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Fernández-Lázaro D, Sanz B, Seco-Calvo J. The Mechanisms of Regulated Cell Death: Structural and Functional Proteomic Pathways Induced or Inhibited by a Specific Protein-A Narrative Review. Proteomes 2024; 12:3. [PMID: 38250814 PMCID: PMC10801515 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes12010003] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Billions of cells die in us every hour, and our tissues do not shrink because there is a natural regulation where Cell Death (CD) is balanced with cell division. The process in which cells eliminate themselves in a controlled manner is called Programmed Cell Death (PCD). The PCD plays an important role during embryonic development, in maintaining homeostasis of the body's tissues, and in the elimination of damaged cells, under a wide range of physiological and developmental stimuli. A multitude of protein mediators of PCD have been identified and signals have been found to utilize common pathways elucidating the proteins involved. This narrative review focuses on caspase-dependent and caspase-independent PCD pathways. Included are studies of caspase-dependent PCD such as Anoikis, Catastrophe Mitotic, Pyroptosis, Emperitosis, Parthanatos and Cornification, and Caspase-Independent PCD as Wallerian Degeneration, Ferroptosis, Paraptosis, Entosis, Methuosis, and Extracellular Trap Abnormal Condition (ETosis), as well as neutrophil extracellular trap abnormal condition (NETosis) and Eosinophil Extracellular Trap Abnormal Condition (EETosis). Understanding PCD from those reported in this review could shed substantial light on the processes of biological homeostasis. In addition, identifying specific proteins involved in these processes is mandatory to identify molecular biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets. This knowledge could provide the ability to modulate the PCD response and could lead to new therapeutic interventions in a wide range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernández-Lázaro
- Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- SARCELLOMICS® Research Group, 27071 León, Spain
| | - Begoña Sanz
- SARCELLOMICS® Research Group, 27071 León, Spain
- Department of Physiology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Jesús Seco-Calvo
- SARCELLOMICS® Research Group, 27071 León, Spain
- Department of Physiology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, 27071 León, Spain
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Macvanin MT, Gluvic ZM, Zaric BL, Essack M, Gao X, Isenovic ER. New biomarkers: prospect for diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1218320. [PMID: 37547301 PMCID: PMC10401601 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1218320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
After the metabolic syndrome and its components, thyroid disorders represent the most common endocrine disorders, with increasing prevalence in the last two decades. Thyroid dysfunctions are distinguished by hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or inflammation (thyroiditis) of the thyroid gland, in addition to the presence of thyroid nodules that can be benign or malignant. Thyroid cancer is typically detected via an ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and cytological examination of the specimen. This approach has significant limitations due to the small sample size and inability to characterize follicular lesions adequately. Due to the rapid advancement of high-throughput molecular biology techniques, it is now possible to identify new biomarkers for thyroid neoplasms that can supplement traditional imaging modalities in postoperative surveillance and aid in the preoperative cytology examination of indeterminate or follicular lesions. Here, we review current knowledge regarding biomarkers that have been reliable in detecting thyroid neoplasms, making them valuable tools for assessing the efficacy of surgical procedures or adjunctive treatment after surgery. We are particularly interested in providing an up-to-date and systematic review of emerging biomarkers, such as mRNA and non-coding RNAs, that can potentially detect thyroid neoplasms in clinical settings. We discuss evidence for miRNA, lncRNA and circRNA dysregulation in several thyroid neoplasms and assess their potential for use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana T. Macvanin
- Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran M. Gluvic
- Clinic for Internal Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Zemun Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bozidarka L. Zaric
- Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Magbubah Essack
- Computer Science Program, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xin Gao
- Computer Science Program, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esma R. Isenovic
- Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Kim JE, Seo HJ, Lee S, Jang JH. Evaluation of Stemness Maintenance Properties of the Recombinant Human Laminin α2 LG1-3 Domains in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 26:785-791. [PMID: 31215370 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190617091155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laminin, a member of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), is a glycoprotein that is used as a factor that affects cell adhesion, proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Of these, five globular domains (LG domains) of the alpha chain play an important role in influencing the cell by binding to the integrin. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the ability of globular domains 1-3 of laminin alpha2 (rhLAMA2LG1-3) in maintaining the pluripotency of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs), which are widely used in regenerative medicine. METHODS hMSCs were grown in the medium supplemented with rhLAMA2LG1-3, then the effect of the protein on hMSCs were confirmed through cell adhesion assay, proliferation assay and RTPCR. RESULTS rhLAMA2LG1-3 expressed in Escherichia coli has a molecular weight of 70 kDa, at 1 µg/ml concentration of rhLAMA2LG1-3, the attachment and proliferation of hMSCs were approximately 3.18-fold and 1.67-fold, respectively, more efficient than those of untreated controls. In addition, the undifferentiated state and degree of stemness of hMSCs were measured, on the basis of CD90 and CD105 levels. In the rhLAMA2LG1-3-treated hMSCs, the expression levels of CD90 and CD105 increased by 2.83-fold and 1.62-fold, respectively, compared to those in untreated controls. CONCLUSIONS rhLAMA2LG1-3 can be potentially used in stem cell therapy to improve the viability and maintain the undifferentiated state of hMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Seo
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea
| | - SuJin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea
| | - Jun-Hyeog Jang
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea
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Abraham AD, Esquer H, Zhou Q, Tomlinson N, Hamill BD, Abbott JM, Li L, Pike LA, Rinaldetti S, Ramirez DA, Lunghofer PJ, Gomez JD, Schaack J, Nemkov T, D'Alessandro A, Hansen KC, Gustafson DL, Messersmith WA, LaBarbera DV. Drug Design Targeting T-Cell Factor-Driven Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition as a Therapeutic Strategy for Colorectal Cancer. J Med Chem 2019; 62:10182-10203. [PMID: 31675229 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the cause of 90% of mortality in cancer patients. For metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the standard-of-care drug therapies only palliate the symptoms but are ineffective, evidenced by a low survival rate of ∼11%. T-cell factor (TCF) transcription is a major driving force in CRC, and we have characterized it to be a master regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT transforms relatively benign epithelial tumor cells into quasi-mesenchymal or mesenchymal cells that possess cancer stem cell properties, promoting multidrug resistance and metastasis. We have identified topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) as a DNA-binding factor required for TCF-transcription. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis of TOP2A ATP-competitive inhibitors that prevent TCF-transcription and modulate or reverse EMT in mCRC. Unlike TOP2A poisons, ATP-competitive inhibitors do not damage DNA, potentially limiting adverse effects. This work demonstrates a new therapeutic strategy targeting TOP2A for the treatment of mCRC and potentially other types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dominique A Ramirez
- Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado 80523 , United States
| | - Paul J Lunghofer
- Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado 80523 , United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel L Gustafson
- Clinical Sciences, School of Biomedical Engineering , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado 80523 , United States
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Negative regulators of cell death pathways in cancer: perspective on biomarkers and targeted therapies. Apoptosis 2019; 23:93-112. [PMID: 29322476 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-018-1440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a primary cause of human fatality and conventional cancer therapies, e.g., chemotherapy, are often associated with adverse side-effects, tumor drug-resistance, and recurrence. Molecularly targeted therapy, composed of small-molecule inhibitors and immunotherapy (e.g., monoclonal antibody and cancer vaccines), is a less harmful alternative being more effective against cancer cells whilst preserving healthy tissues. Drug-resistance, however, caused by negative regulation of cell death signaling pathways, is still a challenge. Circumvention of negative regulators of cell death pathways or development of predictive and response biomarkers is, therefore, quintessential. This review critically discusses the current state of knowledge on targeting negative regulators of cell death signaling pathways including apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and anoikis and evaluates the recent advances in clinical and preclinical research on biomarkers of negative regulators. It aims to provide a comprehensive platform for designing efficacious polytherapies including novel agents for restoring cell death signaling pathways or targeting alternative resistance pathways to improve the chances for antitumor responses. Overall, it is concluded that nonapoptotic cell death pathways are a potential research arena for drug discovery, development of novel biomarkers and targeted therapies.
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The Alisma and Rhizoma decoction abates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated liver injuries in mice by modulating oxidative stress and autophagy. Altern Ther Health Med 2019; 19:92. [PMID: 31035991 PMCID: PMC6489313 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2488-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background To investigate the effects of the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and to further shed light on the underlying mechanisms of the actions of the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction. Methods Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content was determined and liver inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated. Intrahepatocellular malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase contents were determined using commercially available kits Furthermore, α-SMA expression in liver tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry and LC3-II was detected by immunoblotting assays. Results Mice receiving the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction by gastric lavage had significantly lower plasma ALT content and markedly higher hepatic superoxide dismutase activity than mice receiving the methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet. Furthermore, the decoction aborted MCD-induced increase in liver malondialdehyde content. Immunohistochemistry showed that the decoction suppressed hepatic α-SMA expression. Our transmission electronic microscopy revealed that the decoction markedly reduced the number of autophagosomes and immunoblotting assays showed that the decoction caused a dose-dependent decrease in LC3-II in hepatic tissues. Conclusion The Alisma and Rhizoma decoction lessens NASH-associated liver injuries by modulating oxidative stress and autophagy in hepatocytes of mice fed with MCD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2488-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Memmert S, Nokhbehsaim M, Damanaki A, Nogueira AVB, Papadopoulou AK, Piperi C, Basdra EK, Rath-Deschner B, Götz W, Cirelli JA, Jäger A, Deschner J. Role of cathepsin S In periodontal wound healing-an in vitro study on human PDL cells. BMC Oral Health 2018; 18:60. [PMID: 29622023 PMCID: PMC5887187 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-018-0518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cathepsin S is a cysteine protease, which is expressed in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells under inflammatory and infectious conditions. This in vitro study was established to investigate the effect of cathepsin S on PDL cell wound closure. Methods An in vitro wound healing assay was used to monitor wound closure in wounded PDL cell monolayers for 72 h in the presence and absence of cathepsin S. In addition, the effects of cathepsin S on specific markers for apoptosis and proliferation were studied at transcriptional level. Changes in the proliferation rate due to cathepsin S stimulation were analyzed by an XTT assay, and the actions of cathepsin S on cell migration were investigated via live cell tracking. Additionally, PDL cell monolayers were treated with a toll-like receptor 2 agonist in the presence and absence of a cathepsin inhibitor to examine if periodontal bacteria can alter wound closure via cathepsins. Results Cathepsin S enhanced significantly the in vitro wound healing rate by inducing proliferation and by increasing the speed of cell migration, but had no effect on apoptosis. Moreover, the toll-like receptor 2 agonist enhanced significantly the wound closure and this stimulatory effect was dependent on cathepsins. Conclusions Our findings provide original evidence that cathepsin S stimulates PDL cell proliferation and migration and, thereby, wound closure, suggesting that this cysteine protease might play a critical role in periodontal remodeling and healing. In addition, cathepsins might be exploited by periodontal bacteria to regulate critical PDL cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Memmert
- Section of Experimental Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, Center of Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. .,Department of Orthodontics, Center of Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Marjan Nokhbehsaim
- Section of Experimental Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, Center of Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Damanaki
- Section of Experimental Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, Center of Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andressa V B Nogueira
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Sao Paulo State University, UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | | | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimia K Basdra
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Birgit Rath-Deschner
- Department of Orthodontics, Center of Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Werner Götz
- Department of Orthodontics, Center of Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joni A Cirelli
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Sao Paulo State University, UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Andreas Jäger
- Department of Orthodontics, Center of Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - James Deschner
- Section of Experimental Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, Center of Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Noel Martin Visiting Chair, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Laperle A, Hsiao C, Lampe M, Mortier J, Saha K, Palecek SP, Masters KS. α-5 Laminin Synthesized by Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Promotes Self-Renewal. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 5:195-206. [PMID: 26235893 PMCID: PMC4618661 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Substrate composition significantly impacts human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) self-renewal and differentiation, but relatively little is known about the role of endogenously produced extracellular matrix (ECM) components in regulating hPSC fates. Here we identify α-5 laminin as a signature ECM component endogenously synthesized by undifferentiated hPSCs cultured on defined substrates. Inducible shRNA knockdown and Cas9-mediated disruption of the LAMA5 gene dramatically reduced hPSC self-renewal and increased apoptosis without affecting the expression of pluripotency markers. Increased self-renewal and survival was restored to wild-type levels by culturing the LAMA5-deficient cells on exogenous laminin-521. Furthermore, treatment of LAMA5-deficient cells with blebbistatin or a ROCK inhibitor partially restored self-renewal and diminished apoptosis. These results demonstrate that endogenous α-5 laminin promotes hPSC self-renewal in an autocrine and paracrine manner. This finding has implications for understanding how stem cells dynamically regulate their microenvironment to promote self-renewal and provides guidance for efforts to design substrates for stem cell bioprocessing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Laperle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 330 North Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Cheston Hsiao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Michael Lampe
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jaime Mortier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Krishanu Saha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 330 North Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kristyn S Masters
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 330 North Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
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Prediction of MicroRNA-Disease Associations Based on Social Network Analysis Methods. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:810514. [PMID: 26273645 PMCID: PMC4529919 DOI: 10.1155/2015/810514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs constitute an important class of noncoding, single-stranded, ~22 nucleotide long RNA molecules encoded by endogenous genes. They play an important role in regulating gene transcription and the regulation of normal development. MicroRNAs can be associated with disease; however, only a few microRNA-disease associations have been confirmed by traditional experimental approaches. We introduce two methods to predict microRNA-disease association. The first method, KATZ, focuses on integrating the social network analysis method with machine learning and is based on networks derived from known microRNA-disease associations, disease-disease associations, and microRNA-microRNA associations. The other method, CATAPULT, is a supervised machine learning method. We applied the two methods to 242 known microRNA-disease associations and evaluated their performance using leave-one-out cross-validation and 3-fold cross-validation. Experiments proved that our methods outperformed the state-of-the-art methods.
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Expression of cell cycle and apoptosis regulators in thymus and thymic epithelial tumors. Clin Exp Med 2015; 16:147-59. [PMID: 25794494 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-015-0344-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The human thymus supports the production of self-tolerant T cells with competent and regulatory functions. Various cellular components of the thymic microenvironment such as thymic epithelial cells (TEC) and dendritic cells play essential roles in thymic T cell differentiation. The multiple cellular events occurring during thymic T cell and TEC differentiation involve proteins regulating cell cycle and apoptosis. Dysregulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis networks is involved in the pathogenesis of thymic epithelial tumors (TET) which are divided into two broad categories, thymomas and thymic carcinomas. The present review focuses on the usefulness of the analysis of the expression patterns of major cell cycle and apoptosis regulators in order to gain insight in the histophysiology of thymus and the histopathology, the clinical behavior and the biology of TET.
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