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Dicks AR, Maksaev GI, Harissa Z, Savadipour A, Tang R, Steward N, Liedtke W, Nichols CG, Wu CL, Guilak F. Skeletal dysplasia-causing TRPV4 mutations suppress the hypertrophic differentiation of human iPSC-derived chondrocytes. eLife 2023; 12:e71154. [PMID: 36810131 PMCID: PMC9949800 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the TRPV4 ion channel can lead to a range of skeletal dysplasias. However, the mechanisms by which TRPV4 mutations lead to distinct disease severity remain unknown. Here, we use CRISPR-Cas9-edited human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) harboring either the mild V620I or lethal T89I mutations to elucidate the differential effects on channel function and chondrogenic differentiation. We found that hiPSC-derived chondrocytes with the V620I mutation exhibited increased basal currents through TRPV4. However, both mutations showed more rapid calcium signaling with a reduced overall magnitude in response to TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A compared to wildtype (WT). There were no differences in overall cartilaginous matrix production, but the V620I mutation resulted in reduced mechanical properties of cartilage matrix later in chondrogenesis. mRNA sequencing revealed that both mutations up-regulated several anterior HOX genes and down-regulated antioxidant genes CAT and GSTA1 throughout chondrogenesis. BMP4 treatment up-regulated several essential hypertrophic genes in WT chondrocytes; however, this hypertrophic maturation response was inhibited in mutant chondrocytes. These results indicate that the TRPV4 mutations alter BMP signaling in chondrocytes and prevent proper chondrocyte hypertrophy, as a potential mechanism for dysfunctional skeletal development. Our findings provide potential therapeutic targets for developing treatments for TRPV4-mediated skeletal dysplasias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Dicks
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Grigory I Maksaev
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
| | - Zainab Harissa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Alireza Savadipour
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, Washington University in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Ruhang Tang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Nancy Steward
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Wolfgang Liedtke
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of MedicineDurhamUnited States
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology - NYU College of DentistryNew YorkUnited States
| | - Colin G Nichols
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
| | - Chia-Lung Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of RochesterRochesterUnited States
| | - Farshid Guilak
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
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Long read genome assemblies complemented by single cell RNA-sequencing reveal genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying the adaptive evolution of yak. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4887. [PMID: 36068211 PMCID: PMC9448747 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild yak (Bos mutus) and domestic yak (Bos grunniens) are adapted to high altitude environment and have ecological, economic, and cultural significances on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). Currently, the genetic and cellular bases underlying adaptations of yak to extreme conditions remains elusive. In the present study, we assembled two chromosome-level genomes, one each for wild yak and domestic yak, and screened structural variants (SVs) through the long-read data of yak and taurine cattle. The results revealed that 6733 genes contained high-FST SVs. 127 genes carrying special type of SVs were differentially expressed in lungs of the taurine cattle and yak. We then constructed the first single-cell gene expression atlas of yak and taurine cattle lung tissues and identified a yak-specific endothelial cell subtype. By integrating SVs and single-cell transcriptome data, we revealed that the endothelial cells expressed the highest proportion of marker genes carrying high-FST SVs in taurine cattle lungs. Furthermore, we identified pathways which were related to the medial thickness and formation of elastic fibers in yak lungs. These findings provide new insights into the high-altitude adaptation of yak and have important implications for understanding the physiological and pathological responses of large mammals and humans to hypoxia. The genetic bases of yak adaptations to extreme conditions remains elusive. This study compares yak and cattle at a genomic and transcriptomic level, revealing a new type of endothelial cell and candidate genes related with elastic fiber formation in yak lungs that might contribute to high altitude adaptation.
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Wang X, Cho HY, Campbell MR, Panduri V, Coviello S, Caballero MT, Sambandan D, Kleeberger SR, Polack FP, Ofman G, Bell DA. Epigenome-wide association study of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: results from the discovery-BPD program. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:57. [PMID: 35484630 PMCID: PMC9052529 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01272-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a lung disease in premature infants caused by therapeutic oxygen supplemental and characterized by impaired pulmonary development which persists into later life. While advances in neonatal care have improved survival rates of premature infants, cases of BPD have been increasing with limited therapeutic options for prevention and treatment. This study was designed to explore the relationship between gestational age (GA), birth weight, and estimated blood cell-type composition in premature infants and to elucidate early epigenetic biomarkers associated with BPD. METHODS Cord blood DNA from preterm neonates that went on to develop BPD (n = 14) or not (non-BPD, n = 93) was applied to Illumina 450 K methylation arrays. Blood cell-type compositions were estimated using DNA methylation profiles. Multivariable robust regression analysis elucidated CpGs associated with BPD risk. cDNA microarray analysis of cord blood RNA identified differentially expressed genes in neonates who later developed BPD. RESULTS The development of BPD and the need for oxygen supplementation were strongly associated with GA (BPD, p < 1.0E-04; O2 supplementation, p < 1.0E-09) and birth weight (BPD, p < 1.0E-02; O2 supplementation, p < 1.0E-07). The estimated nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) percent was negatively associated with birth weight and GA, positively associated with hypomethylation of the tobacco smoke exposure biomarker cg05575921, and high-NRBC blood samples displayed a hypomethylation profile. Epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) identified 38 (Bonferroni) and 275 (false discovery rate 1%) differentially methylated CpGs associated with BPD. BPD-associated CpGs in cord blood were enriched for lung maturation and hematopoiesis pathways. Stochastic epigenetic mutation burden at birth was significantly elevated among those who developed BPD (adjusted p = 0.02). Transcriptome changes in cord blood cells reflected cell cycle, development, and pulmonary disorder events in BPD. CONCLUSIONS While results must be interpreted with caution because of the small size of this study, NRBC content strongly impacted DNA methylation profiles in preterm cord blood and EWAS analysis revealed potential insights into biological pathways involved in BPD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuting Wang
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Building 101, MD C3-03, PO Box 12233, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Hye-Youn Cho
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Building 101, MD C3-03, PO Box 12233, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Michelle R Campbell
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Building 101, MD C3-03, PO Box 12233, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Vijayalakshmi Panduri
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | | | - Mauricio T Caballero
- Fundación INFANT, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Deepa Sambandan
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Building 101, MD C3-03, PO Box 12233, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
- The Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Steven R Kleeberger
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Building 101, MD C3-03, PO Box 12233, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Fernando P Polack
- Fundación INFANT, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Gaston Ofman
- Fundación INFANT, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Section of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Douglas A Bell
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Building 101, MD C3-03, PO Box 12233, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
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Xu W, Gao Y, Li W, Chen Z, Li Q, Li R, Liu H, Dai L. A national descriptive epidemiologic analysis on congenital pulmonary airway malformation in China, 2010-2019. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:674-681. [PMID: 34889078 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To depict the epidemiological features of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) in Chinese population. METHODS Using 2010-2019 data from the Chinese Birth Defects Monitoring Network, we calculated the prevalence rates (PR) and 95% confidence intervals of isolated and nonisolated CPAM according to birth year, infant sex, maternal age and residence area, and examined the secular trends by using Poisson regression models. The perinatal outcomes of affected infants and associated malformations with CPAM were also analyzed. RESULTS During this period, a total of 2451 CPAMs were identified among 20,183,999 births, yielding a PR of 1.21, 0.95, and 0.27 per 10,000 live and still births for the overall, isolated and nonisolated CPAM, respectively. Significant upward trends in CPAM PR were observed. The PR varied significantly by infant sex (male vs. female, 1.28/10,000 vs. 1.10/10,000), residence area (urban vs. rural, 1.49/10,000 vs. 0.88/10,000), and by maternal age (<20 years, 0.94/10,000; 20-24 years, 1.04/10,000; 25-29 years, 1.32/10,000; 30-34 years, 1.28/10,000; ≥35 years, 1.05/10,000). Compared with isolated CPAM, much more live births with nonisolated CPAM died in the early neonatal period (5.0% vs. 1.0%). The additional malformations with nonisolated CPAM occurred most frequently in the circulatory system. CONCLUSIONS The PR of CPAM in this study are comparable to those reported in non-Chinese populations. The increasing trend in prevalence and poor perinatal outcomes of the affected infants indicate an urgent need to strengthen the clinical and public health interventions of CPAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Xu
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Pulmonary Development and Related Diseases, West China Institute of Women and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuyang Gao
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Pulmonary Development and Related Diseases, West China Institute of Women and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenyan Li
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiyu Chen
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Li
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruike Li
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hanmin Liu
- The Joint Laboratory for Pulmonary Development and Related Diseases, West China Institute of Women and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Dai
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Pulmonary Development and Related Diseases, West China Institute of Women and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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5
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Developmental Pathways Underlying Lung Development and Congenital Lung Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112987. [PMID: 34831210 PMCID: PMC8616556 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung organogenesis is a highly coordinated process governed by a network of conserved signaling pathways that ultimately control patterning, growth, and differentiation. This rigorously regulated developmental process culminates with the formation of a fully functional organ. Conversely, failure to correctly regulate this intricate series of events results in severe abnormalities that may compromise postnatal survival or affect/disrupt lung function through early life and adulthood. Conditions like congenital pulmonary airway malformation, bronchopulmonary sequestration, bronchogenic cysts, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia display unique forms of lung abnormalities. The etiology of these disorders is not yet completely understood; however, specific developmental pathways have already been reported as deregulated. In this sense, this review focuses on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to normal/abnormal lung growth and development and their impact on postnatal survival.
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Siddaiah R, Oji-Mmuo CN, Montes DT, Fuentes N, Spear D, Donnelly A, Silveyra P. MicroRNA Signatures Associated with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Severity in Tracheal Aspirates of Preterm Infants. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030257. [PMID: 33807742 PMCID: PMC8000397 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a form of chronic lung disease that develops in neonates as a consequence of preterm birth, arrested fetal lung development, and inflammation. The incidence of BPD remains on the rise as a result of increasing survival of extremely preterm infants. Severe BPD contributes to significant health care costs and is associated with prolonged hospitalizations, respiratory infections, and neurodevelopmental deficits. In this study, we aimed to detect novel biomarkers of BPD severity. We collected tracheal aspirates (TAs) from preterm babies with mild/moderate (n = 8) and severe (n = 17) BPD, and we profiled the expression of 1048 miRNAs using a PCR array. Associations with biological pathways were determined with the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. We found 31 miRNAs differentially expressed between the two disease groups (2-fold change, false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05). Of these, 4 miRNAs displayed significantly higher expression levels, and 27 miRNAs had significantly lower expression levels in the severe BPD group when compared to the mild/moderate BPD group. IPA identified cell signaling and inflammation pathways associated with miRNA signatures. We conclude that TAs of extremely premature infants contain miRNA signatures associated with severe BPD. These may serve as potential biomarkers of disease severity in infants with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopa Siddaiah
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (R.S.); (C.N.O.-M.); (D.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Christiana N. Oji-Mmuo
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (R.S.); (C.N.O.-M.); (D.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Deborah T. Montes
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Nathalie Fuentes
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Debra Spear
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (R.S.); (C.N.O.-M.); (D.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Ann Donnelly
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (R.S.); (C.N.O.-M.); (D.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (R.S.); (C.N.O.-M.); (D.S.); (A.D.)
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Correspondence:
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Taghizadeh R, Taghipour Z, Karimi A, Shamsizadeh A, Taghavi MM, Shariati M, Shabanizadeh A, Jafari Naveh HR, Bidaki R, Aminzadeh F. The expression of HoxB5 and SPC in neonatal rat lung after exposure to fluoxetine. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2016; 10:3323-3329. [PMID: 27843293 PMCID: PMC5098522 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s109473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective Approximately 10% of pregnant women suffer from pregnancy-associated depression. Fluoxetine, as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is being employed as a therapy for depressive disorders. The present study aimed to determine the effects of fluoxetine on neonatal lung development. Methods Thirty pregnant Wistar rats (weighing 200–250 g) were treated daily with 7 mg/kg fluoxetine from gestation day 0 to gestation day 21, via gavage. The control group received a similar volume of distilled water only. Following delivery, the newborns and their lungs were immediately weighed in both of the groups. The right lung was fixed for histological assessments while the left lung was used for evaluation of the expression of SPC and HoxB5 by the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Results Results have indicated that even though the body weight and the number of neonatal rats in both groups were the same, the lung weight of neonates exposed to fluoxetine was significantly different compared to the control group (P<0.05). Expression of both genes was increased, nonetheless, only elevation of HoxB5 was significant (P<0.05). Histological studies demonstrated that lung tissue in the fluoxetine treatment group morphologically appears to be similar to the pseudoglandular phase, whereas the control group lungs experienced more development. Conclusion According to the upregulated expression of HoxB5 concerning histological findings, results of the present study showed that fluoxetine can influence lung growth and may in turn lead to delay in lung development. So establishment of studies to identify the effects of antidepressant drugs during pregnancy is deserved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahra Taghipour
- Department of Anatomy, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Akbar Karimi
- Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Shamsizadeh
- Department of Physiology, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | | | - Mahdi Shariati
- Department of Anatomy, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Shabanizadeh
- Department of Anatomy, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | | | - Reza Bidaki
- Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Steroid 5-reductases are functional during early frog development and are regulated via DNA methylation. Mech Dev 2016; 141:14-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Hewitson TD, Boon WC, Simpson ER, Smith ER, Samuel CS. Estrogens do not protect, but androgens exacerbate, collagen accumulation in the female mouse kidney after ureteric obstruction. Life Sci 2016; 158:130-6. [PMID: 27373424 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Controversy surrounds the gender basis of progression in chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, most experimental studies addressing this question do not distinguish between direct effects of estrogen and indirect activation of estrogen receptors through conversion of testosterone to 17β-estradiol by aromatase. We examined the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis in female aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice, which lack circulating and stored estrogens, while having normal levels of testosterone. MAIN METHODS ArKO mice and their wild-type (ArWT) counterparts were subjected to unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO), with kidney tissue collected at day(D) 0, 3 and 9 post-UUO. Effects of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administration on each genotype were also studied. Tissue was assessed biochemically and histochemically for fibrosis. Western blot analysis was used to measure α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and TGF-β1 signalling. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity was measured by zymography. KEY FINDINGS UUO increased collagen content over time (p<0.05 (D3) and p<0.01 (D9) vs day 0), with no difference between genotypes in qualitative (collagen IV staining) and quantitative (hydroxyproline concentration) analyses. Systemic administration of non-aromatizable DHT increased collagen content after 3days of UUO in both genotypes. This was not paralleled by any change in α-SMA (myofibroblast burden) or TGF-β1 signalling but was commensurate with DHT reducing MMP2 activity in both genotypes (p<0.05 vs genotype controls). SIGNIFICANCE Physiological concentrations of estrogens do not protect the injured kidney from fibrosis progression. Androgens rather than estrogens are the relevant factor involved in regulating disease-related renal scarring in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim D Hewitson
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wah Chin Boon
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Evan R Simpson
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Edward R Smith
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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