TGF-β Family Signaling in the Control of Cell Proliferation and Survival

Recent advances in TGF-β signaling pathway in COVID-19 pathogenesis: A review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in approximately 7.0 million fatalities between 2019 and 2022, underscoring a pressing need for comprehensive research into its underlying mechanisms and therapeutic avenues. A distinctive feature of severe COVID-19 is the dysregulated immune response characterized by excessive activation of immune cells and the consequent cytokine storms. Recent advancements in our understanding of cellular signaling pathways have illuminated the role of Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) as a pivotal signaling molecule with significant implications for the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Emerging evidence reveals that TGF-β signaling, when activated by viral components or secondary pathways, adversely affects diverse cell types, particularly immune cells, and lung tissue, leading to complications such as pulmonary fibrosis. In our review article, we critically evaluate recent literature on the involvement of TGF-β signaling in the progression of COVID-19. We discuss a range of pharmacological interventions, including nintedanib, pirfenidone, corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors, and histone deacetylase inhibitors, and their potential to modulate the TGF-β pathway in the context of COVID-19 treatment. Additionally, we explore ongoing clinical trials involving mesenchymal stem cells, low-dose radiation therapy, and artemisinin derivatives to assess their impact on TGF-β levels and subsequent clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. This review is particularly relevant at this juncture as the global health community continues to grapple with the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at TGF-β modulation to mitigate disease severity and improve patient outcomes.

Role of transforming growth factor-β1 in regulating adipocyte progenitors

Adipose tissue (AT) metabolism involves coordinating various cells and cellular processes to regulate energy storage, release, and overall metabolic homeostasis. Therein, macrophage and its cytokine are important in controlling tissue homeostasis. Among cytokines, the role of transforming growth factor-β1 (Tgf-β1), a cytokine abundantly expressed in CD206+ M2-like macrophage and correlated with the expansion of AT and fibrosis, in AT metabolism, remains unknown. We used CD206CreERT2; Tgf-β1f/f mouse model in which the Tgf-β1 gene was conditionally deleted in CD206+ M2-like macrophages followed by tamoxifen administration, to investigate the role of the Tgf-β1 gene in glucose and insulin metabolism. Our data demonstrated that lack of CD206+ M2-like macrophages derived Tgf-β1 gene improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity by enhancing adipogenesis via hyperplasia. The Tgf-β1 gene, specifically from CD206+ M2-like macrophages, deletion stimulated APs' proliferation and differentiation, leading to the generation of smaller mature adipocytes, therefore enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose metabolism under normal chow conditions. Our study brings a new perspective that Tgf-β1 gene deletion specific from CD206+ M2-like macrophage promotes adipocyte hyperplasia, improving glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in the lean state.

Loss of SMAD1 in acute myeloid leukemia with KMT2A::AFF1 and KMT2A::MLLT3 fusion genes

Introduction

KMT2A-rearrangements define a subclass of acute leukemias characterized by a distinct gene expression signature linked to the dysfunctional oncogenic fusion proteins arising from various chromosomal translocations involving the KMT2A (also known as MLL1) gene. Research on the disease pathomechanism in KMT2A-rearranged acute leukemias has mainly focused on the upregulation of the stemness-related genes of the HOX-family and their co-factor MEIS1.

Results

Here we report the KMT2A::AFF1 and KMT2A::MLLT3 fusion gene-dependent downregulation of SMAD1, a TGF-β signaling axis transcription factor. SMAD1 expression is lost in the majority of AML patient samples and cell lines containing the two fusion genes KMT2A::AFF1 and KMT2A::MLLT3 compared to non-rearranged controls. Loss of SMAD1 expression is inducible by introducing the respective two KMT2A fusion genes into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The loss of SMAD1 correlated with a markedly reduced amount of H3K4me3 levels at the SMAD1 promoter in tested cells with KMT2A::AFF1 and KMT2A::MLLT3. The expression of SMAD1 in cells with KMT2A::AFF1 fusion genes impacted the growth of cells in vitro and influenced engraftment of the KMT2A::AFF1 cell line MV4-11 in vivo. In MV4-11 cells SMAD1 expression caused a downregulation of HOXA9 and MEIS1, which was reinforced by TGF-β stimulation. Moreover, in MV4-11 cells SMAD1 presence sensitized cells for TGF-β mediated G1-arrest.

Conclusion

Overall, our data contributes to the understanding of the role of TGF-β signaling in acute myeloid leukemia with KMT2A::AFF1 by showing that SMAD1 loss can influence the growth dynamics and contribute to the pathogenic expression of disease driving factors.

Interaction of AURKA with TRIM28 revives dormant LSCC cells via Akt signaling pathway to promote LSCC metastasis

BACKGROUND

Specific molecular mechanisms by which AURKA promoted LSCC metastasis were still unknown.

METHODS

Bioinformatic analysis was performed the relationship between TRIM28 and LSCC. Immunohistochemistry, Co-IP assay, Rt-PCR and Western Blot were used to examine the expression of related molecular. Flow cytometry was used to examine cell numbers of G0/G1 phase. Plate colony formation, wound healing, migration, invasion and tail vein injection in nude mice assays were applied to examine the proliferation, movement, migration, invasion and metastasis of LSCC.

RESULTS

TRIM28 was significantly correlated with LSCC. TRIM28 highly expressed in LSCC and the high TRIM28 expression was related to TNM stage and poor clinical prognosis. Furthermore, AURKA could regulate TRIM28. In addition, deprivation TRIM28 expression induced LSCC cells into dormant state and inhibited LSCC metastasis. Akt signaling pathway played an essential role in promoting the tumor-promoting effects induced by TRIM28.

CONCLUSION

AURKA mediated TRIM28 to revive dormant LSCC cells via Akt signaling pathway to promote LSCC metastasis, targeting TRIM28 might provide a potential treatment strategy for LSCC.

NEK2 promotes colorectal cancer progression by activating the TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy with poor patient survival, and NIMA-associated kinase 2 (NEK2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of various cancers, including CRC. This study aimed to investigate the impact of NEK2 on CRC cell functionality and its interaction with the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. NEK2 expression in CRC tissues and cell lines was assessed, and its association with patient survival was analyzed. Functional assays, including NEK2 knockdown via lentiviral infection, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, CCK-8 assay, Transwell migration, invasion assays, and goblet cell formation assays, were employed to evaluate NEK2's effects on CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness. Mechanistic studies explored the TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway, utilizing co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and protein interaction analyses. In vivo experiments further evaluated NEK2's role in tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. NEK2 was found to be upregulated in CRC tissues and correlated with poor survival. NEK2 knockdown inhibited CRC cell behaviors, while NEK2 activated the TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway through Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Overexpression of Smad2/3 reversed NEK2 knockdown effects, confirming the importance of this pathway in CRC. In vivo, NEK2 promoted tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemoresistance, effects partially reversed by Smad2/3 overexpression. These findings reveal the critical role of NEK2 in CRC progression and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms driving CRC and informing targeted therapy development.

Platelet-Specific Deletion of TGF-β1 Impairs Septic Thrombosis in Mice-Brief Report

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is featured as a systemic inflammation and thrombosis induced by infection. TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) 1 is mainly secreted from platelets and plays a role in immune response and inflammation. Whether platelet-derived TGF-β1 participates in sepsis remains unclear. This study intends to investigate its role in sepsis in mice.

METHODS

Platelet-specific TGF-β1 knockout mice received cecal ligation and puncture surgery to induce sepsis followed by the analysis of survival time, platelets number, pathology changes of lung and liver, liver function, the recruitment of platelets, neutrophils and monocytes, and neutrophil extracellular traps' formation. In addition, adoptive transfer of wild-type platelets into platelet-specific TGF-β1 knockout mice was performed to further evaluate the role of TGF-β1 in the pathogenesis of sepsis.

RESULTS

TGF-β1 level was gradually increased in the lung during the progress of sepsis, and platelets are the major source of the elevated TGF-β1 level in the lung after sepsis. Deficiency of platelet-derived TGF-β1 prolonged the survival of sepsis mice, inhibited the drop of platelet number and bacterial growth, impaired the thrombus formation in the lung and liver, and improved liver function. In addition, platelet TGF-β1 deficiency also decreased the recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes to the lung and impaired neutrophil extracellular trap formation. However, the adoptive transfer of normal platelets to platelet-specific TGF-β1 knockout mice significantly reduced the number of circulating platelets, increased thrombosis in the lung and liver, and promoted the neutrophil extracellular trap formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Deficiency of platelet-derived TGF-β1 inhibits septic thrombosis and prolongs survival time, indicating that it might be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of sepsis.

Activin β Is Critical for Larval-Pupal Transition in the 28 Spotted Lady Beetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata

The activin cascade is activated when a pair of extracellular ligand (Myoglianin, Myo; Activin β, Actβ; Dawdle, Daw) binds to two pairs of transforming growth factor β (TGF) serine-threonine receptor kinases, TGF-β type I (Baboon, Babo) and II receptors. However, the roles of activin way have not well been explored in non-Drosophilid insects. In the present paper, we compared the functions of Activin β (Actβ) ligand and receptor isoform BaboB in post-embryonic development in a defoliating ladybird Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. RNA interference (RNAi) for Hvactβ but not Hvbabob upregulated juvenile hormone signal, reduced ecdysone pathway and impaired larval-pupal transformation. The arresting Hvactβ RNAi larvae formed pupa-specific black markings below the larval exuviae. Thus, the impairment of metamorphosis may be caused by failing to complete ecdysis behavior due to nonfunctional muscles. Consistently, larval body sizes were smaller and adult appendages were shorter in the Hvactβ RNAi larvae, in contrast to those in the Hvbabob depleted beetles. Conversely, knockdown of Hvbabob but not Hvactβ changed the pigmentation of adult elytra. Our results suggest that Actβ exerts regulative roles in JH production, ecdysteroidogenesis and organ remodeling, thus contributing to modulate the larva-pupa-adult transformation, through a BaboB independent way in H. vigintioctopunctata.

Photobiomodulation studies on diabetic wound healing: An insight into the inflammatory pathway in diabetic wound healing

Diabetes mellitus remains a global challenge to public health as it results in non-healing chronic ulcers of the lower limb. These wounds are challenging to heal, and despite the different treatments available to improve healing, there is still a high rate of failure and relapse, often necessitating amputation. Chronic diabetic ulcers do not follow an orderly progression through the wound healing process and are associated with a persistent inflammatory state characterised by the accumulation of pro-inflammatory macrophages, cytokines and proteases. Photobiomodulation has been successfully utilised in diabetic wound healing and involves illuminating wounds at specific wavelengths using predominantly light-emitting diodes or lasers. Photobiomodulation induces wound healing through diminishing inflammation and oxidative stress, among others. Research into the application of photobiomodulation for wound healing is current and ongoing and has drawn the attention of many researchers in the healthcare sector. This review focuses on the inflammatory pathway in diabetic wound healing and the influence photobiomodulation has on this pathway using different wavelengths.

Small molecule valproic acid enhances ventral patterning of human neural tube organoids by regulating Wnt and Shh signalling

Valproic acid (VPA), a clinically approved small molecule, has been reported to activate Wnt signalling that is critical for dorsal-ventral (DV) patterning of neural tube. However, little is known about the impact of VPA on DV patterning process. Here, we show that even though VPA has a negative impact on the early formation of human neural tube organoids (hNTOs), it significantly enhances the efficiency of ventrally patterned hNTOs, when VPA is added during the entire differentiation process. RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR analysis demonstrates VPA activates endogenous Wnt signalling in hNTOs. Surprisingly, transcriptome analysis also identifies upregulation of genes for degradation of GLI2 and GLI3 proteins, whose truncated fragment are transcriptional repressors of Shh signalling. The Western-blot analysis confirms the increase of GLI3R proteins after VPA treatment. Thus, VPA might enhance ventral patterning of hNTOs through both activating Wnt, which can antagonise Shh signalling by inducing GLI3 expression, and/or inhibiting Shh signalling by inducing GLI protein degradation. We further obtain results to show that VPA still increases patterning efficiency of hNTOs with a weak influence on their early formation when the initiation time of VPA is delayed and its duration is reduced. Taken together, this study demonstrates that VPA enhances the generation of more reproducible hNTOs with ventral patterning, opening the avenues for the applications of hNTOs in developmental biology and regenerative medicine.

Shear stress effects on epididymal epithelial cell via primary cilia mechanosensory signaling

Shear stress, resulting from fluid flow, is a fundamental mechanical stimulus affecting various cellular functions. The epididymis, essential for sperm maturation, offers a compelling model to study the effects of shear stress on cellular behavior. This organ undergoes extensive proliferation and differentiation until puberty, achieving full functionality as spermatozoa commence their post-testicular maturation. Although the mechanical tension exerted by testicular fluid is hypothesized to drive epithelial proliferation and differentiation, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Here we assessed whether the responsiveness of the epididymal cells to shear stress depends on functional primary cilia by combining microfluidic strategies on immortalized epididymal cells, calcium signaling assays, and high-throughput gene expression analysis. We identified 97 genes overexpressed in response to shear stress, including early growth response (Egr) 2/3, cellular communication network factor (Ccn) 1/2, and Fos proto-oncogene (Fos). While shear stress triggered a rapid increase of intracellular Ca2+, this response was abrogated following the impairment of primary ciliogenesis through pharmacological and siRNA approaches. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into how mechanical forces influence the development of the male reproductive system, a requisite to sperm maturation.

Role of versican in extracellular matrix formation: analysis in 3D culture

Three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture creates an environment that allows cells to grow and interact with the surrounding extracellular framework. Versican plays a pivotal role in forming the provisional matrix, but it is still unclear how this proteoglycan affects the formation of the extracellular matrix. Here, we established a 3-D culture system using fibrin gel, which enables a long-term culture up to a month. With this system, we characterized fibroblasts obtained from the newborn knock-in homozygotes, termed R/R, expressing a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif (ADAMTS)-resistant versican and wild-type mice. R/R fibroblasts showed higher levels of versican deposition than wild-type, demonstrating that the initial ADAMTS-cleavage site is involved in versican turnover. These fibroblasts exhibited faster proliferation and myofibroblastic differentiation, concomitant with higher levels of transforming growth factor β-signaling. R/R fibroblast culture had higher deposition levels of fibronectin, type I and V collagens, and fibrillin-1, especially at the late stages of culture. These results suggest that versican expressed by dermal fibroblasts facilitates the extracellular matrix formation, at least by affecting fibroblast behavior.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We established a 3-D-culture system useful for analyzing fibroblast behavior and matrix formation. The initial cleavage site by ADAMTSs in versican core protein is mainly involved in versican turnover. Accumulating versican facilitates fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblastic differentiation in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Accumulating versican promotes the deposition of fibronectin and collagens.

Calcium Carbonate from Anadara granosa Shells Stimulates FGF2, TGF-β1, and Collagen Type 1 Expression in Rat Dental Pulp

OBJECTIVES

 Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), a major inorganic component in bones and teeth, offers potential protection against demineralization. This study investigates the effect of CaCO3 from Anadara granosa shells on the expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and collagen type 1 in the rat dental pulp.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 The first maxillary molars of Rattus norvegicus were perforated and subsequently pulp capped with CaCO3 extracted from A. granosa shells. The cavities were then filled with glass ionomer cement, while the control group received calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). Teeth were extracted after 7 and 14 days of treatment, and the expression of FGF2, TGF-β1, and collagen type 1 in the dental pulp was analyzed using immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTS

 The group treated with CaCO3 from A. granosa shells exhibited significantly higher expression of FGF2, TGF-β1, and collagen type 1 in the dental pulp at both 7 and 14 days compared with the group treated with Ca(OH)2 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

 The application of CaCO3 derived from A. granosa shells enhances the proliferative phase in the dental pulp after pulp perforation and perhaps promotes reparative dentine formation.

The Hippo Signaling Pathway Manipulates Cellular Senescence

The Hippo pathway, a kinase cascade, coordinates with many intracellular signals and mediates the regulation of the activities of various downstream transcription factors and their coactivators to maintain homeostasis. Therefore, the aberrant activation of the Hippo pathway and its associated molecules imposes significant stress on tissues and cells, leading to cancer, immune disorders, and a number of diseases. Cellular senescence, the mechanism by which cells counteract stress, prevents cells from unnecessary damage and leads to sustained cell cycle arrest. It acts as a powerful defense mechanism against normal organ development and aging-related diseases. On the other hand, the accumulation of senescent cells without their proper removal contributes to the development or worsening of cancer and age-related diseases. A correlation was recently reported between the Hippo pathway and cellular senescence, which preserves tissue homeostasis. This review is the first to describe the close relationship between aging and the Hippo pathway, and provides insights into the mechanisms of aging and the development of age-related diseases. In addition, it describes advanced findings that may lead to the development of tissue regeneration therapies and drugs targeting rejuvenation.

LncRNA DANCR-V1 is a novel regulator of Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathways in colorectal cancer: an in vitro and in silico study

BACKGROUND

DANCR is an oncogenic lncRNA associated with advanced colorectal cancer, one of the most common malignancies worldwide. This lncRNA has a new variant, DANCR-V1, whose function is not yet understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression pattern of DANCR-V1 and its regulatory mechanism in colorectal cancer.

METHOD AND RESULT

Bioinformatics analysis and RT-qPCR showed that DANCR-V1 expression was higher in colorectal cancer tissues than in normal pairs obtained from microarray data and 20 samples, respectively. LncRNA subcellular localization and hsa-miR-222 binding sites were predicted using bioinformatics tools. Dual luciferase assays confirmed that miR-222-mediated downregulation of DANCR-V1 through its targeting, and RT-qPCR showed that overexpression of miR-222 decreased the level of DANCR-V1. Functionally, Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β1/SMAD-related genes changed under DANCR-V1 overexpression in the SW480 cell line, while their expression was reversed following miR-222 overexpression. Finally, at the cellular level, overexpression of DANCR-V1 elevated the proliferation and migration rates of SW480 cells, as determined using flow cytometry, western blotting and scratch assays.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that DANCR-V1 is a novel transcript variant that has crucial crosstalk with miR-222 via negative feedback and plays a critical role in colorectal cancer progression through Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β1/SMAD signaling modulation.

Roles of deubiquitinases in urologic cancers (Review)

Human health is endangered by the occurrence and progression of urological cancers, including renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer and bladder cancer, which are usually associated with the activation of oncogenic factors and inhibition of cancer suppressors. The primary mechanism for protein breakdown in cells is the ubiquitin-proteasome system, whilst deubiquitinases contribute to the reversal of this process. However, both are important for protein homeostasis. Deubiquitination may also be involved in the control of the cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis, and dysregulated deubiquitination is associated with the malignant transformation, invasion and metastasis of urologic malignancies. Therefore, a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms underlying deubiquitination in urological cancers may provide novel strategies and insights for diagnosis and treatment. The present review aimed to methodically clarify the role of deubiquitinating enzymes in urinary system cancers as well as their prospective application prospects for clinical treatment.

Calreticulin-driven autophagy enhances cell proliferation in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Calreticulin (CALR) is a multifunctional calcium-binding protein. Recent studies have revealed that CALR contributes to tumor development and promotes cancer cell proliferation. However, how CALR affects the development of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains mysterious. Thus, this study aimed to explore the effect of CALR on LSCC development and uncover its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

CALR expression in LSCC cell lines and tissues was examined by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis and its functional role was detected via in vivo and in vitro assays. Cell proliferation was discriminated with CCK-8 and colony formation assays, while apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. Autophagy levels were measured via LC3 immunofluorescence, and western blot assay was conducted to assess apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins. Additionally, a mouse xenograft model was employed to determine the impact of CALR knockdown on tumor growth.

RESULTS

We found that CALR knockdown reduced LSCC cell viability and proliferation while enhancing apoptosis, whereas CALR overexpression showed opposite effects. In vivo experiments verified that CALR knockdown suppressed tumor growth. In addition, elevated CALR expression induced autophagy in LSCC cells, while autophagy inhibitor 3-MA (2.5 mM) reversed the anti-apoptosis effects of CALR overexpression.

CONCLUSION

Our study identifies CALR as an oncogene in LSCC, where it promotes tumor progression by inducing autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis. Targeting CALR or modulating autophagy may represent novel therapeutic strategies for LSCC.

Fibrosis-Encapsulated Tumoroid, A Solid Cancer Assembloid Model for Cancer Research and Drug Screening

Peritumoral fibrosis is known to promote cancer progression and confer treatment resistance in various solid tumors. Consequently, developing accurate cancer research and drug screening models that replicate the structure and function of a fibrosis-surrounded tumor mass is imperative. Previous studies have shown that self-assembly three-dimensional (3D) co-cultures primarily produce cancer-encapsulated fibrosis or maintain a fibrosis-encapsulated tumor mass for a short period, which is inadequate to replicate the function of fibrosis, particularly as a physical barrier. To address this limitation, a multi-layer spheroid formation method is developed to create a fibrosis-encapsulated tumoroid (FET) structure that maintains structural stability for up to 14 days. FETs exhibited faster tumor growth, higher expression of immunosuppressive cytokines, and equal or greater resistance to anticancer drugs compared to their parental tumoroids. Additionally, FETs serve as a versatile model for traditional cancer research, enabling the study of exosomal miRNA and gene functions, as well as for mechanobiology research when combined with alginate hydrogel. Our findings suggest that the FET represents an advanced model that more accurately mimics solid cancer tissue with peritumoral fibrosis. It may show potential superiority over self-assembly-based 3D co-cultures for cancer research and drug screening, and holds promise for personalized drug selection in cancer treatment.

Unveiling the role of TGF-β signaling pathway in breast cancer prognosis and immunotherapy

Introduction

The TGF-β signaling pathway (TSP) is pivotal in tumor progression. Nonetheless, the connection between genes associated with the TSP and the clinical outcomes of breast cancer, as well as their impact on the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapeutic responses, remains elusive.

Methods

Breast cancer transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing data were obtained from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. We identified 54 genes associated with the TSP from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) and analyzed both data types to evaluate TSP activity. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified modules linked to TSP activity. To assess patient risk, we used 101 machine learning algorithms to develop an optimal TGF-β pathway-related prognostic signature (TSPRS). We then examined immune activity and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy in these groups. Finally, we validated ZMAT3 expression levels clinically and confirmed its relevance in breast cancer using CCK-8 and migration assays.

Results

At the single-cell level, TSP activity was most notable in endothelial cells, with higher activity in normal tissues compared to tumors. TSPRS was developed. This signature's accuracy was confirmed through internal and external validations. A nomogram incorporating the TSPRS was created to improve prediction accuracy. Further studies showed that breast cancer patients categorized as low-risk by the TSPRS had higher immune phenotype scores and more immune cell infiltration, leading to better prognosis and enhanced immunotherapy response. Additionally, a strong link was found between the TSPRS risk score and the effectiveness of anti-tumor agents. Silencing the ZMAT3 gene in the TSPRS significantly reduced the proliferation and invasiveness of breast cancer cells.

Discussion

Our study developed a TSPRS, which emerges as a potent predictive instrument for the prognosis of breast cancer, offering novel perspectives on the immunotherapeutic approach to the disease.

Generation of iPSC-derived human venous endothelial cells for the modeling of vascular malformations and drug discovery

Venous malformations (VMs) represent prevalent vascular anomalies typically attributed to non-inherited somatic mutations within venous endothelial cells (VECs). The lack of robust disease models for VMs impedes drug discovery. Here, we devise a robust protocol for the generation of human induced VECs (iVECs) through manipulation of cell-cycle dynamics via the retinoic signaling pathway. We introduce an L914F mutation into the TIE2 gene locus of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and show that the mutated iVECs form dilated blood vessels after transplantation into mice, thereby recapitulating the phenotypic characteristics observed in VMs. Moreover, utilizing a deep neural network and a high-throughput digital RNA with perturbation of genes sequencing (DRUG-seq) approach, we perform drug screening and demonstrate that bosutinib effectively rescues the disease phenotype in vitro and in vivo. In summary, by leveraging genome editing and stem cell technology, we generate VM models that enable the development of additional therapeutics.

The Neurodevelopmental Protein POGZ Suppresses Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Attenuating TGFβ Signaling

The pogo transposable element-derived zinc finger protein, POGZ, is notably associated with neurodevelopmental disorders through its role in gene transcription. Many proteins involved in neurological development are often dysregulated in cancer, suggesting a potential role for POGZ in tumor biology. Here, we provided experimental evidence that POGZ influences the growth and metastatic spread of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). In well-characterized models of TNBC, POGZ exerted a dual role, both as a tumor promoter and metastasis suppressor. Mechanistically, loss of POGZ potentiated TGFβ pathway activation to exert cytostatic effects while simultaneously increasing the mesenchymal and migratory properties of breast tumors. Although POGZ levels are elevated in human breast cancers, the most aggressive forms of TNBC tumors, including those with increased mesenchymal and metastatic properties, exhibit dampened POGZ levels, and low POGZ expression was associated with inferior clinical outcomes in these tumor types. Taken together, these data suggest that POGZ is a critical suppressor of the early stages of the metastatic cascade. Significance: The POGZ neurodevelopmental protein plays dual functions in triple-negative breast cancers as a tumor promoter and metastasis suppressor, inhibiting TGFβ-regulated EMT to limit breast cancer metastatic progression.

Unveiling epigenetic regulatory elements associated with breast cancer development

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the 2nd most common cancer worldwide, yearly impacting over 2 million females and causing 650 thousand deaths. It has been widely studied, but its epigenetic variation is not entirely unveiled. We aimed to identify epigenetic mechanisms impacting the expression of breast cancer related genes to detect new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We considered The Cancer Genome Atlas database with over 800 samples and several omics datasets such as mRNA, miRNA, DNA methylation, which we used to select 2701 features that were statistically significant to differ between cancer and control samples using the Monte Carlo Feature Selection and Interdependency Discovery algorithm, from an initial total of 417,486. Their biological impact on cancerogenesis was confirmed using: statistical analysis, natural language processing, linear and machine learning models as well as: transcription factors identification, drugs and 3D chromatin structure analyses. Classification of cancer vs control samples on the selected features returned high classification weighted Accuracy from 0.91 to 0.98 depending on feature-type: mRNA, miRNA, DNA methylation, and classification algorithm. In general, cancer samples showed lower expression of differentially expressed genes and increased β-values of differentially methylated sites. We identified mRNAs whose expression is well explained by miRNA expression and differentially methylated sites β-values. We recognized differentially methylated sites possibly affecting NRF1 and MXI1 transcription factors binding, causing a disturbance in NKAPL and PITX1 expression, respectively. Our 3D models showed more loosely packed chromatin in cancer. This study successfully points out numerous possible regulatory dependencies.

Baculovirus Expressing Tumor Growth Factor-β1 (TGFβ1) Nanoshuttle Augments Therapeutic Effects for Vascular Wound Healing: Design and In Vitro Analysis

One of the major challenges in vascular tissue regeneration is effective wound healing that can be resolved by an innovative targeted nanoshuttle that delivers growth factors to blood vessels. This study investigates the production and efficacy of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) gene delivery using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) baculovirus (BV) nanoshuttles (NSs). They exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 86.23% ± 0.65% and a negative zeta potential of -29.57 ± 1.27 mV. In vitro studies in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) revealed that a 12 h incubation period optimized virus transduction. The safety and superior intracellular uptake of NSs and BVs in HUVECs were observed. The NSs carrying 100 and 400 MOI exhibited the highest cell proliferation rates in HUVECs. These sustained-release NSs significantly improved vascular cell migration and wound closure compared to free TGFβ1 carrying BV and can be a groundbreaking find in regenerative medicine, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic ulcer conditions.

Crosstalk between adipogenesis and aging: role of polyphenols in combating adipogenic-associated aging

In the last forty years, the number of people over 60 years of age has increased significantly owing to better nutrition and lower rates of infectious diseases in developing countries. Aging significantly impacts adipose tissue, which plays crucial role in hormone regulation and energy storage. This can lead to imbalances in glucose, and overall energy homeostasis within the body. Aging is irreversible phenomena and potentially causing lipid infiltration in other organs, leading to systemic inflammation, metabolic disorders. This review investigates various pathways contributing to aging-related defects in adipogenesis, such as changes in adipose tissue function and distribution. Polyphenols, a diverse group of natural compounds, can mitigate aging effects via free radicals, oxidative stress, inflammation, senescence, and age-related diseases. Polyphenols like resveratrol, quercetin and EGCG exhibit distinct mechanisms and regulate crucial pathways, such as the TGF-β, AMPK, Wnt, PPAR-γ, and C/EBP transcription factors, and influence epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modification. This review highlights the critical importance of understanding the intricate relationship between aging and adipogenesis for optimizing well-being with increasing age. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of polyphenols like quercetin and resveratrol in enhancing adipose tissue function and promoting healthy aging.

Characteristics of Hyaluronan Metabolism During Myofibroblast Differentiation in Orbital Fibroblasts

Purpose

To study the impact of myofibroblast differentiation (MD) on hyaluronan (HA) turnover in orbital fibroblasts (OFs) focusing on the expression of its key enzymes and their potential implications in the pathogenesis of thyroid eye disease (TED).

Methods

Primary cultures of OFs were established from tissue samples (TED OFs, n = 4; non-TED OFs, n = 5). MD was induced by TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL). Measurements were performed after 24- and 72-hour treatments. The proliferation rate was determined by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. HA level and size were measured using an aggrecan-based ELISA-like method and agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. mRNA expressions of myofibroblast markers and enzymes with a role in HA metabolism were determined using real-time PCR.

Results

Upregulation of type I collagen alpha1 chain, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin indicated that OFs underwent MD after stimulation by TGF-β. After 72 hours, proliferation of untreated cultures declined, but it remained higher in myofibroblasts. Pericellular HA content, but not HA in the supernatant of myofibroblasts, increased compared to untreated cells. TGF-β was a potent stimulator of hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) expression. The expression of hyaluronidase-1 and cell migration-inducing protein (CEMIP) diminished following MD, whereas the expression of transmembrane protein 2, the regulator of HA catabolism through CEMIP, was elevated. The size distribution of HA shifted toward a high-molecular-weight form following treatment with TGF-β.

Conclusions

OFs undergoing MD are characterized by decreased HA turnover as a consequence of the inhibition of hyaluronidases and HAS1 induction. Our results suggest that hyaluronidases could be potential targets in the treatment of TED.

MAP3K19 Promotes the Progression of Tuberculosis-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Through Activation of the TGF-β/Smad2 Signaling Pathway

Tuberculosis-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, irreversible interstitial lung disease, which severely affects lung ventilation and air exchange, leading to respiratory distress, impaired lung function, and ultimately death. As previously reported, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis in type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC II) are two critical processes that contributes to the initiation and progression of tuberculosis-related PF, but the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, through performing Real-Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining assay, we confirmed that the expression levels of EMT and fibrosis-related biomarkers were significantly increased in lung tissues with tuberculosis-associated PF in vivo and Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strain-infected AEC II cells in vitro. Besides, we noticed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase 19 (MAP3K19) was aberrantly overexpressed in PF models, and silencing of MAP3K19 significantly reduced the expression levels of fibronectin, collagen type I, and alpha-smooth muscle actin to decrease fibrosis, and upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated vimentin to suppress EMT in BCG-treated AEC II cells. Then, we uncovered the underlying mechanisms and found that BCG synergized with MAP3K19 to activate the pro-inflammatory transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad2 signal pathway in AEC II cells, and BCG-induced EMT process and fibrosis in AEC II cells were all abrogated by co-treating cells with TGF-β/Smad2 signal pathway inhibitor LY2109761. In summary, our results uncovered the underlying mechanisms by which the MAP3K19/TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway regulated EMT and fibrotic phenotypes of AEC II cells to facilitate the development of tuberculosis-associated PF, and these findings will provide new ideas and biomarkers to ameliorate tuberculosis-induced PF in clinic.

ACVR1/ALK2-p21 signaling axis modulates proliferation of the venous endothelium in the retinal vasculature

The proliferation of the endothelium is a highly coordinated process to ensure the emergence, expansion, and homeostasis of the vasculature. While Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling fine-tunes the behaviors of endothelium in health and disease, how BMP signaling influences the proliferation of endothelium and therefore, modulates angiogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we evaluated the role of Activin A Type I Receptor (ACVR1/ALK2), a key BMP receptor in the endothelium, in modulating the proliferation of endothelial cells. We show that ACVR1/ALK2 is a key modulator for the proliferation of endothelium in the retinal vessels. Loss of endothelial ALK2 leads to a significant reduction in endothelial proliferation and results in fewer branches/endothelial cells in the retinal vessels. Interestingly, venous endothelium appears to be more susceptible to ALK2 deletion. Mechanistically, ACVR1/ALK2 inhibits the expression of CDKN1A/p21, a critical negative regulator of cell cycle progression, in a SMAD1/5-dependent manner, thereby enabling the venous endothelium to undergo active proliferation by suppressing CDKN1A/p21. Taken together, our findings show that BMP signaling mediated by ACVR1/ALK2 provides a critical yet previously underappreciated input to modulate the proliferation of venous endothelium, thereby fine-tuning the context of angiogenesis in health and disease.

New Insights into the Fanconi Anemia Pathogenesis: A Crosstalk Between Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Fanconi anemia (FA) represents a rare hereditary disease; it develops due to germline pathogenic variants in any of the 22 currently discovered FANC genes, which interact with the Fanconi anemia/breast cancer-associated (FANC/BRCA) pathway to maintain genome integrity. FA is characterized by a triad of clinical traits, including congenital anomalies, bone marrow failure (BMF) and multiple cancer susceptibility. Due to the complex genetic background and a broad spectrum of FA clinical symptoms, the diagnostic process is complex and requires the use of classical cytogenetic, molecular cytogenetics and strictly molecular methods. Recent findings indicate the interplay of inflammation, oxidative stress, disrupted mitochondrial metabolism, and impaired intracellular signaling in the FA pathogenesis. Additionally, a shift in the balance towards overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and prooxidant components in FA is associated with advanced myelosuppression and ultimately BMF. Although the mechanism of BMF is very complex and needs further clarification, it appears that mutual interaction between proinflammatory cytokines and redox imbalance causes pancytopenia. In this review, we summarize the available literature regarding the clinical phenotype, genetic background, and diagnostic procedures of FA. We also highlight the current understanding of disrupted autophagy process, proinflammatory state, impaired signaling pathways and oxidative genotoxic stress in FA pathogenesis.

Transcriptional responses to direct and indirect TGFB1 stimulation in cancerous and noncancerous mammary epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is important for the morphogenesis and secretory function of the mammary gland. It is one of the main activators of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process important for tissue remodeling and regeneration. It also provides cells with the plasticity to form metastases during tumor progression. Noncancerous and cancer cells respond differently to TGFβ. However, knowledge of the cellular signaling cascades triggered by TGFβ in various cell types is still limited.

METHODS

MCF10A (noncancerous, originating from fibrotic breast tissue) and MCF7 (cancer, estrogen receptor-positive) breast epithelial cells were treated with TGFB1 directly or through conditioned media from stimulated cells. Transcriptional changes (via RNA-seq) were assessed in untreated cells and after 1-6 days of treatment. Differentially expressed genes were detected with DESeq2 and the hallmark collection was selected for gene set enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

TGFB1 induces EMT in both the MCF10A and MCF7 cell lines but via slightly different mechanisms (signaling through SMAD3 is more active in MCF7 cells). Many EMT-related genes are expressed in MCF10A cells at baseline. Both cell lines respond to TGFB1 by decreasing the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation: through the repression of MYC (and the protein targets) in MCF10A cells and the activation of p63-dependent signaling in MCF7 cells (CDKN1A and CDKN2B, which are responsible for the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases, are upregulated). In addition, estrogen receptor signaling is inhibited and caspase-dependent cell death is induced only in MCF7 cells. Direct incubation with TGFB1 and treatment of cells with conditioned media similarly affected transcriptional profiles. However, TGFB1-induced protein secretion is more pronounced in MCF10A cells; therefore, the signaling is propagated through conditioned media (bystander effect) more effectively in MCF10A cells than in MCF7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients may benefit from high levels of TGFB1 expression due to the repression of estrogen receptor signaling, inhibition of proliferation, and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. However, some TGFB1-stimulated cells may undergo EMT, which increases the risk of metastasis.

Short preconditioning with TGFβ of equine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells predisposes towards an anti-fibrotic secretory phenotype: A possible tool for treatment of endometrosis in mares

Endometrosis in mares is a disease resulting from chronic inflammation characterized by peri glandular fibrosis. There is no effective treatment so far, which opens the door for exploring the use of stem cells as a candidate. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is crucial for the establishment and progression of fibrosis in mare's endometrosis. We aimed to develop regenerative approaches to treat endometrosis by using mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), for which understanding the effect of TGFβ on exogenous MSC is crucial. We isolated and characterized equine adipose MSC from six donors. Cells were pooled and exposed to 10 ng/ml of TGFβ for 0, 4, and 24 h, after which cells were analyzed for proliferation, migration, mesodermal differentiation, expression of fibrosis-related mRNAs, and prostaglandin E2 secretion. At 24 h of exposition to TGFβ, there was a progressive increase in the contraction of the monolayer, leading to nodular structures, while cell viability did not change. Exposure to TGFβ impaired adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation after 4 h of treatment, which was more marked at 24 h, represented by a decrease in Oil red and Alizarin red staining, as well as a significant drop (p < 0.05) in the expression of key gene regulators of differentiation processes (PPARG for adipose and RUNX2 for osteogenic differentiation). TGFβ increased chondrogenic differentiation as shown by the upsurge in size of the resulting 3D cell pellet and intensity of Alcian Blue staining, as well as the significant up-regulation of SOX9 expression (p < 0.05) at 4 h, which reached a maximum peak at 24 h (p < 0.01), indicative of up-regulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Preconditioning MSC with TGFβ led to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the expression of myofibroblast gene markers aSMA, COL1A1, and TGFβ at 24 h exposition time. In contrast, the expression of COL3A1 did not change with respect to the control but registered a significant downregulation compared to 4 h (p < 0.05). TGFβ also affected the expression of genes involved in PGE2 synthesis and function; COX2, PTGES, and the PGE2 receptor EP4 were all significantly upregulated early at 4 h (p < 0.05). Cells exposed to TGFβ showed a significant upregulation of PGE2 secretion at 4 h compared to untreated cells (p < 0.05); conversely, at 24 h, the PGE2 values decreased significantly compared to control cells (p < 0.05). Preconditioning MSC for 4 h led to an anti-fibrotic secretory phenotype, while a longer period (24 h) led to a pro-fibrotic one. It is tempting to propose a 4-h preconditioning of exogenous MSC with TGFβ to drive them towards an anti-fibrotic phenotype for cellular and cell-free therapies in fibrotic diseases such as endometrosis of mares.

Structure, unique biological properties, and mechanisms of action of transforming growth factor β

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a ubiquitous molecule that is extremely conserved structurally and plays a systemic role in human organism. TGF-β is a homodimeric molecule consisting of two subunits joined through a disulphide bond. In mammals, three genes code for TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 isoforms of this cytokine with a dominating expression of TGF-β1. Virtually, all normal cells contain TGF-β and its specific receptors. Considering the exceptional role of fine balance played by the TGF-β in anumber of physiological and pathological processes in human body, this cytokine may be proposed for use in medicine as an immunosuppressant in transplantology, wound healing and bone repair. TGFb itself is an important target in oncology. Strategies for blocking members of TGF-β signaling pathway as therapeutic targets have been considered. In this review, signalling mechanisms of TGF-β1 action are addressed, and their role in physiology and pathology with main focus on carcinogenesis are described.

Combining luteolin and curcumin synergistically suppresses triple-negative breast cancer by regulating IFN and TGF-β signaling pathways

Combining two or more chemicals in chemotherapy is rapidly increasing because of its higher efficacy, lower toxicity, lower dosages, and lower drug resistance. Here, we identified a novel combination of luteolin (LUT) and curcumin (CUR), two bioactive compounds from foods, synergistically suppressed triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell proliferation (LUT 30 µM + CUR 20 µM), colony formation (LUT 1 µM + CUR 2 µM), and tumor growth in xenograft mice (LUT 10 mg/kg body weight/day + CUR 20 mg/kg body weight/day, i.p. injection every other day, 5 weeks), while the individual chemical alone did not show these inhibitory effects significantly at the selected concentrations/dosages. Our total RNA transcriptome analysis in xenograft tumors revealed that combining LUT and CUR synergistically activated type I interferon (IFN) signaling and suppressed transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways, which was further confirmed by the expression/activity of several proteins of the pathways in tumors. In addition, this combination of LUT and CUR also synergistically decreased oncoprotein levels of c-Myc and Notch1, the critical molecules required to maintain stem cell properties, tumor clonal evolution, and drug resistance. These results suggest that the combination of LUT and CUR synergistically inhibits TNBC by suppressing multiple cellular mechanisms, such as proliferation, colony formation, and transformation, as well as tumor migration, invasion, and metastasis, via regulating IFN and TGF-β signaling pathways. Therefore, combining LUT and CUR may be an effective therapeutic agent to treat highly aggressive, drug-resistant TNBC patients after clinical trials.

Discovery of Two Highly Selective Structurally Orthogonal Chemical Probes for Activin Receptor-like Kinases 1 and 2

Activin receptor-like kinases 1-7 (ALK1-7) regulate a complex network of SMAD-independent as well as SMAD-dependent signaling pathways. One of the widely used inhibitors for functional investigations of these processes, in particular for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, is LDN-193189. However, LDN-193189 has insufficient kinome-wide selectivity complicating its use in cellular target validation assays. Herein, we report the identification and comprehensive characterization of two chemically distinct highly selective inhibitors of ALK1 and ALK2, M4K2234 and MU1700, along with their negative controls. We show that both MU1700 and M4K2234 efficiently block the BMP pathway via selective in cellulo inhibition of ALK1/2 kinases and exhibit favorable in vivo profiles in mice. MU1700 is highly brain penetrant and shows remarkably high accumulation in the brain. These high-quality orthogonal chemical probes offer the selectivity required to become widely used tools for in vitro and in vivo investigation of BMP signaling.

Reconstruction of single-cell lineage trajectories and identification of diversity in fates during the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Exploring the complexity of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) unveils a diversity of potential cell fates; however, the exact timing and mechanisms by which early cell states diverge into distinct EMT trajectories remain unclear. Studying these EMT trajectories through single-cell RNA sequencing is challenging due to the necessity of sacrificing cells for each measurement. In this study, we employed optimal-transport analysis to reconstruct the past trajectories of different cell fates during TGF-beta-induced EMT in the MCF10A cell line. Our analysis revealed three distinct trajectories leading to low EMT, partial EMT, and high EMT states. Cells along the partial EMT trajectory showed substantial variations in the EMT signature and exhibited pronounced stemness. Throughout this EMT trajectory, we observed a consistent downregulation of the EED and EZH2 genes. This finding was validated by recent inhibitor screens of EMT regulators and CRISPR screen studies. Moreover, we applied our analysis of early-phase differential gene expression to gene sets associated with stemness and proliferation, pinpointing ITGB4, LAMA3, and LAMB3 as genes differentially expressed in the initial stages of the partial versus high EMT trajectories. We also found that CENPF, CKS1B, and MKI67 showed significant upregulation in the high EMT trajectory. While the first group of genes aligns with findings from previous studies, our work uniquely pinpoints the precise timing of these upregulations. Finally, the identification of the latter group of genes sheds light on potential cell cycle targets for modulating EMT trajectories.

Elucidating the mechanism of action of Isobavachalcone induced autophagy and apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer by network pharmacology and experimental validation methods

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of lung cancer-related mortality. In recent years, there have been numerous treatments for non-small cell lung cancer, but the cure and survival rates are still extremely low. Isobavachalcone (IBC) belongs to the chalcone component of the traditional Chinese medicine Psoralea corylifolia L., and is a unique Protein kinase B (AKT) pathway inhibitor with significant anticancer effects. Previous studies have shown that IBC possess a variety of biological properties, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study focused on the use of network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking technology and experimental validation to elucidate the potential mechanisms of IBC for the treatment of NSCLC.

METHODS

Screening key genes and pathways of IBC action in NSCLC using network pharmacology. The IBC target genes were from The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) and BATMAN-TCM databases, the NSCLC target genes were from GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and The Therapeutic Target database (TTD) databases, both of which were taken as intersecting genes for protein-protein interaction network analysis and enrichment analysis, and the binding energies of the compounds to the core targets were further verified by molecular docking. Cell lines in vitro experiments were then performed to further unravel the mechanism of IBC for NSCLC.

RESULTS

A total of 279 potential targets were retrieved by searching the intersection of IBC and NSCLC targets. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis indicated that 6 targets, including AKT1, RXRA, NCOA1, RXRB, RARA, PPARG were hub genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis suggested that IBC treatment of NSCLC mainly involves steroid binding, transcription factor activity, Pathways in cancer, cAMP signaling pathway, Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Among them, the AMPK signaling pathway, which contained the largest number of enriched genes, may play a greater role in the treatment of NSCLC. Then, the results of in vitro experiment indicated that IBC could inhibit proliferation of NSCLC cells and induce cell autophagy and apoptosis. The results also showed that IBC could increase the protein expression of AMPK and decrease the protein expression of AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), suggesting that IBC can treat NSCLC by inducing cellular autophagy and apoptosis as well as modulating AMPK and AKT signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this study provided a new insight into the protective mechanism of IBC against NSCLC through network pharmacology and experimental validation.

A Mesenchymal stem cell Aging Framework, from Mechanisms to Strategies

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are extensively researched for therapeutic applications in tissue engineering and show significant potential for clinical use. Intrinsic or extrinsic factors causing senescence may lead to reduced proliferation, aberrant differentiation, weakened immunoregulation, and increased inflammation, ultimately limiting the potential of MSCs. It is crucial to comprehend the molecular pathways and internal processes responsible for the decline in MSC function due to senescence in order to devise innovative approaches for rejuvenating senescent MSCs and enhancing MSC treatment. We investigate the main molecular processes involved in senescence, aiming to provide a thorough understanding of senescence-related issues in MSCs. Additionally, we analyze the most recent advancements in cutting-edge approaches to combat MSC senescence based on current research. We are curious whether the aging process of stem cells results in a permanent "memory" and if cellular reprogramming may potentially revert the aging epigenome to a more youthful state.

Maternal methylosome protein 50 is essential for embryonic development in medaka Oryzias latipes

Methylosome protein 50 (Mep50) is a protein that is rich in WD40 domains, which mediate and regulate a variety of physiological processes in organisms. Previous studies indicated the necessity of Mep50 in embryogenesis in mice Mus musculus and fish. This study aimed to further understand the roles of maternal Mep50 in early embryogenesis using medaka Oryzias latipes as a model. Without maternal Mep50, medaka zygotes developed to the pre-early gastrula stage but died later. The transcriptome of the embryos at the pre-early gastrula stage was analyzed by RNA sequencing. The results indicated that 1572 genes were significantly upregulated and 741 genes were significantly downregulated in the embryos without maternal Mep50. In the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the DNA-binding proteins, such as histones and members of the small chromosome maintenance complex, were enriched. The major interfered regulatory networks in the embryos losing maternal Mep50 included DNA replication and cell cycle regulation, AP-1 transcription factors such as Jun and Fos, the Wnt pathway, RNA processing, and the extracellular matrix. Quantitative RT-PCR verified 16 DEGs, including prmt5, H2A, cpsf, jun, mcm4, myc, p21, ccne2, cdk6, and col1, among others. It was speculated that the absence of maternal Mep50 could potentially lead to errors in DNA replication and cell cycle arrest, ultimately resulting in cell apoptosis. This eventually resulted in the failure of gastrulation and embryonic death. The results indicate the importance of maternal Mep50 in early embryonic development, particularly in medaka fish.

Therapeutic approaches and novel antifibrotic agents in renal fibrosis: A comprehensive review

Renal fibrosis (RF) is one of the underlying pathological conditions leading to progressive loss of renal function and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Over the years, various therapeutic approaches have been explored to combat RF and prevent ESRD. Despite significant advances in understanding the underlying molecular mechanism(s), effective therapeutic interventions for RF are limited. Current therapeutic strategies primarily target these underlying mechanisms to halt or reverse fibrotic progression. Inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, a pivotal mediator of RF has emerged as a central strategy to manage RF. Small molecules, peptides, and monoclonal antibodies that target TGF-β receptors or downstream effectors have demonstrated potential in preclinical models. Modulating the renin-angiotensin system and targeting the endothelin system also provide established approaches for controlling fibrosis-related hemodynamic changes. Complementary to pharmacological strategies, lifestyle modifications, and dietary interventions contribute to holistic management. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the underlying mechanisms of RF and provide an overview of the therapeutic strategies and novel antifibrotic agents that hold promise in its treatment.

Cell-free ascites from ovarian cancer patients induces Warburg metabolism and cell proliferation through TGFβ-ERK signaling

Ascites plays a key role in supporting the metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells. Shear stress and carry-over of cancer cells by ascites flow support carcinogenesis and metastasis formation. In addition, soluble factors may participate in the procarcinogenic effects of ascites in ovarian cancer. This study aimed to determine the biological effects of cell-free ascites on carcinogenesis in ovarian cancer cells. Cell-free ascites from ovarian cancer patients (ASC) non-selectively induced cell proliferation in multiple models of ovarian cancer and untransformed primary human dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, ASC induced a Warburg-type rearrangement of cellular metabolism in A2780 ovarian cancer cells characterized by increases in cellular oxygen consumption and glycolytic flux; increases in glycolytic flux were dominant. ASC induced mitochondrial uncoupling and fundamentally reduced fatty acid oxidation. Ascites-elicited effects were uniform among ascites specimens. ASC-elicited transcriptomic changes in A2780 ovarian cancer cells included induction of the TGFβ-ERK/MEK pathway, which plays a key role in inducing cell proliferation and oncometabolism. ASC-induced gene expression changes, as well as the overexpression of members of the TGFβ signaling system, were associated with poor survival in ovarian cancer patients. We provided evidence that the activation of the autocrine/paracrine of TGFβ signaling system may be present in bladder urothelial carcinoma and stomach adenocarcinoma. Database analysis suggests that the TGFβ system may feed forward bladder urothelial carcinoma and stomach adenocarcinoma. Soluble components of ASC support the progression of ovarian cancer. These results suggest that reducing ascites production may play an essential role in the treatment of ovarian cancer by inhibiting the progression and reducing the severity of the disease.

Dynamics of Endothelial Cell Diversity and Plasticity in Health and Disease

Endothelial cells (ECs) are vital structural units of the cardiovascular system possessing two principal distinctive properties: heterogeneity and plasticity. Endothelial heterogeneity is defined by differences in tissue-specific endothelial phenotypes and their high predisposition to modification along the length of the vascular bed. This aspect of heterogeneity is closely associated with plasticity, the ability of ECs to adapt to environmental cues through the mobilization of genetic, molecular, and structural alterations. The specific endothelial cytoarchitectonics facilitate a quick structural cell reorganization and, furthermore, easy adaptation to the extrinsic and intrinsic environmental stimuli, known as the epigenetic landscape. ECs, as universally distributed and ubiquitous cells of the human body, play a role that extends far beyond their structural function in the cardiovascular system. They play a crucial role in terms of barrier function, cell-to-cell communication, and a myriad of physiological and pathologic processes. These include development, ontogenesis, disease initiation, and progression, as well as growth, regeneration, and repair. Despite substantial progress in the understanding of endothelial cell biology, the role of ECs in healthy conditions and pathologies remains a fascinating area of exploration. This review aims to summarize knowledge and concepts in endothelial biology. It focuses on the development and functional characteristics of endothelial cells in health and pathological conditions, with a particular emphasis on endothelial phenotypic and functional heterogeneity.

The reactive stroma response regulates the immune landscape in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. The neoplastic transformation of prostate epithelia, concomitant with modulations in the stromal compartment, known as reactive stromal response, is critical for the growth, development, and progression of prostate cancer. Reactive stroma typifies an emergent response to disrupted tissue homeostasis commonly observed in wound repair and pathological conditions such as cancer. Despite the significance of reactive stroma in prostate cancer pathobiology, our understanding of the ontogeny, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, and reactive stromal regulation of the immune microenvironment in prostate cancer remains limited. Traditionally characterized to have an immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironment, prostate cancer presents significant challenges for advancing immunotherapy compared to other solid tumors. This review explores the detrimental role of reactive stroma in prostate cancer, particularly its immunomodulatory function. Understanding the molecular characteristics and dynamic transcriptional program of the reactive stromal populations in tandem with tumor progression could offer insights into enhancing immunotherapy efficacy against prostate cancer.

Investigating underlying molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, emerging therapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a clinically challenging malignancy constitutes a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality, characterized by an inherently poor prognosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by examining its multifaceted etiologies, including genetic mutations and environmental factors. The review explains the complex molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and summarizes current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and emerging modalities such as immunotherapy. Critical molecular pathways driving pancreatic cancer development, including KRAS, Notch, and Hedgehog, are discussed. Current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, are discussed, with an emphasis on their limitations, particularly in terms of postoperative relapse. Promising research areas, including liquid biopsies, personalized medicine, and gene editing, are explored, demonstrating the significant potential for enhancing diagnosis and treatment. While immunotherapy presents promising prospects, it faces challenges related to immune evasion mechanisms. Emerging research directions, encompassing liquid biopsies, personalized medicine, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and computational intelligence applications, hold promise for refining diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions. By integrating insights from genetic, molecular, and clinical research, innovative strategies that improve patient outcomes can be developed. Ongoing research in these emerging fields holds significant promise for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of this formidable malignancy.

TGF-β1 maintains the developmental potential of embryonic submandibular gland epithelia separated with mesenchyme

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on epithelial development using an ex vivo model of submandibular gland (SMG) epithelial-mesenchymal separation.

Materials and methods

The ex vivo model was established by separating E13 mouse SMG epithelia and mesenchyme, culturing them independently for 24 h, recombining them, and observing branching morphogenesis. Microarray analysis was performed to evaluate the transcriptome of epithelia treated with and without 1 ng/ml TGF-β1. Differential gene expression, pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction networks were analyzed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were employed to validate the mRNA and protein levels.

Results

Recombined SMGs using separated epithelia and mesenchyme that were cultured for 24 h showed a significant inhibition of epithelial development compared to SMGs recombined immediately after separation. The level of TGF-β1 decreased in the SMG epithelia after epithelia-mesenchyme separation. Epithelia that were separated from mesenchyme for 24 h and pretreated with 1 ng/ml TGF-β1 continued to develop after recombination with mesenchyme, while epithelia without 1 ng/ml TGF-β1 treatment did not. Microarray analysis suggested pathway enrichment related to epithelial development and an upregulation of Sox2 in the 1 ng/ml TGF-β1-treated epithelia. Further experiments validated the phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3, upregulation of SOX2 and genes associated with epithelial development, including Prol1, Dcpp1, Bhlha15, Smgc, and Bpifa2. Additionally, 1 ng/ml TGF-β1 inhibited epithelial apoptosis by improving the BCL2/BAX ratio and reducing cleaved caspase 3.

Conclusions

The addition of 1 ng/ml TGF-β1 maintained the developmental potential of embryonic SMG epithelia separated from mesenchyme for 24 h. This suggests that 1 ng/ml TGF-β1 may partially compensate for the role of mesenchyme during the separation phase, although its compensation is limited in extent.

Ovarian fibrosis: molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets

Ovarian fibrosis, characterized by the excessive proliferation of ovarian fibroblasts and the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), serves as one of the primary causes of ovarian dysfunction. Despite the critical role of ovarian fibrosis in maintaining the normal physiological function of the mammalian ovaries, research on this condition has been greatly underestimated, which leads to a lack of clinical treatment options for ovarian dysfunction caused by fibrosis. This review synthesizes recent research on the molecular mechanisms of ovarian fibrosis, encompassing TGF-β, extracellular matrix, inflammation, and other profibrotic factors contributing to abnormal ovarian fibrosis. Additionally, we summarize current treatment approaches for ovarian dysfunction targeting ovarian fibrosis, including antifibrotic drugs, stem cell transplantation, and exosomal therapies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research progress on ovarian fibrosis and to propose potential therapeutic strategies targeting ovarian fibrosis for the treatment of ovarian dysfunction.

In Vitro Effects of Postmetabolites from Limosilactobacillus fermentum 53 on the Survival and Proliferation of HT-29 Cells

Naturally fermented dairy products are an important component of the human diet. They are a valuable source of nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals. Their importance as a source of probiotic bacterial strains should not be overlooked. A number of studies highlight the positive effects of species of the probiotic lactic acid bacteria on the intestinal microbiome and the overall homeostasis of the body, as well as a complementary treatment for some diseases. However, data on the effects on the intestinal epithelial cells of postmetabolites released by probiotic bacteria are incomplete. This is likely due to the fact that these effects are species- and strain-specific. In the present study, we investigated the effects of postmetabolites produced by a pre-selected candidate probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum on HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells. Our data showed a pronounced proliferative effect, evaluated by flow cytometry, quantification of the cell population and determination of the mitotic index. This was accompanied by the stabilization of the cell monolayer, measured by an increase in TEER (transepithelial electric resistance) and the reorganization of actin filaments. The data obtained are a clear indication of the positive effects that the products secreted by L. fermentum strain 53 have on intestinal epithelial cells.

The Role of Neuromodulation and Potential Mechanism in Regulating Heterotopic Ossification

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological process characterized by the aberrant formation of bone in muscles and soft tissues. It is commonly triggered by traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and burns. Despite a wide range of evidence underscoring the significance of neurogenic signals in proper bone remodeling, a clear understanding of HO induced by nerve injury remains rudimentary. Recent studies suggest that injury to the nervous system can activate various signaling pathways, such as TGF-β, leading to neurogenic HO through the release of neurotrophins. These pathophysiological changes lay a robust groundwork for the prevention and treatment of HO. In this review, we collected evidence to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HO related to nerve injury, aiming to enhance our understanding of how neurological repair processes can culminate in HO.

TGF-β3 from fibroblasts promotes necrotising sialometaplasia by suppressing salivary gland cell proliferation and inducing squamous metaplasia

Necrotising sialometaplasia (NSM) is a non-neoplastic lesion mainly arising in the minor salivary glands of the oral cavity. In the clinical features, NSM shows swelling with or without ulceration, and can mimic a malignant disease such as squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathologically, NSM usually shows the lobular architecture that is observed in the salivary glands. Additionally, acinar infarction and squamous metaplasia of salivary ducts and acini are observable. The aetiology of this lesion remains unknown, although it has a characteristic feature that sometimes requires clinical and histopathological differentiation from malignancy. In this study, we investigated upregulated genes in NSM compared with normal salivary glands, and focused on the TGF-β3 (TGFB3) gene. The results of the histopathological studies clarified that fibroblasts surrounding the lesion express TGF-β3. Moreover, in vitro studies using mouse salivary gland organoids revealed that TGF-β3 suppressed salivary gland cell proliferation and induced squamous metaplasia. We demonstrated a possible aetiology of NSM by concluding that increased TGF-β3 expression during wound healing or tissue regeneration played a critical role in cell proliferation and metaplasia. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Dissecting the pleiotropic roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung cancer: From carcinogenesis toward therapy

Lung cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The specific pulmonary structure to directly connect with ambient air makes it more susceptible to damage from airborne toxins. External oxidative stimuli and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in promoting lung carcinogenesis and development. The biological properties of higher ROS levels in tumor cells than in normal cells make them more sensitive and vulnerable to ROS injury. Therefore, the strategy of targeting ROS has been proposed for cancer therapy for decades. However, it is embarrassing that countless attempts at ROS-based therapies have had very limited success, and no FDA approval in the anticancer list was mechanistically based on ROS manipulation. Even compared with the untargetable proteins, such as transcription factors, ROS are more difficult to be targeted due to their chemical properties. Thus, the pleiotropic roles of ROS provide therapeutic potential for anticancer drug discovery, while a better dissection of the mechanistic action and signaling pathways is a prerequisite for future breakthroughs. This review discusses the critical roles of ROS in cancer carcinogenesis, ROS-inspired signaling pathways, and ROS-based treatment, exemplified by lung cancer. In particular, an eight considerations rule is proposed for ROS-targeting strategies and drug design and development.

The role of TGF-β signaling in muscle atrophy, sarcopenia and cancer cachexia

Skeletal muscle, comprising a significant proportion (40 to 50 percent) of total body weight in humans, plays a critical role in maintaining normal physiological conditions. Muscle atrophy occurs when the rate of protein degradation exceeds protein synthesis. Sarcopenia refers to age-related muscle atrophy, while cachexia represents a more complex form of muscle wasting associated with various diseases such as cancer, heart failure, and AIDS. Recent research has highlighted the involvement of signaling pathways, including IGF1-Akt-mTOR, MuRF1-MAFbx, and FOXO, in regulating the delicate balance between muscle protein synthesis and breakdown. Myostatin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, negatively regulates muscle growth and promotes muscle atrophy by activating Smad2 and Smad3. It also interacts with other signaling pathways in cachexia and sarcopenia. Inhibition of myostatin has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for sarcopenia and cachexia. Additionally, other TGF-β family members, such as TGF-β1, activin A, and GDF11, have been implicated in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass. Furthermore, myostatin cooperates with these family members to impair muscle differentiation and contribute to muscle loss. This review provides an overview of the significance of myostatin and other TGF-β signaling pathway members in muscular dystrophy, sarcopenia, and cachexia. It also discusses potential novel therapeutic strategies targeting myostatin and TGF-β signaling for the treatment of muscle atrophy.

Smad4 deficiency inhibits lung metastases through enhancing phagocytosis of lung interstitial macrophages

Smad4, a critical mediator of TGF-β signaling, plays a pivotal role in regulating various cellular functions, including immune responses. In this study, we investigated the impact of Smad4 knockout specifically in macrophages on anti-tumor immunity, focusing on lung metastasis of B16 melanoma cells. Using a mouse model with Smad4 knockout in macrophages established via Lyz2-cre mice and Smad4 flox/flox mice, we demonstrated a significant inhibition of B16 metastasis in the lungs. Interestingly, the inhibition of tumor growth was found to be independent of adaptive immunity, as no significant changes were observed in the numbers or activities of T cells, B cells, or NK cells. Instead, Smad4 knockout led to the emergence of an MCHIIlow CD206high subset of lung interstitial macrophages, characterized by enhanced phagocytosis function. Our findings highlight the crucial role of Smad4 in modulating the innate immune response against tumors and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting lung interstitial macrophages to enhance anti-tumor immunity.

Imbalanced IL10/TGF-β production by regulatory T-lymphocytes in patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis

BACKGROUND

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), also denominated Human T-cell leukemia virus-1, induces immune activation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, especially in individuals with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) may control of inflammation through the production of regulatory cytokines, including IL10 and TGF-β. In this study we determined the frequencies of CD4 + and CD8 + Tregs in a HAM/TSP population, compared to asymptomatic carriers and uninfected individuals, as well as investigated the profiles of regulatory and inflammatory cytokines.

METHODS

Asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers and HAM/TSP patients were matched by sex and age. The frequencies of IL10- and/or TGF-β-producing Tregs were quantified by flow cytometry. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to quantify HTLV-1 proviral load and the mRNA expression of cytokines and cellular receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

RESULTS

Total frequencies of CD4 + Tregs, as well as the IL10-producing CD4 + and CD8 + Treg subsets, were statistically higher in patients with HAM/TSP compared to asymptomatic HTLV-1-infected individuals. In addition, a positive correlation was found between the frequency of CD4 + IL10 + Tregs and proviral load in the HAM/TSP patients evaluated. A positive correlation was also observed between gene expression of proinflammatory versus regulatory cytokines only in HAM / TSP group.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher frequencies of IL10-producing Tregs were identified in patients with HAM/TSP. Imbalanced production of IL10 in relation to TGF-β may contribute to the increased inflammatory response characteristically seen in HAM/TSP patients.