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Ma L, Yuan L, Qi Y, Zeng J, Lv J, Qie X. Morphological characteristics and distribution identification of telocytes in Tibetan sheep testis and epididymis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22783. [PMID: 39353982 PMCID: PMC11445498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-73432-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are a type of stromal cell discovered in the various organs of different animals and have many potential functions, including angiogenesis, signalling, and substance transport. However, the TCs have not been detected in the testis or epididymis of Tibetan sheep. This study investigated the position, characteristics, and distribution of TCs in the testis and epididymis of Tibetan sheep using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), toluidine blue staining, immunohistochemistry, and double immunofluorescence to elucidate their possible functions. TEM revealed that TCs were often found near basement membranes and capillaries and were characterised by large nuclei, elongated cytoplasmic protrusions, and many secretory vesicles. We also observed via toluidine staining that TCs were present near basement membrane and interstitial capillaries. Immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence revealed the positive expression of CD117, vimentin, platelet derived growth factor receptor α(PDGFRα), PDGFRα + CD117, and PDGFRα + vimentin in TCs. Additionally, we inferred that TCs participates in the formation of the blood-testis and blood-epididymis barriers, as well as in material transport and a stable microenvironment. This study presents the first evidence of the presence of TCs near the basement membrane and blood vessels in the testis and epididymis of Tibetan sheep. These findings provide new insights into the function of TCs in the reproductive systems of plateau animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology and Reproductive Regulation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
| | - Yumei Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Jianlin Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Jinhan Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Xiaolong Qie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
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Soliman SA. Immunohistochemical-properties of the dermal embryonic telocytes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13899. [PMID: 38886354 PMCID: PMC11183069 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63802-5] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The current investigation aims to study the embryonic dermis formed in the early stages of development and identify the initial interstitial components of the dermis that serve as biological and structural scaffolds for the development of the dermal tissue. To investigate the dermal structure, the current study used morphological and immunological techniques. TCs identified by TEM. They had a cell body and unique podomeres and podoms. They formed a 3D network spread throughout the dermis. Homocellular contact established between them, as well as heterocellular contacts with other cells. Immunohistochemical techniques using specific markers for TCss CD34, CD117, and VEGF confirmed TC identification. TCs represent the major interstitial component in the dermal tissue. They established a 3D network, enclosing other cells and structures. Expression of VEGF by TC promotes angiogenesis. TCs establish cellular contact with sprouting endothelial cells. At the site of cell junction with TCs, cytoskeletal filaments identified and observed to form the pseudopodium core that projects from endothelial cells. TCs had proteolytic properties that expressed MMP-9, CD68, and CD21. Proteolytic activity aids in the removal of components of the extracellular matrix and the phagocytosis of degraded remnants to create spaces to facilitate the development of new dermal structures. In conclusion, TCs organized the scaffold for the development of future dermal structures, including fibrous components and skin appendages. Studying dermal TCs would be interested in the possibility of developing therapeutic strategies for treating different skin disorders and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha A Soliman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
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3
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Soliman SA. Immunohistochemical properties of embryonic telocytes in a myogenic microenvironment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12034. [PMID: 38802438 PMCID: PMC11130138 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62103-1] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Telocytes are a unique interstitial cell type that functions in adulthood and embryogenesis. They have characteristic immunohistochemical phenotypes while acquiring different immunohistochemical properties related to the organ microenvironment. The present study aims to investigate the immunohistochemical features of embryonic telocytes during myogenesis and describe their morphology using light microscopy and TEM. Telocytes represent a major cellular constituent in the interstitial elements. They had distinguished telopodes and podoms and formed a 3D interstitial network in the developing muscles. They formed heterocellular contact with myoblasts and nascent myotubes. Telocytes also had distinctive secretory activity. Telocytes identified by CD34. They also express CD68 and MMP-9 to facilitate the development of new tissues. Expression of CD21 by telocytes may reveal their function in immune defense. They also express VEGF, which regulates angiogenesis. In conclusion, the distribution and immunological properties of telocytes in the myogenic tissue indicate that telocytes provide biological and structural support in the development of the myogenic tissue architecture and organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha A Soliman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
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Sanches BDA, Teófilo FBS, Brunet MY, Villapun VM, Man K, Rocha LC, Neto JP, Matsumoto MR, Maldarine JS, Ciena AP, Cox SC, Carvalho HF. Telocytes: current methods of research, challenges and future perspectives. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:141-155. [PMID: 38539007 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03888-5] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are CD34-positive interstitial cells that have long cytoplasmic projections, called telopodes; they have been identified in several organs and in various species. These cells establish a complex communication network between different stromal and epithelial cell types, and there is growing evidence that they play a key role in physiology and pathology. In many tissues, TC network impairment has been implicated in the onset and progression of pathological conditions, which makes the study of TCs of great interest for the development of novel therapies. In this review, we summarise the main methods involved in the characterisation of these cells as well as their inherent difficulties and then discuss the functional assays that are used to uncover the role of TCs in normal and pathological conditions, from the most traditional to the most recent. Furthermore, we provide future perspectives in the study of TCs, especially regarding the establishment of more precise markers, commercial lineages and means for drug delivery and genetic editing that directly target TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno D A Sanches
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Carl von Linnaeus St. Bldg G1, Bertrand Russel Ave., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco B S Teófilo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Carl von Linnaeus St. Bldg G1, Bertrand Russel Ave., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Y Brunet
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Victor M Villapun
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kenny Man
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Special Dental Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Lara C Rocha
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 1515 24 A Ave., Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jurandyr Pimentel Neto
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 1515 24 A Ave., Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marta R Matsumoto
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Carl von Linnaeus St. Bldg G1, Bertrand Russel Ave., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana S Maldarine
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Carl von Linnaeus St. Bldg G1, Bertrand Russel Ave., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano P Ciena
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 1515 24 A Ave., Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sophie C Cox
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Carl von Linnaeus St. Bldg G1, Bertrand Russel Ave., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Massoud D, Abd-Elhafeez HH, Emeish WFA, Fouda M, Shaldoum F, Alrashdi BM, Hassan M, Soliman SA. A transmission electron microscopy investigation suggests that telocytes, skeletal muscles, myoblasts, and stem cells in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) respond to salinity challenges. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:73. [PMID: 38402164 PMCID: PMC10893627 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03916-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telocytes are modified interstitial cells that communicate with other types of cells, including stem cells. Stemness properties render them more susceptible to environmental conditions. The current morphological investigation examined the reactions of telocytes to salt stress in relation to stem cells and myoblasts. The common carp are subjected to salinity levels of 0.2, 6, and 10 ppt. The gill samples were preserved and prepared for TEM. RESULTS The present study observed that telocytes undergo morphological change and exhibit enhanced secretory activities in response to changes in salinity. TEM can identify typical telocytes. This research gives evidence for the communication of telocytes with stem cells, myoblasts, and skeletal muscles. Telocytes surround stem cells. Telopodes made planar contact with the cell membrane of the stem cell. Telocytes and their telopodes surrounded the skeletal myoblast. These findings show that telocytes may act as nurse cells for skeletal stem cells and myoblasts, which undergo fibrillogenesis. Not only telocytes undergo morphological alternations, but also skeletal muscles become hypertrophied, which receive telocyte secretory vesicles in intercellular compartments. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the activation of telocytes is what causes stress adaptation. They might act as important players in intercellular communication between cells. It is also possible that reciprocal interaction occurs between telocytes and other cells to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diaa Massoud
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, 72341, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hanan H Abd-Elhafeez
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Walaa F A Emeish
- Department of Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Maged Fouda
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fayez Shaldoum
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Barakat M Alrashdi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mervat Hassan
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, El Kharga, Egypt
| | - Soha A Soliman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Qena, Egypt
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Harbuz I, Banciu DD, David R, Cercel C, Cotîrță O, Ciurea BM, Radu SM, Dinescu S, Jinga SI, Banciu A. Perspectives on Scaffold Designs with Roles in Liver Cell Asymmetry and Medical and Industrial Applications by Using a New Type of Specialized 3D Bioprinter. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14722. [PMID: 37834167 PMCID: PMC10573170 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914722] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular asymmetry is an important element of efficiency in the compartmentalization of intracellular chemical reactions that ensure efficient tissue function. Improving the current 3D printing methods by using cellular asymmetry is essential in producing complex tissues and organs such as the liver. The use of cell spots containing at least two cells and basement membrane-like bio support materials allows cells to be tethered at two points on the basement membrane and with another cell in order to maintain cell asymmetry. Our model is a new type of 3D bioprinter that uses oriented multicellular complexes with cellular asymmetry. This novel approach is necessary to replace the sequential and slow processes of organogenesis with rapid methods of growth and 3D organ printing. The use of the extracellular matrix in the process of bioprinting with cells allows one to preserve the cellular asymmetry in the 3D printing process and thus preserve the compartmentalization of biological processes and metabolic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana Harbuz
- Department of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (I.H.); (O.C.); (B.M.C.); (S.I.J.)
| | - Daniel Dumitru Banciu
- Department of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (I.H.); (O.C.); (B.M.C.); (S.I.J.)
| | - Rodica David
- Institute for Research on the Quality of Society and the Sciences of Education, University Constantin Brancusi of Targu Jiu, Republicii 1, 210185 Targu Jiu, Romania;
- Department of Mechanical Industrial and Transportation Engineering, University of Petrosani, 332006 Petrosani, Romania; (S.M.R.); (S.D.)
| | - Cristina Cercel
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Octavian Cotîrță
- Department of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (I.H.); (O.C.); (B.M.C.); (S.I.J.)
| | - Bogdan Marius Ciurea
- Department of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (I.H.); (O.C.); (B.M.C.); (S.I.J.)
| | - Sorin Mihai Radu
- Department of Mechanical Industrial and Transportation Engineering, University of Petrosani, 332006 Petrosani, Romania; (S.M.R.); (S.D.)
| | - Stela Dinescu
- Department of Mechanical Industrial and Transportation Engineering, University of Petrosani, 332006 Petrosani, Romania; (S.M.R.); (S.D.)
| | - Sorin Ion Jinga
- Department of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (I.H.); (O.C.); (B.M.C.); (S.I.J.)
| | - Adela Banciu
- Department of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (I.H.); (O.C.); (B.M.C.); (S.I.J.)
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Soliman SA, Abd-Elhafeez HH, Abou-Elhamd AS, Kamel BM, Abdellah N, Mustafa FEZA. Role of Uterine Telocytes During Pregnancy. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS 2023; 29:283-302. [DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Endometrial remolding and angiogenesis are critical events that occur during pregnancy in order to establish uteroplacental vascular communication. This study investigated the role of uterine telocytes (TCs) in pregnancy. We analyzed the distribution of TCs and morphological changes in the endometrium of the gravid rabbit uterus at different stages of pregnancy: after ovulation, pre-implantation (day 7), post-implantation (days 8 and 9), and mid-pregnancy (day 14) and late (days 21–28) pregnancy. TCs gradually increased with the progression of pregnancy. They had distinctive telopodes (TPs) and podoms, with intranucleolar chromatin. The TCs established contact with decidual cells, growing a glandular epithelium, blood vessels, and immune cells, such as lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages. The TCs underwent morphological changes at the post-implantation phase. They acquired thick and voluminous TPs, formed an extensive three-dimensional (3D) labyrinth at mid-pregnancy, and exhibited irregular-shaped nuclei and a dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum at late pregnancy. They also acquired a convoluted contour-formed complex network. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an extensive 3D network in the endometrium, forming a condensed sheath at late pregnancy. Transmission electron microscopy and SEM detected fenestrated TPs, and TCs were identified by CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. TCs also expressed matrix metalloproteinase-9 and transforming growth factor beta-1. Results suggested that TCs might play an essential role in maternal placenta formation, especially decidualization, regulation of uterine gland development, and neovascularization of maternal uterine blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha A Soliman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University , Qena , Egypt
| | - Hanan H Abd-Elhafeez
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University , Assiut 71526 , Egypt
| | - Alaa S Abou-Elhamd
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University , Assiut 71526 , Egypt
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University , Jazan , Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma Mohamed Kamel
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City , Sadat City 32897 , Egypt
| | - Nada Abdellah
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University , Sohag 82524 , Egypt
| | - Fatma El-Zahraa A Mustafa
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University , Assiut 71526 , Egypt
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Telocytes’ Role in Modulating Gut Motility Function and Development: Medical Hypotheses and Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137017. [PMID: 35806023 PMCID: PMC9267102 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review article explores the telocytes’ roles in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), presenting the mechanisms and hypotheses related to epithelial regeneration, progressive fibrosis, and dysmotility as a consequence of TCs’ reduced or absent number. Based on the presented mechanisms and hypotheses, we aim to provide a functional model to illustrate TCs’ possible roles in the normal and pathological functioning of the digestive tract. TCs are influenced by the compression of nearby blood vessels and the degree of fibrosis of the surrounding tissues and mediate these processes in response. The changes in intestinal tube vascularization induced by the movement of the food bowl, and the consequent pH changes that show an anisotropy in the thickness of the intestinal tube wall, have led to the identification of a pattern of intestinal tube development based on telocytes’ ability to communicate and modulate surrounding cell functions. In the construction of the theoretical model, given the predictable occurrence of colic in the infant, the two-layer arrangement of the nerve plexuses associated with the intestinal tube was considered to be incompletely adapted to the motility required with a diversified diet. There is resulting evidence of possible therapeutic targets for diseases associated with changes in local nerve tissue development.
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Cucu I, Nicolescu MI, Busnatu ȘS, Manole CG. Dynamic Involvement of Telocytes in Modulating Multiple Signaling Pathways in Cardiac Cytoarchitecture. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5769. [PMID: 35628576 PMCID: PMC9143034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac interstitium is a complex and dynamic environment, vital for normal cardiac structure and function. Telocytes are active cellular players in regulating main events that feature myocardial homeostasis and orchestrating its involvement in heart pathology. Despite the great amount of data suggesting (microscopically, proteomically, genetically, etc.) the implications of telocytes in the different physiological and reparatory/regenerative processes of the heart, understanding their involvement in realizing the heart's mature cytoarchitecture is still at its dawn. Our scrutiny of the recent literature gave clearer insights into the implications of telocytes in the WNT signaling pathway, but also TGFB and PI3K/AKT pathways that, inter alia, conduct cardiomyocytes differentiation, maturation and final integration into heart adult architecture. These data also strengthen evidence for telocytes as promising candidates for cellular therapies in various heart pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Cucu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihnea Ioan Nicolescu
- Division of Histology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ștefan-Sebastian Busnatu
- Department of Cardiology-“Bagdasar Arseni” Emergency Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cătălin Gabriel Manole
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Pathology, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
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Attaai AH, Hussein MT, Aly KH, Abdel-Maksoud FM. Morphological, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Studies of the Donkey's Eye with Special Reference to the AFGF and ACE Expression. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2022; 28:1-14. [PMID: 35513852 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927622000666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The donkey is mainly used as a working animal for riding and pack transport, as well as for dairy and meat production. Eye afflictions are common in donkeys, thus requiring a detailed study. A few studies had focused on the donkey's eye, and most of them had considered it, merely, a horse's eye. This study aimed to investigate the anatomy, histology, ultrastructure, and immunohistochemical features of the donkey's eye. The results were recorded and compared to those of horses in certain dimensions. Unlike horses, the donkey's eye is more circular in the contour of the cornea, has smaller lenticular thickness, and has longer anterior and vitreous chambers. Positive immunoreactivity to acidic fibroblast growth factor in the basal cell layers of the cornea was observed, indicating their role in cell differentiation and the renewal of the epithelium. Moreover, the corneal keratocytes expressed angiotensin-converting enzyme, which plays a role in corneal homeostasis and wound healing. Additionally, telocytes, hyalocytes, and other immune cells were observed within the iris and ciliary processes. Hence, this work is an updated detailed study of the morphology and ultrastructure of the donkey's eye and reveals some similarities and dissimilarities to the horse's eyes, which should be considered in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelraheim H Attaai
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Manal T Hussein
- Department of cell and tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Khaled H Aly
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Bisha University, Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatma M Abdel-Maksoud
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
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Meng X, Zhu Z, Ahmed N, Ma Q, Wang Q, Deng B, Chen Q, Lu Y, Yang P. Dermal Microvascular Units in Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica): Role as Transdermal Passive Immune Channels. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:891286. [PMID: 35548054 PMCID: PMC9083201 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.891286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The dermal microvascular unit (DMU) is a perivascular functional unit in the dermis. It is composed of microvascular and capillary lymphatics surrounded by immune cells. In this study, jet needle-free injection system was used to injected biocompatible carbon nanoparticles into the cervical skin of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) and assessed the morphological distribution of DMUs by hematoxylin erythrosine staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and TEM was also used to observe the ultrastructural changes of DMUs after jet needle-free injection. Following our study, we identified DMUs in the dermis stratum papillare and similar structures in the dermis stratum reticulare, but the aggregation of CD68+ and CD1a+ cells in the dermis stratum papillare of DMUs by IHC confirmed that DMUs act as reservoirs of dermal immune cells, while similar structures in the dermis stratum reticulare should not be considered as DMUs. Ultrastructure of DMUs was revealed by TEM. Marvelous changes were found following xenobiotics attack, including the rearrangement of endothelial cells and pericytes, and the reactivity of immune cells. Novel interstitial cell telocyte (TC) was also identified around the microvasculature, which may have been previously known as the veil cell. Our results successfully identified the distribution of DMUs in the skin of domestic pigs, which might act as reservoirs of immune cells in the skin and play a role in immune surveillance and immune defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfei Meng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaoxuan Zhu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Sciences (LUAWMS), Uthal, Pakistan
| | - Qianhui Ma
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bihua Deng
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Institute of Veterinary Immunology and Engineering, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Lu
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Institute of Veterinary Immunology and Engineering, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Yu Lu
| | - Ping Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Yang
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Telocytes reduce oxidative stress by downregulating DUOX2 expression in inflamed lungs of mice. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:574-582. [PMID: 35607956 PMCID: PMC9828416 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cells, have been found to participate in tissue protection and repair. In this study, we investigated the antioxidative effects of TCs in inflamed lungs of mice. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mice were used as models of inflamed lungs of mice. Gene sequencing was used to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs in TCs after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. AntagomiR-146a-5p-pretreated TCs were first injected into mice, and antioxidant activity of TCs was estimated. TCs, RAW264.7 cells, and MLE-12 cells were collected for the detection of expressions of NOX1-4, DUOX1-2, SOD1-3, GPX1-2, CAT, Nrf2, miR-146a-5p, and miR-21a-3p after LPS stimulation. Silencing miRNAs were delivered to examine the involved signaling pathways. Oxidative stress was examined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. We found that microRNA-146a-5p and microRNA-21a-3p were upregulated in TCs after LPS stimulation. ARDS mice that were preinfused with TCs had lower lung tissue injury scores, lung wet-dry ratios, white blood cell counts in alveolar lavage fluid and lower MDA concentrations in lung tissue. However, in antagomiR-146a-5p-pretreated ARDS mice, the infusion of TCs caused no corresponding changes. After LPS stimulation, DUOX2 and MDA concentrations were downregulated in TCs, while DUOX2 was restored by antagomiR-146a-5p in TCs. Dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that CREB1 was downregulated by miR-146a-5p, while DUOX2 was downregulated by CREB1, which was confirmed by treating TCs with a specific CREB1 inhibitor. This study demonstrates that LPS stimulation upregulates miR-146a-5p in TCs, which downregulates the CREB1/DUOX2 pathway, resulting in a decrease in oxidative stress in cultured TCs. TCs reduce LPS-induced oxidative stress by decreasing DUOX2 in inflamed lungs of mice.
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Wei XJ, Chen TQ, Yang XJ. Telocytes in Fibrosis Diseases: From Current Findings to Future Clinical Perspectives. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221105252. [PMID: 35748420 PMCID: PMC9235300 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221105252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a distinct type of interstitial (stromal) cells, have been discovered in many organs of human and mammal animals. TCs, which have unique morphological characteristics and abundant paracrine substance, construct a three-dimensional (3D) interstitial network within the stromal compartment by homocellular and heterocellular communications which are important for tissue homeostasis and normal development. Fibrosis-related diseases remain a common but challenging problem in the field of medicine with unclear pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options. Recently, increasing evidences suggest that where TCs are morphologically or numerically destructed, many diseases continuously develop, finally lead to irreversible interstitial fibrosis. It is not difficult to find that TCs are associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis. This review mainly discusses relationship between TCs and the occurrence of fibrosis in various diseases. We analyzed in detail the potential roles and speculated mechanisms of TCs in onset and progression of systemic fibrosis diseases, as well as providing the most up-to-date research on the current therapeutic roles of TCs and involved related pathways. Only through continuous research and exploration in the future can we uncover its magic veil and provide strategies for treatment of fibrosis-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-jiao Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R.
China
| | - Tian-quan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R.
China
| | - Xiao-jun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R.
China
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Hussein MT, Abdel-Maksoud FM. Structural Investigation of Epididymal Microvasculature and Its Relation to Telocytes and Immune Cells in Camel. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:1024-1034. [PMID: 32665042 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620001786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The vascular and perivascular cells, including telocytes (TCs) and immune cells, play an important role in male fertility. The current study intended to describe in detail the microvascular structures harboring special regulatory devices in addition to the interstitial cellular components of the one-humped camel epididymis. The samples were collected from 10 clinically healthy mature camels (Camelus dromedarius). The distribution and characteristics of TCs, peripheral blood vessels of the epididymis, and immune cells were investigated using the light, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Frequent occlusive or throttle arterioles were demonstrated in the epididymal interstitium and their tunica media consisted of glomus cells. In addition, some vein walls consisted of one or two layers of glomus cells. TCs, fibroblasts, muscle cells, and tunica media of the blood vessels, that present in the loose connective tissue surrounding the intertubular interstitium of camel epididymis, showed a positive reaction with vimentin. The endothelium of blood vessels and veins showed positive immunoreactivity for CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, VEGF, CD34, and S100 proteins were expressed in dendritic cells (DCs) as well as TCs. The current data suggest the involvement of DCs and TCs in angiogenesis and a possible role for the interstitial components in creating an appropriate milieu for the full maturation of sperms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal T Hussein
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut71526, Egypt
| | - Fatma M Abdel-Maksoud
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut71526, Egypt
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15
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Lis GJ, Dubrowski A, Lis M, Solewski B, Witkowska K, Aleksandrovych V, Jasek-Gajda E, Hołda MK, Gil K, Litwin JA. Identification of CD34+/PGDFRα+ Valve Interstitial Cells (VICs) in Human Aortic Valves: Association of Their Abundance, Morphology and Spatial Organization with Early Calcific Remodeling. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176330. [PMID: 32878299 PMCID: PMC7503258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) constitute a heterogeneous population involved in the maintenance of unique valvular architecture, ensuring proper hemodynamic function but also engaged in valve degeneration. Recently, cells similar to telocytes/interstitial Cajal-like cells described in various organs were found in heart valves. The aim of this study was to examine the density, distribution, and spatial organization of a VIC subset co-expressing CD34 and PDGFRα in normal aortic valves and to investigate if these cells are associated with the occurrence of early signs of valve calcific remodeling. We examined 28 human aortic valves obtained upon autopsy. General valve morphology and the early signs of degeneration were assessed histochemically. The studied VICs were identified by immunofluorescence (CD34, PDGFRα, vimentin), and their number in standardized parts and layers of the valves was evaluated. In order to show the complex three-dimensional structure of CD34+/PDGFRα+ VICs, whole-mount specimens were imaged by confocal microscopy, and subsequently rendered using the Imaris (Bitplane AG, Zürich, Switzerland) software. CD34+/PDGFRα+ VICs were found in all examined valves, showing significant differences in the number, distribution within valve tissue, spatial organization, and morphology (spherical/oval without projections; numerous short projections; long, branching, occasionally moniliform projections). Such a complex morphology was associated with the younger age of the subjects, and these VICs were more frequent in the spongiosa layer of the valve. Both the number and percentage of CD34+/PDGFRα+ VICs were inversely correlated with the age of the subjects. Valves with histochemical signs of early calcification contained a lower number of CD34+/PDGFRα+ cells. They were less numerous in proximal parts of the cusps, i.e., areas prone to calcification. The results suggest that normal aortic valves contain a subpopulation of CD34+/PDGFRα+ VICs, which might be involved in the maintenance of local microenvironment resisting to pathologic remodeling. Their reduced number in older age could limit the self-regenerative properties of the valve stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz J. Lis
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Kraków, Poland; (E.J.-G.); (J.A.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrzej Dubrowski
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Kraków, Poland; (A.D.); (M.K.H.)
| | - Maciej Lis
- Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-008 Kraków, Poland; (M.L.); (B.S.); (K.W.)
- HEART—Heart Embryology and Anatomy Research Team, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Kraków, Poland
| | - Bernard Solewski
- Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-008 Kraków, Poland; (M.L.); (B.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Karolina Witkowska
- Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-008 Kraków, Poland; (M.L.); (B.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Veronika Aleksandrovych
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Kraków, Poland; (V.A.); (K.G.)
| | - Ewa Jasek-Gajda
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Kraków, Poland; (E.J.-G.); (J.A.L.)
| | - Mateusz K. Hołda
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Kraków, Poland; (A.D.); (M.K.H.)
- HEART—Heart Embryology and Anatomy Research Team, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gil
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Kraków, Poland; (V.A.); (K.G.)
| | - Jan A. Litwin
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Kraków, Poland; (E.J.-G.); (J.A.L.)
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Abd-Elhafeez HH, Abou-Elhamd AS, Soliman SA. Morphological and immunohistochemical phenotype of TCs in the intestinal bulb of Grass carp and their potential role in intestinal immunity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14039. [PMID: 32820212 PMCID: PMC7441181 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70032-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated telocytes (TCs) in the intestinal bulb of Grass carp using light microscopy (LM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). By LM, TCs were distinguished by the typical morphological features that had a cell body and telopodes using HE, toluidine blue, methylene blue, Marsland silver stain, Grimelius's silver nitrate, Giemsa, PAS, combined AB pH2,5/PAS, Crossmon's and Mallory triple trichrome, Van Gieson stains, Verhoeff's stain, Sudan black, osmic acid, performic acid with methylene blue and bromophenol blue. TCs were identified under the epithelium as an individual cell or formed a TCs sheath. They detected in the lamina propria, between muscle fibers, around the myenteric plexus and fibrous tissue. TCs acquired immunological features of endocrine cells that exhibited high affinity for silver stain, performic acid with methylene blue, Marsland stain, and immunohistochemical staining using chromogranin A. Sub epithelial TCs were closely related to the endocrine cells. TCs and their secretory activities were recognized using acridine orange. TCs were identified by IHC using CD34, CD117, S100-protein, desmin. TCs formed a3D network that established contact with macrophage, mast cells, dendritic cells, lymphocytes, smooth muscle fibers, fibroblast, Schwann cells and nerve fibers. In conclusion, the localization of TCs in relation to different types of immune cells indicated their potential role in the maintenance of intestinal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan H Abd-Elhafeez
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
| | - Alaa S Abou-Elhamd
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Soha A Soliman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
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Telocytes in the Normal and Pathological Peripheral Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124320. [PMID: 32560571 PMCID: PMC7352954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied telocytes/CD34+ stromal cells in the normal and pathological peripheral nervous system (PNS), for which we reviewed the literature and contributed our observations under light and electron microscopy in this field. We consider the following aspects: (A) general characteristics of telocytes and the terminology used for these cells (e.g., endoneurial stromal cells) in PNS; (B) the presence, characteristics and arrangement of telocytes in the normal PNS, including (i) nerve epi-perineurium and endoneurium (e.g., telopodes extending into the endoneurial space); (ii) sensory nerve endings (e.g., Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, and neuromuscular spindles); (iii) ganglia; and (iv) the intestinal autonomic nervous system; (C) the telocytes in the pathologic PNS, encompassing (i) hyperplastic neurogenic processes (neurogenic hyperplasia of the appendix and gallbladder), highly demonstrative of telocyte characteristics and relations, (ii) PNS tumours, such as neurofibroma, schwannoma, granular cell tumour and nerve sheath myxoma, and interstitial cell of Cajal-related gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), (iii) tumour-invaded nerves and (iv) traumatic, metabolic, degenerative or genetic neuropathies, in which there are fewer studies on telocytes, e.g., neuroinflammation and nerves in undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), Klinefelter syndrome, crush injury, mucopolysaccharidosis II (Hunter’s syndrome) and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease.
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Roles of TGFβ1 in the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase isoform genes and sensitivity and response of lung telocytes to PI3K inhibitors. Cell Biol Toxicol 2019; 36:51-64. [PMID: 31522336 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-019-09487-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mouse lung telocyte cell line (TCSV40) recently established provides further opportunities to learn TC biology and functions. The present study aims at investigating regulatory roles of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) isoforms in TC proliferation and movement and in TGFβ1-induced sensitivity and response of lung TCs to PI3K inhibitors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network and molecular interactions of genes coding PI3K family or TGFβ family proteins in mouse primary TCs were defined. Mouse lung TCSV40 proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and dynamical bio-behaviors were measured with or without TGFβ1 stimulation or PI3K catalytic isoform protein (PI3K/mTOR, PI3Kα/δ/β, PI3K p110δ, or pan-PI3K) inhibitions. RESULTS The present study showed the difference of network characteristics and interactions of genes coding PI3K isoform proteins or TGFβ family proteins in primary lung telocytes from mouse lungs compared to those of other cells residing in the lung. TGFβ1 had diverse effects on TC proliferation with altered TC number in G2 or S phase, independent upon the administered dose of TGFβ1. PI3Kα/δ/β, PI3K/mTOR, and PI3K p110δ were involved in TC proliferation, of which PI3Kα/δ/β was more sensitive. The effects of pan-PI3K inhibitor indicate that more PI3K isoforms were stimulated by the administering of external TGFβ1 and contributed to TGFβ1-induced TC proliferation. PI3K p110δ upregulated TC proliferation and movement dynamically without TGFβ1, and downregulated TC proliferation with TGFβ1 stimulation, but not TC movement. PI3Kα/δ/β and PI3K/mTOR were more active in TGFβ1-induced S phase accumulation and had similar dynamic effects to PI3K p110δ. Gene expression of PI3K isoforms in TCs was upregulated after TGFβ1 stimulation. The expression of PIK3CA coding p110-α or PIK3CG coding p110-γ were up- or downregulated in TCs without TGFβ1, respectively, when PI3K/mTOR, PI3Kα/δ/β, PI3K p110δ, or pan-PI3K were inhibited. TGFβ1 upregulated the expression of PIK3CA and PIK3CB, while downregulated the expression of PIK3CD and PIK3CG. CONCLUSION Our data imply that TGFβ1 plays divergent roles in the expression of PI3K isoform genes in lung TCs and can alter the sensitivity and response of lung TCs to PI3K inhibitors.
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19
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Rusu MC, Hostiuc S, Fildan AP, Tofolean DE. Critical Review: What Cell Types Are the Lung Telocytes? Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:1280-1292. [PMID: 31443120 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are stromal cells defined by peculiar long, thin, moniliform prolongations known as telopodes. When isolated, their morphology often lacks the specificity for the proper definition of a particular cell type. Recent studies have linked TCs with different functions and different cell lineages. Although some authors have studied pulmonary TCs, their research has important limitations that we will attempt to summarize in this article. We will focus our analysis on the following: the culture methods used to study them, the lack of proper discrimination of TCs from lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), whose ultrastructures are very similar, and the immune phenotype of TCs, which may appear in other cell types such as those related to the endothelial lineage or stem/progenitor cells. In conclusion, the cellular diagnosis of lung TCs should be considered with caution until properly designed studies can positively identify these cells and differentiate them from other cell types such as LECs and stem/progenitor cells. Anat Rec, 303:1280-1292, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mugurel C Rusu
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorin Hostiuc
- Department of Legal Medicine and Bioethics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ariadna P Fildan
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanţa, Constatnţa, Romania
| | - Doina E Tofolean
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanţa, Constatnţa, Romania
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20
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AbuAli AM, Mokhtar DM, Ali RA, Wassif ET, Abdalla KEH. Morphological Characteristics of the Developing Cecum of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2019; 25:1017-1031. [PMID: 31169105 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927619000655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The current investigation was carried out to record the final stages of the development of both middle and distal parts of quail ceca, Coturnix coturnix japonica to understand the role of ceca in digestion, immune system, and absorption. The cellular and subcellular structures, including epithelial cell height, microvillus surface area, the proportion of goblet cells, the thickness of muscle layer, and cecum diameter showed great variations during the development. An undeveloped smooth muscularis mucosa was observed for the first time on the ED5. Primordia of glands were observed on the ED7. On the ED15, the middle part exhibited two shapes of mucosal villi: tongue-shaped villi and U-shaped. The plicae and crypts of Lieberkühn were demonstrated on the hatching day. The lymphatic tissues appeared in the wall of both parts of the ceca at the 4 weeks of age. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a great difference in the mucosal surface between different regions. Telocytes were observed in-between the muscle fibers and formed a network during the post-hatching period. Because of fermentation and other bacterial or chemical processes that have been shown to occur in the ceca, this study supports two hypotheses: the cecal development is related to diet and the cecal epithelium act as a site for primary absorption of nutrients or for re-absorption of electrolytes or amino acids derived from the urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalaa M AbuAli
- Department of Zoology,Faculty of Science,Assiut University,Assiut,Egypt
| | - Doaa M Mokhtar
- Department of Anatomy and Histology,Faculty of Vet. Medicine,Assiut University,Assiut,Egypt
| | - Reda A Ali
- Department of Zoology,Faculty of Science,Assiut University,Assiut,Egypt
| | - Ekbal T Wassif
- Department of Zoology,Faculty of Science,Assiut University,Assiut,Egypt
| | - K E H Abdalla
- Department of Anatomy and Histology,Faculty of Vet. Medicine,Assiut University,Assiut,Egypt
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21
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Li S, Shen X, He S. Expression of toll-like receptors and their regulatory roles in murine cardiac telocytes. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:5360-5368. [PMID: 31232516 PMCID: PMC6653320 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes, newly discovered in the last decade, are interstitial cells found in numerous organs, with multiple proposed potential biological functions. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in innate and adaptive immunity by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). However, it is still unknown whether telocytes express these innate receptors. We sought to determine the expression and role of TLRs in telocytes. In our study, we primarily detected TLR1-9 expression in telocytes. The proliferation, apoptosis and immunoregulatory activity of telocytes activated with or without TLR ligands were determined. Our results showed that purified telocytes expressed TLR2, TLR3 and TLR5. In particular, telocytes expressed high levels of TLR2 as observed using flow cytometry. When we stimulated telocytes with TLR2 or TLR3 agonists (Pam3CSK4, PolyI:C), iNOS expression was greatly increased after Pam3CSK4 treatment. Additionally, telocyte proliferation was reduced and cell apoptosis was increased after TLR agonist stimulation. A co-culture experiment showed that supernatant from telocytes pretreated with Pam3CSK4 inhibited T cell activation much more than that from untreated telocytes and this effect was mediated by iNOS. Overall, our results demonstrated TLR expression on telocytes for the first time and provided evidence of an immunoregulatory role of telocytes, indicating their clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinan Li
- Institute for Translation Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Xiaokun Shen
- Institute for Translation Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Shaoheng He
- Institute for Translation Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China.,Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Centre, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
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22
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Telocytes constitute a widespread interstitial meshwork in the lamina propria and underlying striated muscle of human tongue. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5858. [PMID: 30971762 PMCID: PMC6458118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42415-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes have recently emerged as unique interstitial cells defined by their extremely long, thin and moniliform prolongations termed telopodes. Despite growing evidence that these cells consistently reside in the stromal compartment of various organs from human beings, studies dealing with telocytes in structures of the oral cavity are scarce. Hence, the present morphologic study was undertaken to explore for the first time the presence and specific localization of telocytes within tissues of the normal human tongue, a complex muscular organ whose main functions include taste, speech, and food manipulation in the oral cavity. Telocytes were initially identified by CD34 immunostaining and confirmed by CD34/PDGFRα double immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. CD34+/PDGFRα+ telocytes were organized in interstitial meshworks either in the tongue lamina propria or in the underlying striated muscle. Lingual telocytes were immunonegative for CD31, c-kit and α-SMA. Telopodes were finely distributed throughout the stromal space and concentrated beneath the lingual epithelium and around CD31+ vessels, skeletal muscle bundles/fibers, and intramuscular nerves and ganglia. They also enveloped salivary gland units outside the α-SMA+ myoepithelial cells and delimited lymphoid aggregates. These findings establish telocytes as a previously overlooked interstitial cell population worth investigating further in the setting of human tongue pathophysiology.
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Morphological changes of telocytes in camel efferent ductules in response to seasonal variations during the reproductive cycle. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4507. [PMID: 30872789 PMCID: PMC6418092 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41143-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are a distinct stromal cell type described in many organs. The present study investigated the existence of TCs within the efferent ductules in camel and the changes that occur in their morphology and activity during active and inactive reproductive seasons. TCs in the camel had a cell body and multiple telopodes (TPs), and most TCs had indented nuclei that exhibited prominent intranucleolar chromatin. TCs exhibited seasonal differences which were evaluated by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry (IHC), Transimition electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of TCs in camel efferent ductules has been confirmed by CD34 positive immunostaing. In addition to the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which was stronger in the summer season. TCs exhibited stronger immunoreactivity for progesterone and oestrogen alpha receptors (ESR1) in the spring than in the summer. In addition, TCs showed strong positive immunostaining for both vimentin and androgen receptor (AR). Several ultrastructural changes were observed in TCs during the two seasons. TPs in the summer season had delicate ramifications whereas, in the spring, TPs displayed fine arborization and became more corrugated. TCs acquired signs of exaggerated secretory activities in the spring; TPs became expanded and packed with secretory vesicles. Thus, we conclude that, hormonal alterations during the reproductive cycle impact the morphology and secretory behavior of TCs.
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Beta-Estradiol Regulates Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels and Estrogen Receptors in Telocytes from Human Myometrium. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051413. [PMID: 29747396 PMCID: PMC5983827 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels and estrogen receptors are essential players in uterine physiology, and their association with different calcium signaling pathways contributes to healthy and pathological conditions of the uterine myometrium. Among the properties of the various cell subtypes present in human uterine myometrium, there is increasing evidence that calcium oscillations in telocytes (TCs) contribute to contractile activity and pregnancy. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of beta-estradiol on voltage-gated calcium channels and estrogen receptors in TCs from human uterine myometrium and to understand their role in pregnancy. For this purpose, we employed patch-clamp recordings, ratiometric Fura-2-based calcium imaging analysis, and qRT-PCR techniques for the analysis of cultured human myometrial TCs derived from pregnant and non-pregnant uterine samples. In human myometrial TCs from both non-pregnant and pregnant uterus, we evidenced by qRT-PCR the presence of genes encoding for voltage-gated calcium channels (Cav3.1, Ca3.2, Cav3.3, Cav2.1), estrogen receptors (ESR1, ESR2, GPR30), and nuclear receptor coactivator 3 (NCOA3). Pregnancy significantly upregulated Cav3.1 and downregulated Cav3.2, Cav3.3, ESR1, ESR2, and NCOA3, compared to the non-pregnant condition. Beta-estradiol treatment (24 h, 10, 100, 1000 nM) downregulated Cav3.2, Cav3.3, Cav1.2, ESR1, ESR2, GRP30, and NCOA3 in TCs from human pregnant uterine myometrium. We also confirmed the functional expression of voltage-gated calcium channels by patch-clamp recordings and calcium imaging analysis of TCs from pregnant human myometrium by perfusing with BAY K8644, which induced calcium influx through these channels. Additionally, we demonstrated that beta-estradiol (1000 nM) antagonized the effect of BAY K8644 (2.5 or 5 µM) in the same preparations. In conclusion, we evidenced the presence of voltage-gated calcium channels and estrogen receptors in TCs from non-pregnant and pregnant human uterine myometrium and their gene expression regulation by beta-estradiol in pregnant conditions. Further exploration of the calcium signaling in TCs and its modulation by estrogen hormones will contribute to the understanding of labor and pregnancy mechanisms and to the development of effective strategies to reduce the risk of premature birth.
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Liang XH, Sun H, Shen W, Wang S, Yao J, Migawa MT, Bui HH, Damle SS, Riney S, Graham MJ, Crooke RM, Crooke ST. Antisense oligonucleotides targeting translation inhibitory elements in 5' UTRs can selectively increase protein levels. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:9528-9546. [PMID: 28934489 PMCID: PMC5766168 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of diseases are caused by deficiencies in amounts or activity of key proteins. An approach that increases the amount of a specific protein might be of therapeutic benefit. We reasoned that translation could be specifically enhanced using trans-acting agents that counter the function of negative regulatory elements present in the 5' UTRs of some mRNAs. We recently showed that translation can be enhanced by antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target upstream open reading frames. Here we report the amount of a protein can also be selectively increased using ASOs designed to hybridize to other translation inhibitory elements in 5' UTRs. Levels of human RNASEH1, LDLR, and ACP1 and of mouse ACP1 and ARF1 were increased up to 2.7-fold in different cell types and species upon treatment with chemically modified ASOs targeting 5' UTR inhibitory regions in the mRNAs encoding these proteins. The activities of ASOs in enhancing translation were sequence and position dependent and required helicase activity. The ASOs appear to improve the recruitment of translation initiation factors to the target mRNA. Importantly, ASOs targeting ACP1 mRNA significantly increased the level of ACP1 protein in mice, suggesting that this approach has therapeutic and research potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-hai Liang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Wen Shen
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Joyee Yao
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Michael T. Migawa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Huynh-Hoa Bui
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Sagar S. Damle
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Stan Riney
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Mark J. Graham
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Rosanne M. Crooke
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Stanley T. Crooke
- Department of Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
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A Tale of Two Cells: Telocyte and Stem Cell Unique Relationship. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 913:359-376. [PMID: 27796899 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Telocytes have been identified as a distinctive type of interstitial cells and have been recognized in most tissues and organs. Telocytes are characterized by having extraordinary long cytoplasmic processes, telopodes, that extend to form three-dimensional networks and commonly constitute specialized forms of cell-to-cell junctions with other neighboring cells. Telocytes have been localized in the stem cell niche of different organs such as the heart, lung, skeletal muscle, and skin. Electron microscopy and electron tomography revealed a specialized link between telocytes and stem cells that postulates a potential role for telocytes during tissue regeneration and repair. In this review, the distribution of telocytes in different stem cell niches will be explored, highlighting the intimate relationship between the two types of cells and their possible functional relationship.
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Ibba-Manneschi L, Rosa I, Manetti M. Telocytes in Chronic Inflammatory and Fibrotic Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 913:51-76. [PMID: 27796880 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Telocytes are a peculiar stromal (interstitial) cell type implicated in tissue homeostasis and development, as well as in the pathophysiology of several disorders. Severe damage and reduction of telocytes have been reported during fibrotic remodeling of multiple organs in various diseases, including scleroderma, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and liver fibrosis, as well as in chronic inflammatory lesions like those of primary Sjögren's syndrome and psoriasis. Owing to their close relationship with stem cells, telocytes are also supposed to contribute to tissue repair/regeneration. Indeed, telocytes are universally considered as "connecting cells" mostly oriented to intercellular signaling. On the basis of recent promising experimental findings, in the near future, telocyte transplantation might represent a novel therapeutic opportunity to control the evolution of chronic inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Notably, there is evidence to support that telocytes could help in preventing abnormal activation of immune cells and fibroblasts, as well as in attenuating the altered matrix organization during the fibrotic process. By targeting telocytes alone or in tandem with stem cells, we might be able to promote regeneration and prevent the evolution to irreversible tissue injury. Besides exogenous transplantation, exploring pharmacological or non-pharmacological methods to enhance the growth and/or survival of telocytes could be an additional therapeutic strategy for many disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Ibba-Manneschi
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence, 50134, Italy.
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Radu BM, Banciu A, Banciu DD, Radu M, Cretoiu D, Cretoiu SM. Calcium Signaling in Interstitial Cells: Focus on Telocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020397. [PMID: 28208829 PMCID: PMC5343932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we describe the current knowledge on calcium signaling pathways in interstitial cells with a special focus on interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLCs), and telocytes. In detail, we present the generation of Ca2+ oscillations, the inositol triphosphate (IP3)/Ca2+ signaling pathway and modulation exerted by cytokines and vasoactive agents on calcium signaling in interstitial cells. We discuss the physiology and alterations of calcium signaling in interstitial cells, and in particular in telocytes. We describe the physiological contribution of calcium signaling in interstitial cells to the pacemaking activity (e.g., intestinal, urinary, uterine or vascular pacemaking activity) and to the reproductive function. We also present the pathological contribution of calcium signaling in interstitial cells to the aortic valve calcification or intestinal inflammation. Moreover, we summarize the current knowledge of the role played by calcium signaling in telocytes in the uterine, cardiac and urinary physiology, and also in various pathologies, including immune response, uterine and cardiac pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, Verona 37134, Italy.
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, Bucharest 050095, Romania.
| | - Adela Banciu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, Bucharest 050095, Romania.
- Research Beyond Limits, Dimitrie Cantemir 15, Bucharest 040234, Romania.
- Engineering Faculty, Constantin Brancusi University, Calea Eroilor 30, Targu Jiu 210135, Romania.
| | - Daniel Dumitru Banciu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, Bucharest 050095, Romania.
- Research Beyond Limits, Dimitrie Cantemir 15, Bucharest 040234, Romania.
| | - Mihai Radu
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, Verona 37134, Italy.
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Reactorului 30, P.O. Box MG-6, Magurele 077125, Romania.
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Division of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania.
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest 050096, Romania.
| | - Sanda Maria Cretoiu
- Division of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania.
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest 050096, Romania.
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Abstract
Telocyte (TC) is a new identified interstitial cell type with a small nuclear and one or several long and thin prolongations with enlargements on them. They were found in many mammals including humans, mouse, rats, dogs, and monkeys and play vital roles in many physiological and pathological conditions. The ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed in TCs, and the alterations were found in TCs from inflammatory ureter tissue. MtDNA is associated with mitochondria normal functions and involved in physiological and pathological processes. However, mitochondria and mtDNA in TCs were not investigated deeply. This review will introduce the origin, distribution, morphology, and functions of TCs and the distribution and functions of TC mitochondria in order to improve a better understanding of the potential functions of mtDNA in TCs.
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30
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Yang P, Ahmad N, Hunag Y, Ullah S, Zhang Q, Waqas Y, Liu Y, Li Q, Hu L, Chen Q. Telocytes: novel interstitial cells present in the testis parenchyma of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 19:2888-99. [PMID: 26769239 PMCID: PMC4687711 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are novel interstitial cells that have been found in various organs, but the existence of TCs in the testes has not yet been reported. The present ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study revealed the existence of TCs and differentiate these cells from the peritubular cells (Pc) in contact with the surrounding structures in the testes. Firstly, our results confirmed the existence of two cell types surrounding seminiferous tubules; these were Pc (smooth muscle like characteristics) and TCs (as an outer layer around Pc). Telocytes and their long thin prolongations called telopodes (Tps) were detected as alternations of thin segments (podomers) and thick bead-like portions (podoms), the latter of which accommodate the mitochondria and vesicles. The spindle and irregularly shaped cell bodies were observed with small amounts of cytoplasm around them. In contrast, the processes of Pc contained abundant actin filaments with focal densities, irregular spine-like outgrowths and nuclei that exhibited irregularities similar to those of smooth muscle cells. The TCs connected with each other via homocellular and heterocellular junctions with Pc, Leydig cells and blood vessels. The Tps of the vascular TCs had bands and shed more vesicles than the other TCs. Immunohistochemistry (CD34) revealed strong positive expression within the TC cell bodies and Tps. Our data confirmed the existence and the contact of TCs with their surroundings in the testes of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, which may offer new insights for understanding the function of the testes and preventing and treating testicular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nisar Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yufei Hunag
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shakeeb Ullah
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yasir Waqas
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Quanfu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lisi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Cretoiu D, Radu BM, Banciu A, Banciu DD, Cretoiu SM. Telocytes heterogeneity: From cellular morphology to functional evidence. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 64:26-39. [PMID: 27569187 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), located ubiquitously in the internal organs of vertebrates, are a heterogeneous, recently described, cell population of the stromal space. Characterized by lengthy cytoplasmic extensions that can reach tens of microns and are called telopodes (Tps), TCs are difficult to see using conventional microscopes. It was the electron microscopy which led to their first identification and Popescu's team the first responsible for the reconstructions indicating TCs 'organization' in a three-dimensional (3D) network that is believed to be accountable for the complex roles of TCs. Gradually, it became increasingly evident that TCs are difficult to characterize in terms of immunophenotype and that their phenotype is different depending on the location and needs of the tissue at one time. This review discusses the growing body of evidence accumulated since TCs were discovered and highlights how the complex interplay between TCs and stem cells might be of importance for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragos Cretoiu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania; 'Victor Babes' National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest 050096, Romania
| | - Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy; Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Adela Banciu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Daniel Dumitru Banciu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Sanda Maria Cretoiu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania; 'Victor Babes' National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest 050096, Romania.
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32
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Cretoiu D, Xu J, Xiao J, Cretoiu SM. Telocytes and Their Extracellular Vesicles-Evidence and Hypotheses. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1322. [PMID: 27529228 PMCID: PMC5000719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Entering the new millennium, nobody believed that there was the possibility of discovering a new cellular type. Nevertheless, telocytes (TCs) were described as a novel kind of interstitial cell. Ubiquitously distributed in the extracellular matrix of any tissue, TCs are regarded as cells with telopodes involved in intercellular communication by direct homo- and heterocellular junctions or by extracellular vesicle (EVs) release. Their discovery has aroused the interest of many research groups worldwide, and many researchers regard them as potentially regenerative cells. Given the experience of our laboratory, where these cells were first described, we review the evidence supporting the fact that TCs release EVs, and discuss alternative hypotheses about their future implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragos Cretoiu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania.
- Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest 050096, Romania.
| | - Jiahong Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China.
| | - Junjie Xiao
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Sanda M Cretoiu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania.
- Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest 050096, Romania.
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Liu T, Wang S, Li Q, Huang Y, Chen C, Zheng J. Telocytes as potential targets in a cyclophosphamide-induced animal model of premature ovarian failure. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:2415-22. [PMID: 27485835 PMCID: PMC4991733 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) refers to the presence of ovarian atrophic permanent amenorrhea in women under the age of 40. The pathogenesis of POF remains to be fully elucidated. Telocytes are a group of specialized cells with a small cell volume and very long cytoplasmic prolongations with dichotomous branching. Previous studies have indicated that telocytes function to support the trachea and serve as stem cell niches. Although it has been confirmed that telocytes are present in numerous organs in mammals, it remains to be determined whether they are present in ovarian tissues and whether they are involved in the development of POF. The present study used a cyclophosphamide-induced mouse model of POF. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that cyclophosphamide induced edema and apoptosis of ovarian stromal and granulosa cells and increased atretic follicles. In addition, cyclophosphamide induced abnormal peripheral blood FSH and E2 levels in mice. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a small number of telocyte-like cell structures in the ovarian stroma of wild-type mice. In addition, flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining results suggested that the number of cluster of differentiation (CD)34/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α, CD34/PDGFRβ and CD34/vimentin double-positive cells in the ovaries of POF mice was significantly decreased compared with wild-type mice. In conclusion, mouse ovarian tissues appear to contain telocytes, and cyclophosphamide treatment significantly reduced the number of ovarian telocytes. Therefore, telocytes may serve as a potential novel marker of POF induced by cyclophosphamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te Liu
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Suwei Wang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Li
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Yongyi Huang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Jin Zheng
- Department of Gynecological Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
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34
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Cretoiu D, Cretoiu SM. Telocytes in the reproductive organs: Current understanding and future challenges. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 55:40-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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35
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Li YY, Lu SS, Xu T, Zhang HQ, Li H. Comparative Analysis of Telomerase Activity in CD117⁺ CD34⁺ Cardiac Telocytes with Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Cardiac Fibroblasts and Cardiomyocytes. Chin Med J (Engl) 2016; 128:1942-7. [PMID: 26168836 PMCID: PMC4717931 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.160560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study characterized the cardiac telocyte (TC) population both in vivo and in vitro, and investigated its telomerase activity related to mitosis. Methods: Using transmission electron microscopy and a phase contrast microscope, the typical morphological features of cardiac TCs were observed; by targeting the cell surface proteins CD117 and CD34, CD117+CD34+ cardiac TCs were sorted via flow cytometry and validated by immunofluorescence based on the primary cell culture. Then the optimized basal nutrient medium for selected population was examined with the cell counting kit 8. Under this conditioned medium, the process of cell division was captured, and the telomerase activity of CD117+CD34+ cardiac TCs was detected in comparison with bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), cardiac fibroblasts (CFBs), cardiomyocytes (CMs). Results: Cardiac TCs projected characteristic telopodes with thin segments (podomers) in alternation with dilation (podoms). In addition, 64% of the primary cultured cardiac TCs were composed of CD117+CD34+ cardiac TCs; which was verified by immunofluorescence. In a live cell imaging system, CD117+CD34+ cardiac TCs were observed to enter into cell division in a short time, followed by an significant invagination forming across the middle of the cell body. Using a real-time quantitative telomeric-repeat amplification assay, the telomerase concentration in CD117+CD34+ cardiac TCs was obviously lower than in BMSCs and CFBs, and significantly higher than in CMs. Conclusions: Cardiac TCs represent a unique cell population and CD117+CD34+ cardiac TCs have relative low telomerase activity that differs from BMSCs, CFBs and CMs and thus they might play an important role in maintaining cardiac homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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36
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Xiao J, Chen P, Qu Y, Yu P, Yao J, Wang H, Fu S, Bei Y, Chen Y, Che L, Xu J. Telocytes in exercise-induced cardiac growth. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 20:973-9. [PMID: 26987685 PMCID: PMC4831349 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise can induce physiological cardiac growth, which is featured by enlarged cardiomyocyte cell size and formation of new cardiomyocytes. Telocytes (TCs) are a recently identified distinct interstitial cell type, existing in many tissues and organs including heart. TCs have been shown to form a tandem with cardiac stem/progenitor cells in cardiac stem cell niches, participating in cardiac regeneration and repair. Although exercise‐induced cardiac growth has been confirmed as an important way to promote cardiac regeneration and repair, the response of cardiac TCs to exercise is still unclear. In this study, 4 weeks of swimming training was used to induce robust healthy cardiac growth. Exercise can induce an increase in cardiomyocyte cell size and formation of new cardiomyocytes as determined by Wheat Germ Lectin and EdU staining respectively. TCs were identified by three immunofluorescence stainings including double labelling for CD34/vimentin, CD34/platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor‐α and CD34/PDGF receptor‐β. We found that cardiac TCs were significantly increased in exercised heart, suggesting that TCs might help control the activity of cardiac stem/progenitor cells, cardiomyocytes or endothelial cells. Adding cardiac TCs might help promote cardiac regeneration and renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Xiao
- Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Geriatrics, Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Pujiao Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Yangpu District Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongbao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Yangpu District Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyi Fu
- Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihua Bei
- Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Che
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahong Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Potential roles of telocytes in lung diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 55:31-9. [PMID: 26855021 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are a unique type of interstitial cells with specific, extremely long prolongations named telopodes (Tps), as shown by immune-positive staining against CD34, c-kit and vimentin. They were found in many organs of mammals, with potential biological functions, including the trachea and lung, even though the exact function remains unclear. Here, we give a historical overview of the TCs research field and summarize the latest findings associated with TCs, with a special focus on the recent progress about TCs specific gene and protein profiles that has been made in understanding that TCs may play a potential, but important, role in the pathogenesis of lung diseases.
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Bei Y, Zhou Q, Sun Q, Xiao J. Telocytes in cardiac regeneration and repair. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 55:14-21. [PMID: 26826525 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are a novel type of stromal cells reported by Popescu's group in 2010. The unique feature that distinguishes TCs from other "classical" stromal cells is their extremely long and thin telopodes (Tps). As evidenced by electron microscopy, TCs are widely distributed in almost all tissues and organs. TCs contribute to form a three-dimensional interstitial network and play as active regulators in intercellular communication via homocellular/heterocellular junctions or shed vesicles. Interestingly, increasing evidence suggests the potential role of TCs in regenerative medicine. Although the heart retains some limited endogenous regenerative capacity, cardiac regenerative and repair response is however insufficient to make up the loss of cardiomyocytes upon injury. Developing novel strategies to increase cardiomyocyte renewal and repair is of great importance for the treatment of cardiac diseases. In this review, we focus on the role of TCs in cardiac regeneration and repair. We particularly describe the intercellular communication between TCs and cardiomyocytes, stem/progenitor cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Also, we discuss the current knowledge about TCs in cardiac repair after myocardial injury, as well as their potential roles in cardiac development and aging. TC-based therapy or TC-derived exosome delivery might be used as novel therapeutic strategies to promote cardiac regeneration and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihua Bei
- Regeneration and Aging Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Qiulian Zhou
- Regeneration and Aging Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Regeneration and Aging Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Junjie Xiao
- Regeneration and Aging Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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Behaviour of telocytes during physiopathological activation. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 55:50-61. [PMID: 26826526 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We consider CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes (CD34+ SC/TCs) in normal and pathological conditions. These cells are involved in organisation and control of the extracellular matrix, structural support, creation of microenvironments, intercellular communication, neurotransmission, immunomodulation and immunosurveillance, inhibition of apoptosis, and control, regulation and source of other cell types. CD34+ SC/TCs are widely reported in the origin of interstitial cells of Cajal and in regeneration in the heart, skeletal muscle, skin, respiratory tree, liver, urinary system and the eye. In addition, we contribute CD34+ SC/TC hyperplasia associated with several processes, including neurogenous hyperplasia (neuroma of the appendix), hyperplasia of Leydig cells in undescended testes (Cryptorchidism), peripheral areas of inflammatory/repair processes (pericicatricial tissue and transitional zones between diseased segments in Crohn's disease and normal bowel), benign tumours (neurofibromas, Antoni-B zones of neurilemmomas, granular cell tumours, and melanocytic nevi) and in some lesions with myxoid, oedematous and degenerative changes (Reinke's oedema, myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and basophilic degenerative changes of the collagen in the dermis). We pay particular attention to the role of CD34+ SC/TCs during repair through granulation tissue, including morphologic changes, loss of CD34 expression and gain of αSMA expression with myofibroblast transformation, and interactions with pericytes, endothelial and inflammatory cells. Finally, we consider CD34 or αSMA expression in stromal cells of malignant epithelial tumours, and the role of CD34+ SC/TCs in the origin of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and myofibroblasts. In conclusion, CD34+ SC/TCs play an important role in the maintenance and modulation of tissue homeostasis and in morphogenesis/renewal/repair.
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Boos AM, Weigand A, Brodbeck R, Beier JP, Arkudas A, Horch RE. The potential role of telocytes in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 55:70-8. [PMID: 26805441 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Research and ideas for potential applications in the field of Tissue Engineering (TE) and Regenerative Medicine (RM) have been constantly increasing over recent years, basically driven by the fundamental human dream of repairing and regenerating lost tissue and organ functions. The basic idea of TE is to combine cells with putative stem cell properties with extracellular matrix components, growth factors and supporting matrices to achieve independently growing tissue. As a side effect, in the past years, more insights have been gained into cell-cell interaction and how to manipulate cell behavior. However, to date the ideal cell source has still to be found. Apart from commonly known various stem cell sources, telocytes (TC) have recently attracted increasing attention because they might play a potential role for TE and RM. It becomes increasingly evident that TC provide a regenerative potential and act in cellular communication through their network-forming telopodes. While TE in vitro experiments can be the first step, the key for elucidating their regenerative role will be the investigation of the interaction of TC with the surrounding tissue. For later clinical applications further steps have to include an upscaling process of vascularization of engineered tissue. Arteriovenous loop models to vascularize such constructs provide an ideal platform for preclinical testing of future therapeutic concepts in RM. The following review article should give an overview of what is known so far about the potential role of TC in TE and RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja M Boos
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Annika Weigand
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rebekka Brodbeck
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Justus P Beier
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Arkudas
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raymund E Horch
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
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41
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Immunohistochemistry of Telocytes in the Uterus and Fallopian Tubes. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:335-357. [PMID: 27796898 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The seminal work of Popescu and colleagues first demonstrated the existence of a new cell type - the telocytes. We were among the first who reported the presence of such cells in the female genital tract and performed TEM examinations, as well as immunohistochemical staining in the attempt to find a specific marker. Telocytes from rat and from the human uterus and from human fallopian tube were extensively investigated initially by comparison with interstitial cells of Cajal. Progress in telocyte research led to the identification of different subtypes suggestive for a heterogeneous telocyte population which can even coexist in the same location. As a consequence, the functions of TCs are still elusive and can be considered a versatile phenomenon that depends on a variety of conditions, including signal reception and transmission of information via extracellular vesicles or by direct intercellular contact.
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Wang J, Jin M, Ma WH, Zhu Z, Wang X. The History of Telocyte Discovery and Understanding. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:1-21. [PMID: 27796877 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are identified as a peculiar cell type of interstitial cells in various organs. The typical features of TCs from the other cells are the extending cellular process as telopodes with alternation of podomeres and podoms. Before the year of 2010, TCs were considered as interstitial Cajal-like cells because of the similar morphology and immunohistochemical features with interstitial cells of Cajal which were found more than 100 years ago and considered to be pacemakers for gut motility. Subsequently, it demonstrated that TCs were not Cajal-like cells, and thus the new name "telocyte" was proposed in 2010. With the help of different techniques, e.g., transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, or omics science, TCs have been detected in various tissues and organs from different species. The pathological role of TCs in different diseases was also studied. According to observation in situ or in vitro, TCs played a vital role in mechanical support, signaling transduction, tissue renewal or repair, immune surveillance, and mechanical sensor via establishing homo- or heterogenous junctions with neighboring cells to form 3D network or release extracellular vesicles to form juxtacrine and paracrine. This review will introduce the origin, distribution, morphology, functions, omics science, methods, and interaction of TCs with other cells and provide a better understanding of the new cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Clinical Science Institute of Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiling Jin
- Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Clinical Science Institute of Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Huan Ma
- Zhabei District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yanchang Middle Road No. 288, Jingan District, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhitu Zhu
- Jinzhou Hospital of Liaoning Medical College, Jinzhou, China.
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Clinical Science Institute of Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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Abstract
Currently, the exact role of telocytes within fascial structures is unknown. The morphology, distribution and behaviour of fascial telocytes as well as the mutual relationship between telocytes and other cellular fascia constituents should be definitely a subject of further studies. It will contribute to better understanding of the role of the fascial system in health and diseases, may shed light on the regeneration potential of these tissues and may help to find targets for future treatments for locomotor disorders, including fascial diseases. Last but not least, confirmation of the presence of telocytes within fascia may contribute to optimise the use of fascia as a graft material.
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Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are a novel type of interstitial cells, with extremely long and thin cellular prolongations termed telopodes (Tps). TCs were first identified by Popescu et al. and described their finding as "cells with telopodes." The presence of TCs has been reported in the majority of tissues and organs (for details please visit www.telocytes.com ). TCs have been ignored or overlooked for a long time due to our inability to observe these cells via a light microscopy. TCs represent a distinct cell population, different from other types of interstitial cells, based on their distinct (ultra)structure, immunophenotype, microRNA profile, gene feature, proteome signature, and secretome features. As TCs have been suggested as new cellular targets for forthcoming therapies, developing specific methods to modulate TC numbers represents an important objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Xiao
- Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, 333 Nan Chen Road, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Yihua Bei
- Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Experimental Center of Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, 333 Nan Chen Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
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Zheng Y, Wang X. Roles of Telocytes in the Development of Angiogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:253-261. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Cretoiu D. The Third Dimension of Telocytes Revealed by FIB-SEM Tomography. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:325-334. [PMID: 27796897 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lately, spatial three-dimensional (3D) identity of cells and their interrelations with the environment that surrounds it represent a challenging trend with the purpose to achieve a holistic view over the functions. Combining data from different imaging of cells in the third dimension can offer insight into behavior modalities making a world of difference. This chapter outlines a breakthrough in telocyte research by volume electron microscopy with the aid of focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). Reconstructing 3D (three-dimensional) appearance of telocytes from a set of two-dimensional (2D) images by FIB-SEM tomography allowed to extract valuable data about their volume in nanoscale dimensions such as the three-dimensional morphology of telopodes and extracellular vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragos Cretoiu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, 050096, Romania. .,Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, 050474, Romania.
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Horch RE, Weigand A, Beier JP, Arkudas A, Boos AM. The Potential Role of Telocytes for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:139-147. [PMID: 27796885 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in surgery, medicine and anaesthesiology as well as the development of microsurgical tissue transplantation, wear out of body parts remains a problem, and organ shortage does not allow to allocate enough donor organs for patients with vital diseases and conditions. The idea to create spare parts or spare organs from the patients own cells by combining engineering approaches to cellular and molecular medicine for th purpose of Tissue Engineering (TE) was fascinating when popularized in the early 1990ies. However clinically success was limited, mainly because of a lack in rapid vascularization of large scale TE replacement constructs useful for clinical purposes. The idea to utilize cells and cytokines to aid the human organism in gradually restoring lost tissue functions has drawn attention to the wider field of Regenerative Medicine (RM). Stem cells and putative stem cells, such as the recently discovered and meanwhile well described interstitial Telocytes, which are comprised of extremely long and thin prolongations named telopodes, may well become active players in the regenerative process. This article highlights the principles of TE and RM and the potential role of Telocytes with regard to tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymund E Horch
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg FAU, Krankenhausstrasse 12, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Annika Weigand
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg FAU, Krankenhausstrasse 12, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Justus P Beier
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg FAU, Krankenhausstrasse 12, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Arkudas
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg FAU, Krankenhausstrasse 12, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja M Boos
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg FAU, Krankenhausstrasse 12, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
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48
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Yang XJ. Telocytes in Inflammatory Gynaecologic Diseases and Infertility. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:263-285. [PMID: 27796894 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Women suffered with inflammatory gynecologic diseases, such as endometriosis (EMs) and acute salpingitis (AS) often complained of sub- or infertility, even in those women without obvious macroscopic anatomical pelvic abnormalities also have unexplained infertility. Generally, besides the well-known impairment of classically described oviduct cells caused by inflammatory diseases, such as the ciliated cells, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, the involvement of the newly identified telocytes (TCs) in disease-affected oviduct tissues and potential pathophysiological roles in fertility problems remain unknown. In this chapter, TCs was investigated in rat model of EMs- and AS-affected oviduct tissues. Results showed inflammation and ischaemia-induced extensive ultrastructural damages of TCs both in cellular body and prolongations, with obvious TCs loss and interstitial fibrotic remodelling. Such in vivo pathological alterations might contribute to structural and functional abnormalities of oviduct tissue and potentially engaged in sub- or infertility. And especially, TCs connected to various activated immunocytes in both normal and diseased tissues, thus might participate in local immunoregulation (either repression or activation) and serve a possible explanation for immune-mediated pregnancy failure. Then, in vitro cell co-culture study showed that uterine TC conditioned media (TCM) can activate mouse peritoneal macrophages and subsequently trigger its cytokine secretion, thus providepreliminary evidence that, TCs are not simply innocent bystanders, but are instead potential functional players in local immunoregulatory and immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Road, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 215006, People's Republic of China.
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Song D, Cretoiu D, Zheng M, Qian M, Zhang M, Cretoiu SM, Chen L, Fang H, Popescu LM, Wang X. Comparison of Chromosome 4 gene expression profile between lung telocytes and other local cell types. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 20:71-80. [PMID: 26678350 PMCID: PMC4717865 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are new cellular entities of mesenchymal origin described almost ubiquitously in human and mammalian organs (www.telocytes.com). Different subtypes of TCs were described, all forming networks in the interstitial space by homo- and heterocellular junctions. Previous studies analysed the gene expression profiles of chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 17 and 18 of murine pulmonary TCs. In this study, we analysed by bioinformatics tools the gene expression profiles of chromosome 4 for murine pulmonary TCs and compared it with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), fibroblasts (Fbs), alveolar type II cells (ATII), airway basal cells, proximal airway cells, CD8(+) T cells from bronchial lymph nodes (T-BL) and CD8(+) T cells from lungs (T-L). Key functional genes were identified with the aid of the reference library of the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus database. Seventeen genes were up-regulated and 56 genes were down-regulated in chromosome 4 of TCs compared with other cells. Four genes (Akap2, Gpr153, Sdc3 and Tbc1d2) were up-regulated between one and fourfold and one gene, Svep1, was overexpressed over fourfold. The main functional networks were identified and analysed, pointing out to a TCs involvement in cellular signalling, regulation of tissue inflammation and cell expansion and movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongli Song
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Minghuan Zheng
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjia Qian
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
| | - Sanda M Cretoiu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luonan Chen
- State Key Lab of Systems Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Laurentiu M Popescu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
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50
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Chi C, Jiang XJ, Su L, Shen ZJ, Yang XJ. In vitro morphology, viability and cytokine secretion of uterine telocyte-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:2741-50. [PMID: 26471943 PMCID: PMC4687714 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a distinct interstitial cell population, have been identified in the uterus, oviduct and placenta, with multiple proposed potential biological functions. Their unique structure allows them to form intercellular junctions with various immunocytes, both in normal and diseased tissues, suggesting a potential functional relationship with the local immune response. It has been hypothesized that through direct heterocellular junctions or indirect paracrine effects, TCs influence the activity of local immunocytes that are involved in the inflammatory process and in immune-mediated reproductive abnormalities. However, no reliable cytological evidence for this hypothesis is currently available. In this study, we cultured primary murine uterine TCs and collected TC conditioned media (TCM). Mouse peritoneal macrophages (pMACs) were co-cultured for 48 hrs with TCM or with DMEM/F12 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as negative and positive controls, respectively. Normal uterine TCs with a typical structure and a CD-34-positive/vimentin-positive/c-kit-negative immunophenotype were observed during culture. Morphologically, TCM-treated pMACs displayed an obvious activation/immunoresponse, in contrast to over-stimulation and cell death after LPS treatment and no sign of activation in the presence of DMEM/F12. Accordingly, a cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay indicated significant activation of pMACs by TCM and LPS compared to DMEM/F12, thus supporting the marked morphological differences among these groups of cells. Furthermore, within a panel of macrophage-derived cytokines/enzymes, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase were significantly elevated in TCM-treated pMACs; tumour necrosis factor α, IL1-R1, and IL-10 were slightly, but significantly, up-regulated; and no changes were observed for transforming growth factor-β1, IL-1β, IL-23α and IL-18. Our results indicate that TCs are not simply innocent bystanders but are rather functional players in the activation of pMACs; they trigger and maintain the immune response, likely through indirect paracrine effects. Thus, we provide preliminary in vitro evidence of immunoregulatory and immunosurveillance roles for TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Lei Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Zong-Ji Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China
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