1
|
Schwartz L, Simoni A, Yan P, Salamon K, Turkoglu A, Vasquez Martinez G, Zepeda-Orozco D, Eichler T, Wang X, Spencer JD. Insulin receptor orchestrates kidney antibacterial defenses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400666121. [PMID: 38976738 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400666121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infection (UTI) commonly afflicts people with diabetes. This augmented infection risk is partly due to deregulated insulin receptor (IR) signaling in the kidney collecting duct. The collecting duct is composed of intercalated cells (ICs) and principal cells (PCs). Evidence suggests that ICs contribute to UTI defenses. Here, we interrogate how IR deletion in ICs impacts antibacterial defenses against uropathogenic Escherichia coli. We also explore how IR deletion affects immune responses in neighboring PCs with intact IR expression. To accomplish this objective, we profile the transcriptomes of IC and PC populations enriched from kidneys of wild-type and IC-specific IR knock-out mice that have increased UTI susceptibility. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrates that IR deletion suppresses IC-integrated stress responses and innate immune defenses. To define how IR shapes these immune defenses, we employ murine and human kidney cultures. When challenged with bacteria, murine ICs and human kidney cells with deregulated IR signaling cannot engage central components of the integrated stress response-including activating transcriptional factor 4 (ATF4). Silencing ATF4 impairs NFkB activation and promotes infection. In turn, NFkB silencing augments infection and suppresses antimicrobial peptide expression. In diabetic mice and people with diabetes, collecting duct cells show reduced IR expression, impaired integrated stress response engagement, and compromised immunity. Collectively, these translational data illustrate how IR orchestrates collecting duct antibacterial responses and the communication between ICs and PCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schwartz
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Aaron Simoni
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Pearlly Yan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Kristin Salamon
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Altan Turkoglu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Gabriela Vasquez Martinez
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Diana Zepeda-Orozco
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Tad Eichler
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Xin Wang
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - John David Spencer
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun J, Chen M, Hu Z, Xu N, Wang W, Ping Z, Zhu J, Sun D, Zhu Z, Li H, Ge X, Luo L, Zhou W, Bai R, Xu Z, Sheng J. Ribonuclease 4 functions as an intestinal antimicrobial protein to maintain gut microbiota and metabolite homeostasis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5778. [PMID: 38987259 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50223-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial proteins contribute to host-microbiota interactions and are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but our understanding on antimicrobial protein diversity and functions remains incomplete. Ribonuclease 4 (Rnase4) is a potential antimicrobial protein with no known function in the intestines. Here we find that RNASE4 is expressed in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) including Paneth and goblet cells, and is detectable in human and mouse stool. Results from Rnase4-deficient mice and recombinant protein suggest that Rnase4 kills Parasutterella to modulate intestinal microbiome, thereby enhancing indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression and subsequently kynurenic and xanthurenic acid production in IECs to reduce colitis susceptibility. Furthermore, deceased RNASE4 levels are observed in the intestinal tissues and stool from patients with IBD, correlating with increased stool Parasutterella. Our results thus implicate Rnase4 as an intestinal antimicrobial protein regulating gut microbiota and metabolite homeostasis, and as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sun
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Muxiong Chen
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhen Hu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ningqin Xu
- Division of Health Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Wenguang Wang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zejun Ping
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiayi Zhu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Desen Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Zhehao Zhu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hangyu Li
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaolong Ge
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Liang Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Rongpan Bai
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Zhengping Xu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Jinghao Sheng
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schwartz L, Salamon K, Simoni A, Eichler T, Jackson AR, Murtha M, Becknell B, Kauffman A, Linn-Peirano S, Holdsworth N, Tyagi V, Tang H, Rust S, Cortado H, Zabbarova I, Kanai A, Spencer JD. Insulin receptor signaling engages bladder urothelial defenses that limit urinary tract infection. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114007. [PMID: 38517889 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114007] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) commonly afflict people with diabetes. To better understand the mechanisms that predispose diabetics to UTIs, we employ diabetic mouse models and altered insulin signaling to show that insulin receptor (IR) shapes UTI defenses. Our findings are validated in human biosamples. We report that diabetic mice have suppressed IR expression and are more susceptible to UTIs caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Systemic IR inhibition increases UPEC susceptibility, while IR activation reduces UTIs. Localized IR deletion in bladder urothelium promotes UTI by increasing barrier permeability and suppressing antimicrobial peptides. Mechanistically, IR deletion reduces nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-dependent programming that co-regulates urothelial tight junction integrity and antimicrobial peptides. Exfoliated urothelial cells or urine samples from diabetic youths show suppressed expression of IR, barrier genes, and antimicrobial peptides. These observations demonstrate that urothelial insulin signaling has a role in UTI prevention and link IR to urothelial barrier maintenance and antimicrobial peptide expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schwartz
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kristin Salamon
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Aaron Simoni
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Tad Eichler
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Ashley R Jackson
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Matthew Murtha
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Brian Becknell
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Andrew Kauffman
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Sarah Linn-Peirano
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Natalie Holdsworth
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Vidhi Tyagi
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Hancong Tang
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Steve Rust
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Hanna Cortado
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Irina Zabbarova
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anthony Kanai
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - John David Spencer
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schwaderer AL, Rajadhyaksha E, Canas J, Saxena V, Hains DS. Intercalated cell function, kidney innate immunity, and urinary tract infections. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:565-578. [PMID: 38227050 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02905-4] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Intercalated cells (ICs) in the kidney collecting duct have a versatile role in acid-base and electrolyte regulation along with the host immune defense. Located in the terminal kidney tubule segment, ICs are among the first kidney cells to encounter bacteria when bacteria ascend from the bladder into the kidney. ICs have developed several mechanisms to combat bacterial infections of the kidneys. For example, ICs produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which have direct bactericidal activity, and in many cases are upregulated in response to infections. Some AMP genes with IC-specific kidney expression are multiallelic, and having more copies of the gene confers increased resistance to bacterial infections of the kidney and urinary tract. Similarly, studies in human children demonstrate that those with history of UTIs are more likely to have single-nucleotide polymorphisms in IC-expressed AMP genes that impair the AMP's bactericidal activity. In murine models, depleted or impaired ICs result in decreased clearance of bacterial load following transurethral challenge with uropathogenic E. coli. A 2021 study demonstrated that ICs even act as phagocytes and acidify bacteria within phagolysosomes. Several immune signaling pathways have been identified in ICs which may represent future therapeutic targets in managing kidney infections or inflammation. This review's objective is to highlight IC structure and function with an emphasis on current knowledge of IC's diverse innate immune capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Schwaderer
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, 699 Riley Hospital Drive, STE 230, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Evan Rajadhyaksha
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, 699 Riley Hospital Drive, STE 230, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jorge Canas
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, 699 Riley Hospital Drive, STE 230, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Vijay Saxena
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, 699 Riley Hospital Drive, STE 230, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - David S Hains
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, 699 Riley Hospital Drive, STE 230, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rosen AL, Lint MA, Voelker DH, Gilbert NM, Tomera CP, Santiago-Borges J, Wallace MA, Hannan TJ, Burnham CAD, Hultgren SJ, Kau AL. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor protects against severe urinary tract infection in mice. mBio 2024; 15:e0255423. [PMID: 38270443 PMCID: PMC10865866 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02554-23] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Millions suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) worldwide every year with women accounting for the majority of cases. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) causes most of these primary infections and leads to 25% becoming recurrent or chronic. To repel invading pathogens, the urinary tract mounts a vigorous innate immune response that includes the secretion of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), rapid recruitment of phagocytes, and exfoliation of superficial umbrella cells. Here, we investigate secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), an AMP with antiprotease, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory functions, known to play protective roles at other mucosal sites, but not well characterized in UTIs. Using a preclinical model of UPEC-caused UTI, we show that urine SLPI increases in infected mice and that SLPI is localized to bladder epithelial cells. UPEC-infected SLPI-deficient (Slpi-/-) mice suffer from higher urine bacterial burdens, prolonged bladder inflammation, and elevated urine neutrophil elastase (NE) levels compared to wild-type (Slpi+/+) controls. Combined with bulk bladder RNA sequencing, our data indicate that Slpi-/- mice have a dysregulated immune and tissue repair response following UTI. We also measure SLPI in urine samples from a small group of female subjects 18-49 years old and find that SLPI tends to be higher in the presence of a uropathogen, except in patients with a history of recent or recurrent UTI, suggesting a dysregulation of SLPI expression in these women. Taken together, our findings show SLPI promotes clearance of UPEC in mice and provides preliminary evidence that SLPI is likewise regulated in response to uropathogen exposure in women.IMPORTANCEAnnually, millions of people suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) and more than $3 billion are spent on work absences and treatment of these patients. While the early response to UTI is known to be important in combating urinary pathogens, knowledge of host factors that help curb infection is still limited. Here, we use a preclinical model of UTI to study secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), an antimicrobial protein, to determine how it protects the bladder against infection. We find that SLPI is increased during UTI, accelerates the clearance of bacteriuria, and upregulates genes and pathways needed to fight an infection while preventing prolonged bladder inflammation. In a small clinical study, we show SLPI is readily detectable in human urine and is associated with the presence of a uropathogen in patients without a previous history of UTI, suggesting SLPI may play an important role in protecting from bacterial cystitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne L. Rosen
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael A. Lint
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dayne H. Voelker
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nicole M. Gilbert
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christopher P. Tomera
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jesús Santiago-Borges
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Meghan A. Wallace
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Thomas J. Hannan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carey-Ann D. Burnham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Scott J. Hultgren
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Andrew L. Kau
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Anguita R, Prats-Ejarque G, Moussaoui M, Becknell B, Boix E. A Common Polymorphism in RNASE6 Impacts Its Antimicrobial Activity toward Uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:604. [PMID: 38203775 PMCID: PMC10779065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Human Ribonuclease (RNase) 6 is a monocyte and macrophage-derived protein with potent antimicrobial activity toward uropathogenic bacteria. The RNASE6 gene is heterogeneous in humans due to the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). RNASE6 rs1045922 is the most common non-synonymous SNP, resulting in a G to A substitution that determines an arginine (R) to glutamine (Q) transversion at position 66 in the protein sequence. By structural analysis we observed that R66Q substitution significantly reduces the positive electrostatic charge at the protein surface. Here, we generated both recombinant RNase 6-R66 and -Q66 protein variants and determined their antimicrobial activity toward uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the most common cause of UTI. We found that the R66 variant, encoded by the major SNP rs1045922 allele, exhibited superior bactericidal activity in comparison to the Q66 variant. The higher bactericidal activity of R66 variant correlated with an increase in the protein lipopolysaccharide binding and bacterial agglutination abilities, while retaining the same enzymatic efficiency. These findings encourage further work to evaluate RNASE6 SNP distribution and its impact in UTI susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Anguita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (R.A.); (G.P.-E.); (M.M.)
| | - Guillem Prats-Ejarque
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (R.A.); (G.P.-E.); (M.M.)
| | - Mohammed Moussaoui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (R.A.); (G.P.-E.); (M.M.)
| | - Brian Becknell
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Ester Boix
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (R.A.); (G.P.-E.); (M.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ruiz-Rosado JDD, Cortado H, Kercsmar M, Li B, Ballash G, Cotzomi-Ortega I, Sanchez-Zamora YI, Gupta S, Ching C, Boix E, Jackson AR, Spencer JD, Becknell B. Human Ribonuclease 6 Has a Protective Role during Experimental Urinary Tract Infection. J Innate Immun 2023; 15:865-875. [PMID: 37980892 PMCID: PMC10699853 DOI: 10.1159/000534736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests that antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) belonging to the RNase A superfamily have a critical role in defending the bladder and kidney from bacterial infection. RNase 6 has been identified as a potent, leukocyte-derived AMP, but its impact on urinary tract infection (UTI) in vivo has not been demonstrated. To test the functional role of human RNase 6, we generated RNASE6 transgenic mice and studied their susceptibility to experimental UTI. In addition, we generated bone marrow-derived macrophages to study the impact of RNase 6 on antimicrobial activity within a cellular context. When subjected to experimental UTI, RNASE6 transgenic mice developed reduced uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) burden, mucosal injury, and inflammation compared to non-transgenic controls. Monocytes and macrophages were the predominant cellular sources of RNase 6 during UTI, and RNASE6 transgenic macrophages were more proficient at intracellular UPEC killing than non-transgenic controls. Altogether, our findings indicate a protective role for human RNase 6 during experimental UTI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan de Dios Ruiz-Rosado
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hanna Cortado
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Macie Kercsmar
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Birong Li
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gregory Ballash
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Israel Cotzomi-Ortega
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yuriko I. Sanchez-Zamora
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sudipti Gupta
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christina Ching
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ester Boix
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ashley R. Jackson
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John David Spencer
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian Becknell
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schwartz L, de Dios Ruiz-Rosado J, Stonebrook E, Becknell B, Spencer JD. Uropathogen and host responses in pyelonephritis. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:658-671. [PMID: 37479904 PMCID: PMC10913074 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00737-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections seen in clinical practice. The ascent of UTI-causing pathogens to the kidneys results in pyelonephritis, which can trigger kidney injury, scarring and ultimately impair kidney function. Despite sizable efforts to understand how infections develop or are cleared in the bladder, our appreciation of the mechanisms by which infections develop, progress or are eradicated in the kidney is limited. The identification of virulence factors that are produced by uropathogenic Escherichia coli to promote pyelonephritis have begun to fill this knowledge gap, as have insights into the mechanisms by which kidney tubular epithelial cells oppose uropathogenic E. coli infection to prevent or eradicate UTIs. Emerging data also illustrate how specific cellular immune responses eradicate infection whereas other immune cell populations promote kidney injury. Insights into the mechanisms by which uropathogenic E. coli circumvent host immune defences or antibiotic therapy to cause pyelonephritis is paramount to the development of new prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate pyelonephritis and its associated complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schwartz
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Juan de Dios Ruiz-Rosado
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emily Stonebrook
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian Becknell
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John David Spencer
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chelangarimiyandoab F, Mungara P, Batta M, Cordat E. Urinary Tract Infections: Renal Intercalated Cells Protect against Pathogens. J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 34:1605-1614. [PMID: 37401780 PMCID: PMC10561816 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections affect more than 1 in 2 women during their lifetime. Among these, more than 10% of patients carry antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, highlighting the urgent need to identify alternative treatments. While innate defense mechanisms are well-characterized in the lower urinary tract, it is becoming evident that the collecting duct (CD), the first renal segment encountered by invading uropathogenic bacteria, also contributes to bacterial clearance. However, the role of this segment is beginning to be understood. This review summarizes the current knowledge on CD intercalated cells in urinary tract bacterial clearance. Understanding the innate protective role of the uroepithelium and of the CD offers new opportunities for alternative therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Forough Chelangarimiyandoab
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mohanty S, Lindelauf C, White JK, Scheffschick A, Ehrenborg E, Demirel I, Brauner H, Brauner A. Inhibition of COX-2 signaling favors E. coli during urinary tract infection. J Inflamm (Lond) 2023; 20:30. [PMID: 37697284 PMCID: PMC10496388 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-023-00356-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To avoid the overuse of antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acting via cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition, have been used to reduce pain and as an alternative treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, clinical studies evaluating NSAIDs versus antibiotics have reported an increased risk of acute pyelonephritis. Therefore, we hypothesized that COX inhibition could compromise the innate immune response and contribute to complications in patients with uncomplicated UTI. RESULTS We here demonstrate that in particular COX-2 inhibition led to decreased expression of the antimicrobial peptides psoriasin and human β-defensin-2 in human uroepithelial cells. Psoriasin expression was altered in neutrophils and macrophages. COX-2 inhibition also had impact on the inflammasome mediated IL-1β expression in response to uroepithelial E. coli infection. Further, COX-2 inhibition downregulated free radicals and the epithelial barrier protein claudin 1, favoring infectivity. In addition, conditioned media from COX-2 inhibited uroepithelial cells infected with E. coli failed to activate macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data suggests an adverse innate immune effect of COX-2 inhibition on uroepithelial cells during UTI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumitra Mohanty
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ciska Lindelauf
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Kerr White
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrea Scheffschick
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ewa Ehrenborg
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine at BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isak Demirel
- iRiSC - Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Hanna Brauner
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Dermato-Venereology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelie Brauner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kuhn HW, Hreha TN, Hunstad DA. Immune defenses in the urinary tract. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:701-711. [PMID: 37591712 PMCID: PMC10528756 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in preclinical modeling of urinary tract infections (UTIs) have enabled the identification of key facets of the host response that influence pathogen clearance and tissue damage. Here, we review new insights into the functions of neutrophils, macrophages, and antimicrobial peptides in innate control of uropathogens and in mammalian infection-related tissue injury and repair. We also discuss novel functions for renal epithelial cells in innate antimicrobial defense. In addition, epigenetic modifications during bacterial cystitis have been implicated in bladder remodeling, conveying susceptibility to recurrent UTI. In total, contemporary work in this arena has better defined host processes that shape UTI susceptibility and severity and might inform the development of novel preventive and therapeutic approaches for acute and recurrent UTI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hunter W Kuhn
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Teri N Hreha
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David A Hunstad
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Repurposing HDAC inhibitors to enhance ribonuclease 4 and 7 expression and reduce urinary tract infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2213363120. [PMID: 36652479 PMCID: PMC9942862 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213363120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, innovative approaches are needed for the treatment of urinary tract infections. Boosting antimicrobial peptide expression may provide an alternative to antibiotics. Here, we developed reporter cell lines and performed a high-throughput screen of clinically used drugs to identify compounds that boost ribonuclease 4 and 7 expression (RNase 4 and 7), peptides that have antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant uropathogens. This screen identified histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors as effective RNase 4 and RNase 7 inducers. Validation studies in primary human kidney and bladder cells confirmed pan-HDAC inhibitors as well as the HDAC class I inhibitor, MS-275, induce RNase 4 and RNase 7 to protect human kidney and bladder cells from uropathogenic Escherichia coli. When we administered MS-275 to mice, RNase 4 and 7 expression increased and mice were protected from acute transurethral E. coli challenge. In support of this mechanism, MS-275 treatment increased acetylated histone H3 binding to the RNASE4 and RNASE7 promoters. Overexpression and knockdown of HDAC class I proteins identified HDAC3 as a primary regulator of RNase 4 and 7. These results demonstrate the protective effects of enhancing RNase 4 and RNase 7, opening the door to repurposing medications as antibiotic conserving therapeutics for urinary tract infection.
Collapse
|
13
|
Identification of Ribonuclease 6 as an immunoinflammatory key gene associated with the glomerular injury in diabetic nephropathy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19709. [PMID: 36385487 PMCID: PMC9668917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24289-0] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the major causes of end-stage renal disease, and the pathogenesis of the disease has not been elucidated. While the immunoinflammatory response plays an essential role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Glomerular expression dataset in diabetic nephropathy was obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes were identified and functional enrichment analysis was performed to find genes associated with immunity and inflammation from them. The hub genes of immunoinflammatory were identified using MCODE after establishing the PPI network and gene expression was verified with diabetic nephropathy model rats. Xcell was used to assign immune cells to diabetic nephropathy glomerular samples to detect significant changes in immune cells and to analyze correlations with the hub gene. We found 120 DEGs associated with immunity and inflammation, Ribonuclease 6 was the Hub gene with the highest MCODE score. Xcell analysis revealed significant changes of immune cells in DN glomeruli, including upregulated Activated DCs, Conventional DCs, CD4+ Tem, Epithelial cells, Macrophages, Macrophages M1, and Memory B-cells. RNase6 expression showed the highest positive correlation with Macrophages M1, Activated DCs, and Conventional DCs. We verified through the Nephroseq v5 database that RNase6 expression was elevated in DN glomeruli and negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate. Animal studies revealed that the kidney of DN model rats showed increased RNase6 expression together with inflammatory factor TNF-alpha and chemokine MCP-1. Our study identified RNase6 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for diabetic nephropathy and found that it may play an essential role in the immunoinflammatory damage to the glomerulus.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The ribonuclease A (RNase A) family is one of the best-characterized vertebrate-specific proteins. In humans, eight catalytically active RNases (numbered 1–8) have been identified and have unique tissue distributions. Apart from the digestion of dietary RNA, a broad range of biological actions, including the regulation of intra- or extra-cellular RNA metabolism as well as antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activities, neurotoxicity, promotion of cell proliferation, anti-apoptosis, and immunomodulatory abilities, have been recently reported for the members of this family. Based on multiple biological roles, RNases are found to participate in the pathogenic processes of many diseases, such as infection, immune dysfunction, neurodegeneration, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. This review summarizes the available data on the human RNase A family and illustrates the significant roles of the eight canonical RNases in health and disease, for stimulating further basic research and development of ideas on the potential solutions for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desen Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315020, China,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Chenjie Han
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China,Undergraduate Program in Public Health, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jinghao Sheng
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Novel urine biomarkers to distinguish UTI from culture-negative pyuria. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 37:385-391. [PMID: 34272611 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-021-05202-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency departments (EDs) often rely on urinalysis (UA) to rapidly identify urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. However, the suboptimal test characteristics of UA can lead to false-positive results. Novel urinary biomarkers may increase the diagnostic precision of UA. In this study, we compared the concentrations of 6 pre-selected proteins: BH3 interacting domain death agonist (BID), B-cell lymphoma 6 protein, ras GTPase-activating protein 1, cathepsin S (CTSS), 3-hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase, and transgelin-2. METHODS In a pediatric ED, we prospectively enrolled 167 children with UA and urine culture collected. Pyuria was defined as either ≥ 5 white blood cells per high-power field on microscopy or positive leukocyte esterase (LE). The urine culture was considered positive if it yielded ≥ 50,000 colony-forming units per milliliter of any single urinary pathogen. Urine protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and normalized to urine creatinine. RESULTS BID was significantly higher in the UTI group compared to the culture-negative pyuria group with a mean ratio of 1.42 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15, 1.76) when uncorrected for creatinine concentration. When corrected for creatinine concentration, CTSS was significantly elevated in the UTI group compared to the culture-negative pyuria group with a mean ratio of 2.11 (95% CI, 1.39, 3.21). CONCLUSIONS BID and CTSS concentrations were elevated in the urine of children with UTI compared to those with culture-negative pyuria. These proteins deserve further research into their utility to serve as novel biomarkers for UTI.
Collapse
|