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Zhao Y, Zhang S, Cheng B, Feng F, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Wang J, Zou D, Ma H, Xu F, Zhang M. Mechanochemical coupling of MGF mediates periodontal regeneration. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10603. [PMID: 38193124 PMCID: PMC10771565 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10603] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence shows that the mechanical stimulation obtained from occlusion could enhance periodontal ligament (PDL) remodeling. Mechano-growth factor (MGF) is a growth factor produced specifically following mechanical stimulus Here, we aim to investigate the mechanical enhancement potential and mechanism of the MGF in PDL regeneration. In vivo study found that MGF produced from the PDL under occlusion force could strongly enhance PDL remodeling. In vitro experiments and mathematical modeling further confirmed the mechanical enhancement effect of MGF for PDLSC differentiation toward fibroblasts. A mechanochemical coupling effect of MGF mediated the enhancement of mechanical effect, which was modulated by Fyn-FAK kinases signaling and subsequent MAPK pathway. Finally, enhanced PDL regeneration under the mechanochemical coupling of MGF and occlusal force was verified in vivo. There exists an additive mechanical effect of MGF mediated by Fyn-FAK crosstalk and subsequent ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation, which could be developed as an MGF-centered adjuvant treatment to optimize PDL remodeling, especially for patients with weakened bite force or destroyed periodontium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of General Dentistry and EmergencySchool of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative MedicineXi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Northwest UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Songbai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of General Dentistry and EmergencySchool of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Bo Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Fan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of General Dentistry and EmergencySchool of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of General Dentistry and EmergencySchool of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of General Dentistry and EmergencySchool of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Junjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of General Dentistry and EmergencySchool of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Dehui Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of General Dentistry and EmergencySchool of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Heng Ma
- Department of Physiology & Department of PathophysiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of General Dentistry and EmergencySchool of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’anPeople's Republic of China
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Zou C, Zan X, Jia Z, Zheng L, Gu Y, Liu F, Han Y, Xu C, Wu A, Zhi Q. Crosstalk between alternative splicing and inflammatory bowel disease: Basic mechanisms, biotechnological progresses and future perspectives. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1479. [PMID: 37983927 PMCID: PMC10659771 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1479] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative splicing (AS) is an omnipresent regulatory mechanism of gene expression that enables the generation of diverse splice isoforms from a single gene. Recently, AS events have gained considerable momentum in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS Our review has summarized the complex process of RNA splicing, and firstly highlighted the potential involved molecules that target aberrant splicing events in IBD. The quantitative transcriptome analyses such as microarrays, next-generation sequencing (NGS) for AS events in IBD have been also discussed. RESULTS Available evidence suggests that some abnormal splicing RNAs can lead to multiple intestinal disorders during the onset of IBD as well as the progression to colitis-associated cancer (CAC), including gut microbiota perturbations, intestinal barrier dysfunctions, innate/adaptive immune dysregulations, pro-fibrosis activation and some other risk factors. Moreover, current data show that the advanced technologies, including microarrays and NGS, have been pioneeringly employed to screen the AS candidates and elucidate the potential regulatory mechanisms of IBD. Besides, other biotechnological progresses such as the applications of third-generation sequencing (TGS), single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST), will be desired with great expectations. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, the current review is the first one to evaluate the potential regulatory mechanisms of AS events in IBD. The expanding list of aberrantly spliced genes in IBD along with the developed technologies provide us new clues to how IBD develops, and how these important AS events can be explored for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chentao Zou
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xinquan Zan
- Department of General SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Zhenyu Jia
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yijie Gu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Ye Han
- Department of General SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Chunfang Xu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Airong Wu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Qiaoming Zhi
- Department of General SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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Aggeletopoulou I, Tsounis EP, Mouzaki A, Triantos C. Creeping Fat in Crohn's Disease-Surgical, Histological, and Radiological Approaches. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1029. [PMID: 37511642 PMCID: PMC10381426 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071029] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
During the course of Crohn's disease, the response of mesenteric adipose tissue to the production of inflammatory mediators and bacterial invasion through the intestinal mucosa results in the formation of creeping fat. Creeping fat describes the arresting finger-like projections that surround the inflamed bowel. In this review, the microscopic and macroscopic features of creeping fat and histological evidence for the importance of this tissue are discussed. Moreover, the most recent insights into the radiological assessment of creeping fat in patients with Crohn's disease are reported. Advances in imaging techniques have revolutionized the possibility of visualization and quantification of adipose tissue depots with excellent accuracy. Visceral fat has been significantly correlated with various Crohn's-disease-related outcomes. Despite the difficulties in distinguishing physiologic perienteric fat from creeping fat, the growing interest in fat-wrapping in Crohn's disease has rejuvenated radiologic research. With regard to the noninvasive fat-wrapping assessment, a novel CT enterography-based mesenteric creeping fat index has been developed for the mitigation of the confounding effect of normal retroperitoneal and perienteric adipose tissue. Research on machine learning algorithms and computational radiomics in conjunction with mechanistic studies may be the key for the elucidation of the complex role of creeping fat in Crohn's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Aggeletopoulou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.A.); (E.P.T.)
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Efthymios P. Tsounis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.A.); (E.P.T.)
| | - Athanasia Mouzaki
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.A.); (E.P.T.)
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Chen K, You J, Yang S, Meng X, Chen X, Wu L, Yu X, Xiao J, Feng J. Abnormally elevated expression of ACTA2 of circular smooth muscle leads to hyperactive contraction in aganglionic segments of HSCR. Pediatr Surg Int 2023; 39:214. [PMID: 37278766 PMCID: PMC10244273 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05479-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Actin Alpha 2 (ACTA2) is expressed in intestinal smooth muscle cells (iSMCs) and is associated with contractility. Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), one of the most common digested tract malformations, shows peristaltic dysfunction and spasm smooth muscles. The arrangement of the circular and longitudinal smooth muscle (SM) of the aganglionic segments is disorganized. Does ACTA2, as a marker of iSMCs, exhibit abnormal expression in aganglionic segments? Does the ACTA2 expression level affect the contraction function of iSMCs? What are the spatiotemporal expression trends of ACTA2 during different developmental stages of the colon? METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of ACTA2 in iSMCs of children with HSCR and Ednrb-/- mice, and the small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) knockdown technique was employed to investigate how Acta2 affected the systolic function of iSMCs. Additionally, Ednrb-/- mice were used to explore the changes in the expression level of iSMCs ACTA2 at different developmental stages. RESULTS The expression of ACTA2 is higher in circular SM in the aganglionic segments of HSCR patients and Ednrb-/- mice than in normal control children and mice. Down regulation of Acta2 weakens the contraction ability of intestinal smooth muscle cells. Abnormally elevated expression of ACTA2 of circular smooth muscle occurs since embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5d) in aganglionic segments of Ednrb-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Abnormally elevated expression of ACTA2 in the circular SM leads to hyperactive contraction, which may cause the spasm of aganglionic segments in HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Jingyi You
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Shimin Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Xinyao Meng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Xuyong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Luyao Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Xiaosi Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China.
| | - Jiexiong Feng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China.
- Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, China.
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Zhou J, Zhang Q, Zhao Y, Song Y, Leng Y, Chen M, Zhou S, Wang Z. The regulatory role of alternative splicing in inflammatory bowel disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1095267. [PMID: 37153612 PMCID: PMC10160418 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1095267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mainly includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases have a progressive course of chronic relapse and remission and affect a large number of children and adults worldwide. The burden of IBD is rising worldwide, with levels and trends varying greatly in countries and regions. Like most chronic diseases, the costs associated with IBD are high, including hospitalizations, outpatient and emergency visits, surgeries, and pharmacotherapies. However, there is no radical cure for it yet, and its therapeutic targets still need further study. Currently, the pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear. It is generally assumed that the occurrence and development of IBD are related to the environmental factors, gut microbiota, immune imbalance, and genetic susceptibility. Alternative splicing contributes to a various diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy, liver diseases, and cancers. In the past, it has been reported that alternative splicing events, splicing factors, and splicing mutations were associated with IBD, but there were no reports on the practical application for clinical diagnosis and treatment of IBD using splicing-related methods. Therefore, this article reviews research progress on alternative splicing events, splicing factors, and splicing mutations associated with IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuzhen Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuchen Song
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China and Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanan Leng
- Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Moxian Chen
- Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoxia Wang, ; Shaoming Zhou, ; Moxian Chen,
| | - Shaoming Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoxia Wang, ; Shaoming Zhou, ; Moxian Chen,
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoxia Wang, ; Shaoming Zhou, ; Moxian Chen,
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Liu J, Gong W, Liu P, Li Y, Jiang H, Wu X, Zhao Y, Ren J. Macrophages-microenvironment crosstalk in fibrostenotic inflammatory bowel disease: from basic mechanisms to clinical applications. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:1011-1026. [PMID: 36573664 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2161889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with no available drugs. The current therapeutic principle is surgical intervention as the core. Intestinal macrophages contribute to both the progression of inflammation and fibrosis. Understanding the role of macrophages in the intestinal microenvironment could bring new hope for fibrosis prevention or even reversal. AREAS COVERED This article reviewed the most relevant reports on macrophage in the field of intestinal fibrosis. The authors discussed current opinions about how intestinal macrophages function and interact with surrounding mediators during inflammation resolution and fibrostenotic IBD. Based on biological mechanisms findings, authors summarized related clinical trial outcomes. EXPERT OPINION The plasticity of intestinal macrophages allows them to undergo dramatic alterations in their phenotypes or functions when exposed to gastrointestinal environmental stimuli. They exhibit distinct metabolic characteristics, secrete various cytokines, express unique surface markers, and transmit different signals. Nevertheless, the specific mechanism through which the intestinal macrophages contribute to intestinal fibrosis remains unclear. It should further elucidate a novel therapeutic approach by targeting macrophages, especially distinct mechanisms in specific subgroups of macrophages involved in the progression of fibrogenesis in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanhan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 305 East Zhongshan Road, 210002, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Peizhao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 305 East Zhongshan Road, 210002, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yangguang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 305 East Zhongshan Road, 210002, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Haiyang Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210019, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xiuwen Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 305 East Zhongshan Road, 210002, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210019, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jianan Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 305 East Zhongshan Road, 210002, Nanjing, P. R. China
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Schmoyer CJ, Saidman J, Bohl JL, Bierly CL, Kuemmerle JF, Bickston SJ. The Pathogenesis and Clinical Management of Stricturing Crohn Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2021; 27:1839-1852. [PMID: 33693860 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stricturing of the gastrointestinal tract is a common complication in Crohn disease and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among this population. The inflammatory process initiates fibrosis, leading to aberrant wound healing and excess deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Our understanding of this process has grown and encompasses cellular mechanisms, epigenetic modifications, and inherent genetic predisposition toward fibrosis. Although medications can improve inflammation, there is still no drug to attenuate scar formation. As such, management of stricturing disease requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach including medical management, therapeutic endoscopy, and surgery. This review details the current understanding regarding the pathogenesis, detection, and management of stricturing Crohn disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Schmoyer
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jakob Saidman
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jaime L Bohl
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Claire L Bierly
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - John F Kuemmerle
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Stephen J Bickston
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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8
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Ren P, Lu L, Cai S, Chen J, Lin W, Han F. Alternative Splicing: A New Cause and Potential Therapeutic Target in Autoimmune Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:713540. [PMID: 34484216 PMCID: PMC8416054 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.713540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is a complex coordinated transcriptional regulatory mechanism. It affects nearly 95% of all protein-coding genes and occurs in nearly all human organs. Aberrant alternative splicing can lead to various neurological diseases and cancers and is responsible for aging, infection, inflammation, immune and metabolic disorders, and so on. Though aberrant alternative splicing events and their regulatory mechanisms are widely recognized, the association between autoimmune disease and alternative splicing has not been extensively examined. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the loss of tolerance of the immune system towards self-antigens and organ-specific or systemic inflammation and subsequent tissue damage. In the present review, we summarized the most recent reports on splicing events that occur in the immunopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and attempted to clarify the role that splicing events play in regulating autoimmune disease progression. We also identified the changes that occur in splicing factor expression. The foregoing information might improve our understanding of autoimmune diseases and help develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Ren
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Nephropathy, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luying Lu
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Nephropathy, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shasha Cai
- Department of Nephrology, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, Taizhou, China
| | - Jianghua Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Nephropathy, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiqiang Lin
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Nephropathy, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Han
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Nephropathy, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Nephropathy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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9
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Alfredsson J, Wick MJ. Mechanism of fibrosis and stricture formation in Crohn's disease. Scand J Immunol 2020; 92:e12990. [PMID: 33119150 PMCID: PMC7757243 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract that leads to substantial suffering for millions of patients. In some patients, the chronic inflammation leads to remodelling of the extracellular matrix and fibrosis. Fibrosis, in combination with expansion of smooth muscle layers, leaves the bowel segment narrowed and stiff resulting in strictures, which often require urgent medical intervention. Although stricture development is associated with inflammation in the affected segment, anti‐inflammatory therapies fall far short of treating strictures. At best, current therapies might allow some patients to avoid surgery in a shorter perspective and no anti‐fibrotic therapy is yet available. This likely relates to our poor understanding of the mechanism underlying stricture development. Chronic inflammation is a prerequisite, but progression to strictures involves changes in fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in a poorly understood interplay with immune cells and environmental cues. Much of the experimental evidence available is from animal models, cell lines or non‐strictured patient tissue. Accordingly, these limitations create the basis for many previously published reviews covering the topic. Although this information has contributed to the understanding of fibrotic mechanisms in general, in the end, data must be validated in strictured tissue from patients. As stricture formation is a serious complication of CD, we endeavoured to summarize findings exclusively performed using strictured tissue from patients. Here, we give an update of the mechanism driving this serious complication in patients, and how the strictured tissue differs from adjacent unaffected tissue and controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Alfredsson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mary Jo Wick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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10
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Nath SR, Lieberman ML, Yu Z, Marchioretti C, Jones ST, Danby ECE, Van Pelt KM, Sorarù G, Robins DM, Bates GP, Pennuto M, Lieberman AP. MEF2 impairment underlies skeletal muscle atrophy in polyglutamine disease. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 140:63-80. [PMID: 32306066 PMCID: PMC7166004 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02156-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) tract expansion leads to proteotoxic misfolding and drives a family of nine diseases. We study spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a progressive degenerative disorder of the neuromuscular system caused by the polyQ androgen receptor (AR). Using a knock-in mouse model of SBMA, AR113Q mice, we show that E3 ubiquitin ligases which are a hallmark of the canonical muscle atrophy machinery are not induced in AR113Q muscle. Similarly, we find no evidence to suggest dysfunction of signaling pathways that trigger muscle hypertrophy or impairment of the muscle stem cell niche. Instead, we find that skeletal muscle atrophy is characterized by diminished function of the transcriptional regulator Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 (MEF2), a regulator of myofiber homeostasis. Decreased expression of MEF2 target genes is age- and glutamine tract length-dependent, occurs due to polyQ AR proteotoxicity, and is associated with sequestration of MEF2 into intranuclear inclusions in muscle. Skeletal muscle from R6/2 mice, a model of Huntington disease which develops progressive atrophy, also sequesters MEF2 into inclusions and displays age-dependent loss of MEF2 target genes. Similarly, SBMA patient muscle shows loss of MEF2 target gene expression, and restoring MEF2 activity in AR113Q muscle rescues fiber size and MEF2-regulated gene expression. This work establishes MEF2 impairment as a novel mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy downstream of toxic polyglutamine proteins and as a therapeutic target for muscle atrophy in these disorders.
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Lourenssen SR, Blennerhassett MG. M2 Macrophages and Phenotypic Modulation of Intestinal Smooth Muscle Cells Characterize Inflammatory Stricture Formation in Rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:1843-1858. [PMID: 32479820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The progression of Crohn disease to intestinal stricture formation is poorly controlled, and the pathogenesis is unclear, although increased smooth muscle mass is present. A previously described rat model of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis is re-examined here. Although inflammation of the mid-descending colon typically resolved, a subset showed characteristic stricturing by day 16, with an inflammatory infiltrate in the neuromuscular layers including eosinophils, CD3-positive T cells, and CD68-positive macrophages. Closer study identified CD163-positive, CD206-positive, and arginase-positive cells, indicating a M2 macrophage phenotype. Stricturing involved ongoing proliferation of intestinal smooth muscle cells (ISMC) with expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta and progressive loss of phenotypic markers, and stable expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha. In parallel, collagen I and III showed a selective and progressive increase over time. A culture model of the stricture phenotype of ISMC showed stable hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha expression that promoted growth and improved both survival and growth in models of experimental ischemia. This phenotype was hyperproliferative to serum and platelet-derived growth factor BB, and unresponsive to transforming growth factor beta, a prominent cytokine of M2 macrophages, compared with control ISMC. We identified a hyperplastic phenotype of ISMC, uniquely adapted to an ischemic environment to drive smooth muscle layer expansion, which may reveal new targets for treating intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra R Lourenssen
- Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit and Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Attems J. The first year. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 139:1-2. [PMID: 31832772 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02113-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Attems
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK.
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Ackerman WE, Buhimschi IA, Brubaker D, Maxwell S, Rood KM, Chance MR, Jing H, Mesiano S, Buhimschi CS. Integrated microRNA and mRNA network analysis of the human myometrial transcriptome in the transition from quiescence to labor. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:834-845. [PMID: 29447339 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted integrated transcriptomics network analyses of miRNA and mRNA interactions in human myometrium to identify novel molecular candidates potentially involved in human parturition. Myometrial biopsies were collected from women undergoing primary Cesarean deliveries in well-characterized clinical scenarios: (1) spontaneous term labor (TL, n = 5); (2) term nonlabor (TNL, n = 5); (3) spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) with histologic chorioamnionitis (PTB-HCA, n = 5); and (4) indicated PTB nonlabor (PTB-NL, n = 5). RNAs were profiled using RNA sequencing, and miRNA-target interaction networks were mined for key discriminatory subnetworks. Forty miRNAs differed between TL and TNL myometrium, while seven miRNAs differed between PTB-HCA vs. PTB-NL specimens; six of these were cross-validated using quantitative PCR. Based on the combined sequencing data, unsupervised clustering revealed two nonoverlapping cohorts that differed primarily by absence or presence of uterine quiescence, rather than gestational age or original clinical cohort. The intersection of differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets predicted 22 subnetworks with enriched representation of miR-146b-5p, miR-223-3p, and miR-150-5p among miRNAs, and of myocyte enhancer factor-2C (MEF2C) among mRNAs. Of four known MEF2 transcription factors, decreased MEF2A and MEF2C expression in women with uterine nonquiescence was observed in the sequencing data, and validated in a second cohort by quantitative PCR. Immunohistochemistry localized MEF2A and MEF2C to myometrial smooth muscle cells and confirmed decreased abundance with labor. Collectively, these results suggest altered MEF2 expression may represent a previously unrecognized process through which miRNAs contribute to the phenotypic switch from quiescence to labor in human myometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Ackerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Irina A Buhimschi
- Center for Perinatal Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Douglas Brubaker
- Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sean Maxwell
- Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Kara M Rood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mark R Chance
- Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Hongwu Jing
- Department of Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sam Mesiano
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Catalin S Buhimschi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The review is focused on the unexpected role of myogenic regulatory factor 4 (MRF4) in controlling muscle mass by repressing myocyte enhancer binding factor 2 (MEF2) activity in adult skeletal muscle, and on the emerging role of MEF2 in skeletal muscle growth. RECENT FINDINGS The MRF4s of the MyoD family (MyoD, MYF5, MRF4, myogenin) and the MEF2 factors are known to play a major role in embryonic myogenesis. However, their function in adult muscle tissue is not known. A recent study shows that MRF4 loss in adult skeletal muscle causes muscle hypertrophy and prevents denervation atrophy. This effect is mediated by MEF2 factors that promote muscle growth, with MRF4 acting as a repressor of MEF2 activity. The role of MEF2 in skeletal muscle growth is supported by the finding that muscle regeneration is impaired by muscle-specific triple knockout of Mef2a, c, and d genes. SUMMARY The finding that the MRF4-MEF2 axis controls muscle growth opens a new perspective for preventing muscle wasting. A unique feature of this pathway is that MRF4 is exclusively expressed in skeletal muscle, thus reducing the risk that interventions aimed at down-regulating MRF4 or interfering with the interaction between MRF4 and MEF2 may have off-target effects in other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth A Dyar
- Molecular Endocrinology, Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO), Helmholtz Diabetes Center (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
| | - Elisa Calabria
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of several enteropathies, with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) being the major cause. Intestinal fibrosis affects both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and no specific antifibrotic therapy exists. This review highlights recent developments in this area. RECENT FINDINGS The pathophysiology of intestinal stricture formation includes inflammation-dependent and inflammation-independent mechanisms. A better understanding of the mechanisms of intestinal fibrogenesis and the availability of compounds for other nonintestinal fibrotic diseases bring clincial trials in stricturing Crohn's disease within reach. SUMMARY Improved understanding of its mechanisms and ongoing development of clinical trial endpoints for intestinal fibrosis will allow the testing of novel antifibrotic compounds in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Latella
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute; Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, USA
- Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute; Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, USA
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