1
|
Polito MP, Romaldini A, Rinaldo S, Enzo E. Coordinating energy metabolism and signaling pathways in epithelial self-renewal and differentiation. Biol Direct 2024; 19:63. [PMID: 39113077 PMCID: PMC11308432 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-024-00510-0] [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: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidermal stem cells (EPSCs) are essential for maintaining skin homeostasis and ensuring a proper wound healing. During in vitro cultivations, EPSCs give rise to transient amplifying progenitors and differentiated cells, finally forming a stratified epithelium that can be grafted onto patients. Epithelial grafts have been used in clinics to cure burned patients or patients affected by genetic diseases. The long-term success of these advanced therapies relies on the presence of a correct amount of EPSCs that guarantees long-term epithelial regeneration. For this reason, a deeper understanding of self-renewal and differentiation is fundamental to fostering their clinical applications.The coordination between energetic metabolism (e.g., glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and amino acid synthesis pathways), molecular signalling pathways (e.g., p63, YAP, FOXM1, AMPK/mTOR), and epigenetic modifications controls fundamental biological processes as proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation. This review explores how these signalling and metabolic pathways are interconnected in the epithelial cells, highlighting the distinct metabolic demands and regulatory mechanisms involved in skin physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Polito
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Alessio Romaldini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Serena Rinaldo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Elena Enzo
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Polito MP, Marini G, Fabrizi A, Sercia L, Enzo E, De Luca M. Biochemical role of FOXM1-dependent histone linker H1B in human epidermal stem cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:508. [PMID: 39019868 PMCID: PMC11255229 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06905-1] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Epidermal stem cells orchestrate epidermal renewal and timely wound repair through a tight regulation of self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. In culture, human epidermal stem cells generate a clonal type referred to as holoclone, which give rise to transient amplifying progenitors (meroclone and paraclone-forming cells) eventually generating terminally differentiated cells. Leveraging single-cell transcriptomic data, we explored the FOXM1-dependent biochemical signals controlling self-renewal and differentiation in epidermal stem cells aimed at improving regenerative medicine applications. We report that the expression of H1 linker histone subtypes decrease during serial cultivation. At clonal level we observed that H1B is the most expressed isoform, particularly in epidermal stem cells, as compared to transient amplifying progenitors. Indeed, its expression decreases in primary epithelial culture where stem cells are exhausted due to FOXM1 downregulation. Conversely, H1B expression increases when the stem cells compartment is sustained by enforced FOXM1 expression, both in primary epithelial cultures derived from healthy donors and JEB patient. Moreover, we demonstrated that FOXM1 binds the promotorial region of H1B, hence regulates its expression. We also show that H1B is bound to the promotorial region of differentiation-related genes and negatively regulates their expression in epidermal stem cells. We propose a novel mechanism wherein the H1B acts downstream of FOXM1, contributing to the fine interplay between self-renewal and differentiation in human epidermal stem cells. These findings further define the networks that sustain self-renewal along the previously identified YAP-FOXM1 axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Polito
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Grazia Marini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fabrizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Sercia
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Enzo
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Michele De Luca
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao Y, Zheng Q, Xie J. Exploration of Gene Therapy for Alport Syndrome. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1159. [PMID: 38927366 PMCID: PMC11200676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome is a hereditary disease caused by mutations in the genes encoding the alpha 3, alpha 4, and alpha 5 chains of type IV collagen. It is characterized by hematuria, proteinuria, progressive renal dysfunction, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. The main network of type IV collagen in the glomerular basement membrane is composed of α3α4α5 heterotrimer. Mutations in these genes can lead to the replacement of this network by an immature network composed of the α1α1α2 heterotrimer. Unfortunately, this immature network is unable to provide normal physical support, resulting in hematuria, proteinuria, and progressive renal dysfunction. Current treatment options for Alport syndrome include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, which aim to alleviate glomerular filtration pressure, reduce renal injury, and delay the progression of renal dysfunction. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies and medications to improve patient outcomes. Gene therapy, which involves the use of genetic material to prevent or treat diseases, holds promise for the treatment of Alport syndrome. This approach may involve the insertion or deletion of whole genes or gene fragments to restore or disrupt gene function or the editing of endogenous genes to correct genetic mutations and restore functional protein synthesis. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have shown significant progress in kidney gene therapy, with several gene therapy drugs based on these vectors reaching clinical application. Despite the challenges posed by the structural characteristics of the kidney, the development of kidney gene therapy using rAAV vectors is making continuous progress. This article provides a review of the current achievements in gene therapy for Alport syndrome and discusses future research directions in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.)
- Institute of Nephrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qimin Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.)
- Institute of Nephrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jingyuan Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.)
- Institute of Nephrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cattaneo C, Enzo E, De Rosa L, Sercia L, Consiglio F, Forcato M, Bicciato S, Paiardini A, Basso G, Tagliafico E, Paganelli A, Fiorentini C, Magnoni C, Latella MC, De Luca M. Allele-specific CRISPR-Cas9 editing of dominant epidermolysis bullosa simplex in human epidermal stem cells. Mol Ther 2024; 32:372-383. [PMID: 38053334 PMCID: PMC10861943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.11.027] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is a rare skin disease inherited mostly in an autosomal dominant manner. Patients display a skin fragility that leads to blisters and erosions caused by minor mechanical trauma. EBS phenotypic and genotypic variants are caused by genetic defects in intracellular proteins whose function is to provide the attachment of basal keratinocytes to the basement membrane zone and most EBS cases display mutations in keratin 5 (KRT5) and keratin 14 (KRT14) genes. Besides palliative treatments, there is still no long-lasting effective cure to correct the mutant gene and abolish the dominant negative effect of the pathogenic protein over its wild-type counterpart. Here, we propose a molecular strategy for EBS01 patient's keratinocytes carrying a monoallelic c.475/495del21 mutation in KRT14 exon 1. Through the CRISPR-Cas9 system, we perform a specific cleavage only on the mutant allele and restore a normal cellular phenotype and a correct intermediate filament network, without affecting the epidermal stem cell, referred to as holoclones, which play a crucial role in epidermal regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Cattaneo
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - E Enzo
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - L De Rosa
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - L Sercia
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - F Consiglio
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate, s.r.l, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - M Forcato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - S Bicciato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - A Paiardini
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'A. Rossi Fanelli', Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - G Basso
- Genomic Units, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Tagliafico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - A Paganelli
- Regenerative and Oncological Dermatological Surgery Unit, Modena University Hospital, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - C Fiorentini
- Regenerative and Oncological Dermatological Surgery Unit, Modena University Hospital, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - C Magnoni
- Regenerative and Oncological Dermatological Surgery Unit, Modena University Hospital, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - M C Latella
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate, s.r.l, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - M De Luca
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gomes B, Singh A, O'Sullivan JW, Schnurr TM, Goddard PC, Loong S, Amar D, Hughes JW, Kostur M, Haddad F, Salerno M, Foo R, Montgomery SB, Parikh VN, Meder B, Ashley EA. Genetic architecture of cardiac dynamic flow volumes. Nat Genet 2024; 56:245-257. [PMID: 38082205 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac blood flow is a critical determinant of human health. However, the definition of its genetic architecture is limited by the technical challenge of capturing dynamic flow volumes from cardiac imaging at scale. We present DeepFlow, a deep-learning system to extract cardiac flow and volumes from phase-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. A mixed-linear model applied to 37,653 individuals from the UK Biobank reveals genome-wide significant associations across cardiac dynamic flow volumes spanning from aortic forward velocity to aortic regurgitation fraction. Mendelian randomization reveals a causal role for aortic root size in aortic valve regurgitation. Among the most significant contributing variants, localizing genes (near ELN, PRDM6 and ADAMTS7) are implicated in connective tissue and blood pressure pathways. Here we show that DeepFlow cardiac flow phenotyping at scale, combined with genotyping data, reinforces the contribution of connective tissue genes, blood pressure and root size to aortic valve function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Gomes
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Informatics for Life, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aditya Singh
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jack W O'Sullivan
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Theresia M Schnurr
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Pagé C Goddard
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shaun Loong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Amar
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - J Weston Hughes
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mykhailo Kostur
- Department of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francois Haddad
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael Salerno
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Roger Foo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stephen B Montgomery
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Victoria N Parikh
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Meder
- Department of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Informatics for Life, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Euan A Ashley
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics, Computer Science and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eşiyok N, Heide M. The SVZ stem cell niche-components, functions, and in vitro modelling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1332901. [PMID: 38188021 PMCID: PMC10766702 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1332901] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neocortical development depends on the intrinsic ability of neural stem and progenitor cells to proliferate and differentiate to generate the different kinds of neurons in the adult brain. These progenitor cells can be distinguished into apical progenitors, which occupy a stem cell niche in the ventricular zone and basal progenitors, which occupy a stem cell niche in the subventricular zone (SVZ). During development, the stem cell niche provided in the subventricular zone enables the increased proliferation and self-renewal of basal progenitors, which likely underlie the expansion of the human neocortex. However, the components forming the SVZ stem cell niche in the developing neocortex have not yet been fully understood. In this review, we will discuss potential components of the SVZ stem cell niche, i.e., extracellular matrix composition and brain vasculature, and their possible key role in establishing and maintaining this niche during fetal neocortical development. We will also emphasize the potential role of basal progenitor morphology in maintaining their proliferative capacity within the stem cell niche of the SVZ. Finally, we will focus on the use of brain organoids to i) understand the unique features of basal progenitors, notably basal radial glia; ii) study components of the SVZ stem cell niche; and iii) provide future directions on how to improve brain organoids, notably the organoid SVZ, and make them more reliable models of human neocortical development and evolution studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Heide
- Research Group Brain Development and Evolution, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Farrugia BL, Melrose J. The Glycosaminoglycan Side Chains and Modular Core Proteins of Heparan Sulphate Proteoglycans and the Varied Ways They Provide Tissue Protection by Regulating Physiological Processes and Cellular Behaviour. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14101. [PMID: 37762403 PMCID: PMC10531531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814101] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review examines the roles of HS-proteoglycans (HS-PGs) in general, and, in particular, perlecan and syndecan as representative examples and their interactive ligands, which regulate physiological processes and cellular behavior in health and disease. HS-PGs are essential for the functional properties of tissues both in development and in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling that occurs in response to trauma or disease. HS-PGs interact with a biodiverse range of chemokines, chemokine receptors, protease inhibitors, and growth factors in immune regulation, inflammation, ECM stabilization, and tissue protection. Some cell regulatory proteoglycan receptors are dually modified hybrid HS/CS proteoglycans (betaglycan, CD47). Neurexins provide synaptic stabilization, plasticity, and specificity of interaction, promoting neurotransduction, neurogenesis, and differentiation. Ternary complexes of glypican-1 and Robbo-Slit neuroregulatory proteins direct axonogenesis and neural network formation. Specific neurexin-neuroligin complexes stabilize synaptic interactions and neural activity. Disruption in these interactions leads to neurological deficits in disorders of functional cognitive decline. Interactions with HS-PGs also promote or inhibit tumor development. Thus, HS-PGs have complex and diverse regulatory roles in the physiological processes that regulate cellular behavior and the functional properties of normal and pathological tissues. Specialized HS-PGs, such as the neurexins, pikachurin, and Eyes-shut, provide synaptic stabilization and specificity of neural transduction and also stabilize the axenome primary cilium of phototoreceptors and ribbon synapse interactions with bipolar neurons of retinal neural networks, which are essential in ocular vision. Pikachurin and Eyes-Shut interactions with an α-dystroglycan stabilize the photoreceptor synapse. Novel regulatory roles for HS-PGs controlling cell behavior and tissue function are expected to continue to be uncovered in this fascinating class of proteoglycan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke L. Farrugia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - James Melrose
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Raymond Purves Laboratory of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Sydney Medical School (Northern), University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ewald CY, Nyström A. Mechanotransduction through hemidesmosomes during aging and longevity. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260987. [PMID: 37522320 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemidesmosomes are structural protein complexes localized at the interface of tissues with high mechanical demand and shear forces. Beyond tissue anchoring, hemidesmosomes have emerged as force-modulating structures important for translating mechanical cues into biochemical and transcriptional adaptation (i.e. mechanotransduction) across tissues. Here, we discuss the recent insights into the roles of hemidesmosomes in age-related tissue regeneration and aging in C. elegans, mice and humans. We highlight the emerging concept of preserved dynamic mechanoregulation of hemidesmosomes in tissue maintenance and healthy aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collin Y Ewald
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Schwerzenbach CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg DE-79104, Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), Albertstraße 19, Freiburg im Breisgau DE-79104, Germany
| |
Collapse
|