales CT, Boujemaa-Paterski R, Turgay Y, Sivagurunathan S, Kraxner J, Köster S, Goldman RD, Medalia O. Vimentin filaments integrate low-complexity domains in a complex helical structure. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:939-949. [PMID: 38632361 PMCID: PMC11189308 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IFs) are integral components of the cytoskeleton. They provide cells with tissue-specific mechanical properties and are involved in numerous cellular processes. Due to their intricate architecture, a 3D structure of IFs has remained elusive. Here we use cryo-focused ion-beam milling, cryo-electron microscopy and tomography to obtain a 3D structure of vimentin IFs (VIFs). VIFs assemble into a modular, intertwined and flexible helical structure of 40 α-helices in cross-section, organized into five protofibrils. Surprisingly, the intrinsically disordered head domains form a fiber in the lumen of VIFs, while the intrinsically disordered tails form lateral connections between the protofibrils. Our findings demonstrate how protein domains of low sequence complexity can complement well-folded protein domains to construct a biopolymer with striking mechanical strength and stretchability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Eibauer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Miriam S Weber
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Charlie T Beales
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Yagmur Turgay
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suganya Sivagurunathan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Julia Kraxner
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- MDC Berlin-Buch, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Köster
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Robert D Goldman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ohad Medalia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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31
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Petrova IM, Chebanova SI, Khatsko SL, Kalinina TA, Zaitsev DV, Glukhareva TV. Spiroconjugated 1,2,3-triazolo[5,1- b]1,3,4-thiadiazine stimulates functional activity of fibroblasts under skin injury regeneration. Res Pharm Sci 2024; 19:267-275. [PMID: 39035820 PMCID: PMC11257193 DOI: 10.4103/rps.rps_74_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose One of the most important mechanisms of tissue regeneration is the high functional activity of cells, including proliferation. Currently, there are practically no effective skin cell activators on the pharmaceutical market. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate the stimulating effect of spiroconjugated 1,2,3-triazolo[5,1-b]1,3,4-thiadiazine (STT) on the functional activity of fibroblasts. Experimental approach STT containing ointment for dermal application was made. To assess in vivo effect of the STT a linear wound model in rats was tested. A combination of histological techniques and mechanical testing was employed to estimate the stimulating effect of STT on the functional activity of fibroblasts. Findings/Results The STT significantly increased the number of fibroblasts as well as the density and order of produced collagen fibers in the dermis during the wound healing process. As a result, a tissue was formed at the site of damage with the structure corresponding to normal skin. In addition, skin functions were restored, in particular mechanically. Conclusion and implications The results suggested the stimulating effect of the STT on fibroblast activity and demonstrated its potential for skin regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina M Petrova
- Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, 620026, Russia
| | - Sofya Iu Chebanova
- Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, 620026, Russia
| | - Sergey L Khatsko
- Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, 620026, Russia
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Ural Federal Agrarian Scientific Research Centre, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences”, Yekaterinburg, 620142, Russia
| | - Tatyana A Kalinina
- Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, 620026, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Zaitsev
- Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, 620026, Russia
- Ural State Mining University, Yekaterinburg, 620144, Russia
| | - Tatyana V Glukhareva
- Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, 620026, Russia
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32
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Saldanha R, Ho Thanh MT, Krishnan N, Hehnly H, Patteson A. Vimentin supports cell polarization by enhancing centrosome function and microtubule acetylation. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20230641. [PMID: 38835244 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0641] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell polarity is important for controlling cell shape, motility and cell division processes. Vimentin intermediate filaments are important for cell migration and cell polarization in mesenchymal cells and assembly of vimentin and microtubule networks is dynamically coordinated, but the precise details of how vimentin mediates cell polarity remain unclear. Here, we characterize the effects of vimentin on the structure and function of the centrosome and the stability of microtubule filaments in wild-type and vimentin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We find that vimentin mediates the structure of the pericentriolar material, promotes centrosome-mediated microtubule regrowth and increases the level of stable acetylated microtubules in the cell. Loss of vimentin also impairs centrosome repositioning during cell polarization and migration processes that occur during wound closure. Our results suggest that vimentin modulates centrosome structure and function as well as microtubule network stability, which has important implications for how cells establish proper cell polarization and persistent migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renita Saldanha
- Physics Department, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Minh Tri Ho Thanh
- Physics Department, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Nikhila Krishnan
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Heidi Hehnly
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Alison Patteson
- Physics Department, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University , Syracuse, NY, USA
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33
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Alisafaei F, Mandal K, Saldanha R, Swoger M, Yang H, Shi X, Guo M, Hehnly H, Castañeda CA, Janmey PA, Patteson AE, Shenoy VB. Vimentin is a key regulator of cell mechanosensing through opposite actions on actomyosin and microtubule networks. Commun Biol 2024; 7:658. [PMID: 38811770 PMCID: PMC11137025 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06366-4] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytoskeleton is a complex network of interconnected biopolymers consisting of actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. These biopolymers work in concert to transmit cell-generated forces to the extracellular matrix required for cell motility, wound healing, and tissue maintenance. While we know cell-generated forces are driven by actomyosin contractility and balanced by microtubule network resistance, the effect of intermediate filaments on cellular forces is unclear. Using a combination of theoretical modeling and experiments, we show that vimentin intermediate filaments tune cell stress by assisting in both actomyosin-based force transmission and reinforcement of microtubule networks under compression. We show that the competition between these two opposing effects of vimentin is regulated by the microenvironment stiffness. These results reconcile seemingly contradictory results in the literature and provide a unified description of vimentin's effects on the transmission of cell contractile forces to the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Alisafaei
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3340 Smith Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Renita Saldanha
- Physics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Maxx Swoger
- Physics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Haiqian Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Xuechen Shi
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3340 Smith Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Heidi Hehnly
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Carlos A Castañeda
- Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Paul A Janmey
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3340 Smith Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Departments of Physiology, and Physics & Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alison E Patteson
- Physics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Vivek B Shenoy
- Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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34
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Khine YY, Nguyen H, Afolabi F, Lin CC. Fast-relaxing hydrogels with reversibly tunable mechanics for dynamic cancer cell culture. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 159:213829. [PMID: 38531258 PMCID: PMC11075809 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The mechanics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly impact disease progression and the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics. While it is recognized that advanced in vitro cancer models will benefit cancer research, none of the current engineered extracellular matrices (ECM) adequately recapitulate the highly dynamic TME. Through integrating reversible boronate-ester bonding and dithiolane ring-opening polymerization, we fabricated synthetic polymer hydrogels with tumor-mimetic fast relaxation and reversibly tunable elastic moduli. Importantly, the crosslinking and dynamic stiffening of matrix mechanics were achieved in the absence of a photoinitiator, often the source of cytotoxicity. Central to this strategy was Poly(PEGA-co-LAA-co-AAPBA) (PELA), a highly defined polymer synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. PELA contains dithiolane for initiator-free gel crosslinking, stiffening, and softening, as well as boronic acid for complexation with diol-containing polymers to give rise to tunable viscoelasticity. PELA hydrogels were highly cytocompatible for dynamic culture of patient-derived pancreatic cancer cells. It was found that the fast-relaxing matrix induced mesenchymal phenotype of cancer cells, and dynamic matrix stiffening restricted tumor spheroid growth. Moreover, this new dynamic viscoelastic hydrogel system permitted sequential stiffening and softening to mimic the physical changes of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Yee Khine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Han Nguyen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Favour Afolabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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35
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Cortes-Sandoval S, Seco-Rovira V, Beltrán-Frutos E, Serrano-Sánchez MI, Martínez-Hernández J, Ferrer C, Delgado JL, Insausti CL, Blanquer M, Pastor LM. Heterogeneity of mesenchymal cells in human amniotic membrane at term. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:573-593. [PMID: 37721417 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in understanding the tissue biology of human amniotic membrane (hAM) given its applications in medicine. One cellular component is mesenchymal cells, which can be extracted, cultured and differentiated "in vitro" into various cell types. These studies show that there is heterogeneity among mesenchymal cells. The aim of this work is to study the membrane in situ to determine whether this cellular heterogeneity exists. The hAMs were obtained from caesarean deliveries at term and analyzed by histological techniques. Types I-III mesenchymal cells and Hofbauer were distinguished by light microscopy. Histochemically, mesenchymal cell types showed successively increasing positivity to: PAS, vimentin, fibronectin, and Concanavalin-A; VGEF, TGF-β2, PDGF-C, FGF-2. By the semiquantitative point of view, the percentage of Type II cells was 60%, significantly higher than the other types. With transmission electron microscopy, an intermediate cell type between II-III was observed. Strong vesiculation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) with exocytosis was observed. In addition, an accumulation of a similar material to the extracellular matrix in the RER caused its dilation especially in type IIITEM cells. Some of this material acquired a globular structure. These structures were also found free in the extracellular matrix. In conclusion, the mesenchymal cells of the fibroblastic layer of the hAMs studied are heterogeneous, with some undifferentiated and others with a probably senescent fibroblastic phenotype with accumulation in their RER of fibronectin. These results may be of interest to extract mesenchymal cells from hAMs for use in regenerative medicine and to better understand the mechanisms of fetal membrane rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Cortes-Sandoval
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, IMIB, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Vicente Seco-Rovira
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, IMIB, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ester Beltrán-Frutos
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, IMIB, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - María I Serrano-Sánchez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, IMIB, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jesús Martínez-Hernández
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, IMIB, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Concepción Ferrer
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, IMIB, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan L Delgado
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen L Insausti
- Hematology Service, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Miguel Blanquer
- Hematology Service, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis M Pastor
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, IMIB, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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36
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Severino ME, Richardson LS, Kacerovsky M, Menon R. Histologic Evidence of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Autophagy in Human Fetal Membranes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:684-692. [PMID: 38320630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Preterm, prelabor rupture of the human fetal membranes (pPROM) is involved in 40% of spontaneous preterm births worldwide. Cellular-level disturbances and inflammation are effectors of membrane degradation, weakening, and rupture. Maternal risk factors induce oxidative stress (OS), senescence, and senescence-associated inflammation of the fetal membranes as reported mechanisms related to pPROM. Inflammation can also arise in fetal membrane cells (amnion/chorion) due to OS-induced autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Autophagy, EMT, and their correlation in pPROM, along with OS-induced autophagy-related changes in amnion and chorion cells in vitro, were investigated. Immunocytochemistry staining of cytokeratin-18 (epithelial marker)/vimentin (mesenchymal marker) and proautophagy-inducing factor LC3B were performed in fetal membranes from pPROM, term not in labor, and term labor. Ultrastructural changes associated with autophagy were verified by transmission electron microscopy of the fetal membranes and in cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract (an OS inducer). EMT and LC3B staining was compared in the chorion from pPROM versus term not in labor. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed autophagosome formation in pPROM amnion and chorion. In cell culture, autophagosomes were formed in the amnion with OS treatment, while autophagosomes were accumulated in both cell types with autophagy inhibition. This study documents the association between pPROMs and amniochorion autophagy and EMT, and supports a role for OS in inducing dysfunctional cells that increase inflammation, predisposing membranes to rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Severino
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas; College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lauren S Richardson
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | - Marian Kacerovsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas.
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37
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Wei Z, Zhang C, Song Y, Han D, Liu J, Song X, Chao F, Wang S, Xu G, Chen G. CircUBE3A(2,3,4,5) promotes adenylate-uridylate-rich binding factor 1 nuclear translocation to suppress prostate cancer metastasis. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216743. [PMID: 38423246 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic progression is the primary cause of mortality in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis, our current understanding of their role in PCa metastasis remains limited. In this study, we identified that circUBE3A(2,3,4,5), which originated from exons 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the human ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene, was specifically downregulated in PCa tissues and correlated with the Gleason score, bone metastasis, and D'Amico risk classification. Through the in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that overexpression of circUBE3A(2,3,4,5) inhibited PCa cell migration, invasion, metastasis, and proliferation. Mechanistically, circUBE3A(2,3,4,5) was found to bind to adenylate-uridylate-rich binding factor 1 (AUF1), promoting the translocation of AUF1 into the nucleus. This led to decreased AUF1 in the cytoplasm, resulting in methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2) mRNA instability and a subsequent reduction at the protein level. The downregulation of MTHFD2 further inhibited vimentin expression, thereby suppressing PCa cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, two pairs of the short-inverted repeats (TSIRs) in flanking introns were identified to synergistically facilitate the generation of circUBE3A(2,3,4,5) and other circRNAs. In summary, TSIRs-induced circUBE3A(2,3,4,5) acts as a suppressor of PCa metastasis by enhancing AUF1 nuclear translocation, reducing MTHFD2, and subsequently inhibiting vimentin expression. This study characterizes circUBE3A(2,3,4,5) as a functional circRNA and proposes it as a highly promising target for preventing PCa metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Wei
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China; Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yufeng Song
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Dunsheng Han
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinke Liu
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Song
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Chao
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Xiamen Branch), Xiamen, 361015, Fujian, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guoxiong Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China.
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Huynh TN, Toperzer J, Scherer A, Gumina A, Brunetti T, Mansour MK, Markovitz DM, Russo BC. Vimentin regulates mitochondrial ROS production and inflammatory responses of neutrophils. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.11.589146. [PMID: 38659904 PMCID: PMC11042233 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.11.589146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The intermediate filament vimentin is present in immune cells and is implicated in proinflammatory immune responses. Whether and how it supports antimicrobial activities of neutrophils is not well established. Here, we developed an immortalized neutrophil model to examine the requirement of vimentin. We demonstrate that vimentin restricts the production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), but enhances phagocytosis and swarming. We observe that vimentin is dispensable for neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, degranulation, and inflammasome activation. Moreover, gene expression analysis demonstrated that the presence of vimentin was associated with changes in expression of multiple genes required for mitochondrial function and ROS overproduction. Treatment of wild-type cells with rotenone, an inhibitor for complex I of the electron transport chain, increases the ROS levels. Likewise, treatment with mitoTEMPO, a SOD mimetic, rescues the ROS production in cells lacking vimentin. Together, these data show vimentin regulates neutrophil antimicrobial functions and alters ROS levels through regulation of mitochondrial activity.
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Chen X, Song QL, Ji R, Wang JY, Cao ML, Guo DY, Zhang Y, Yang J. JPT2 Affects Trophoblast Functions and Macrophage Polarization and Metabolism, and Acts as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306359. [PMID: 38417123 PMCID: PMC11040346 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a pregnancy-related condition with complex etiology. Trophoblast dysfunction and abnormal macrophage polarization and metabolism are associated with RSA; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Jupiter microtubule-associated homolog 2 (JPT2) is essential for calcium mobilization; however, its role in RSA remains unclear. In this study, it is found that the expression levels of JPT2, a nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate-binding protein, are decreased in the villous tissues of patients with RSA and placental tissues of miscarried mice. Mechanistically, it is unexpectedly found that abnormal JPT2 expression regulates trophoblast function and thus involvement in RSA via c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but not via calcium mobilization. Specifically, on the one hand, JPT2 deficiency inhibits trophoblast adhesion, migration, and invasion by inhibiting the JNK/atypical chemokine receptor 3 axis. On the other hand, trophoblast JPT2 deficiency contributes to M1 macrophage polarization by promoting the accumulation of citrate and reactive oxygen species via inhibition of the JNK/interleukin-6 axis. Self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9-JPT2 treatment alleviates embryonic resorption in abortion-prone mice. In summary, this study reveals that JPT2 mediates the remodeling of the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Reproductive Medical CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic DevelopmentWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Qian Lin Song
- Department of UrologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Rui Ji
- Reproductive Medical CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic DevelopmentWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Jia Yu Wang
- Reproductive Medical CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic DevelopmentWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Ming Liang Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Duan Ying Guo
- Department of GynecologyLonggang District People's Hospital of ShenzhenShenzhen518172China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430060China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic DevelopmentWuhanHubei430060China
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Alieva IB, Shakhov AS, Dayal AA, Churkina AS, Parfenteva OI, Minin AA. Unique Role of Vimentin in the Intermediate Filament Proteins Family. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:726-736. [PMID: 38831508 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924040114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IFs), being traditionally the least studied component of the cytoskeleton, have begun to receive more attention in recent years. IFs are found in different cell types and are specific to them. Accumulated data have shifted the paradigm about the role of IFs as structures that merely provide mechanical strength to the cell. In addition to this role, IFs have been shown to participate in maintaining cell shape and strengthening cell adhesion. The data have also been obtained that point out to the role of IFs in a number of other biological processes, including organization of microtubules and microfilaments, regulation of nuclear structure and activity, cell cycle control, and regulation of signal transduction pathways. They are also actively involved in the regulation of several aspects of intracellular transport. Among the intermediate filament proteins, vimentin is of particular interest for researchers. Vimentin has been shown to be associated with a range of diseases, including cancer, cataracts, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV. In this review, we focus almost exclusively on vimentin and the currently known functions of vimentin intermediate filaments (VIFs). This is due to the structural features of vimentin, biological functions of its domains, and its involvement in the regulation of a wide range of basic cellular functions, and its role in the development of human diseases. Particular attention in the review will be paid to comparing the role of VIFs with the role of intermediate filaments consisting of other proteins in cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina B Alieva
- Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - Anton S Shakhov
- Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - Alexander A Dayal
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Aleksandra S Churkina
- Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - Olga I Parfenteva
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Alexander A Minin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
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Chandran RR, Adams TS, Kabir I, Gallardo-Vara E, Kaminski N, Gomperts BN, Greif DM. Dedifferentiated early postnatal lung myofibroblasts redifferentiate in adult disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1335061. [PMID: 38572485 PMCID: PMC10987733 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1335061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Alveolarization ensures sufficient lung surface area for gas exchange, and during bulk alveolarization in mice (postnatal day [P] 4.5-14.5), alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA)+ myofibroblasts accumulate, secrete elastin, and lay down alveolar septum. Herein, we delineate the dynamics of the lineage of early postnatal SMA+ myofibroblasts during and after bulk alveolarization and in response to lung injury. SMA+ lung myofibroblasts first appear at ∼ P2.5 and proliferate robustly. Lineage tracing shows that, at P14.5 and over the next few days, the vast majority of SMA+ myofibroblasts downregulate smooth muscle cell markers and undergo apoptosis. Of note, ∼8% of these dedifferentiated cells and another ∼1% of SMA+ myofibroblasts persist to adulthood. Single cell RNA sequencing analysis of the persistent SMA- cells and SMA+ myofibroblasts in the adult lung reveals distinct gene expression profiles. For instance, dedifferentiated SMA- cells exhibit higher levels of tissue remodeling genes. Most interestingly, these dedifferentiated early postnatal myofibroblasts re-express SMA upon exposure of the adult lung to hypoxia or the pro-fibrotic drug bleomycin. However, unlike during alveolarization, these cells that re-express SMA do not proliferate with hypoxia. In sum, dedifferentiated early postnatal myofibroblasts are a previously undescribed cell type in the adult lung and redifferentiate in response to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachana R. Chandran
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Taylor S. Adams
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Inamul Kabir
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Eunate Gallardo-Vara
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Brigitte N. Gomperts
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, Mattel Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel M. Greif
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Coelho-Rato LS, Parvanian S, Modi MK, Eriksson JE. Vimentin at the core of wound healing. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:239-254. [PMID: 37748934 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
As a member of the large family of intermediate filaments (IFs), vimentin has emerged as a highly dynamic and versatile cytoskeletal protein involved in many key processes of wound healing. It is well established that vimentin is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during wound healing and metastasis, during which epithelial cells acquire more dynamic and motile characteristics. Moreover, vimentin participates in multiple cellular activities supporting growth, proliferation, migration, cell survival, and stress resilience. Here, we explore the role of vimentin at each phase of wound healing, with focus on how it integrates different signaling pathways and protects cells in the fluctuating and challenging environments that characterize a healing tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila S Coelho-Rato
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Sepideh Parvanian
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland; Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mayank Kumar Modi
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - John E Eriksson
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland; Euro-Bioimaging ERIC, 20520 Turku, Finland.
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43
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Juncker T, Richert L, Masson M, Zuber G, Chatton B, Donzeau M. Tracing endogenous proteins in living cells through electrotransfer of mRNA encoding chromobodies. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300548. [PMID: 38404052 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300548] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Chromobodies made of nanobodies fused to fluorescent proteins are powerful tools for targeting and tracing intracellular proteins in living cells. Typically, this is achieved by transfecting plasmids encoding the chromobodies. However, an excess of unbound chromobody relative to the endogenous antigen can result in high background fluorescence in live cell imaging. Here, we overcome this problem by using mRNA encoding chromobodies. Our approach allows one to precisely control the amount of chromobody expressed inside the cell by adjusting the amount of transfected mRNA. To challenge our method, we evaluate three chromobodies targeting intracellular proteins of different abundance and cellular localization, namely lamin A/C, Dnmt1 and actin. We demonstrate that the expression of chromobodies in living cells by transfection of tuned amounts of the corresponding mRNAs allows the accurate tracking of their cellular targets by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théo Juncker
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire (BSC), UMR7242, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Ludovic Richert
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, (LBP) UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Murielle Masson
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire (BSC), UMR7242, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Guy Zuber
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire (BSC), UMR7242, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Bruno Chatton
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire (BSC), UMR7242, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Mariel Donzeau
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire (BSC), UMR7242, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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Leggett SE, Brennan MC, Martinez S, Tien J, Nelson CM. Relatively Rare Populations of Invasive Cells Drive Progression of Heterogeneous Tumors. Cell Mol Bioeng 2024; 17:7-24. [PMID: 38435793 PMCID: PMC10902221 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-023-00792-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast tumors often display an astonishing degree of spatial and temporal heterogeneity, which are associated with cancer progression, drug resistance, and relapse. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive and heterogeneous subtype for which targeted therapies are scarce. Consequently, patients with TNBC have a poorer overall prognosis compared to other breast cancer patients. Within heterogeneous tumors, individual clonal subpopulations may exhibit differences in their rates of growth and degrees of invasiveness. We hypothesized that such phenotypic heterogeneity at the single-cell level may accelerate tumor progression by enhancing the overall growth and invasion of the entire tumor. Methods To test this hypothesis, we isolated and characterized clonal subpopulations with distinct morphologies and biomarker expression from the inherently heterogeneous 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma cell line. We then leveraged a 3D microfluidic tumor model to reverse-engineer intratumoral heterogeneity and thus investigate how interactions between phenotypically distinct subpopulations affect tumor growth and invasion. Results We found that the growth and invasion of multiclonal tumors were largely dictated by the presence of cells with epithelial and mesenchymal traits, respectively. The latter accelerated overall tumor invasion, even when these cells comprised less than 1% of the initial population. Consistently, tumor progression was delayed by selectively targeting the mesenchymal subpopulation. Discussion This work reveals that highly invasive cells can dominate tumor phenotype and that specifically targeting these cells can slow the progression of heterogeneous tumors, which may help inform therapeutic approaches. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-023-00792-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E. Leggett
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, 303 Hoyt Laboratory, 25 William Street, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 USA
| | - Molly C. Brennan
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, 303 Hoyt Laboratory, 25 William Street, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA
| | - Sophia Martinez
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, 303 Hoyt Laboratory, 25 William Street, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA
| | - Joe Tien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Celeste M. Nelson
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, 303 Hoyt Laboratory, 25 William Street, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA
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45
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Valdes PA, Yu CC(J, Aronson J, Ghosh D, Zhao Y, An B, Bernstock JD, Bhere D, Felicella MM, Viapiano MS, Shah K, Chiocca EA, Boyden ES. Improved immunostaining of nanostructures and cells in human brain specimens through expansion-mediated protein decrowding. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eabo0049. [PMID: 38295184 PMCID: PMC10911838 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Proteins are densely packed in cells and tissues, where they form complex nanostructures. Expansion microscopy (ExM) variants have been used to separate proteins from each other in preserved biospecimens, improving antibody access to epitopes. Here, we present an ExM variant, decrowding expansion pathology (dExPath), that can expand proteins away from each other in human brain pathology specimens, including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) clinical specimens. Immunostaining of dExPath-expanded specimens reveals, with nanoscale precision, previously unobserved cellular structures, as well as more continuous patterns of staining. This enhanced molecular staining results in observation of previously invisible disease marker-positive cell populations in human glioma specimens, with potential implications for tumor aggressiveness. dExPath results in improved fluorescence signals even as it eliminates lipofuscin-associated autofluorescence. Thus, this form of expansion-mediated protein decrowding may, through improved epitope access for antibodies, render immunohistochemistry more powerful in clinical science and, perhaps, diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A. Valdes
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
- Media Arts and Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02115
| | - Chih-Chieh (Jay) Yu
- Media Arts and Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02115
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, MA, USA, 02139
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan, 351-0198
| | - Jenna Aronson
- Media Arts and Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02115
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan, 351-0198
| | - Debarati Ghosh
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
| | - Yongxin Zhao
- Media Arts and Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02115
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213
| | - Bobae An
- Media Arts and Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02115
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
| | - Joshua D. Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
- Koch Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
| | - Deepak Bhere
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine Columbia, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA, 29209
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy, Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
| | - Michelle M. Felicella
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
| | - Mariano S. Viapiano
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA, 13210
| | - Khalid Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy, Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
| | - E. Antonio Chiocca
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
| | - Edward S. Boyden
- Media Arts and Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02115
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, MA, USA, 02139
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
- Koch Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
- MIT Center for Neurobiological Engineering and K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139
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46
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Chikina AS, Zholudeva AO, Lomakina ME, Kireev II, Dayal AA, Minin AA, Maurin M, Svitkina TM, Alexandrova AY. Plasma Membrane Blebbing Is Controlled by Subcellular Distribution of Vimentin Intermediate Filaments. Cells 2024; 13:105. [PMID: 38201309 PMCID: PMC10778383 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010105] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The formation of specific cellular protrusions, plasma membrane blebs, underlies the amoeboid mode of cell motility, which is characteristic for free-living amoebae and leukocytes, and can also be adopted by stem and tumor cells to bypass unfavorable migration conditions and thus facilitate their long-distance migration. Not all cells are equally prone to bleb formation. We have previously shown that membrane blebbing can be experimentally induced in a subset of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, whereas other cells in the same culture under the same conditions retain non-blebbing mesenchymal morphology. Here we show that this heterogeneity is associated with the distribution of vimentin intermediate filaments (VIFs). Using different approaches to alter the VIF organization, we show that blebbing activity is biased toward cell edges lacking abundant VIFs, whereas the VIF-rich regions of the cell periphery exhibit low blebbing activity. This pattern is observed both in interphase fibroblasts, with and without experimentally induced blebbing, and during mitosis-associated blebbing. Moreover, the downregulation of vimentin expression or displacement of VIFs away from the cell periphery promotes blebbing even in cells resistant to bleb-inducing treatments. Thus, we reveal a new important function of VIFs in cell physiology that involves the regulation of non-apoptotic blebbing essential for amoeboid cell migration and mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra S. Chikina
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia; (A.S.C.); (A.O.Z.); (M.E.L.)
- Dynamics of Immune Responses Team, INSERM-U1223 Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Anna O. Zholudeva
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia; (A.S.C.); (A.O.Z.); (M.E.L.)
| | - Maria E. Lomakina
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia; (A.S.C.); (A.O.Z.); (M.E.L.)
| | - Igor I. Kireev
- Department of Biology and A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1 Leninskie Gory, Moscow 119992, Russia;
| | - Alexander A. Dayal
- Institute of Protein Research, Department of Cell Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119988, Russia; (A.A.D.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Alexander A. Minin
- Institute of Protein Research, Department of Cell Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119988, Russia; (A.A.D.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Mathieu Maurin
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, 26 rue d’Ulm, 75248 Paris, France;
| | - Tatyana M. Svitkina
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Antonina Y. Alexandrova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia; (A.S.C.); (A.O.Z.); (M.E.L.)
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Shetty SS, Sharma M, Padam KSR, Kudva A, Patel P, Radhakrishnan R. The interplay of EMT and stemness driving malignant transformation of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res 2024; 14:63-71. [PMID: 38261875 PMCID: PMC10794927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a persistent oral mucosal condition that carries an elevated risk of undergoing malignant transformation. Our objective was to elucidate the involvement of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in OSF and its progression to malignancy by studying a panel of EMT markers, thereby understanding the molecular mechanisms. Methods An immunohistochemical analysis was done to detect the presence of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, pan-cytokeratin (PanCK), vimentin, α-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin), and CD44 in a total of 100 tissue samples. These samples comprised 40 cases of OSF, 20 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma associated with OSF (OSFSCC), and 40 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A whole transcriptomic analysis was performed on a group of seven matched samples encompassing NOM, OSF, OSFSCC, and OSCC. Results We observed significantly decreased expression of E-cadherin and PanCK, while N-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA, and CD44 showed significantly higher expression in OSFSCC and OSCC as compared to OSF, both at protein and RNA levels. CD44 expression was noticeably higher in OSFSCC (p < 0.001) than in OSCC. Conclusion Downregulation of epithelial markers with concomitant upregulation of mesenchymal and stem cell markers suggests the potential role of EMT and stemness in accelerating the pathogenesis and malignant transformation of OSF. The high levels of CD44 expression seen in OSFSCC indicate a high propensity for aggressiveness and acquisition of stem-like characteristics by the cells undergoing EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smitha Sammith Shetty
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Mohit Sharma
- Department of Oral Pathology, SGT Dental College Hospital & Research Institute, Gurugram, Haryana, 122505, India
| | - Kanaka Sai Ram Padam
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Adarsh Kudva
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Pratik Patel
- Sangee Oral Pathology Center, Haripura, Surat, Gujarat, 395003, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S102TA, UK
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Zhao F, Zhang Y, Pei S, Wang S, Hu L, Wang L, Qian A, Yang TL, Guo Y. Mechanobiological crosstalk among bone cells and between bone and other organs. BONE CELL BIOMECHANICS, MECHANOBIOLOGY AND BONE DISEASES 2024:215-247. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-96123-3.00015-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2025]
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Zholudeva AO, Potapov NS, Kozlova EA, Lomakina ME, Alexandrova AY. Impairment of Assembly of the Vimentin Intermediate Filaments Leads to Suppression of Formation and Maturation of Focal Contacts and Alteration of the Type of Cellular Protrusions. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:184-195. [PMID: 38467554 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924010127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Cell migration is largely determined by the type of protrusions formed by the cell. Mesenchymal migration is accomplished by formation of lamellipodia and/or filopodia, while amoeboid migration is based on bleb formation. Changing of migrational conditions can lead to alteration in the character of cell movement. For example, inhibition of the Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization by the CK-666 inhibitor leads to transition from mesenchymal to amoeboid motility mode. Ability of the cells to switch from one type of motility to another is called migratory plasticity. Cellular mechanisms regulating migratory plasticity are poorly understood. One of the factors determining the possibility of migratory plasticity may be the presence and/or organization of vimentin intermediate filaments (VIFs). To investigate whether organization of the VIF network affects the ability of fibroblasts to form membrane blebs, we used rat embryo fibroblasts REF52 with normal VIF organization, fibroblasts with vimentin knockout (REF-/-), and fibroblasts with mutation inhibiting assembly of the full-length VIFs (REF117). Blebs formation was induced by treatment of cells with CK-666. Vimentin knockout did not lead to statistically significant increase in the number of cells with blebs. The fibroblasts with short fragments of vimentin demonstrate the significant increase in number of cells forming blebs both spontaneously and in the presence of CK-666. Disruption of the VIF organization did not lead to the significant changes in the microtubules network or the level of myosin light chain phosphorylation, but caused significant reduction in the focal contact system. The most pronounced and statistically significant decrease in both size and number of focal adhesions were observed in the REF117 cells. We believe that regulation of the membrane blebbing by VIFs is mediated by their effect on the focal adhesion system. Analysis of migration of fibroblasts with different organization of VIFs in a three-dimensional collagen gel showed that organization of VIFs determines the type of cell protrusions, which, in turn, determines the character of cell movement. A novel role of VIFs as a regulator of membrane blebbing, essential for manifestation of the migratory plasticity, is shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna O Zholudeva
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 115478, Russia
| | - Nikolay S Potapov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Kozlova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Maria E Lomakina
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 115478, Russia
| | - Antonina Y Alexandrova
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 115478, Russia.
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Li Z, Yang J, Chen L, Chen P, Liu C, Long X, Chen B, Long J. Moscatilin Reverses EMT Progression and its Resulting Enhanced Invasion and Migration by Affecting the TGF-β Signaling Pathway in Bladder Cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:1074-1084. [PMID: 38808719 DOI: 10.2174/0118715206307769240522075729] [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] [Academic Contribution Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder cancer metastasis is an essential process in the progression of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. EMT plays a crucial role in facilitating the spread of cancer cells. Identifying compounds that can inhibit these abilities of cancer cells is a significant international endeavor. OBJECTIVE To explore the migration and invasion effect of Moscatilin on the bladder and clarify the mechanism of action Methods: The anti-bladder cancer effect of Moscatilin was observed by a cell proliferation experiment. The migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells inhibited by Moscatilin were detected by Transwell and Wound healing. The effects of Moscatilin on EMT-related proteins E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail1, Vimentin, and TGF-β signaling pathways were detected by Western blot, and nucleic acid levels were verified by qPCR. RESULTS Our study revealed that Moscatilin reduced the viability of bladder cancer cells in vitro and impeded their migration and invasion in experimental settings. Furthermore, we observed that Moscatilin decreased the activation levels of active proteins, specifically Smad3, Samd2, and MMP2. Additionally, we found that moscatilin significantly reduced the expression level of TGF-β and was also capable of reversing the overexpression effect of TGF-β. Treatment with Moscatilin also led to significant inhibition of interstitial cell markers Ncadherin and Snail1, which are associated with EMT. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that Moscatilin impedes the migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells by influencing cell survival, modulating TGF-β/Smad signaling, and inhibiting EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pei Chen
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenhuan Liu
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoming Long
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Long
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
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