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Zhang M, Chen H, Qian H, Wang C. Characterization of the skin keloid microenvironment. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:207. [PMID: 37587491 PMCID: PMC10428592 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Keloids are a fibroproliferative skin disorder that develops in people of all ages. Keloids exhibit some cancer-like behaviors, with similar genetic and epigenetic modifications in the keloid microenvironment. The keloid microenvironment is composed of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, immune cells, stem cells and collagen fibers. Recent advances in the study of keloids have led to novel insights into cellular communication among components of the keloid microenvironment as well as potential therapeutic targets for treating keloids. In this review, we summarized the nature of genetic and epigenetic regulation in keloid-derived fibroblasts, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of keratinocytes, immune cell infiltration into keloids, the differentiation of keloid-derived stem cells, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition of vascular endothelial cells, extracellular matrix synthesis and remodeling, and uncontrolled angiogenesis in keloids with the aim of identifying new targets for therapeutic benefit. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwen Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Hailong Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Huan Qian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Chen Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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2
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Funke-Kaiser H, Unger T. The (Pro)renin Receptor - A Regulatory Nodal Point in Disease Networks. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1093-1098. [PMID: 37885110 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501250617231016052930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Experimental inhibition of the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] is a promising therapeutic strategy in different disease models ranging from cardiorenal to oncological entities. Here, we briefly review the direct protein-protein interaction partners of the (P)RR and the plethora of distinct diseases in which the (P)RR is involved. The first structural work on the (P)RR using AlphaFold, which was recently published by Ebihara et al., is the center of this mini-review since it can mechanistically link the protein-protein interaction level with the pathophysiological level. More detailed insights into the 3D structure of the (P)RR and its interaction domains might guide drug discovery on this novel target. Finally, antibody- and small molecule-based approaches to inhibit the (P)RR are shortly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Unger
- CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Kilmister EJ, Tan ST. Insights Into Vascular Anomalies, Cancer, and Fibroproliferative Conditions: The Role of Stem Cells and the Renin-Angiotensin System. Front Surg 2022; 9:868187. [PMID: 35574555 PMCID: PMC9091963 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.868187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells exhibiting embryonic stem cell (ESC) characteristics have been demonstrated in vascular anomalies (VAs), cancer, and fibroproliferative conditions, which are commonly managed by plastic surgeons and remain largely unsolved. The efficacy of the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus, and targeted therapies that block the Ras/BRAF/MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3KCA/AKT/mTOR pathways in many types of cancer and VAs, further supports the critical role of ESC-like cells in the pathogenesis of these conditions. ESC-like cells in VAs, cancer, and fibroproliferative conditions express components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) – a homeostatic endocrine signaling cascade that regulates cells with ESC characteristics. ESC-like cells are influenced by the Ras/BRAF/MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3KCA/AKT/mTOR pathways, which directly regulate cellular proliferation and stemness, and interact with the RAS at multiple points. Gain-of-function mutations affecting these pathways have been identified in many types of cancer and VAs, that have been treated with targeted therapies with some success. In cancer, the RAS promotes tumor progression, treatment resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. The RAS modulates cellular invasion, migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. It also indirectly regulates ESC-like cells via its direct influence on the tissue microenvironment and by its interaction with the immune system. In vitro studies show that RAS inhibition suppresses the hallmarks of cancer in different experimental models. Numerous epidemiological studies show a reduced incidence of cancer and improved survival outcomes in patients taking RAS inhibitors, although some studies have shown no such effect. The discovery of ESC-like cells that express RAS components in infantile hemangioma (IH) underscores the paradigm shift in the understanding of its programmed biologic behavior and accelerated involution induced by β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The findings of SOX18 inhibition by R-propranolol suggests the possibility of targeting ESC-like cells in IH without β-adrenergic blockade, and its associated side effects. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge of ESC-like cells and the RAS in VAs, cancer, and fibroproliferative conditions. It also highlights new lines of research and potential novel therapeutic approaches for these unsolved problems in plastic surgery, by targeting the ESC-like cells through manipulation of the RAS, its bypass loops and converging signaling pathways using existing low-cost, commonly available, and safe oral medications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Swee T. Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
- Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial & Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Swee T. Tan
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Koh SP, Leadbitter P, Smithers F, Tan ST. β-blocker therapy for infantile hemangioma. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 13:899-915. [PMID: 32662682 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1788938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fifteen percent of proliferating infantile hemangioma (IH) require intervention because of the threat to function or life, ulceration, or tissue distortion. Propranolol is the mainstay treatment for problematic proliferating IH. Other β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been explored as alternative treatments. AREAS COVERED The demonstration of a hemogenic endothelium origin of IH, with a neural crest phenotype and multi-lineage differentiation capacity, regulated by the renin-angiotensin system, underscores its programmed biologic behavior and accelerated involution induced by propranolol, other β-blockers and ACE inhibitors. We review the indications, dosing regimens, duration of treatment, efficacy and adverse effects of propranolol, and therapeutic alternatives including oral atenolol, acebutolol, nadolol, intralesional propranolol injections, topical propranolol and timolol, and oral captopril. EXPERT OPINION Improved understanding of the biology of IH provides insights into the mechanism of action underscoring its accelerated involution induced by propranolol, other β-blockers and ACE inhibitors. More research is required to understand the optimal dosing and duration, efficacy and safety of these alternative therapies. Recent demonstration of propranolol's actions mediated by non-β-adrenergic isomer R-propranolol on stem cells, offers an immense opportunity to harness the efficacy of β-blockers to induce accelerated involution of IH, while mitigating their β-adrenergic receptor-mediated adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina P Koh
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute , Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Philip Leadbitter
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute , Wellington, New Zealand.,Centre for the Study & Treatment for Vascular Birthmarks, Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital , Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Paediatrics, Hutt Hospital , Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Fiona Smithers
- Centre for the Study & Treatment for Vascular Birthmarks, Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital , Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute , Wellington, New Zealand.,Centre for the Study & Treatment for Vascular Birthmarks, Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital , Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Mehrotra S, van Schaijik B, Boyes K, Bockett N, Brasch HD, Davis PF, Itinteang T, Tan ST. Expression of Cathepsins B, D, and G in Microcystic Lymphatic Malformation. Lymphat Res Biol 2020; 19:347-354. [PMID: 33337924 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2020.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the expression and localization of cathepsins B, D, and G in relationship to the embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like population we have previously identified in microcystic lymphatic malformation (mLM). Methods and Results: Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of cathepsins B, D, and G in cervicofacial mLM tissue samples from 11 patients. Immunofluorescence staining of two representative mLM samples showed localization of cathepsins B and D to the OCT4+ and the c-MYC+ cells on the endothelium of lesional vessels and the stroma, while cathepsin G was localized to the OCT4+/tryptase+ cells within the stroma. Transcript expression of cathepsins B, D, and G was confirmed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR; n = 5). Western blotting (n = 3) performed on the mLM tissue samples revealed protein expression of cathepsins B and D, which were demonstrated to be enzymatically active using enzymatic activity assays. Conclusion: This study demonstrated expression of cathepsins B and D by the ESC-like cells on the endothelium of lesional vessels and the stroma, while cathepsin G was localized to the OCT4+ phenotypic mast cells within the stroma of mLM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kendra Boyes
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Helen D Brasch
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Huang C, Ogawa R. Systemic factors that shape cutaneous pathological scarring. FASEB J 2020; 34:13171-13184. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001157r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Huang
- Department of Dermatology Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University Beijing China
| | - Rei Ogawa
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Nippon Medical School Tokyo Japan
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Paterson C, Lee VMY, Brasch HD, van Schaijik B, Marsh R, Tan ST, Itinteang T. Expression of Cathepsins B, D, and G by the Embryonic Stem Cell-Like Population within Human Keloid Tissues and Keloid-Derived Primary Cell Lines. Plast Reconstr Surg 2019; 144:1338-1349. [PMID: 31764649 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000006275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The authors have previously shown that an embryonic stem cell-like population within keloid-associated lymphoid tissues in keloid lesions expresses components of the renin-angiotensin system that may be dysregulated. The authors hypothesized that cathepsins B, D, and G are present within the embryonic stem cell-like population in keloid lesions and contribute to bypass loops of the renin-angiotensin system. METHODS 3,3'-Diaminobenzidine immunohistochemical staining for cathepsins B, D, and G was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections in keloid tissue samples of 11 patients. Immunofluorescence immunohistochemical staining was performed on three of these keloid tissue samples, by co-staining with CD34, tryptase, and OCT4. Western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme activity assays were performed on five keloid tissue samples and four keloid-derived primary cell lines to investigate protein and mRNA expression, and functional activity, respectively. RESULTS 3,3'-Diaminobenzidine immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of cathepsins B, D, and G in all 15 keloid tissue samples. Immunofluorescence immunohistochemical staining showed localization of cathepsins B and D to the endothelium of microvessels within the keloid-associated lymphoid tissues and localization of cathepsin G to the tryptase-positive perivascular cells. Western blotting confirmed semiquantitative levels of cathepsins B and D in keloid tissue samples and keloid-derived primary cell lines. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed quantitative transcriptional activation of cathepsins B and D in keloid tissue samples and keloid-derived primary cell lines and cathepsin G in keloid tissue samples. Enzyme activity assays demonstrated functional activity of cathepsins B and D. CONCLUSION Cathepsins B, D, and G are expressed by the embryonic stem cell-like population within the keloid-associated lymphoid tissues of keloid lesions and may act to bypass the renin-angiotensin system, suggesting a potential therapeutic target using renin-angiotensin system modulators and cathepsin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Paterson
- From the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute; the Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital; and the University of Auckland
| | - Valerie M Y Lee
- From the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute; the Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital; and the University of Auckland
| | - Helen D Brasch
- From the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute; the Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital; and the University of Auckland
| | - Bede van Schaijik
- From the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute; the Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital; and the University of Auckland
| | - Reginald Marsh
- From the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute; the Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital; and the University of Auckland
| | - Swee T Tan
- From the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute; the Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital; and the University of Auckland
| | - Tinte Itinteang
- From the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute; the Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital; and the University of Auckland
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Kilmister EJ, Paterson C, Brasch HD, Davis PF, Tan ST. The Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System and Vitamin D in Keloid Disorder-A Review. Front Surg 2019; 6:67. [PMID: 32039229 PMCID: PMC6988818 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2019.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Keloid disorder (KD) is a fibroproliferative condition characterized by excessive dermal collagen deposition in response to wounding and/or inflammation of the skin. Despite intensive research, treatment for KD remains empirical and unsatisfactory. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) leads to fibrosis in various organs through its direct effect and the resultant hypertension, and activation of the immune system. The observation of an increased incidence of KD in dark-skinned individuals who are predisposed to vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and hypertension, and the association of KD with hypertension and VDD, all of which are associated with an elevated activity of the RAS, provides clues to the pathogenesis of KD. There is increasing evidence implicating embryonic-like stem (ESC) cells that express ESC markers within keloid-associated lymphoid tissues (KALTs) in keloid lesions. These primitive cells express components of the RAS, cathepsins B, D, and G that constitute bypass loops of the RAS, and vitamin D receptor (VDR). This suggests that the RAS directly, and through signaling pathways that converge on the RAS, including VDR-mediated mechanisms and the immune system, may play a critical role in regulating the primitive population within the KALTs. This review discusses the role of the RAS, its relationship with hypertension, vitamin D, VDR, VDD, and the immune system that provide a microenvironmental niche in regulating the ESC-like cells within the KALTs. These ESC-like cells may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of this enigmatic and challenging condition, by modulating the RAS using inhibitors of the RAS and its bypass loops and convergent signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Helen D Brasch
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial & Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
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Stem Cells in Keloid Lesions: A Review. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2019; 7:e2228. [PMID: 31333955 PMCID: PMC6571348 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000002228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Keloid disorder (KD) is a fibroproliferative condition caused by dysregulated wound healing following wounding of the skin. The pathogenesis of KD has not been fully elucidated and current treatment is unsatisfactory. There is increasing evidence of the role of stem cells in KD. This review discusses the role of embryonic stem (ESC)-like cells and mesenchymal stem cells in the pathogenesis of KD. It is proposed that dysfunction of the ESC-like population localized to the endothelium of the microvessels and perivascular cells within the keloid-associated lymphoid tissues may give rise to the aberrant fibroblasts and myofibroblasts via a mesenchymal stem cell intermediate in keloid lesions, by undergoing an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We also discuss the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), the immune system, and the inflammatory response, on stem cell proliferation and differentiation. The understanding of the precise roles of these stem cells and interplay of the associated regulatory pathways could lead to the development of targeted therapy for this enigmatic and challenging condition. The demonstration of the expression of components of the RAS and cathepsins B, D, and G that constitute bypass loops of the RAS, by the ESC-like population, suggests that the primitive population may be a therapeutic target by modulation of the RAS, using existing medications.
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