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Cui L, Liu T, Huang C, Yang F, Luo L, Sun L, Zhao Y, Wang D, Wang M, Ji Y, Zhu W. Gastric Cancer Mesenchymal Stem Cells Trigger Endothelial Cell Functional Changes to Promote Cancer Progression. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1285-1298. [PMID: 38598065 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10720-8] [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] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Our previous studies have highlighted the pivotal role of gastric cancer mesenchymal stem cells (GCMSCs) in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. In parallel, it is well-documented that endothelial cells (ECs) undergo functional alterations in response to challenging tumor microenvironment. This study aims to elucidate whether functional changes in ECs might be induced by GCMSCs and thus influence cancer progression. Cell proliferation was assessed through CCK-8 and colony formation assays, while cell migration and invasion capabilities were evaluated by wound-healing and Transwell assays. Immunohistochemistry was employed to examine protein distribution and expression levels. Additionally, quantitative analysis of protein and mRNA expression was carried out through Western blotting and qRT-PCR respectively, with gene knockdown achieved using siRNA. Our findings revealed that GCMSCs effectively stimulate cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), both in vitro and in vivo. GCMSCs promote the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells by inducing the expression of Slit2 in HUVECs. Notably, the inhibition of phosphorylated AKT partially mitigates the aforementioned effects. In conclusion, GCMSCs may exert regulatory control over Slit2 expression in ECs via the AKT signaling pathway, thereby inducing functional changes in ECs that promote tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjing Cui
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Chao Huang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Fumeng Yang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Liqi Luo
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mei Wang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Yong Ji
- Department of Surgery, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China.
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Muruganandam M, Ariza-Hutchinson A, Patel RA, Sibbitt WL. Biomarkers in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:4633-4660. [PMID: 37868834 PMCID: PMC10590076 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s379815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vascular damage, vasoinstability, and decreased perfusion with ischemia, inflammation, and exuberant fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Biomarkers are analytic indicators of the biological and disease processes within an individual that can be accurately and reproducibly measured. The field of biomarkers in SSc is complex as recent studies have implicated at least 240 pathways and dysregulated proteins in SSc pathogenesis. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are classical biomarkers with well-described clinical classifications and are present in more than 90% of SSc patients and include anti-centromere, anti-Th/To, anti-RNA polymerase III, and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is central to the fibrotic process of SSc and is intimately intertwined with other biomarkers. Tyrosine kinases, interferon-1 signaling, IL-6 signaling, endogenous thrombin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), lysophosphatidic acid receptors, and amino acid metabolites are new biomarkers with the potential for developing new therapeutic agents. Other biomarkers implicated in SSc-ILD include signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), CD226 (DNAX accessory molecule 1), interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), T-cell surface glycoprotein zeta chain (CD3ζ) or CD247, the NLR family, SP-D (surfactant protein), KL-6, leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1), CCL19, genetic factors including DRB1 alleles, the interleukins (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 IL-13, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-32, and IL-35), the chemokines CCL (2,3,5,13,20,21,23), CXC (8,9,10,11,16), CX3CL1 (fractalkine), and GDF15. Adiponectin (an indicator of PPAR activation) and maresin 1 are reduced in SSc patients. A new trend has been the use of biomarker panels with combined complex multifactor analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to determine disease activity and response to therapy. The present review is an update of the various biomarker molecules, pathways, and receptors involved in the pathology of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheswari Muruganandam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Angie Ariza-Hutchinson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Rosemina A Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Wilmer L Sibbitt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Bhosle VK, Sun C, Patel S, Ho TWW, Westman J, Ammendolia DA, Langari FM, Fine N, Toepfner N, Li Z, Sharma M, Glogauer J, Capurro MI, Jones NL, Maynes JT, Lee WL, Glogauer M, Grinstein S, Robinson LA. The chemorepellent, SLIT2, bolsters innate immunity against Staphylococcus aureus. eLife 2023; 12:e87392. [PMID: 37773612 PMCID: PMC10541174 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87392] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are essential for host defense against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The neuro-repellent, SLIT2, potently inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis, and might, therefore, be expected to impair antibacterial responses. We report here that, unexpectedly, neutrophils exposed to the N-terminal SLIT2 (N-SLIT2) fragment kill extracellular S. aureus more efficiently. N-SLIT2 amplifies reactive oxygen species production in response to the bacteria by activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase that in turn phosphorylates NCF1, an essential subunit of the NADPH oxidase complex. N-SLIT2 also enhances the exocytosis of neutrophil secondary granules. In a murine model of S. aureus skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI), local SLIT2 levels fall initially but increase subsequently, peaking at 3 days after infection. Of note, the neutralization of endogenous SLIT2 worsens SSTI. Temporal fluctuations in local SLIT2 levels may promote neutrophil recruitment and retention at the infection site and hasten bacterial clearance by augmenting neutrophil oxidative burst and degranulation. Collectively, these actions of SLIT2 coordinate innate immune responses to limit susceptibility to S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikrant K Bhosle
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
| | - Chunxiang Sun
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Sajedabanu Patel
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
| | - Tse Wing Winnie Ho
- The Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Unity Health TorontoTorontoCanada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, Medical Sciences Building, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Johannes Westman
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
| | - Dustin A Ammendolia
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Medical Sciences Building, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Fatemeh Mirshafiei Langari
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Sciences Building, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Noah Fine
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Nicole Toepfner
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Zhubing Li
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
| | - Manraj Sharma
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
| | - Judah Glogauer
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Mariana I Capurro
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
| | - Nicola L Jones
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoCanada
- Department of Physiology, Medical Sciences Building, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Department of Paediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Jason T Maynes
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoCanada
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Warren L Lee
- The Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Unity Health TorontoTorontoCanada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, Medical Sciences Building, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Sciences Building, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Department of Medicine and Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Michael Glogauer
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Department of Dental Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthetics, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer CentreTorontoCanada
- Centre for Advanced Dental Research and Care, Mount Sinai HospitalTorontoCanada
| | - Sergio Grinstein
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
- The Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Unity Health TorontoTorontoCanada
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Sciences Building, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Lisa A Robinson
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research InstituteTorontoCanada
- Department of Paediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoCanada
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Feng L, Shu HP, Sun LL, Tu YC, Liao QQ, Yao LJ. Role of the SLIT-ROBO signaling pathway in renal pathophysiology and various renal diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1226341. [PMID: 37497439 PMCID: PMC10366692 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1226341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
SLIT ligand and its receptor ROBO were initially recognized for their role in axon guidance in central nervous system development. In recent years, as research has advanced, the role of the SLIT-ROBO signaling pathway has gradually expanded from axonal repulsion to cell migration, tumor development, angiogenesis, and bone metabolism. As a secreted protein, SLIT regulates various pathophysiological processes in the kidney, such as proinflammatory responses and fibrosis progression. Many studies have shown that SLIT-ROBO is extensively involved in various aspects of kidney development and maintenance of structure and function. The SLIT-ROBO signaling pathway also plays an important role in different types of kidney disease. This article reviews the advances in the study of the SLIT-ROBO pathway in various renal pathophysiological and kidney disorders and proposes new directions for further research in this field.
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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Matucci-Cerinic M, Romano E, Manetti M. Current Trends in Vascular Biomarkers for Systemic Sclerosis: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044097. [PMID: 36835506 PMCID: PMC9965592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a multifaceted rare connective tissue disease whose pathogenesis is dominated by immune dysregulation, small vessel vasculopathy, impaired angiogenesis, and both cutaneous and visceral fibrosis. Microvascular impairment represents the initial event of the disease, preceding fibrosis by months or years and accounting for the main disabling and/or life-threatening clinical manifestations, including telangiectasias, pitting scars, periungual microvascular abnormalities (e.g., giant capillaries, hemorrhages, avascular areas, ramified/bushy capillaries) clinically detectable by nailfold videocapillaroscopy, ischemic digital ulcers, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and scleroderma renal crisis. Despite a variety of available treatment options, treatment of SSc-related vascular disease remains problematic, even considering SSc etherogenity and the quite narrow therapeutic window. In this context, plenty of studies have highlighted the great usefulness in clinical practice of vascular biomarkers allowing clinicians to assess the evolution of the pathological process affecting the vessels, as well as to predict the prognosis and the response to therapy. The current narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of the main candidate vascular biomarkers that have been proposed for SSc, focusing on their main reported associations with characteristic clinical vascular features of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Giuggioli D, Manetti M, Matucci-Cerinic M. Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulation fosters angiogenesis and blunts myofibroblast-like features of systemic sclerosis endothelial cells. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:SI125-SI137. [PMID: 35900177 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In SSc, angiogenesis impairment advances in parallel with the development of fibrosis orchestrated by myofibroblasts originating from different sources, including endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation has shown antifibrotic effects in SSc skin fibroblasts and mouse models. Here, we investigated the effects of pharmacological sGC stimulation on impaired angiogenesis and myofibroblast-like features of SSc dermal microvascular endothelial cells (SSc-MVECs). METHODS To determine whether sGC stimulation affected cell viability/proliferation, SSc-MVECs and healthy dermal MVECs (H-MVECs) were challenged with the sGC stimulator (sGCS) MK-2947 and assayed by annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry and the water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay. To study angiogenesis and EndoMT, MK-2947-treated SSc-MVECs were subjected to wound healing and capillary morphogenesis assays and analysed for the expression of endothelial/myofibroblast markers and contractile ability. RESULTS MK-2947 treatment did not affect H-MVEC viability/proliferation, while it significantly increased SSc-MVEC proliferation, wound healing capability and angiogenic performance. After MK-2947 treatment, SSc-MVECs exhibited significantly increased proangiogenic MMP9 and decreased antiangiogenic MMP12 and PTX3 gene expression. A significant increase in the expression of CD31 and vascular endothelial cadherin paralleled by a decrease in α-smooth muscle actin, S100A4, type I collagen and Snail1 mesenchymal markers was also found in MK-2947-treated SSc-MVECs. Furthermore, stimulation of sGC with MK-2947 significantly counteracted the intrinsic ability of SSc-MVECs to contract collagen gels and reduced phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 protein levels. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate for the first time that pharmacological sGC stimulation effectively ameliorates the angiogenic performance and blunts the myofibroblast-like profibrotic phenotype of SSc-MVECs, thus providing new evidence for repurposing sGCSs for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Dilia Giuggioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Scleroderma Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology.,Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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The Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator BAY 41-2272 Attenuates Transforming Growth Factor β1-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation of Human Corneal Keratocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315325. [PMID: 36499651 PMCID: PMC9737374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal transparency, necessary for vision and depending on the high organization of stromal extracellular matrix, is maintained by keratocytes. Severe or continuous corneal injuries determine exaggerated healing responses resulting in the formation of irreversible fibrotic scars and vision impairment. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation demonstrated antifibrotic effects in both experimental fibrosis and human lung and skin fibroblasts. Here, we assessed whether sGC stimulation with BAY 41-2272 could attenuate transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-induced myofibroblast differentiation of human corneal keratocytes. Cells were challenged with TGFβ1, with/without BAY 41-2272 preincubation, and subsequently assessed for viability, proliferation, migration, chemoinvasion, as well for the expression of myofibroblast/fibroblast activation markers and contractile abilities. Treatment with BAY 41-2272 did not affect keratocyte viability, while preincubation of cells with the sGC stimulator was able to inhibit TGFβ1-induced proliferation, wound healing capacity, and invasiveness. BAY 41-2272 was also able to attenuate TGFβ1-induced myofibroblast-like profibrotic phenotype of keratocytes, as demonstrated by the significant decrease in ACTA2, COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1 and PDPN gene expression, as well as in α-smooth muscle actin, α-1 chain of type I collagen, podoplanin, vimentin and N-cadherin protein expression. Finally, BAY 41-2272 significantly counteracted the TGFβ1-induced myofibroblast-like ability of keratocytes to contract collagen gels, reduced phosphorylated Smad3 protein levels, and attenuated gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, our data show for the first time that BAY 41-2272 is effective in counteracting keratocyte-to-myofibroblast transition, thus providing the rationale for the development of sGC stimulators as novel promising modulators of corneal scarring and fibrosis.
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Bellocchi C, Chung A, Volkmann ER. Predicting the Progression of Very Early Systemic Sclerosis: Current Insights. Open Access Rheumatol 2022; 14:171-186. [PMID: 36133926 PMCID: PMC9484572 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s285409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune connective tissue disease with distinct pathological hallmarks (ie, inflammation, vasculopathy, fibrosis) that may predominate at different stages in the disease course with varying severity. Initial efforts to classify patients with SSc identified a subset of patients with very early SSc. These patients possessed signs of SSc (eg, Raynaud phenomenon, SSc specific autoantibodies and/or nailfold capillary abnormalities) without fulfilling complete SSc classification criteria. Recognizing the inherent value in early diagnosis and intervention in SSc, researchers have endeavored to identify risk factors for progression from very early SSc to definite SSc. The present review summarizes the clinical phenotype of patients with very early and early SSc. Through a scoping review of recent literature, this review also describes risk factors for progression to definite SSc with a focus on the specific clinical features that arise early in the SSc disease course (eg, diffuse cutaneous sclerosis, interstitial lung disease, esophageal dysfunction, renal crisis, cardiac involvement). In addition to clinical risk factors, this review provides evidence for how biological data (ie, serological, genomic, proteomic profiles, skin bioengineering methods) can be integrated into risk assessment models in the future. Furthering our understanding of biological features of very early SSc will undoubtedly provide novel insights into SSc pathogenesis and may illuminate new therapeutic targets to prevent progression of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bellocchi
- Scleroderma Unit, Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Augustine Chung
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Díaz-Flores L, Gutiérrez R, García MP, González-Gómez M, Díaz-Flores L, Carrasco JL, Madrid JF, Rodríguez Bello A. Comparison of the Behavior of Perivascular Cells (Pericytes and CD34+ Stromal Cell/Telocytes) in Sprouting and Intussusceptive Angiogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169010. [PMID: 36012273 PMCID: PMC9409369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Perivascular cells in the pericytic microvasculature, pericytes and CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes (CD34+SCs/TCs), have an important role in angiogenesis. We compare the behavior of these cells depending on whether the growth of endothelial cells (ECs) from the pre-existing microvasculature is toward the interstitium with vascular bud and neovessel formation (sprouting angiogenesis) or toward the vascular lumen with intravascular pillar development and vessel division (intussusceptive angiogenesis). Detachment from the vascular wall, mobilization, proliferation, recruitment, and differentiation of pericytes and CD34+SCs/TCs, as well as associated changes in vessel permeability and functionality, and modifications of the extracellular matrix are more intense, longer lasting over time, and with a greater energy cost in sprouting angiogenesis than in intussusceptive angiogenesis, in which some of the aforementioned events do not occur or are compensated for by others (e.g., sparse EC and pericyte proliferation by cell elongation and thinning). The governing mechanisms involve cell-cell contacts (e.g., peg-and-socket junctions between pericytes and ECs), multiple autocrine and paracrine signaling molecules and pathways (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, angiopoietins, transforming growth factor B, ephrins, semaphorins, and metalloproteinases), and other factors (e.g., hypoxia, vascular patency, and blood flow). Pericytes participate in vessel development, stabilization, maturation and regression in sprouting angiogenesis, and in interstitial tissue structure formation of the pillar core in intussusceptive angiogenesis. In sprouting angiogenesis, proliferating perivascular CD34+SCs/TCs are an important source of stromal cells during repair through granulation tissue formation and of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumors. Conversely, CD34+SCs/TCs have less participation as precursor cells in intussusceptive angiogenesis. The dysfunction of these mechanisms is involved in several diseases, including neoplasms, with therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-922-319317; Fax: +34-922-319279
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Maria Pino García
- Department of Pathology, Eurofins Megalab–Hospiten Hospitals, 38100 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Miriam González-Gómez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas de Canarias, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Carrasco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Juan Francisco Madrid
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Aixa Rodríguez Bello
- Department of Bioquímica, Microbiología, Biología Celular y Genética, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Matucci-Cerinic M, Manetti M. Circulating Neurovascular Guidance Molecules and Their Relationship with Peripheral Microvascular Impairment in Systemic Sclerosis. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12071056. [PMID: 35888144 PMCID: PMC9316343 DOI: 10.3390/life12071056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex connective tissue disease whose earliest clinical manifestations are microvascular tone dysregulation and peripheral microcirculatory abnormalities. Following previous evidence of an association between circulating neurovascular guidance molecules and SSc disturbed angiogenesis, here, we measured the levels of soluble neuropilin 1 (sNRP1), semaphorin 3E (Sema3E), and Slit2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples from a large case series of 166 SSc patients vs. 110 healthy controls. We focused on their possible correlation with vascular disease clinical features and applied logistic regression analysis to determine which of them could better reflect disease activity and severity. Our results demonstrate that, in SSc: (i) sNRP1 is significantly decreased, with lower sNRP1 serum levels correlating with the severity of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) abnormalities and the presence of ischemic digital ulcers (DUs); (ii) both Sema3E and Slit2 are increased, with Sema3E better reflecting early NVC abnormalities; and (iii) higher Sema3E correlates with the absence of DUs, while augmented Slit2 associates with the presence of DUs. Receiver operator characteristics curve analysis revealed that both circulating sNRP1 and Sema3E show a moderate diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, logistic regression analysis allowed to identify sNRP1 and Sema3E as more suitable independent biomarkers reflecting the activity and severity of SSc-related peripheral microvasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-275-8073
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11
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Tsou PS, Palisoc PJ, Ali M, Khanna D, Sawalha AH. Genome-Wide Reduction in Chromatin Accessibility and Unique Transcription Factor Footprints in Endothelial Cells and Fibroblasts in Scleroderma Skin. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 73:1501-1513. [PMID: 33586346 DOI: 10.1002/art.41694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by widespread fibrosis and vascular complications. This study was undertaken to examine the chromatin landscape and transcription factor footprints in SSc, using an assay for genome-wide chromatin accessibility. METHODS Dermal endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts were isolated from healthy controls and patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) was performed to assess genome-wide chromatin accessibility at a read depth of ~150 million reads per sample. Transcription factor footprinting and motif binding analysis were performed, followed by functional experiments. RESULTS Chromatin accessibility was significantly reduced in dcSSc patients compared to healthy controls. Differentially accessible chromatin loci were enriched in pathways and gene ontologies involved in the nervous system, cell membrane projections and cilia motility, nuclear and steroid receptors, and nitric oxide. In addition, chromatin binding of transcription factors SNAI2, ETV2, and ELF1 was significantly increased in dcSSc ECs, while recruitment of RUNX1 and RUNX2 was enriched in dcSSc fibroblasts. We found significant down-regulation of the neuronal gene NRXN1 and up-regulation of SNAI2 and ETV2 in dcSSc ECs. In dcSSc fibroblasts, down-regulation of the neuronal gene ENTPD1 and up-regulation of RUNX2 were confirmed. Further functional analysis revealed that ETV2 and NRXN1 dysregulation affected angiogenesis in ECs, while ENTPD1 enhanced profibrotic properties in dcSSc fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Our data identify the chromatin blueprint of dcSSc, and suggest that neuronal-related characteristics of SSc ECs and fibroblasts could be a culprit for dysregulated angiogenesis and enhanced fibrosis. Targeting the key pathways and transcription factors identified might present novel therapeutic approaches in SSc.
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12
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Mendoza FA, Piera-Velazquez S, Jimenez SA. Tyrosine kinases in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis in systemic sclerosis and potential therapeutic role of their inhibition. Transl Res 2021; 231:139-158. [PMID: 33422651 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an idiopathic autoimmune disease with a heterogeneous clinical phenotype ranging from limited cutaneous involvement to rapidly progressive diffuse SSc. The most severe SSc clinical and pathologic manifestations result from an uncontrolled fibrotic process involving the skin and various internal organs. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation and progression of the SSc fibrotic process have not been fully elucidated. Recently it has been suggested that tyrosine protein kinases play a role. The implicated kinases include receptor-activated tyrosine kinases and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. The receptor kinases are activated following specific binding of growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, or vascular endothelial growth factor). Other receptor kinases are the discoidin domain receptors activated by binding of various collagens, the ephrin receptors that are activated by ephrins and the angiopoetin-Tie-2s receptors. The nonreceptor tyrosine kinases c-Abl, Src, Janus, and STATs have also been shown to participate in SSc-associated tissue fibrosis. Currently, there are no effective disease-modifying therapies for SSc-associated tissue fibrosis. Therefore, extensive investigation has been conducted to examine whether tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may exert antifibrotic effects. Here, we review the role of receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases in the pathogenesis of the frequently progressive cutaneous and systemic fibrotic alterations in SSc, and the potential of TKIs as SSc disease-modifying antifibrotic therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian A Mendoza
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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13
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Anti-IL-17A treatment reduces serum inflammatory, angiogenic and tissue remodeling biomarkers accompanied by less synovial high endothelial venules in peripheral spondyloarthritis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21094. [PMID: 33273664 PMCID: PMC7713433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is characterized by inflammation and new bone formation. The exact pathophysiology underlying these processes remains elusive. We propose that the extensive neoangiogenesis in SpA could play a role both in sustaining/enhancing inflammation and in new bone formation. While ample data is available on effects of anti-TNF on angiogenesis, effects of IL-17A blockade on serum markers are largely unknown. We aimed to assess the impact of secukinumab (anti-IL-17A) on synovial neoangiogenesis in peripheral SpA, and how this related to changes in inflammatory and tissue remodeling biomarkers. Serum samples from 20 active peripheral SpA patients included in a 12 week open-label trial with secukinumab were analyzed for several markers of angiogenesis and tissue remodeling. Synovial biopsies taken before and after treatment were stained for vascular markers. Serum levels of MMP-3, osteopontin, IL-6 (all P < 0.001), IL-31, S100A8, S100A9, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A), IL-33, TNF-α (all P < 0.05) decreased significantly upon anti-IL17A treatment. Secukinumab treatment resulted in a decrease in the number of synovial high endothelial venules and lymphoid aggregate score. These results indicate that anti-IL-17A not only diminishes inflammation, but also impacts angiogenesis and tissue remodeling/new bone formation. This may have important implications for disease progression and/or structural damage.
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14
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Zhang Y, Hu L, Li X, Chen L, Yang X. Slit2 is a potential biomarker for renal impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Exp Med 2020; 21:63-71. [PMID: 33079290 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-020-00664-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Slit2 glycoprotein has been described to regulate the inflammatory response and be involved in autoimmune diseases. Here, we investigated the expression of Slit2 and its potential significance in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 103 patients with SLE participated in our study. The levels of serum Slit2 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of Slit2 in renal tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Patients with active disease had higher levels of serum Slit2 than patients with inactive disease and controls. Patients with sole skin impairment or sole renal impairment or both skin and renal impairment had higher levels of serum Slit2 than patients with neither skin nor renal impairment. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) had higher levels of serum Slit2 than patients with no CKD. Levels of serum Slit2 in patients with active disease were positively correlated with the SLE Disease Activity Index, complement C4, and anti-dsDNA antibody. Levels of serum Slit2 in patients with CKD were positively correlated with serum creatinine, urine protein, and glomerular filtration rate. The expression of Slit2 and its receptor Roundabout1 (Robo1) in the renal tissue of patients with lupus nephritis were higher than controls. Moreover, renal Slit2 was positively correlated with renal chronic index. Our data indicated that Slit2 may contribute to renal impairment and this may be a potential biomarker for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medicine, Hangzhou Dingqiao Hospital, Hangzhou, 310021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingzhen Hu
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Li
- Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Liheng Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuyan Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Scimone C, Donato L, Alafaci C, Granata F, Rinaldi C, Longo M, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A. High-Throughput Sequencing to Detect Novel Likely Gene-Disrupting Variants in Pathogenesis of Sporadic Brain Arteriovenous Malformations. Front Genet 2020; 11:146. [PMID: 32184807 PMCID: PMC7059193 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular signaling that leads to brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) is to date elusive and this is firstly due to the low frequency of familial cases. Conversely, sporadic bAVM is the most diffuse condition and represents the main source to characterize the genetic basis of the disease. Several studies were conducted in order to detect both germ-line and somatic mutations linked to bAVM development and, in this context, next generation sequencing technologies offer a pivotal resource for the amount of outputted information. We performed whole exome sequencing on a young boy affected by sporadic bAVM. Paired-end sequencing was conducted on an Illumina platform and filtered variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. We detected 20 likely gene-disrupting variants affecting as many loci. Of these variants, 11 are inherited novel variants and one is a de novo nonsense variant, affecting STK4 gene. Moreover, we also considered rare known variants affecting loci involved in vascular differentiation. In order to explain their possible involvement in bAVM pathogenesis, we analyzed molecular networks at Cytoscape platform. In this study we focus on some genetic point variations detected in a child affected by bAVM. Therefore, we suggest these novel affected loci as prioritized for further investigation on pathogenesis of bAVM lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Vanguard Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Vanguard Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, Italy
| | - Concetta Alafaci
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Granata
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marcello Longo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalia D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Vanguard Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Vanguard Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, Italy
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16
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Systemic Sclerosis Serum Significantly Impairs the Multi-Step Lymphangiogenic Process: in Vitro Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246189. [PMID: 31817940 PMCID: PMC6940874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246189] [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: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In systemic sclerosis (SSc), the possible involvement of lymphatic microcirculation and lymphangiogenesis has traditionally been overshadowed by the greater emphasis placed on dysfunctional blood vascular system and angiogenesis. In the present in vitro study, we explore for the first time whether the SSc microenvironment may interfere with lymphangiogenesis, a complex, multi-step process in which lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (LMVECs) sprout, migrate, and proliferate to generate new lymphatic capillaries. Normal human adult dermal LMVECs from three donors were treated with serum from SSc patients (n = 8), serum from healthy individuals (n = 8), or recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C as a positive control for lymphangiogenesis. Cell proliferation, Boyden chamber Matrigel chemoinvasion, wound healing capacity, and lymphatic capillary morphogenesis on Geltrex were assayed. VEGF-C serum levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gene and protein expression levels of the lymphangiogenic orchestrators VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3)/Flt-4 and neuropilin-2 (NRP-2) were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Conditioning with SSc serum significantly inhibited LMVEC proliferation, Matrigel invasion, and wound healing capacity with respect to healthy serum. The ability of LMVECs to form lymphatic tubes on Geltrex was also severely compromised in the presence of SSc serum. VEGF-C levels were comparable in SSc and healthy sera. Treatment with SSc serum resulted in a significant downregulation of both VEGFR-3/Flt-4 and NRP-2 mRNA and protein levels. In SSc, the pathologic environment severely hampers every lymphangiogenesis step, likely through the reduction of pro-lymphangiogenic VEGFR-3/NRP-2 co-receptor signaling. The impairment of the lymphangiogenic process opens a new scenario underlying SSc vascular pathophysiology, which is worth investigating further.
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17
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Regulatory mechanisms of Robo4 and their effects on angiogenesis. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190513. [PMID: 31160487 PMCID: PMC6620384 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Roundabout4 (Robo4) is a transmembrane receptor that belongs to the Roundabout (Robo) family of axon guidance molecules. Robo4 is an endothelial-specific receptor that participates in endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis and the maintenance of vasculature homeostasis. The purpose of this review is to summarize and analyze three main mechanisms related to the expression and function of Robo4 during developmental and pathological angiogenesis. In this review, static shear stress and the binding of transcription factors such as E26 transformation-specific variant 2 (ETV2) and Slit3 induce Robo4 expression and activate Robo4 during tissue and organ development. Robo4 interacts with Slit2 or UNC5B to maintain vascular integrity, while a disturbed flow and the expression of transcription factors in inflammatory or neoplastic environments alter Robo4 expression levels, although these changes have uncertain functions. Based on the mechanisms described above, we discuss the aberrant expression of Robo4 in angiogenesis-related diseases and propose antiangiogenic therapies targeting the Robo4 signaling pathway for the treatment of ocular neovascularization lesions and tumors. Finally, although many problems related to Robo4 signaling pathways remain to be resolved, Robo4 is a promising and potentially valuable therapeutic target for treating pathological angiogenesis and developmental defects in angiogenesis.
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18
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Tong M, Jun T, Nie Y, Hao J, Fan D. The Role of the Slit/Robo Signaling Pathway. J Cancer 2019; 10:2694-2705. [PMID: 31258778 PMCID: PMC6584916 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Slit family is a family of secreted proteins that play important roles in various physiologic and pathologic activities via interacting with Robo receptors. Slit/Robo signaling was first identified in the nervous system, where it functions in neuronal axon guidance; nevertheless, an increasing number of studies have shown that Slit/Robo signaling even regulates other activities, such as angiogenesis, inflammatory cell chemotaxis, tumor cell migration and metastasis. Although the precise role of the ligand-receptor in organisms has been obscure and the conclusions drawn are sometimes paradoxical, tremendous advances in understanding the Slit/Robo signaling pathway have been made. As such, our review summarizes the characteristics of the Slit/Robo signaling pathway and its role in various cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfu Tong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tie Jun
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jianyu Hao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Daiming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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19
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Phuong TTT, Walker AE, Henson GD, Machin DR, Li DY, Donato AJ, Lesniewski LA. Deletion of Robo4 prevents high-fat diet-induced adipose artery and systemic metabolic dysfunction. Microcirculation 2019; 26:e12540. [PMID: 30825241 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accumulating evidence suggests the vascular endothelium plays a fundamental role in the pathophysiology of obesity by regulating the functional status of white adipose and systemic metabolism. Robo4 is expressed specifically in endothelial cells and increases vascular stability and inhibits angiogenesis. We sought to determine the role of Robo4 in modulating cardiometabolic function in response to high-fat feeding. METHODS We examined exercise capacity, glucose tolerance, and white adipose tissue artery gene expression, endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD), and angiogenesis in wild type and Robo4 knockout (KO) mice fed normal chow (NC) or a high-fat diet (HFD). RESULTS We found Robo4 deletion enhances exercise capacity in NC-fed mice and HFD markedly increased the expression of the Robo4 ligand, Slit2, in white adipose tissue. Deletion of Robo4 increased angiogenesis in white adipose tissue and protected against HFD-induced impairments in white adipose artery vasodilation and glucose intolerance. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate a novel functional role for Robo4 in endothelial cell function and metabolic homeostasis in white adipose tissue, with Robo4 deletion protecting against endothelial and metabolic dysfunction associated with a HFD. Our findings suggest that Robo4-dependent signaling pathways may be a novel target in anti-obesity therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam T T Phuong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ashley E Walker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Grant D Henson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Daniel R Machin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Dean Y Li
- Department of Medicine, Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Anthony J Donato
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Salt Lake City Veteran's Affair Medical Center, Geriatrics Research Education and Clinic Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Lisa A Lesniewski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Salt Lake City Veteran's Affair Medical Center, Geriatrics Research Education and Clinic Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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20
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García-Martín A, Garrido-Rodríguez M, Navarrete C, Caprioglio D, Palomares B, DeMesa J, Rollland A, Appendino G, Muñoz E. Cannabinoid derivatives acting as dual PPARγ/CB2 agonists as therapeutic agents for systemic sclerosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 163:321-334. [PMID: 30825431 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) may play a role in the pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Cannabinoids acting as dual PPARγ/CB2 agonists, such as VCE-004.8 and Ajulemic acid (AjA), have been shown to alleviate skin fibrosis and inflammation in SSc models. Since both compounds are being tested in humans, we compared their activities in the bleomycin (BLM) SSc model. Specifically, the pharmacotranscriptomic signature of the compounds was determined by RNA-Seq changes in the skin of BLM mice treated orally with AjA or EHP-101, a lipidic formulation of VCE-004.8. While both compounds down-regulated the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory and fibrotic components of the disease and the pharmacotranscriptomic signatures were similar for both compounds in some pathways, we found key differences between the compounds in vasculogenesis. Additionally, we found 28 specific genes with translation potential by comparing with a list of human scleroderma genes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that both compounds prevented fibrosis, collagen accumulation and Tenascin C (TNC) expression. The endothelial CD31+/CD34+ cells and telocytes were reduced in BLM mice and restored only by EHP-101 treatment. Finally, differences were found in plasmatic biomarker analysis; EHP-101, but not AjA, enhanced the expression of some factors related to angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Altogether the results indicate that dual PPARγ/CB2 agonists qualify as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of SSc and other fibrotic diseases. EHP-101 demonstrated unique mechanisms of action related to the pathophysiology of SSc that could be beneficial in the treatment of this complex disease without current therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diego Caprioglio
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Belén Palomares
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Spain; Departament of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Spain; Universitary Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jim DeMesa
- Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Giovanni Appendino
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Spain; Departament of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Spain; Universitary Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain.
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