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Li Y, Xiao Y, Han Y, Zhu H, Han J, Wang H. Blocking the MIR155HG/miR-155 axis reduces CTGF-induced inflammatory cytokine production and α-SMA expression via upregulating AZGP1 in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111202. [PMID: 38729323 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111202] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scarring (HS) is a pathological condition characterized by excessive fibrosis and inflammation, resulting in excessive extracellular matrix formation in the skin. MIR155HG, a long non-coding RNA, is abnormally upregulated in fibrotic tissues; however, its underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Using single-cell sequencing data, we analyzed connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in various cell types in HS and normal skin tissues and MIR155HG expression in clinical samples. To investigate the mechanism of fibrosis, an in vitro model using CTGF-treated hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFBs) was established and qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA assays were performed to investigate the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and mesenchymal markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). CTGF stimulates MIR155HG level through phosphorylated STAT3 binding to the MIR155HG promoter. We analyzed the methylation of MIR155HG, assessed the levels of miR-155-5p/-3p in CTGF-treated HSFBs and identified differentially expressed genes among HS and NS samples using the Gene Expression Omnibus RNA sequencing data. The binding between miR-155-5p/-3p and AZGP1 was confirmed using a dual-luciferase assay and inflammatory cytokine production and α-SMA expression were investigated in rescue experiments. The findings revealed that CTGF elevated inflammatory cytokine production, α-SMA and MIR155HG expression in HSFBs. MIR155HG is upregulated in HS tissues due to low DNA methylation. Mechanistically, miR-155-5p/-3p was directly bound to MIR155HG 3'UTR. MIR155HG silencing inhibited cytokine production and α-SMA expression by repressing the generation of miR-155-5p/-3p in CTGF-treated HSFBs. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR-155-5p/-3p targets AZGP1. In addition, transfection with plasmids carrying AZGP1 cDNA significantly inhibited the signaling activity of miR-155-5p/-3 p-overexpressing HSFBs. Our findings highlight the importance of the MIR155HG/miR-155/AZGP1 axis in regulating cytokine production and α-SMA in HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yize Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Yujie Xiao
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Yongfeng Han
- Department of Ultrasound, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Huayu Zhu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
| | - Juntao Han
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
| | - Hongtao Wang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Tani A, Andreucci E, Romano E, Sgambati E, Manetti M. Blockade of Sialylation with Decrease in Polysialic Acid Levels Counteracts Transforming Growth Factor β1-Induced Skin Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition. Cells 2024; 13:1067. [PMID: 38920695 PMCID: PMC11201575 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121067] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant sialylation with overexpression of the homopolymeric glycan polysialic acid (polySia) was recently reported in fibroblasts from fibrotic skin lesions. Yet, whether such a rise in polySia levels or sialylation in general may be functionally implicated in profibrotic activation of fibroblasts and their transition to myofibroblasts remains unknown. Therefore, we herein explored whether inhibition of sialylation could interfere with the process of skin fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition induced by the master profibrotic mediator transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). Adult human skin fibroblasts were pretreated with the competitive pan-sialyltransferase inhibitor 3-Fax-peracetyl-Neu5Ac (3-Fax) before stimulation with recombinant human TGFβ1, and then analyzed for polySia expression, cell viability, proliferation, migratory ability, and acquisition of myofibroblast-like morphofunctional features. Skin fibroblast stimulation with TGFβ1 resulted in overexpression of polySia, which was effectively blunted by 3-Fax pre-administration. Pretreatment with 3-Fax efficiently lessened TGFβ1-induced skin fibroblast proliferation, migration, changes in cell morphology, and phenotypic and functional differentiation into myofibroblasts, as testified by a significant reduction in FAP, ACTA2, COL1A1, COL1A2, and FN1 gene expression, and α-smooth muscle actin, N-cadherin, COL1A1, and FN-EDA protein levels, as well as a reduced contractile capability. Moreover, skin fibroblasts pre-administered with 3-Fax displayed a significant decrease in Smad3-dependent canonical TGFβ1 signaling. Collectively, our in vitro findings demonstrate for the first time that aberrant sialylation with increased polySia levels has a functional role in skin fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and suggest that competitive sialyltransferase inhibition might offer new therapeutic opportunities against skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Tani
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Andreucci
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Sgambati
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, Pesche, 86090 Isernia, Italy;
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Xue K, Zhang G, Li Z, Zeng X, Li Z, Wang F, Zhang X, Lin C, Mao C. Dissecting the association between gut microbiota and hypertrophic scarring: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1345717. [PMID: 38577682 PMCID: PMC10991740 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1345717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars affect a significant number of individuals annually, giving rise to both cosmetic concerns and functional impairments. Prior research has established that an imbalance in the composition of gut microbes, termed microbial dysbiosis, can initiate the progression of various diseases through the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and the host. However, the precise nature of the causal link between gut microbiota and hypertrophic scarring remains uncertain. In this study, after compiling summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving 418 instances of gut microbiota and hypertrophic scarring, we conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the potential existence of a causal relationship between gut microbiota and the development of hypertrophic scar and to discern the directionality of causation. By utilizing MR analysis, we identified seven causal associations between gut microbiome and hypertrophic scarring, involving one positive and six negative causal directions. Among them, Intestinimonas, Ruminococcus2, Barnesiella, Dorea, Desulfovibrio piger, and Ruminococcus torques act as protective factors against hypertrophic scarring, while Eubacterium rectale suggests a potential role as a risk factor for hypertrophic scars. Additionally, sensitivity analyses of these results revealed no indications of heterogeneity or pleiotropy. The findings of our MR study suggest a potential causative link between gut microbiota and hypertrophic scarring, opening up new ways for future mechanistic research and the exploration of nanobiotechnology therapies for skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaikai Xue
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Burn, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guojian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Burn, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Burn, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangtao Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Burn, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zi Li
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fulin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Cai Lin
- Department of Burn, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Cong Mao
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Nyström A. The intertwined aging, the extracellular matrix, and fibrosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C645-C646. [PMID: 38223933 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00018.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Manole CG, Soare C, Ceafalan LC, Voiculescu VM. Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: New Insights on the Cellular Mechanism of Skin Repair and Regeneration. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:40. [PMID: 38255655 PMCID: PMC10817627 DOI: 10.3390/life14010040] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The skin's recognised functions may undergo physiological alterations due to ageing, manifesting as varying degrees of facial wrinkles, diminished tautness, density, and volume. Additionally, these functions can be disrupted (patho)physiologically through various physical and chemical injuries, including surgical trauma, accidents, or chronic conditions like ulcers associated with diabetes mellitus, venous insufficiency, or obesity. Advancements in therapeutic interventions that boost the skin's innate regenerative abilities could significantly enhance patient care protocols. The application of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is widely recognized for its aesthetic and functional benefits to the skin. Yet, the endorsement of PRP's advantages often borders on the dogmatic, with its efficacy commonly ascribed solely to the activation of fibroblasts by the factors contained within platelet granules. PRP therapy is a cornerstone of regenerative medicine which involves the autologous delivery of conditioned plasma enriched by platelets. This is achieved by centrifugation, removing erythrocytes while retaining platelets and their granules. Despite its widespread use, the precise sequences of cellular activation, the specific cellular players, and the molecular machinery that drive PRP-facilitated healing are still enigmatic. There is still a paucity of definitive and robust studies elucidating these mechanisms. In recent years, telocytes (TCs)-a unique dermal cell population-have shown promising potential for tissue regeneration in various organs, including the dermis. TCs' participation in neo-angiogenesis, akin to that attributed to PRP, and their role in tissue remodelling and repair processes within the interstitia of several organs (including the dermis), offer intriguing insights. Their potential to contribute to, or possibly orchestrate, the skin regeneration process following PRP treatment has elicited considerable interest. Therefore, pursuing a comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms at work, particularly those involving TCs, their temporal involvement in structural recovery following injury, and the interconnected biological events in skin wound healing and regeneration represents a compelling field of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalin G. Manole
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Ultrastructural Pathology Laboratory, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Soare
- Department of Oncological Dermatology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura Cristina Ceafalan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Cell Biology, Neurosciences and Experimental Myology Laboratory, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad M. Voiculescu
- Department of Oncological Dermatology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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