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Bai M, Lei J, Li F, Wang X, Fu H, Yan Z, Huang X, Zhu Y. Short-chain chlorinated paraffins may induce thymic aging in mice by activating PERK-CHOP. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124438. [PMID: 38942270 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Humans indirectly consume approximately 0.02 mg/kg/day of short-chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) through the environment; however, the thymic senescence/damage induced by SCCPs has not been assessed. In this study, 16 female mice (4-week-old) per group were orally administered 0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/kg/day of SCCPs for 21 days, and the phenotypes and levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), Tβ4, αβ TCR, SA-β-Gal, GRP78, PERK/CHOP, P53/P21, and CASPASE-1 of the thymus were assessed as indicators. Another group comprising 16 mice was killed at 4-week-old and these indicators were assessed. Thereafter, the thymuses cultured in vitro were exposed to 0, 14, 140, and 1400 μg/L SCCPs, respectively, and the above indicators were measured after 7-day. Based on the results, the oral administration of ≥0.01 mg/kg/day SCCPs to mice and ≥14 μg/L of SCCPs in medium caused thymic aging features, such as a decrease in the ratio of cortex to medulla, gradual blurring of the boundary between the cortex and medulla, dose-dependent oxidative stress (decreased SOD and increased MDA), and decreased levels of Tβ4 and αβ TCRs in the thymus. The oral administration of ≥1 mg/kg/day of SCCPs also impeded the growth and development of female mice and their thymuses. Exposure to the low levels of SCCPs activated PERK-CHOP in the mouse thymus, which modulated increases in SA-β-Gal, IL-1β, P53, and CASPASE-1 in vivo and in vitro. Overall, environmental levels and human blood concentrations (14.8-1400 μg/L) of SCCPs may induce mouse thymus senescence by activating PERK-CHOP in vivo and in vitro, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Bai
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jiawei Lei
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xuning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Hu Fu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Fish Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Zhengli Yan
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Fish Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Yongfei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Fish Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
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2
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Li H, Lin S, Wang Y, Shi Y, Fang X, Wang J, Cui H, Bian Y, Qi X. Immunosenescence: A new direction in anti-aging research. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 141:112900. [PMID: 39137628 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The immune system is a major regulatory system of the body, that is composed of immune cells, immune organs, and related signaling factors. As an organism ages, observable age-related changes in the function of the immune system accumulate in a process described as 'immune aging. Research has shown that the impact of aging on immunity is detrimental, with various dysregulated responses that affect the function of immune cells at the cellular level. For example, increased aging has been shown to result in the abnormal chemotaxis of neutrophils and decreased phagocytosis of macrophages. Age-related diminished functionality of immune cell types has direct effects on host fitness, leading to poorer responses to vaccination, more inflammation and tissue damage, as well as autoimmune disorders and the inability to control infections. Similarly, age impacts the function of the immune system at the organ level, resulting in decreased hematopoietic function in the bone marrow, a gradual deficiency of catalase in the thymus, and thymic atrophy, resulting in reduced production of related immune cells such as B cells and T cells, further increasing the risk of autoimmune disorders in the elderly. As the immune function of the body weakens, aging cells and inflammatory factors cannot be cleared, resulting in a cycle of increased inflammation that accumulates over time. Cumulatively, the consequences of immune aging increase the likelihood of developing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis, among others. Therefore, targeting the age-related changes that occur within cells of the immune system might be an effective anti-aging strategy. In this article, we summarize the relevant literature on immune aging research, focusing on its impact on aging, in hopes of providing new directions for anti-aging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanzhou Li
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Lin
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuexuan Shi
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xixing Fang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jida Wang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Huantian Cui
- Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yuhong Bian
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xin Qi
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China.
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3
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Müller D, Loskutov J, Küffer S, Marx A, Regenbrecht CRA, Ströbel P, Regenbrecht MJ. Cell Culture Models for Translational Research on Thymomas and Thymic Carcinomas: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2762. [PMID: 39123489 PMCID: PMC11312172 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell culture model systems are fundamental tools for studying cancer biology and identifying therapeutic vulnerabilities in a controlled environment. TET cells are notoriously difficult to culture, with only a few permanent cell lines available. The optimal conditions and requirements for the ex vivo establishment and permanent expansion of TET cells have not been systematically studied, and it is currently unknown whether different TET subtypes require different culture conditions or specific supplements. The few permanent cell lines available represent only type AB thymomas and thymic carcinomas, while attempts to propagate tumor cells derived from type B thymomas so far have been frustrated. It is conceivable that epithelial cells in type B thymomas are critically dependent on their interaction with immature T cells or their three-dimensional scaffold. Extensive studies leading to validated cell culture protocols would be highly desirable and a major advance in the field. Alternative methods such as tumor cell organoid models, patient-derived xenografts, or tissue slices have been sporadically used in TETs, but their specific contributions and advantages remain to be shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Müller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (S.K.); (C.R.A.R.)
| | | | - Stefan Küffer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (S.K.); (C.R.A.R.)
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (S.K.); (C.R.A.R.)
| | - Christian R. A. Regenbrecht
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (S.K.); (C.R.A.R.)
- CELLphenomics GmbH, 13125 Berlin, Germany (M.J.R.)
- ASC Oncology GmbH, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (S.K.); (C.R.A.R.)
| | - Manuela J. Regenbrecht
- CELLphenomics GmbH, 13125 Berlin, Germany (M.J.R.)
- ASC Oncology GmbH, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Department for Pneumology, Palliative Medicine, DRK Kliniken Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany
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Stankiewicz LN, Rossi FMV, Zandstra PW. Rebuilding and rebooting immunity with stem cells. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:597-616. [PMID: 38593798 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.03.012] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Advances in modern medicine have enabled a rapid increase in lifespan and, consequently, have highlighted the immune system as a key driver of age-related disease. Immune regeneration therapies present exciting strategies to address age-related diseases by rebooting the host's primary lymphoid tissues or rebuilding the immune system directly via biomaterials or artificial tissue. Here, we identify important, unanswered questions regarding the safety and feasibility of these therapies. Further, we identify key design parameters that should be primary considerations guiding technology design, including timing of application, interaction with the host immune system, and functional characterization of the target patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Stankiewicz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Peter W Zandstra
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Fujimori S, Ohigashi I. The role of thymic epithelium in thymus development and age-related thymic involution. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2024; 71:29-39. [PMID: 38735722 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.71.29] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The establishment of an adaptive immune system is critical for protecting our bodies from neoplastic cancers and invading pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. As a primary lymphoid organ, the thymus generates lymphoid T cells that play a major role in the adaptive immune system. T cell generation in the thymus is controlled by interactions between thymocytes and other thymic cells, primarily thymic epithelial cells. Thus, the normal development and function of thymic epithelial cells are important for the generation of immunocompetent and self-tolerant T cells. On the other hand, the degeneration of the thymic epithelium due to thymic aging causes thymic involution, which is associated with the decline of adaptive immune function. Herein we summarize basic and current knowledge of the development and function of thymic epithelial cells and the mechanism of thymic involution. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 29-39, February, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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6
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Yang J, Liu J, Liang J, Li F, Wang W, Chen H, Xie X. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in age-associated thymic involution: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102115. [PMID: 37922996 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a critical immune organ with endocrine and immune functions that plays important roles in the physiological and pathological processes of the body. However, with aging, the thymus undergoes degenerative changes leading to decreased production and output of naive T cells and the secretion of thymic hormones and related cytokines, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of various age-associated diseases. Therefore, identifying essential processes that regulate age-associated thymic involution is crucial for long-term control of thymic involution and age-associated disease progression. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-established process involved in organ aging and functional impairment through tissue fibrosis in several organs, such as the heart and kidney. In the thymus, EMT promotes fibrosis and potentially adipogenesis, leading to thymic involution. This review focuses on the factors involved in thymic involution, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormones, from the perspective of EMT. Furthermore, current interventions for reversing age-associated thymic involution by targeting EMT-associated processes are summarized. Understanding the key mechanisms of thymic involution through EMT as an entry point may promote the development of new therapies and clinical agents to reverse thymic involution and age-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Liang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fan Li
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huan Chen
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Nucleic Acid Medicine of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
| | - Xiang Xie
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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7
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Kim Y. The impact of altered lamin B1 levels on nuclear lamina structure and function in aging and human diseases. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 85:102257. [PMID: 37806292 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The role of lamin B1 in human health and aging has attracted increasing attention as mounting evidence reveals its significance in diverse cellular processes. Both upregulation and downregulation of lamin B1 have been implicated in age-associated organ dysfunctions and various human diseases, including central nervous system disorders. Additionally, lamin B1 levels undergo alterations in cancer cells, and a tumor-specific association exists between lamin B1 abundance and cancer aggressiveness. Investigating the connectivity between lamin B1 abundance and human health is of utmost importance for further research. This review presents recent advancements in understanding lamin B1's role in nuclear lamina function and its implications for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjo Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science and Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bioscience, Soonchunhyang University, Cheon-an 31151, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Li YR, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Thymus aging and immune reconstitution, progresses and challenges. Semin Immunol 2023; 70:101837. [PMID: 37659170 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Thymus is a primary lymphoid organ essential for the development of T lymphocytes. Age-related thymic involution is a prominent feature of immune senescence. The thymus undergoes rapid growth during fetal and neonatal development, peaks in size before puberty and then begins to undergo a decrease in cellularity with age. Dramatic changes occur with age-associated thymic involution. The most prominent features of thymic involution include: (i) epithelial structure disruption, (ii) adipogenesis, and (iii) thymocyte development arrest. There is a sex disparity in thymus aging. It is a multifactorial process controlled and regulated by a series of molecules, including the transcription factor FOXN1, fibroblast and keratinocyte growth factors (FGF and KGF, respectively), sex steroids, Notch signaling, WNT signaling, and microRNAs. Nevertheless, there is still no satisfactory evolutionary or physiological explanation for age-associated thymic involution, and understanding the precise mechanism(s) for thymus aging remains challenging. Sustained thymic regeneration has yet to be achieved by sex steroid ablation. Recent preclinical studies indicate that long-term thymic reconstitution can be achieved via adoptive transfer of in vitro-generated progenitor T (proT) cells, and improvements in the methods for the generation of human proT cells make this an attractive approach. Future clinical applications may rely on new applications integrating proT cells, cytokine support and sex-steroid inhibition treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ru Li
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Tao N, Xu X, Ying Y, Hu S, Sun Q, Lv G, Gao J. Thymosin α1 and Its Role in Viral Infectious Diseases: The Mechanism and Clinical Application. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083539. [PMID: 37110771 PMCID: PMC10144173 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1) is an immunostimulatory peptide that is commonly used as an immune enhancer in viral infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tα1 can influence the functions of immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, by interacting with various Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Generally, Tα1 can bind to TLR3/4/9 and activate downstream IRF3 and NF-κB signal pathways, thus promoting the proliferation and activation of target immune cells. Moreover, TLR2 and TLR7 are also associated with Tα1. TLR2/NF-κB, TLR2/p38MAPK, or TLR7/MyD88 signaling pathways are activated by Tα1 to promote the production of various cytokines, thereby enhancing the innate and adaptive immune responses. At present, there are many reports on the clinical application and pharmacological research of Tα1, but there is no systematic review to analyze its exact clinical efficacy in these viral infectious diseases via its modulation of immune function. This review offers an overview and discussion of the characteristics of Tα1, its immunomodulatory properties, the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects, and its clinical applications in antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Tao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xie Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuyuan Ying
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shiyu Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qingru Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Guiyuan Lv
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jianli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
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10
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Hartmann C, Herling L, Hartmann A, Köckritz V, Fuellen G, Walter M, Hermann A. Systematic estimation of biological age of in vitro cell culture systems by an age-associated marker panel. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1129107. [PMID: 36873743 PMCID: PMC9975507 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1129107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a process that affects almost all multicellular organisms and since our population ages with increasing prevalence of age-related diseases, it is important to study basic processes involved in aging. Many studies have been published so far using different and often single age markers to estimate the biological age of organisms or different cell culture systems. However, comparability of studies is often hampered by the lack of a uniform panel of age markers. Consequently, we here suggest an easy-to-use biomarker-based panel of classical age markers to estimate the biological age of cell culture systems that can be used in standard cell culture laboratories. This panel is shown to be sensitive in a variety of aging conditions. We used primary human skin fibroblasts of different donor ages and additionally induced either replicative senescence or artificial aging by progerin overexpression. Using this panel, highest biological age was found for artificial aging by progerin overexpression. Our data display that aging varies depending on cell line and aging model and even from individual to individual showing the need for comprehensive analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Hartmann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Luise Herling
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Alexander Hartmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Verena Köckritz
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Georg Fuellen
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.,Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
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11
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Liang Z, Dong X, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Zhao Y. Age-related thymic involution: Mechanisms and functional impact. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13671. [PMID: 35822239 PMCID: PMC9381902 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the primary immune organ responsible for generating self‐tolerant and immunocompetent T cells. However, the thymus gradually involutes during early life resulting in declined naïve T‐cell production, a process known as age‐related thymic involution. Thymic involution has many negative impacts on immune function including reduced pathogen resistance, high autoimmunity incidence, and attenuated tumor immunosurveillance. Age‐related thymic involution leads to a gradual reduction in thymic cellularity and thymic stromal microenvironment disruption, including loss of definite cortical‐medullary junctions, reduction of cortical thymic epithelial cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells, fibroblast expansion, and an increase in perivascular space. The compromised thymic microenvironment in aged individuals substantially disturbs thymocyte development and differentiation. Age‐related thymic involution is regulated by many transcription factors, micro RNAs, growth factors, cytokines, and other factors. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of age‐related thymic involution mechanisms and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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12
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Mustafin RN, Khusnutdinova EK. The relationship of lamins with epigenetic factors during aging. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2022; 26:40-49. [PMID: 35342861 PMCID: PMC8892175 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-22-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The key factor of genome instability during aging is transposon dysregulation. This may be due to senile changes in the expression of lamins, which epigenetically modulate transposons. Lamins directly physically interact with transposons. Epigenetic regulators such as SIRT7, BAF, and microRNA can also serve as intermediaries for their interactions. There is also an inverse regulation, since transposons are sources of miRNAs that affect lamins. We suggest that lamins can be attributed to epigenetic factors, since they are part of the NURD, interact with histone deacetylases and regulate gene expression without changing the nucleotide sequences. The role of lamins in the etiopathogenesis of premature aging syndromes may be associated with interactions with transposons. In various human cells, LINE1 is present in the heterochromatin domains of the genome associated with lamins, while SIRT7 facilitates the interaction of this retroelement with lamins. Both retroelements and the nuclear lamina play an important role in the antiviral response of organisms. This may be due to the role of lamins in protection from both viruses and transposons, since viruses and transposons are evolutionarily related. Transposable elements and lamins are secondary messengers of environmental stressors that can serve as triggers for aging and carcinogenesis. Transposons play a role in the development of cancer, while the microRNAs derived from them, participating in the etiopathogenesis of tumors, are important in human aging. Lamins have similar properties, since lamins are dysregulated in cancer, and microRNAs affecting them are involved in carcinogenesis. Changes in the expression of specif ic microRNAs were also revealed
in laminopathies. Identif ication of the epigenetic mechanisms of interaction of lamins with transposons during
aging
can become the basis for the development of methods of life extension and targeted therapy of age-associated
cancer
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E. K. Khusnutdinova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics – Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences
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13
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Matias I, Diniz LP, Damico IV, Araujo APB, Neves LDS, Vargas G, Leite REP, Suemoto CK, Nitrini R, Jacob‐Filho W, Grinberg LT, Hol EM, Middeldorp J, Gomes FCA. Loss of lamin-B1 and defective nuclear morphology are hallmarks of astrocyte senescence in vitro and in the aging human hippocampus. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13521. [PMID: 34894056 PMCID: PMC8761005 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in senescent cells in tissues, including the brain, is a general feature of normal aging and age-related pathologies. Senescent cells exhibit a specific phenotype, which includes an altered nuclear morphology and transcriptomic changes. Astrocytes undergo senescence in vitro and in age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, but little is known about whether this process also occurs in physiological aging, as well as its functional implication. Here, we investigated astrocyte senescence in vitro, in old mouse brains, and in post-mortem human brain tissue of elderly. We identified a significant loss of lamin-B1, a major component of the nuclear lamina, as a hallmark of senescent astrocytes. We showed a severe reduction of lamin-B1 in the dentate gyrus of aged mice, including in hippocampal astrocytes, and in the granular cell layer of the hippocampus of post-mortem human tissue from non-demented elderly. The lamin-B1 reduction was associated with nuclear deformations, represented by an increased incidence of invaginated nuclei and loss of nuclear circularity in senescent astrocytes in vitro and in the aging human hippocampus. We also found differences in lamin-B1 levels and astrocyte nuclear morphology between the granular cell layer and polymorphic layer in the elderly human hippocampus, suggesting an intra-regional-dependent aging response of human astrocytes. Moreover, we described senescence-associated impaired neuritogenic and synaptogenic capacity of mouse astrocytes. Our findings show that reduction of lamin-B1 is a conserved feature of hippocampal cells aging, including astrocytes, and shed light on significant defects in nuclear lamina structure which may contribute to astrocyte dysfunctions during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Matias
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesFederal University of Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Luan Pereira Diniz
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesFederal University of Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | | | | - Laís da Silva Neves
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesFederal University of Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Gabriele Vargas
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesFederal University of Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Renata E. P. Leite
- Brazilian Aging Brain Study GroupUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
- Division of GeriatricsUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
| | - Claudia K. Suemoto
- Brazilian Aging Brain Study GroupUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
- Division of GeriatricsUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
| | - Ricardo Nitrini
- Brazilian Aging Brain Study GroupUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
| | - Wilson Jacob‐Filho
- Brazilian Aging Brain Study GroupUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
- Division of GeriatricsUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
| | - Lea T. Grinberg
- Brazilian Aging Brain Study GroupUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging CenterUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Elly M. Hol
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Jinte Middeldorp
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of ImmunobiologyBiomedical Primate Research CenterRijswijkThe Netherlands
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14
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Rosas-Madrigal S, Villarreal-Molina MT, Flores-Rivera J, Rivas-Alonso V, Macias-Kauffer LR, Ordoñez G, Chima-Galán MDC, Acuña-Alonzo V, Macín-Pérez G, Barquera R, Granados J, Valle-Rios R, Corona T, Carnevale A, Romero-Hidalgo S. Interaction of HLA Class II rs9272219 and TMPO rs17028450 (Arg690Cys) Variants Affects Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Susceptibility in an Admixed Mexican Population. Front Genet 2021; 12:647343. [PMID: 34335680 PMCID: PMC8320513 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.647343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, more prevalent in individuals of non-European ancestry. Few studies have analyzed genetic risk factors in NMOSD, and HLA class II gene variation has been associated NMOSD risk in various populations including Mexicans. Thymopoietin (TMPO) has not been tested as a candidate gene for NMOSD or other autoimmune disease, however, experimental evidence suggests this gene may be involved in negative selection of autoreactive T cells and autoimmunity. We thus investigated whether the missense TMPO variant rs17028450 (Arg630Cys, frequent in Latin America) is associated with NMOSD, and whether this variant shows an interaction with HLA-class II rs9272219, previously associated with NMOSD risk. A total of 119 Mexican NMOSD patients, 1208 controls and 357 Native Mexican individuals were included. The HLA rs9272219 “T” risk allele frequency ranged from 21 to 68%, while the rs17028450 “T” minor allele frequency was as high as 18% in Native Mexican groups. Both rs9272219 and rs17028450 were significantly associated with NMOSD risk under additive models (OR = 2.48; p = 8 × 10–10 and OR = 1.59; p = 0.0075, respectively), and a significant interaction between both variants was identified with logistic regression models (p = 0.048). Individuals bearing both risk alleles had an estimated 3.9-fold increased risk of NMOSD. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting an association of TMPO gene variation with an autoimmune disorder and the interaction of specific susceptibility gene variants, that may contribute to the genetic architecture of NMOSD in admixed Latin American populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rosas-Madrigal
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Mendelianas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - José Flores-Rivera
- Laboratorio Clínico de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suarez" (INNN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Verónica Rivas-Alonso
- Laboratorio Clínico de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suarez" (INNN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Rodrigo Macias-Kauffer
- Unidad de Genómica de Poblaciones Aplicada a La Salud, Facultad de Química, UNAM/INMEGEN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | - Rodrigo Barquera
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Jena, Germany
| | - Julio Granados
- Departamento de Trasplantes, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Valle-Rios
- División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Investigación en Inmunología y Proteómica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Teresa Corona
- Laboratorio Clínico de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suarez" (INNN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alessandra Carnevale
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Mendelianas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sandra Romero-Hidalgo
- Departamento de Genómica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City, Mexico
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15
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Protean Regulation of Leukocyte Function by Nuclear Lamins. Trends Immunol 2021; 42:323-335. [PMID: 33653660 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The leukocyte nucleus must be sufficiently elastic to squeeze through tissue barriers during migration, but not so collapsible as to risk damaging chromatin. The proper balance is struck in part by the composition of the nuclear lamina, a flexible meshwork composed mainly of intermediate filaments woven from type A and type B lamin proteins, that is located subjacent to the inner nuclear membrane. There is now increasing evidence that, in addition to influencing nuclear shape and stiffness and cell migration, lamins and lamin-interacting proteins may also interact functionally with chromatin to influence leukocyte gene expression, differentiation, and effector function, including T cell differentiation, B cell somatic hypermutation, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis).
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16
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Bitman-Lotan E, Orian A. Nuclear organization and regulation of the differentiated state. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:3141-3158. [PMID: 33507327 PMCID: PMC8038961 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03731-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of the differentiated identity requires active and continued supervision. Inability to maintain the differentiated state is a hallmark of aging and aging-related disease. To maintain cellular identity, a network of nuclear regulators is devoted to silencing previous and non-relevant gene programs. This network involves transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, and the localization of silent genes to heterochromatin. Together, identity supervisors mold and maintain the unique nuclear environment of the differentiated cell. This review describes recent discoveries regarding mechanisms and regulators that supervise the differentiated identity and protect from de-differentiation, tumorigenesis, and attenuate forced somatic cell reprograming. The review focuses on mechanisms involved in H3K9me3-decorated heterochromatin and the importance of nuclear lamins in cell identity. We outline how the biophysical properties of these factors are involved in self-compartmentalization of heterochromatin and cell identity. Finally, we discuss the relevance of these regulators to aging and age-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliya Bitman-Lotan
- Rappaport Research Institute and Faculty of Medicine, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine Technion-IIT, Technion Integrative Cancer Center (TICC), Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Bat-Galim, 3109610, Haifa, Israel
| | - Amir Orian
- Rappaport Research Institute and Faculty of Medicine, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine Technion-IIT, Technion Integrative Cancer Center (TICC), Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Bat-Galim, 3109610, Haifa, Israel.
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17
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Tran JR, Paulson DI, Moresco JJ, Adam SA, Yates JR, Goldman RD, Zheng Y. An APEX2 proximity ligation method for mapping interactions with the nuclear lamina. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202002129. [PMID: 33306092 PMCID: PMC7737704 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202002129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear lamina (NL) is a meshwork found beneath the inner nuclear membrane. The study of the NL is hindered by the insolubility of the meshwork and has driven the development of proximity ligation methods to identify the NL-associated/proximal proteins, RNA, and DNA. To simplify and improve temporal labeling, we fused APEX2 to the NL protein lamin-B1 to map proteins, RNA, and DNA. The identified NL-interacting/proximal RNAs show a long 3' UTR bias, a finding consistent with an observed bias toward longer 3' UTRs in genes deregulated in lamin-null cells. A C-rich motif was identified in these 3' UTR. Our APEX2-based proteomics identifies a C-rich motif binding regulatory protein that exhibits altered localization in lamin-null cells. Finally, we use APEX2 to map lamina-associated domains (LADs) during the cell cycle and uncover short, H3K27me3-rich variable LADs. Thus, the APEX2-based tools presented here permit identification of proteomes, transcriptomes, and genome elements associated with or proximal to the NL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R. Tran
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Embryology, Baltimore, MD
| | - Danielle I. Paulson
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Embryology, Baltimore, MD
- Horace Mann School, The Bronx, NY
| | - James J. Moresco
- The Scripps Research Institution, Department of Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA
| | - Stephen A. Adam
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Chicago, IL
| | - John R. Yates
- The Scripps Research Institution, Department of Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA
| | - Robert D. Goldman
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Chicago, IL
| | - Yixian Zheng
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Embryology, Baltimore, MD
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18
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Hu M, Zheng X, Fan CM, Zheng Y. Lineage dynamics of the endosymbiotic cell type in the soft coral Xenia. Nature 2020; 582:534-538. [PMID: 32555454 PMCID: PMC7332420 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2385-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many corals harbour symbiotic dinoflagellate algae. The algae live inside coral cells in a specialized membrane compartment known as the symbiosome, which shares the photosynthetically fixed carbon with coral host cells while host cells provide inorganic carbon to the algae for photosynthesis1. This endosymbiosis—which is critical for the maintenance of coral reef ecosystems—is increasingly threatened by environmental stressors that lead to coral bleaching (that is, the disruption of endosymbiosis), which in turn leads to coral death and the degradation of marine ecosystems2. The molecular pathways that orchestrate the recognition, uptake and maintenance of algae in coral cells remain poorly understood. Here we report the chromosome-level genome assembly of a Xenia species of fast-growing soft coral3, and use this species as a model to investigate coral–alga endosymbiosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified 16 cell clusters, including gastrodermal cells and cnidocytes, in Xenia sp. We identified the endosymbiotic cell type, which expresses a distinct set of genes that are implicated in the recognition, phagocytosis and/or endocytosis, and maintenance of algae, as well as in the immune modulation of host coral cells. By coupling Xenia sp. regeneration and single-cell RNA sequencing, we observed a dynamic lineage progression of the endosymbiotic cells. The conserved genes associated with endosymbiosis that are reported here may help to reveal common principles by which different corals take up or lose their endosymbionts. Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies the pattern of gene expression during lineage progression in endosymbiotic cells of the fast-growing soft coral Xenia, revealing principles that underlie uptake and maintenance of endosymbionts by this coral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Hu
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Xiaobin Zheng
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chen-Ming Fan
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Yixian Zheng
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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19
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Li W, Ma N, Yuwen T, Yu B, Zhou Y, Yao Y, Li Q, Chen X, Wan J, Zhang Y, Zhang W. Comprehensive analysis of circRNA expression profiles and circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA networks in the development of mouse thymus. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:6340-6349. [PMID: 32307889 PMCID: PMC7294154 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus plays an irreplaceable role as a primary lymphoid organ. However, the complicate processes of its development and involution are incompletely understood. Accumulating evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs play key roles in the regulation of biological development. At present, the studies of the circRNA profiles and of circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in the thymus are still scarce. Here, deep-RNA sequencing was used to study the biological mechanisms underlying the development process (from 2-week-old to 6-week-old) and the recession process (from 6-week-old to 3-month-old) of the mouse thymus. It was found that 196 circRNAs, 233 miRNAs and 3807 mRNAs were significantly dysregulated. The circRNA-associated ceRNA networks were constructed in the mouse thymus, which were mainly involved in early embryonic development and the proliferation and division of T cells. Taken together, these results elucidated the regulatory roles of ceRNAs in the development and involution processes of the mouse thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Li
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nana Ma
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ting Yuwen
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Yufei Yao
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Qi Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaofan Chen
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Wan
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.,Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China.,Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
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20
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Role of the Nuclear Lamina in Age-Associated Nuclear Reorganization and Inflammation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030718. [PMID: 32183360 PMCID: PMC7140666 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is characterized by the gradual loss of tissue function and integrity. Activation of inflammatory responses accelerates the deterioration of cells and tissues. Many studies have shown that alteration of the components of the nuclear lamina is associated with inflammation, both in vivo and in vitro. However, the mechanism by which the nuclear lamina regulates inflammation is largely unknown. Recent studies have suggested that the nuclear lamina regulates both organization of the three-dimensional chromatin structure at the nuclear periphery and global gene expression, such as the expression of inflammatory response genes. Here, we discuss the current updates in the research on nuclear lamina alteration, activation of inflammation, and nuclear reorganization in models of cellular senescence and organismal aging.
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21
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Wang HX, Pan W, Zheng L, Zhong XP, Tan L, Liang Z, He J, Feng P, Zhao Y, Qiu YR. Thymic Epithelial Cells Contribute to Thymopoiesis and T Cell Development. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3099. [PMID: 32082299 PMCID: PMC7005006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the primary lymphoid organ responsible for the generation and maturation of T cells. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) account for the majority of thymic stromal components. They are further divided into cortical and medullary TECs based on their localization within the thymus and are involved in positive and negative selection, respectively. Establishment of self-tolerance in the thymus depends on promiscuous gene expression (pGE) of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) by TECs. Such pGE is co-controlled by the autoimmune regulator (Aire) and forebrain embryonic zinc fingerlike protein 2 (Fezf2). Over the past two decades, research has found that TECs contribute greatly to thymopoiesis and T cell development. In turn, signals from T cells regulate the differentiation and maturation of TECs. Several signaling pathways essential for the development and maturation of TECs have been discovered. New technology and animal models have provided important observations on TEC differentiation, development, and thymopoiesis. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in classification, development, and maintenance of TECs and mechanisms that control TEC functions during thymic involution and central tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenrong Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Taihe Branch of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Liang Tan
- Department of Urological Organ Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing He
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pingfeng Feng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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22
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Li B, Zhang K, Ye Y, Xing J, Wu Y, Ma Y, Li Y. Effects of Castration on miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA Profiles in Mice Thymus. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11020147. [PMID: 32019071 PMCID: PMC7074395 DOI: 10.3390/genes11020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic degeneration and regeneration are regulated by estrogen and androgen. Recent studies have found that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in organ development. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) results showed that ovariectomy significantly affected 333 lncRNAs, 51 miRNAs, and 144 mRNAs levels (p < 0.05 and |log2fold change| > 1), and orchiectomy significantly affected 165 lncRNAs, 165 miRNAs, and 208 mRNA levels in the thymus. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were closely related to cell development and immunity. Next, we constructed two lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA networks using Cytoscape based on the targeting relationship between differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and DEGs and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) analyzed by TargetScan and miRanda. Besides, we screened DEGs that were significantly enriched in GO and in ceRNA networks to verify their expression in thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells (TECs). In addition, we analyzed the promoter sequences of DEGs, and identified 25 causal transcription factors. Finally, we constructed transcription factor-miRNA-joint target gene networks. In conclusion, this study reveals the effects of estrogen and androgen on the expression of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs in mice thymus, providing new insights into the regulation of thymic development by gonadal hormones and non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.L.); (K.Z.); (J.X.); (Y.W.); (Y.M.)
| | - Kaizhao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.L.); (K.Z.); (J.X.); (Y.W.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yaqiong Ye
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China;
| | - Jingjing Xing
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.L.); (K.Z.); (J.X.); (Y.W.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yingying Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.L.); (K.Z.); (J.X.); (Y.W.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yongjiang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.L.); (K.Z.); (J.X.); (Y.W.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yugu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.L.); (K.Z.); (J.X.); (Y.W.); (Y.M.)
- Correspondence: or
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Yue S, Zheng X, Zheng Y. Cell-type-specific role of lamin-B1 in thymus development and its inflammation-driven reduction in thymus aging. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12952. [PMID: 30968547 PMCID: PMC6612680 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular architectural proteins often participate in organ development and maintenance. Although functional decay of some of these proteins during aging is known, the cell-type-specific developmental role and the cause and consequence of their subsequent decay remain to be established especially in mammals. By studying lamins, the nuclear structural proteins, we demonstrate that lamin-B1 functions specifically in the thymic epithelial cells (TECs) for proper thymus organogenesis. An up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines in the intra-thymic myeloid immune cells during aging accompanies a gradual reduction of lamin-B1 in adult TECs. We show that these cytokines can cause senescence and lamin-B1 reduction of the young adult TECs. Lamin-B1 supports the expression of TEC genes that can help maintain the adult TEC subtypes we identified by single-cell RNA-sequencing, thymic architecture, and function. Thus, structural proteins involved in organ building and maintenance can undergo inflammation-driven decay which can in turn contribute to age-associated organ degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibiao Yue
- Department of EmbryologyCarnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreMaryland
- Department of BiologyJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMaryland
| | - Xiaobin Zheng
- Department of BiologyJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMaryland
| | - Yixian Zheng
- Department of EmbryologyCarnegie Institution for ScienceBaltimoreMaryland
- Department of BiologyJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMaryland
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