1
|
Ye Z, Xu J, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Ivanova D, Lu W, Zhang J, Li F, Chen X, Wang Y, Wang M, Xie B. Identification and Validation of Tumor Microenvironment-Associated Signature in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma through Integration of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6792. [PMID: 38928496 PMCID: PMC11203551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126792] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial in tumor development, metastasis, and response to immunotherapy. DNA methylation can regulate the TME without altering the DNA sequence. However, research on the methylation-driven TME in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is still lacking. In this study, integrated DNA methylation and RNA-seq data were used to explore methylation-driven genes (MDGs). Immune scores were calculated using the ESTIMATE, which was employed to identify TME-related genes. A new signature connected with methylation-regulated TME using univariate, multivariate Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses was developed. This signature consists of four TME-MDGs, including AJAP1, HOXB9, MYH14, and SLC6A19, which exhibit high methylation and low expression in tumors. Validation was performed using qRT-PCR which confirmed their downregulation in ccRCC clinical samples. Additionally, the signature demonstrated stable predictive performance in different subtypes of ccRCC. Risk scores are positively correlated with TMN stages, immune cell infiltration, tumor mutation burden, and adverse outcomes of immunotherapy. Interestingly, the expression of four TME-MDGs are highly correlated with the sensitivity of first-line drugs in ccRCC treatment, especially pazopanib. Molecular docking indicates a high affinity binding between the proteins and pazopanib. In summary, our study elucidates the comprehensive role of methylation-driven TME in ccRCC, aiding in identifying patients sensitive to immunotherapy and targeted therapy, and providing new therapeutic targets for ccRCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Ye
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China (J.X.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jialiang Xu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China (J.X.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.); (J.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction, Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (F.L.); (X.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China (J.X.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China (J.X.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Deyana Ivanova
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Weiyu Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China (J.X.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jianning Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China (J.X.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction, Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (F.L.); (X.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction, Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (F.L.); (X.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction, Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (F.L.); (X.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Meijiao Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China (J.X.); (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (W.L.); (J.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction, Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (F.L.); (X.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Biao Xie
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Smith RN, Rosales IA, Tomaszewski KT, Mahowald GT, Araujo-Medina M, Acheampong E, Bruce A, Rios A, Otsuka T, Tsuji T, Hotta K, Colvin R. Utility of Banff Human Organ Transplant Gene Panel in Human Kidney Transplant Biopsies. Transplantation 2023; 107:1188-1199. [PMID: 36525551 PMCID: PMC10132999 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microarray transcript analysis of human renal transplantation biopsies has successfully identified the many patterns of graft rejection. To evaluate an alternative, this report tests whether gene expression from the Banff Human Organ Transplant (B-HOT) probe set panel, derived from validated microarrays, can identify the relevant allograft diagnoses directly from archival human renal transplant formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies. To test this hypothesis, principal components (PCs) of gene expressions were used to identify allograft diagnoses, to classify diagnoses, and to determine whether the PC data were rich enough to identify diagnostic subtypes by clustering, which are all needed if the B-HOT panel can substitute for microarrays. METHODS RNA was isolated from routine, archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue renal biopsy cores with both rejection and nonrejection diagnoses. The B-HOT panel expression of 770 genes was analyzed by PCs, which were then tested to determine their ability to identify diagnoses. RESULTS PCs of microarray gene sets identified the Banff categories of renal allograft diagnoses, modeled well the aggregate diagnoses, showing a similar correspondence with the pathologic diagnoses as microarrays. Clustering of the PCs identified diagnostic subtypes including non-chronic antibody-mediated rejection with high endothelial expression. PCs of cell types and pathways identified new mechanistic patterns including differential expression of B and plasma cells. CONCLUSIONS Using PCs of gene expression from the B-Hot panel confirms the utility of the B-HOT panel to identify allograft diagnoses and is similar to microarrays. The B-HOT panel will accelerate and expand transcript analysis and will be useful for longitudinal and outcome studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rex N Smith
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Ivy A Rosales
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Kristen T Tomaszewski
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Grace T Mahowald
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Milagros Araujo-Medina
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ellen Acheampong
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Amy Bruce
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Andrea Rios
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Takuya Otsuka
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuji
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo City General Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kiyohiko Hotta
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Robert Colvin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rosales IA, Mahowald GK, Tomaszewski K, Hotta K, Iwahara N, Otsuka T, Tsuji T, Takada Y, Acheampong E, Araujo-Medina M, Bruce A, Rios A, Cosimi AB, Elias N, Kawai T, Gilligan H, Safa K, Riella LV, Tolkoff-Rubin NE, Williams WW, Smith RN, Colvin RB. Banff Human Organ Transplant Transcripts Correlate with Renal Allograft Pathology and Outcome: Importance of Capillaritis and Subpathologic Rejection. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:2306-2319. [PMID: 36450597 PMCID: PMC9731628 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2022040444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To seek insights into the pathogenesis of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (CAMR), we performed mRNA analysis and correlated transcripts with pathologic component scores and graft outcomes. METHODS We utilized the NanoString nCounter platform and the Banff Human Organ Transplant gene panel to quantify transcripts on 326 archived renal allograft biopsy samples. This system allowed correlation of transcripts with Banff pathology scores from the same tissue block and correlation with long-term outcomes. RESULTS The only pathology score that correlated with AMR pathways in CAMR was peritubular capillaritis (ptc). C4d, cg, g, v, i, t, or ci scores did not correlate. DSA-negative CAMR had lower AMR pathway scores than DSA-positive CAMR. Transcript analysis in non-CAMR biopsies yielded evidence of increased risk of later CAMR. Among 108 patients without histologic CAMR, 23 developed overt biopsy-documented CAMR within 5 years and as a group had higher AMR pathway scores (P=3.4 × 10-5). Random forest analysis correlated 3-year graft loss with elevated damage, innate immunity, and macrophage pathway scores in CAMR and TCMR. Graft failure in CAMR was associated with TCMR transcripts but not with AMR transcripts, and graft failure in TCMR was associated with AMR transcripts but not with TCMR transcripts. CONCLUSIONS Peritubular capillary inflammation and DSA are the primary drivers of AMR transcript elevation. Transcripts revealed subpathological evidence of AMR, which often preceded histologic CAMR and subpathological evidence of TCMR that predicted graft loss in CAMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivy A. Rosales
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Grace K. Mahowald
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kristen Tomaszewski
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kiyohiko Hotta
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naoya Iwahara
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takuya Otsuka
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuji
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo City General Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yusuke Takada
- Department of Kidney Transplant Surgery, Sapporo City General Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ellen Acheampong
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Milagros Araujo-Medina
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amy Bruce
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea Rios
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anthony Benedict Cosimi
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nahel Elias
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tatsuo Kawai
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hannah Gilligan
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kassem Safa
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leonardo V. Riella
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nina E. Tolkoff-Rubin
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Winfred W. Williams
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rex Neal Smith
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert B. Colvin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Halloran PF, Böhmig GA, Bromberg J, Einecke G, Eskandary FA, Gupta G, Myslak M, Viklicky O, Perkowska-Ptasinska A, Madill-Thomsen KS. Archetypal Analysis of Injury in Kidney Transplant Biopsies Identifies Two Classes of Early AKI. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:817324. [PMID: 35463013 PMCID: PMC9021747 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.817324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All transplanted kidneys are subjected to some degree of injury as a result of the donation-implantation process and various post-transplant stresses such as rejection. Because transplants are frequently biopsied, they present an opportunity to explore the full spectrum of kidney response-to-wounding from all causes. Defining parenchymal damage in transplanted organs is important for clinical management because it determines function and survival. In this study, we classified the scenarios associated with parenchymal injury in genome-wide microarray results from 1,526 kidney transplant indication biopsies collected during the INTERCOMEX study. We defined injury groups by using archetypal analysis (AA) of scores for gene sets and classifiers previously identified in various injury states. Six groups and their characteristics were defined in this population: No injury, minor injury, two classes of acute kidney injury ("AKI," AKI1, and AKI2), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and CKD combined with AKI. We compared the two classes of AKI, namely, AKI1 and AKI2. AKI1 had a poor function and increased parenchymal dedifferentiation but minimal response-to-injury and inflammation, instead having increased expression of PARD3, a gene previously characterized as being related to epithelial polarity and adherens junctions. In contrast, AKI2 had a poor function and increased response-to-injury, significant inflammation, and increased macrophage activity. In random forest analysis, the most important predictors of function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and graft loss were injury-based molecular scores, not rejection scores. AKI1 and AKI2 differed in 3-year graft survival, with better survival in the AKI2 group. Thus, injury archetype analysis of injury-induced gene expression shows new heterogeneity in kidney response-to-wounding, revealing AKI1, a class of early transplants with a poor function but minimal inflammation or response to injury, a deviant response characterized as PC3, and an increased risk of failure. Given the relationship between parenchymal injury and kidney survival, further characterization of the injury phenotypes in kidney transplants will be important for an improved understanding that could have implications for understanding native kidney diseases (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01299168).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonathan Bromberg
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Farsad A Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Marek Myslak
- Department of Clinical Interventions, Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Samodzielny Publiczny Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony (SPWSZ) Hospital, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ondrej Viklicky
- Department of Nephrology and Transplant Center, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Agnieszka Perkowska-Ptasinska
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Halloran PF, Madill-Thomsen K, Aliabadi-Zuckermann AZ, Cadeiras M, Crespo-Leiro MG, Depasquale EC, Deng M, Gökler J, Kim DH, Kobashigawa J, Macdonald P, Potena L, Shah K, Stehlik J, Zuckermann A. Many heart transplant biopsies currently diagnosed as no rejection have mild molecular antibody-mediated rejection-related changes. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021; 41:334-344. [PMID: 34548198 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Molecular Microscope (MMDx) system classifies heart transplant endomyocardial biopsies as No-rejection (NR), Early-injury, T cell-mediated (TCMR), antibody-mediated (ABMR), mixed, and possible rejection (possible TCMR, possible ABMR). Rejection-like gene expression patterns in NR biopsies have not been described. We extended the MMDx methodology, using a larger data set, to define a new "Minor" category characterized by low-level inflammation in non-rejecting biopsies. METHODS Using MMDx criteria from a previous study, molecular rejection was assessed in 1,320 biopsies (645 patients) using microarray expression of rejection-associated transcripts (RATs). Of these biopsies, 819 were NR. A new archetypal analysis model in the 1,320 data set split the NRs into NR-Normal (N = 462) and NR-Minor (N = 359). RESULTS Compared to NR-Normal, NR-Minor were more often histologic TCMR1R, with a higher prevalence of donor-specific antibody (DSA). DSA positivity increased in a gradient: NR-Normal 24%; NR-Minor 34%; possible ABMR 42%; ABMR 66%. The top 20 transcripts distinguishing NR-Minor from NR-Normal were all ABMR-related and/or IFNG-inducible, and also exhibited a gradient of increasing expression from NR-Normal through ABMR. In random forest analysis, TCMR and Early-injury were associated with reduced LVEF and increased graft loss, but NR-Minor and ABMR scores were not. Surprisingly, hearts with MMDx ABMR showed comparatively little graft loss. CONCLUSIONS Many heart transplants currently diagnosed as NR by histologic or molecular assessment have minor increases in ABMR-related and IFNG-inducible transcripts, associated with DSA positivity and mild histologic inflammation. These results suggest that low-level ABMR-related molecular stress may be operating in many more hearts than previously estimated. (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02670408).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Deng
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Daniel H Kim
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Peter Macdonald
- The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Keyur Shah
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Impact of Belatacept Conversion on Renal Function, Histology, and Gene Expression in Kidney Transplant Patients With Chronic Active Antibody-mediated Rejection. Transplantation 2021; 105:660-667. [PMID: 32510913 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Here, we present our initial experience with a prospective protocol of belatacept conversion in patients with chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (caAMR) and a high degree of chronicity at the time of diagnosis. METHODS We converted 19 patients (mean age, 45 ± 12 y) with biopsy-proven caAMR from tacrolimus to belatacept at a median of 44 months post-kidney transplant. RESULTS At a median of 29 months (interquartile range, 16-46 mo) postconversion, death-censored graft and patient survivals were 89% and 95%, respectively. When compared to a 1:2 propensity-matched control cohort from the INSERM U970 registry maintained on calcineurin inhibitor, the belatacept group had progressive improvement (P = 0.02) in estimated glomerular filtration rate from a mean of 33.9 ± 10 at baseline to 37.8 ± 13 at 6 months and 38.5 ± 12 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 12 months postconversion, as compared to a steady decline noted in the controls (36.2 [baseline] → 33.1 [6 mo] → 32.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 [12 mo] of follow-up). A paired histologic comparison of preconversion and postconversion (performed at median 9.5 mo postconversion) biopsies showed no worsening in microvascular inflammation or chronicity. The paired tissue gene expression analysis showed improved mean total rejection score (0.68 ± 0.26-0.56 ± 0.33; P = 0.02) and a trend toward improved antibody-mediated rejection score (0.64 ± 0.34-0.56 ± 0.39; P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS Here, we report that in patients diagnosed with caAMR who were not subjected to intensive salvage immunosuppressive therapies, isolated belatacept conversion alone was associated with stabilization in renal function. These results are bolstered by molecular evidence of improved inflammation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Correlation of Donor-Derived Cell-free DNA with Histology and Molecular Diagnoses of Kidney Transplant Biopsies. Transplantation 2021; 106:1061-1070. [PMID: 34075006 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating donor-derived cell free DNA (cfDNA), a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for kidney transplant rejection, was validated using traditional histology. The Molecular Microscope (MMDx) tissue gene expression platform may provide increased precision to traditional histology. METHODS In this single-center prospective study of 208 biopsies (median=5.8 months) post-transplant, we report on the calibration of cfDNA with simultaneous biopsy assessments using MMDx and histology by Area under the curve (AUC) analyses for optimal criterion, as well as for, previously published cfDNA cut-offs ≤0.21% to 'rule-out' rejection and ≥1% to 'rule-in' rejection. RESULTS There were significant discrepancies between histology and MMDx, with MMDx identifying more antibody-mediated rejection (65; 31%) than histology (43; 21%); the opposite was true for T-cell mediated rejection [TCMR; histology: 27 (13%) vs MMDx: 13 (6%)]. Most of the TCMR discrepancies were seen for histologic borderline/1A TCMR. AUC Curves for cfDNA and prediction of rejection were slightly better with MMDx (AUC=0.80; 95%CI: 0.74-0.86) vs. histology (AUC=0.75; 95%CI: 0.69-0.81). A cfDNA≤0.21% had similar sensitivity (~91%) to 'rule-out' rejection by histology and MMDx. Specificity was slightly higher with MMDx (92%) compared with histology (85%) to 'rule-in' rejection using cfDNA criterion≥1%. Strong positive quantitative correlations were observed between cfDNA scores and molecular acute kidney injury (AKI) for both 'rejection' and 'nonrejection' biopsies. CONCLUSIONS Molecular diagnostics using tissue gene expression and blood-based donor-derived cell-free DNA may add precision to some cases of traditional histology. The positive correlation of cfDNA with molecular AKI suggests a dose-dependent association with tissue injury irrespective of rejection characteristics.
Collapse
|
8
|
Halloran PF, Böhmig GA, Bromberg JS, Budde K, Gupta G, Einecke G, Eskandary F, Madill-Thomsen K, Reeve J. Discovering novel injury features in kidney transplant biopsies associated with TCMR and donor aging. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:1725-1739. [PMID: 33107191 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We previously characterized the molecular changes in acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in kidney transplant biopsies, but parenchymal changes selective for specific types of injury could be missed by such analyses. The present study searched for injury changes beyond AKI and CKD related to specific scenarios, including correlations with donor age. We defined injury using previously defined gene sets and classifiers and used principal component analysis to discover new injury dimensions. As expected, Dimension 1 distinguished normal vs. injury, and Dimension 2 separated early AKI from late CKD, correlating with time posttransplant. However, Dimension 3 was novel, distinguishing a set of genes related to epithelial polarity (e.g., PARD3) that were increased in early AKI and decreased in T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) but not in antibody-mediated rejection. Dimension 3 was increased in kidneys from older donors and was particularly important in survival of early kidneys. Thus high Dimension 3 scores emerge as a previously unknown element in the kidney response-to-injury that affects epithelial polarity genes and is increased in AKI but depressed in TCMR, indicating that in addition to general injury elements, certain injury elements are selective for specific pathologic mechanisms. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01299168).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Klemens Budde
- Charite-Medical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jeff Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Smith RN. In-silico performance, validation, and modeling of the Nanostring Banff Human Organ transplant gene panel using archival data from human kidney transplants. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:86. [PMID: 33740956 PMCID: PMC7977303 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-00891-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA gene expression of renal transplantation biopsies is commonly used to identify the immunological patterns of graft rejection. Mostly done with microarrays, seminal findings defined the patterns of gene sets associated with rejection and non-rejection kidney allograft diagnoses. To make gene expression more accessible, the Molecular Diagnostics Working Group of the Banff Foundation for Allograft Pathology and NanoString Technologies partnered to create the Banff Human Organ Transplant Panel (BHOT), a gene panel set of 770 genes as a surrogate for microarrays (~ 50,000 genes). The advantage of this platform is that gene expressions are quantifiable on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded archival tissue samples, making gene expression analyses more accessible. The purpose of this report is to test in silico the utility of the BHOT panel as a surrogate for microarrays on archival microarray data and test the performance of the modelled BHOT data. METHODS BHOT genes as a subset of genes from downloaded archival public microarray data on human renal allograft gene expression were analyzed and modelled by a variety of statistical methods. RESULTS Three methods of parsing genes verify that the BHOT panel readily identifies renal rejection and non-rejection diagnoses using in silico statistical analyses of seminal archival databases. Multiple modelling algorithms show a highly variable pattern of misclassifications per sample, either between differently constructed principal components or between modelling algorithms. The misclassifications are related to the gene expression heterogeneity within a given diagnosis because clustering the data into 9 groups modelled with fewer misclassifications. CONCLUSION This report supports using the Banff Human Organ Transplant Panel for gene expression of human renal allografts as a surrogate for microarrays on archival tissue. The data modelled satisfactorily with aggregate diagnoses although with limited per sample accuracy and, thereby, reflects and confirms the modelling complexity and the challenges of modelling gene expression as previously reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R N Smith
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 501 Warren Bldg, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gupta G, Raynaud M, Kumar D, Sanghi P, Chang J, Kimball P, Kang L, Levy M, Sharma A, Bhati CS, Kamal L, Yakubu I, Massey HD, Kidd C, King AL, Halloran PF. Impact of belatacept conversion on kidney transplant function, histology, and gene expression - a single-center study. Transpl Int 2020; 33:1458-1471. [PMID: 32790889 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Prior studies on belatacept conversion from calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) have been limited by an absence of postconversion surveillance biopsies that could underestimate subclinical rejection, or a case-controlled design. A total of 53 adult patients with allograft dysfunction underwent belatacept conversion (median: 6 months) post-transplant. At a median follow-up = 2.5 years, patient survival was 94% with a death-censored graft survival of 85%. Seven (13%) patients had acute rejection (including 3 subclinical) at median 6 months postconversion. Overall, eGFR improved (P = <0.001) from baseline = 31±15 to 40.2 ± 17.6 ml/min/1.73m2 by 6 months postconversion, but then stayed stable. This improvement was also observed (P < 0.001) in comparison with a propensity matched control cohort on CNI, where eGFR stayed stable (mean ~ 32ml/min/1.72m2 ) over 2-year follow-up. Patients converted < 6 months post-transplant were more likely to have a long-term improvement in kidney function. Paired gene expression analysis of 30 (of 53) consecutive pre- and postconversion surveillance biopsies did not reveal changes in inflammation/acute injury; although atrophy-fibrosis score worsened (mean = 0.28 to 0.44; P = 0.005). Thus, improvement in renal function with belatacept conversion occurred early and then sustained in comparison with controls where renal function remained unchanged overtime. We were unable to show molecular signals that could be related to CNI administration and regressed after withdrawal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Dhiren Kumar
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Pooja Sanghi
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jessica Chang
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Pam Kimball
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Le Kang
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Marlon Levy
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Amit Sharma
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Chandra S Bhati
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Layla Kamal
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Idris Yakubu
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Hugh D Massey
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Chelsea Kidd
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Anne L King
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rush DN. Subclinical Rejection: a Universally Held Concept? CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-020-00290-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
12
|
Kostidis S, Bank JR, Soonawala D, Nevedomskaya E, van Kooten C, Mayboroda OA, de Fijter JW. Urinary metabolites predict prolonged duration of delayed graft function in DCD kidney transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:110-122. [PMID: 29786954 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Extending kidney donor criteria, including donation after circulatory death (DCD), has resulted in increased rates of delayed graft function (DGF) and primary nonfunction. Here, we used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to analyze the urinary metabolome of DCD transplant recipients at multiple time points (days 10, 42, 180, and 360 after transplantation). The aim was to identify markers that predict prolonged duration of functional DGF (fDGF). Forty-seven metabolites were quantified and their levels were evaluated in relation to fDGF. Samples obtained at day 10 had a different profile than samples obtained at the other time points. Furthermore, at day 10 there was a statistically significant increase in eight metabolites and a decrease in six metabolites in the group with fDGF (N = 53) vis-à-vis the group without fDGF (N = 22). In those with prolonged fDGF (≥21 days) (N = 17) urine lactate was significantly higher and pyroglutamate lower than in those with limited fDGF (<21 days) (N = 36). In order to further distinguish prolonged fDGF from limited fDGF, the ratios of all metabolites were analyzed. In a logistic regression analysis, the sum of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) over pyroglutamate and lactate over fumarate, predicted prolonged fDGF with an AUC of 0.85. In conclusion, kidney transplant recipients with fDGF can be identified based on their altered urinary metabolome. Furthermore, two ratios of urinary metabolites, lactate/fumarate and BCAAs/pyroglutamate, adequately predict prolonged duration of fDGF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Kostidis
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J R Bank
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - D Soonawala
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - E Nevedomskaya
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C van Kooten
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - O A Mayboroda
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J W de Fijter
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Polyomavirus BK Nephropathy-Associated Transcriptomic Signatures: A Critical Reevaluation. Transplant Direct 2018; 4:e339. [PMID: 29464200 PMCID: PMC5811268 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent work using DNA microarrays has suggested that genes related to DNA replication, RNA polymerase assembly, and pathogen recognition receptors can serve as surrogate tissue biomarkers for polyomavirus BK nephropathy (BKPyVN). Methods We have examined this premise by looking for differential regulation of these genes using a different technology platform (RNA-seq) and an independent set 25 biopsies covering a wide spectrum of diagnoses. Results RNA-seq could discriminate T cell–mediated rejection from other common lesions seen in formalin fixed biopsy material. However, overlapping RNA-seq signatures were found among all disease processes investigated. Specifically, genes previously reported as being specific for the diagnosis of BKPyVN were found to be significantly upregulated in T cell–mediated rejection, inflamed areas of fibrosis/tubular atrophy, as well as acute tubular injury. Conclusions In conclusion, the search for virus specific molecular signatures is confounded by substantial overlap in pathogenetic mechanisms between BKPyVN and nonviral forms of allograft injury. Clinical heterogeneity, overlapping exposures, and different morphologic patterns and stage of disease are a source of substantial variability in “Omics” experiments. These variables should be better controlled in future biomarker studies on BKPyVN, T cell–mediated rejection, and other forms of allograft injury, before widespread implementation of these tests in the transplant clinic.
Collapse
|
14
|
Halloran PF, Reeve J, Akalin E, Aubert O, Bohmig GA, Brennan D, Bromberg J, Einecke G, Eskandary F, Gosset C, Duong Van Huyen JP, Gupta G, Lefaucheur C, Malone A, Mannon RB, Seron D, Sellares J, Weir M, Loupy A. Real Time Central Assessment of Kidney Transplant Indication Biopsies by Microarrays: The INTERCOMEX Study. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:2851-2862. [PMID: 28449409 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The authors conducted a prospective trial to assess the feasibility of real time central molecular assessment of kidney transplant biopsy samples from 10 North American or European centers. Biopsy samples taken 1 day to 34 years posttransplantation were stabilized in RNAlater, sent via courier overnight at ambient temperature to the central laboratory, and processed (29 h workflow) using microarrays to assess T cell- and antibody-mediated rejection (TCMR and ABMR, respectively). Of 538 biopsy samples submitted, 519 (96%) were sufficient for microarray analysis (average length, 3 mm). Automated reports were generated without knowledge of histology and HLA antibody, with diagnoses assigned based on Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) classifier algorithms and signed out by one observer. Agreement between MMDx and histology (balanced accuracy) was 77% for TCMR, 77% for ABMR, and 76% for no rejection. A classification tree derived to provide automated sign-outs predicted the observer sign-outs with >90% accuracy. In 451 biopsy samples where feedback was obtained, clinicians indicated that MMDx more frequently agreed with clinical judgment (87%) than did histology (80%) (p = 0.0042). In 81% of feedback forms, clinicians reported that MMDx increased confidence in management compared with conventional assessment alone. The authors conclude that real time central molecular assessment is feasible and offers a useful new dimension in biopsy interpretation. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT#01299168.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - J Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - E Akalin
- Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - O Aubert
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, Uss-S970, Paris, France
| | - G A Bohmig
- Medizinische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Brennan
- Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - J Bromberg
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - G Einecke
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - F Eskandary
- Medizinische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Gosset
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, Uss-S970, Paris, France.,Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - J-P Duong Van Huyen
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, Uss-S970, Paris, France
| | - G Gupta
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - C Lefaucheur
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, Uss-S970, Paris, France.,Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - A Malone
- Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - R B Mannon
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - D Seron
- Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Sellares
- Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Weir
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - A Loupy
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, Uss-S970, Paris, France.,Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Madill-Thomsen KS, Wiggins RC, Eskandary F, Böhmig GA, Halloran PF. The Effect of Cortex/Medulla Proportions on Molecular Diagnoses in Kidney Transplant Biopsies: Rejection and Injury Can Be Assessed in Medulla. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:2117-2128. [PMID: 28226404 PMCID: PMC5550741 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Histologic assessment of kidney transplant biopsies relies on cortex rather than medulla, but for microarray studies, the proportion cortex in a biopsy is typically unknown and could affect the molecular readings. The present study aimed to develop a molecular estimate of proportion cortex in biopsies and examine its effect on molecular diagnoses. Microarrays from 26 kidney transplant biopsies divided into cortex and medulla components and processed separately showed that many of the most significant differences were in glomerular genes (e.g. NPHS2, NPHS1, CLIC5, PTPRO, PLA2R1, PLCE1, PODXL, and REN). Using NPHS2 (podocin) to estimate proportion cortex, we examined whether proportion cortex influenced molecular assessment in the molecular microscope diagnostic system. In 1190 unselected kidney transplant indication biopsies (Clinicaltrials.govNCT01299168), only 11% had <50% cortex. Molecular scores for antibody-mediated rejection, T cell-mediated rejection, and injury were independent of proportion cortex. Rejection was diagnosed in many biopsies that were mostly or all medulla. Agreement in molecular diagnoses in paired cortex/medulla samples (23/26) was similar to biological replicates (32/37). We conclude that NPHS2 expression can estimate proportion cortex; that proportion cortex has little influence on molecular diagnosis of rejection; and that, although histology cannot assess medulla, rejection does occur in medulla as well as cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - R. C. Wiggins
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - F. Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G. A. Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P. F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,Corresponding author: Philip F. Halloran,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Halloran PF, Venner JM, Famulski KS. Comprehensive Analysis of Transcript Changes Associated With Allograft Rejection: Combining Universal and Selective Features. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:1754-1769. [PMID: 28101959 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We annotated the top transcripts associated with kidney transplant rejection by p-value, either universal for all rejection or selective for T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) or antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01299168). We used eight class-comparison algorithms to interrogate microarray results from 703 biopsies, 205 with rejection. The positive comparators were all rejection, TCMR, or ABMR; the negative comparators varied from normal biopsies to all nonrejecting biopsies, including other diseases. The universal algorithm, rejection versus all nonrejection, identified transcripts mainly inducible by interferon γ. Selectivity for ABMR or TCMR required the other rejection class as well as nonrejection biopsies in the comparator to avoid selecting universal transcripts. Direct comparison of ABMR versus TCMR yielded only transcripts related to TCMR, the stronger signal. Transcripts highly associated with rejection were never completely specific for rejection: Many were increased in biopsies without rejection, reflecting sharing between rejection and injury-induced innate immunity. Union of the top 200 transcripts from universal and selective algorithms yielded 454 transcripts that permitted unsupervised analysis of biopsies in principal component analysis: PC1 was rejection, and PC2 was separation of TCMR from ABMR. Appreciating rejection-associated molecular changes requires a diverse case mix, accurate histologic classification (including C4d-negative ABMR), and both selective and universal algorithms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - J M Venner
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - K S Famulski
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
The exciting “bench to bedside” journey of cell therapies for acute kidney injury and renal transplantation. J Nephrol 2017; 30:319-336. [DOI: 10.1007/s40620-017-0384-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
18
|
Halloran PF, Famulski KS, Reeve J. Molecular assessment of disease states in kidney transplant biopsy samples. Nat Rev Nephrol 2016; 12:534-48. [DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2016.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
19
|
Detecting Renal Allograft Inflammation Using Quantitative Urine Metabolomics and CXCL10. Transplant Direct 2016; 2:e78. [PMID: 27500268 PMCID: PMC4946516 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to characterize urinary metabolomics for the noninvasive detection of cellular inflammation and to determine if adding urinary chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) improves the overall diagnostic discrimination. METHODS Urines (n = 137) were obtained before biopsy in 113 patients with no (n = 66), mild (borderline or subclinical; n = 58), or severe (clinical; n = 13) rejection from a prospective cohort of adult renal transplant patients (n = 113). Targeted, quantitative metabolomics was performed with direct flow injection tandem mass spectrometry using multiple reaction monitoring (ABI 4000 Q-Trap). Urine CXCL10 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A projection on latent structures discriminant analysis was performed and validated using leave-one-out cross-validation, and an optimal 2-component model developed. Chemokine ligand 10 area under the curve (AUC) was determined and net reclassification index and integrated discrimination index analyses were performed. RESULTS PLS2 demonstrated that urinary metabolites moderately discriminated the 3 groups (Cohen κ, 0.601; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.46-0.74; P < 0.001). Using binary classifiers, urinary metabolites and CXCL10 demonstrated an AUC of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.74-0.88) and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.68-0.84), respectively, and a combined AUC of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.78-0.91) for detecting alloimmune inflammation that was improved by net reclassification index and integrated discrimination index analyses. Urinary CXCL10 was the best univariate discriminator, followed by acylcarnitines and hexose. CONCLUSIONS Urinary metabolomics can noninvasively discriminate noninflamed renal allografts from those with subclinical and clinical inflammation, and the addition of urine CXCL10 had a modest but significant effect on overall diagnostic performance. These data suggest that urinary metabolomics and CXCL10 may be useful for noninvasive monitoring of alloimmune inflammation in renal transplant patients.
Collapse
|
20
|
Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin Is an Early and Accurate Biomarker of Graft Function and Tissue Regeneration in Kidney Transplantation from Extended Criteria Donors. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129279. [PMID: 26125566 PMCID: PMC4488380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Delayed graft function (DGF) is an early complication of kidney transplantation (KT) associated with increased risk of early loss of graft function. DGF increases using kidneys from extended criteria donors (ECD). NGAL is a 25KDa protein proposed as biomarker of acute kidney injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of NGAL as an early and accurate indicator of DGF and Tacrolimus (Tac) toxicity and as a mediator of tissue regeneration in KT from ECD. Methods We evaluated plasma levels of NGAL in 50 KT patients from ECD in the first 4 days after surgery or after Tac introduction. Results Plasma levels of NGAL at day 1 were significantly higher in DGF group. In the non DGF group, NGAL discriminated between slow or immediate graft function and decreased more rapidly than serum creatinine. NGAL increased after Tac introduction, suggesting a role as marker of drug toxicity. In vitro, hypoxia and Tac induced NGAL release from tubular epithelial cells (TEC) favoring an autocrine loop that sustains proliferation and inhibits apoptosis (decrease of caspases and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio). Conclusions NGAL is an early and accurate biomarker of graft function in KT from ECD favoring TEC regeneration after ischemic and nephrotoxic injury.
Collapse
|
21
|
Venner JM, Famulski KS, Badr D, Hidalgo LG, Chang J, Halloran PF. Molecular landscape of T cell-mediated rejection in human kidney transplants: prominence of CTLA4 and PD ligands. Am J Transplant 2014; 14:2565-76. [PMID: 25219326 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We used expression microarrays to characterize the changes most specific for pure T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) compared to other diseases including antibody-mediated rejection in 703 human kidney transplant biopsies, using a Discovery Set-Validation Set approach. The expression of thousands of transcripts--fold change and association strength--changed in a pattern that was highly conserved between the Discovery and Validation sets, reflecting a hierarchy of T cell signaling, costimulation, antigen-presenting cell (APC) activation and interferon-gamma (IFNG) expression and effects, with weaker associations for inflammasome activation, innate immunity, cytotoxic molecules and parenchymal injury. In cell lines, the transcripts most specific for TCMR were expressed most strongly in effector T cells (e.g. CTLA4, CD28, IFNG), macrophages (e.g. PDL1, CD86, SLAMF8, ADAMDEC1), B cells (e.g. CD72, BTLA) and IFNG-treated macrophages (e.g. ANKRD22, AIM2). In pathway analysis, the top pathways included T cell receptor signaling and CTLA4 costimulation. These results suggest a model in which TCMR creates an inflammatory compartment with a rigorous hierarchy dominated by the proximal aspects of cognate engagement of effector T cell receptor and costimulator triggering by APCs. The prominence of inhibitors like CTLA4 and PDL1 raises the possibility of active negative controls within the rejecting tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M Venner
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mengel M. Renalomics: Molecular Pathology in Kidney Biopsies. Surg Pathol Clin 2014; 7:443-55. [PMID: 26837449 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2014.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this article, various omics technologies and their applications in renal pathology (native and transplant biopsies) are reviewed and discussed. Despite significant progress and novel insights derived from these applications, extensive adoption of molecular diagnostics in renal pathology has not been accomplished. Further validation of specific applications leading to increased diagnostic precision in a clinically relevant way is ongoing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mengel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta Hospital, 4B1.18 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440-112 Street, Edmonton T6G2S2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cantaluppi V, Quercia AD, Dellepiane S, Ferrario S, Camussi G, Biancone L. Interaction between systemic inflammation and renal tubular epithelial cells. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 29:2004-11. [PMID: 24589723 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfu046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic inflammation is known to target tubular epithelial cells (TECs), leading to acute kidney injury. Tubular cells have been implicated in the response to inflammatory mediators in ischaemic and septic renal damage. Moreover, loss of tubular cells by apoptosis or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition may ingenerate conditions that lead to progression towards chronic kidney disease. On the other hand, TECs may actively contribute to the production of inflammatory mediators that may propagate the injury locally or in distant organs. In the present review, we discuss the tubular cell response and its contribution to systemic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cantaluppi
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Domenico Quercia
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Sergio Dellepiane
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Ferrario
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Camussi
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Luigi Biancone
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Molecular transplantation pathology: the interface between molecules and histopathology. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2013; 18:354-62. [PMID: 23619514 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0b013e3283614c90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In the last decade, high-throughput molecular screening methods have revolutionized the transplantation research. This article reviews the new knowledge that has emerged from transplant patient sample-derived 'omics data by examining the interface between molecular signals and allograft pathology. RECENT FINDINGS State-of-the-art molecular studies have shed light on the biology of organ transplant diseases and provided several potential molecular tests with diagnostic, prognostic, and theranostic applications for the implementation of personalized medicine in transplantation. By comprehensive molecular profiling of patient samples, we have learned numerous new insights into the effector mechanisms and parenchymal response during allograft diseases. It has become evident that molecular profiles are coordinated and move in patterns similar to histopathology lesions, and therefore lack qualitative specificity. However, molecular tests can empower precision diagnosis and prognostication through their objective and quantitative manner when they are integrated in a holistic approach with histopathology and clinical factors of patients. SUMMARY Despite clever science and large amounts of public money invested in transplant 'omics studies, multiparametric molecular testing has not yet been translated to patient care. There are serious challenges in the implementation of transplant molecular diagnostics that have increased frustration in transplant community. We appeal for a full collaboration between pathologists and researchers to accelerate transition from research to clinical practice in transplantation.
Collapse
|
25
|
Famulski KS, Reeve J, de Freitas DG, Kreepala C, Chang J, Halloran PF. Kidney transplants with progressing chronic diseases express high levels of acute kidney injury transcripts. Am J Transplant 2013; 13:634-44. [PMID: 23356967 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that kidney transplants with early acute injury express transcripts indicating injury repair--the acute kidney injury signal. This study investigated the significance of this signal in transplants with other conditions, including rejection and recurrent disease. The injury signal was elevated in biopsies in many different conditions, including T cell-mediated rejection and potentially progressive diseases such as antibody-mediated rejection and glomerulonephritis. A high injury signal correlated with poor function and with inflammation in areas of fibrosis, but not with fibrosis without inflammation. In multivariate survival analysis, the injury signal in late kidney transplant biopsies strongly predicted future graft loss, similar to a published molecular risk score derived in late kidneys. Indeed, the injury signal shared many individual transcripts with the risk score, e.g. ITGB6, VCAN, NNMT. The injury signal was a better predictor of future graft loss than fibrosis, inflammation or expression of collagen genes. Thus the acute injury signal, first defined in early reversible injury, is present in many diseases as a reflection of parenchymal distress, where its significance is dictated by the inducing insult, i.e. treatable/self-limited versus untreatable and sustained. Progression in troubled transplants is primarily a function of ongoing parenchymal injury by disease, not fibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K S Famulski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mengel M, Sis B, Haas M, Colvin RB, Halloran PF, Racusen LC, Solez K, Cendales L, Demetris AJ, Drachenberg CB, Farver CF, Rodriguez ER, Wallace WD, Glotz D. Banff 2011 Meeting report: new concepts in antibody-mediated rejection. Am J Transplant 2012; 12:563-70. [PMID: 22300494 PMCID: PMC3728651 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2011.03926.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The 11th Banff meeting was held in Paris, France, from June 5 to 10, 2011, with a focus on refining diagnostic criteria for antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). The major outcome was the acknowledgment of C4d-negative ABMR in kidney transplants. Diagnostic criteria for ABMR have also been revisited in other types of transplants. It was recognized that ABMR is associated with heterogeneous phenotypes even within the same type of transplant. This highlights the necessity of further refining the respective diagnostic criteria, and is of particular significance for the design of randomized clinical trials. A reliable phenotyping will allow for definition of robust end-points. To address this unmet need and to allow for an evidence-based refinement of the Banff classification, Banff Working Groups presented multicenter data regarding the reproducibility of features relevant to the diagnosis of ABMR. However, the consensus was that more data are necessary and further Banff Working Group activities were initiated. A new Banff working group was created to define diagnostic criteria for ABMR in kidneys independent of C4d. Results are expected to be presented at the 12th Banff meeting to be held in 2013 in Brazil. No change to the Banff classification occurred in 2011.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Mengel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada,Department of Medicine, Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Division of Nephrology & Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada,Corresponding author: Michael Mengel,
| | - B. Sis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada,Department of Medicine, Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Division of Nephrology & Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - M. Haas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - R. B. Colvin
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - P. F. Halloran
- Department of Medicine, Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Division of Nephrology & Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - L. C. Racusen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - K. Solez
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - L. Cendales
- Emory Transplant Center, Emory University School of Medicine and Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA
| | - A. J. Demetris
- Division of Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - C. F. Farver
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - E. R. Rodriguez
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - W. D. Wallace
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - D. Glotz
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Famulski KS, de Freitas DG, Kreepala C, Chang J, Sellares J, Sis B, Einecke G, Mengel M, Reeve J, Halloran PF. Molecular phenotypes of acute kidney injury in kidney transplants. J Am Soc Nephrol 2012; 23:948-58. [PMID: 22343120 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2011090887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known regarding the molecular phenotype of kidneys with AKI because biopsies are performed infrequently. However, all kidney transplants experience acute injury, making early kidney transplants an excellent model of acute injury, provided the absence of rejection, because donor kidneys should not have CKD, post-transplant biopsies occur relatively frequently, and follow-up is excellent typically. Here, we used histopathology and microarrays to compare indication biopsies from 26 transplants with acute injury with 11 pristine protocol biopsies of stable transplants. Kidneys with acute injury showed increased expression of 394 transcripts associated with the repair response to injury, including many epithelium-like injury molecules tissue, remodeling molecules, and inflammation molecules. Many other genes also predicted the phenotype, including the acute injury biomarkers HAVCR1 and IL18. Pathway analysis of the injury-repair transcripts revealed similarities to cancer, development, and cell movement. The injury-repair transcript score in kidneys with acute injury correlated with reduced graft function, future renal recovery, brain death, and need for dialysis, but not with future graft loss. In contrast, histologic features of acute tubular injury did not correlate with function or with the molecular changes. Thus, the transcripts associated with repair of injury suggest a massive coordinated response of the kidney parenchyma to acute injury, providing both an objective measure for assessing the severity of injury in kidney biopsies and validation for many biomarkers of AKI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konrad S Famulski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Spivey TL, Uccellini L, Ascierto ML, Zoppoli G, De Giorgi V, Delogu LG, Engle AM, Thomas JM, Wang E, Marincola FM, Bedognetti D. Gene expression profiling in acute allograft rejection: challenging the immunologic constant of rejection hypothesis. J Transl Med 2011; 9:174. [PMID: 21992116 PMCID: PMC3213224 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the role and relationship between molecular pathways that lead to tissue destruction during acute allograft rejection are not fully understood. Based on studies conducted in humans, we recently hypothesized that different immune-mediated tissue destruction processes (i.e. cancer, infection, autoimmunity) share common convergent final mechanisms. We called this phenomenon the "Immunologic Constant of Rejection (ICR)." The elements of the ICR include molecular pathways that are consistently described through different immune-mediated tissue destruction processes and demonstrate the activation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), the recruitment of cytotoxic immune cells (primarily through CXCR3/CCR5 ligand pathways), and the activation of immune effector function genes (IEF genes; granzymes A/B, perforin, etc.). Here, we challenge the ICR hypothesis by using a meta-analytical approach and systematically reviewing microarray studies evaluating gene expression on tissue biopsies during acute allograft rejection. We found the pillars of the ICR consistently present among the studies reviewed, despite implicit heterogeneity. Additionally, we provide a descriptive mechanistic overview of acute allograft rejection by describing those molecular pathways most frequently encountered and thereby thought to be most significant. The biological role of the following molecular pathways is described: IFN-γ, CXCR3/CCR5 ligand, IEF genes, TNF-α, IL-10, IRF-1/STAT-1, and complement pathways. The role of NK cell, B cell and T-regulatory cell signatures are also addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara L Spivey
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center and trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology (CHI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|