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Pavličev M, McDonough-Goldstein CE, Zupan AM, Muglia L, Hu YC, Kong F, Monangi N, Dagdas G, Zupančič N, Maziarz J, Sinner D, Zhang G, Wagner G, Muglia L. A common allele increases endometrial Wnt4 expression, with antagonistic implications for pregnancy, reproductive cancers, and endometriosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1152. [PMID: 38346980 PMCID: PMC10861470 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45338-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The common human SNP rs3820282 is associated with multiple phenotypes including gestational length and likelihood of endometriosis and cancer, presenting a paradigmatic pleiotropic variant. Deleterious pleiotropic mutations cause the co-occurrence of disorders either within individuals, or across population. When adverse and advantageous effects are combined, pleiotropy can maintain high population frequencies of deleterious alleles. To reveal the causal molecular mechanisms of this pleiotropic SNP, we introduced this substitution into the mouse genome by CRISPR/Cas 9. Previous work showed that rs3820282 introduces a high-affinity estrogen receptor alpha-binding site at the Wnt4 locus. Here, we show that this mutation upregulates Wnt4 transcription in endometrial stroma, following the preovulatory estrogen peak. Effects on uterine transcription include downregulation of epithelial proliferation and induction of progesterone-regulated pro-implantation genes. We propose that these changes increase uterine permissiveness to embryo invasion, whereas they decrease resistance to invasion by cancer and endometriotic foci in other estrogen-responsive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Pavličev
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Complexity Science Hub, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | - Lisa Muglia
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Fansheng Kong
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nagendra Monangi
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gülay Dagdas
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Zupančič
- University Medical Center Ljubljana, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jamie Maziarz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Debora Sinner
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ge Zhang
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Günter Wagner
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Louis Muglia
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, NC, Durham, USA
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Barresi V, Di Bella V, Lo Nigro L, Privitera AP, Bonaccorso P, Scuderi C, Condorelli DF. Temporary serine protease inhibition and the role of SPINK2 in human bone marrow. iScience 2023; 26:106949. [PMID: 37378330 PMCID: PMC10291479 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106949] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Protease temporary inhibitors are true substrates that bind the catalytic site with high affinity but are slowly degraded, thus acting as inhibitor for a defined time window. Serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type (SPINK) family is endowed with such functional property whose physiological meaning is poorly explored. High expression of SPINK2 in some hematopoietic malignancies prompted us to investigate its role in adult human bone marrow. We report here the physiological expression of SPINK2 in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and mobilized cluster differentiation 34 (CD34)+ cells. We determined the SPINK2 degradation constant and derived a mathematical relationship predicting the zone of inhibited target protease activity surrounding the SPINK2-secreting HSPCs. Analysis of putative target proteases for SPINK2 revealed the expression of PRSS2 and PRSS57 in HSPCs. Our combined results suggest that SPINK2 and its target serine proteases might play a role in the intercellular communication within the hematopoietic stem cell niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Barresi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Virginia Di Bella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Lo Nigro
- Cytogenetic-Cytofluorimetric-Molecular Biology Lab, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Azienda Policlinico – San Marco, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Provvidenza Privitera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Bonaccorso
- Cytogenetic-Cytofluorimetric-Molecular Biology Lab, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Azienda Policlinico – San Marco, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Scuderi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Filippo Condorelli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Fischer J, Meyer-Hoffert U. Regulation of kallikrein-related peptidases in the skin – from physiology to diseases to therapeutic options. Thromb Haemost 2017; 110:442-9. [DOI: 10.1160/th12-11-0836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
SummaryKallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) constitute a family of 15 highly conserved serine proteases, which show a tissue-specific expression profile. This made them valuable tumour expression markers. It became evident that KLKs are involved in many physiological processes like semen liquefaction and skin desquamation. More recently, we have learnt that they are involved in many pathophysiological conditions and diseases making them promising target of therapeutic intervention. Therefore, regulation of KLKs raised the interest of numerous reports. Herein, we summarise the current knowledge on KLKs regulation with an emphasis on skin-relevant KLKs regulation processes. Regulation of KLKs takes place on the level of transcription, on protease activation and on protease inactivation. A variety of protease inhibitors has been described to interact with KLKs including the irreversible serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs) and the reversible serine protease inhibitors of Kazal-type (SPINKs). In an attempt to integrate current knowledge, we propose that KLK regulation has credentials as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Characterization of Spink6 in mouse skin: the conserved inhibitor of kallikrein-related peptidases is reduced by barrier injury. J Invest Dermatol 2013; 134:1305-1312. [PMID: 24352040 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The proteolytic regulation of the desquamation process by kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) is crucial for epidermal barrier function, and elevated KLK levels have been reported in atopic dermatitis. KLKs are controlled by specific inhibitors of the serine protease inhibitor of Kazal-type (Spink) family. Recently, SPINK6 was shown to be present in human stratum corneum. In order to investigate its role in epidermal barrier function, we studied mouse Spink6. Sequence alignment revealed that the Kazal domain of Spink6 is highly conserved in animals. Recombinant Spink6 efficiently inhibited mouse Klk5 and human KLK2, KLK4, KLK5, KLK6, KLK7, KLK12, KLK13, and KLK14, whereas human KLK1 and KLK8 were not inhibited. Spink6 was expressed in mouse epidermis mainly in the stratum granulosum, and the inner root sheath of hair follicles. Stimulation with flagellin, EGF, and IL-1β did not alter Spink6 expression, whereas stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)/IFNγ and all-trans retinoic acid resulted in a significant downregulation of Spink6 expression in cultured primary mouse keratinocytes. Mechanically and metabolically induced skin barrier dysfunction resulted both in a downregulation of Spink6 expression. Our study indicates that Spink6 is a potent inhibitor of KLKs and involved in skin barrier function.
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Kumamoto J, Goto M, Denda S, Nakatani M, Takasugi Y, Tsuchiya K, Shimizu Y, Takatsuru Y, Denda M. External negative electric potential accelerates exocytosis of lamellar bodies in human skin ex vivo. Exp Dermatol 2013; 22:421-3. [PMID: 23651364 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Exocytosis of lamellar bodies at the uppermost nucleated layer of the epidermis is a crucial process for epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis. We have previously suggested that skin surface electric potential might be associated with barrier homoeostasis. Thus, we hypothesized that the potential might drive exocytosis of lamellar bodies. In this study, we tested this idea by applying negative electric potential (-0.5 V) to human skin samples ex vivo for 2 h and observing the ultrastructure of the uppermost layer. The secretion of lamellar bodies was accelerated in the potential-applied skin, compared to that in untreated control skin. Multiphoton observation indicated that extracellular lipid domains were more extensive in treated skin than in control skin. Moreover, the calcium ion gradient was greater at the uppermost layer of the epidermis of treated skin, compared to that in control skin. These results indicate that electric potential may regulate lamellar body secretion in healthy human skin.
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Ji Y, Lu X, Zhong Q, Liu P, An Y, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Jia R, Tesfamariam IG, Kahsay AG, Zhang L, Zhu W, Zheng Y. Transcriptional profiling of mouse uterus at pre-implantation stage under VEGF repression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57287. [PMID: 23468957 PMCID: PMC3585347 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterus development during pre-implantation stage affects implantation process and embryo growth. Aberrant uterus development is associated with many human reproductive diseases. Among the factors regulating uterus development, vascular remodeling promoters are critical for uterus function and fertility. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as one of the major members, has been found to be important in endothelial cell growth and blood vessel development, as well as in non-endothelial cells. VEGF mediation in reproduction has been broadly studied, but VEGF-induced transcriptional machinery during implantation window has not been systematically studied. In this study, a genetically repressed VEGF mouse model was used to analyze uterus transcriptome at gestation 2.5 (G2.5) by Solexa/Illumina's digital gene expression (DGE) system. A number of 831 uterus-specific and 2398 VEGF-regulated genes were identified. Gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated that genes actively involved in uterus development were members of collagen biosynthesis, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. Uterus-specific genes were enriched in activities of phosphatidyl inositol phosphate kinase, histone H3-K36 demethylation and protein acetylation. Among VEGF-regulated genes, up-regulated were associated with RNA polymerase III activity while down-regulated were strongly related with muscle development. Comparable numbers of antisense transcripts were identified. Expression levels of the antisense transcripts were found tightly correlated with their sense expression levels, an indication of possibly non-specific transcripts generated around the active promoters and enhancers. The antisense transcripts with exceptionally high or low expression levels and the antisense transcripts under VEGF regulation were also identified. These transcripts may be important candidates in regulation of uterus development. This study provides a global survey on genes and antisense transcripts regulated by VEGF in the pre-implantation stage. Results will contribute to further study the candidate genes and pathways in regulating implantation process and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ji
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaodan Lu
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Qingping Zhong
- KLAS and School of Mathematics and Statistics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yao An
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuntao Zhang
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Shujie Zhang
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruirui Jia
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Isaias G. Tesfamariam
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Abraha G. Kahsay
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Luqing Zhang
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- * E-mail: (LQZ); (WSZ); (YWZ)
| | - Wensheng Zhu
- KLAS and School of Mathematics and Statistics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- * E-mail: (LQZ); (WSZ); (YWZ)
| | - Yaowu Zheng
- Transgenic Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- * E-mail: (LQZ); (WSZ); (YWZ)
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