1
|
Cui Y, Wang L, Liang W, Huang L, Zhuang S, Shi H, Xu N, Hu J. Identification and Validation of the Pyroptosis-Related Hub Gene Signature and the Associated Regulation Axis in Diabetic Keratopathy. J Diabetes Res 2024; 2024:2920694. [PMID: 38529047 PMCID: PMC10963115 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2920694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic keratopathy (DK) poses a significant challenge in diabetes mellitus, yet its molecular pathways and effective treatments remain elusive. The aim of our research was to explore the pyroptosis-related genes in the corneal epithelium of the streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods After sixteen weeks of streptozocin intraperitoneal injection, corneal epithelium from three diabetic rats and three normal groups underwent whole-transcriptome sequencing. An integrated bioinformatics pipeline, including differentially expressed gene (DEG) identification, enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, coexpression, drug prediction, and immune deconvolution analyses, identified hub genes and key drivers in DK pathogenesis. These hub genes were subsequently validated in vivo through RT-qPCR. Results A total of 459 DEGs were screened out from the diabetic group and nondiabetic controls. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis highlighted significant enrichment of the NOD-like receptor, Toll-like receptor, and NF-kappa B signaling pathways. Intersection of DEGs and pyroptosis-related datasets showed 33 differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes (DEPRGs) associated with pathways such as IL-17, NOD-like receptor, TNF, and Toll-like receptor signaling. A competing endogenous RNA network comprising 16 DEPRGs, 22 lncRNAs, 13 miRNAs, and 3 circRNAs was constructed. After PPI network, five hub genes (Nfkb1, Casp8, Traf6, Ptgs2, and Il18) were identified as upregulated in the diabetic group, and their expression was validated by RT-qPCR in streptozocin-induced rats. Immune infiltration characterization showed that diabetic corneas owned a higher proportion of resting mast cells, activated NK cells, and memory-resting CD4 T cells. Finally, several small compounds including all-trans-retinoic acid, Chaihu Shugan San, dexamethasone, and resveratrol were suggested as potential therapies targeting these hub genes for DK. Conclusions The identified and validated hub genes, Nfkb1, Casp8, Traf6, Ptgs2, and Il18, may play crucial roles in DK pathogenesis and serve as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wentao Liang
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, USA
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shuting Zhuang
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Hong Shi
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Nuo Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jianzhang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cheng J, Feng Y, Feng X, Wu D, Lu X, Rao Z, Li C, Lin N, Jia C, Zhang Q. Improving the immunomodulatory function of mesenchymal stem cells by defined chemical approach. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1005426. [PMID: 36203584 PMCID: PMC9530344 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1005426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is a potential therapeutic material that has self-renewal, multilineage differentiation, and immunomodulation properties. However, the biological function of MSCs may decline due to the influence of donor differences and the in vitro expansion environment, which hinders the advancement of MSC-based clinical therapy. Here, we investigated a method for improving the immunomodulatory function of MSCs with the help of small-molecule compounds, A-83-01, CHIR99021, and Y27632 (ACY). The results showed that small-molecule induced MSCs (SM-MSCs) could enhance their immunosuppressive effects on T cells and macrophages. In vivo studies showed that, in contrast to control MSCs (Ctrl-MSCs), SM-MSCs could inhibit the inflammatory response in mouse models of delayed hypersensitivity and acute peritonitis more effectively. In addition, SM-MSCs showed the stronger ability to inhibit the infiltration of pro-inflammatory T cells and macrophages. Thus, small-molecule compounds ACY could better promote the immunomodulatory effect of MSCs, indicating it could be a potential improving method in MSC culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Cheng
- Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Feng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Donghao Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Rao
- Tangxia Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cuiping Li
- Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nan Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Lin, ; Changchang Jia, ; Qi Zhang,
| | - Changchang Jia
- Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Lin, ; Changchang Jia, ; Qi Zhang,
| | - Qi Zhang
- Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Lin, ; Changchang Jia, ; Qi Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li Y, Chang LH, Huang WQ, Bao HW, Li X, Chen XH, Wu HT, Yao ZZ, Huang ZZ, Weinberg SE, Fang DY, Zhang YN, Zhang GH. IL-17A Mediates Pyroptosis via ERK Pathway and Contributes to Steroid Resistance in CRSwNP. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 150:337-351. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
4
|
Tan J, Li Z, Liu L, Liu H, Xue J. IL‐17 in intervertebral disc degeneration: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:535-547. [PMID: 35066966 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jing‐Hua Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Spine Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South ChinaHengyangHunan421001China
| | - Ze‐Peng Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Spine Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South ChinaHengyangHunan421001China
| | - Lu‐Lu Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Spine Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South ChinaHengyangHunan421001China
| | - Hao Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Spine Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South ChinaHengyangHunan421001China
| | - Jing‐Bo Xue
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Spine Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South ChinaHengyangHunan421001China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Q, Yu J, Chen Q, Yan H, Du H, Luo W. Regulation of pathophysiological and tissue regenerative functions of MSCs mediated via the WNT signaling pathway (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:648. [PMID: 34278470 PMCID: PMC8299209 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissues have remarkable natural capabilities to regenerate for the purpose of physiological turnover and repair of damage. Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well known for their unique self-renewal ability, pluripotency, homing potential, paracrine effects and immunomodulation. Advanced research of the unique properties of MSCs have opened up new horizons for tissue regenerative therapies. However, certain drawbacks of the application of MSCs, such as the low survival rate of transplanted MSCs, unsatisfactory efficiency and even failure to regenerate under an unbalanced microenvironment, are concerning with regards to their wider therapeutic applications. The activity of stem cells is mainly regulated by the anatomical niche; where they are placed during their clinical and therapeutic applications. Crosstalk between various niche signals maintains MSCs in homeostasis, in which the WNT signaling pathway plays vital roles. Several external or internal stimuli have been reported to interrupt the normal bioactivity of stem cells. The irreversible tissue loss that occurs during infection at the site of tissue grafting suggests an inhibitory effect mediated by microbial infections within MSC niches. In addition, MSC-seeded tissue engineering success is difficult in various tissues, when sites of injury are under the effects of a severe infection despite the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs. In the present review, the current understanding of the way in which WNT signaling regulates MSC activity modification under physiological and pathological conditions was summarized. An effort was also made to illustrate parts of the underlying mechanism, including the inflammatory factors and their interactions with the regulatory WNT signaling pathway, aiming to promote the clinical translation of MSC-based therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingtao Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310085, P.R. China
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of Stomatology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, P.R. China
| | - Qiuqiu Chen
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310085, P.R. China
| | - Honghai Yan
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310085, P.R. China
| | - Hongjiang Du
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310085, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Luo
- Department of General Dentistry, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Neurodevelopmental signatures of narcotic and neuropsychiatric risk factors in 3D human-derived forebrain organoids. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7760-7783. [PMID: 34158620 PMCID: PMC8873021 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01189-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that narcotic use during pregnancy and specific environmental factors (e.g., maternal immune activation and chronic stress) may increase risk of neuropsychiatric illness in offspring. However, little progress has been made in defining human-specific in utero neurodevelopmental pathology due to ethical and technical challenges associated with accessing human prenatal brain tissue. Here we utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to generate reproducible organoids that recapitulate dorsal forebrain development including early corticogenesis. We systemically exposed organoid samples to chemically defined "enviromimetic" compounds to examine the developmental effects of various narcotic and neuropsychiatric-related risk factors within tissue of human origin. In tandem experiments conducted in parallel, we modeled exposure to opiates (μ-opioid agonist endomorphin), cannabinoids (WIN 55,212-2), alcohol (ethanol), smoking (nicotine), chronic stress (human cortisol), and maternal immune activation (human Interleukin-17a; IL17a). Human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids were consequently analyzed via an array of unbiased and high-throughput analytical approaches, including state-of-the-art TMT-16plex liquid chromatography/mass-spectrometry (LC/MS) proteomics, hybrid MS metabolomics, and flow cytometry panels to determine cell-cycle dynamics and rates of cell death. This pipeline subsequently revealed both common and unique proteome, reactome, and metabolome alterations as a consequence of enviromimetic modeling of narcotic use and neuropsychiatric-related risk factors in tissue of human origin. However, of our 6 treatment groups, human-derived organoids treated with the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 exhibited the least convergence of all groups. Single-cell analysis revealed that WIN 55,212-2 increased DNA fragmentation, an indicator of apoptosis, in human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids. We subsequently confirmed induction of DNA damage and apoptosis by WIN 55,212-2 within 3D human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids. Lastly, in a BrdU pulse-chase neocortical neurogenesis paradigm, we identified that WIN 55,212-2 was the only enviromimetic treatment to disrupt newborn neuron numbers within human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids. Cumulatively this study serves as both a resource and foundation from which human 3D biologics can be used to resolve the non-genomic effects of neuropsychiatric risk factors under controlled laboratory conditions. While synthetic cannabinoids can differ from naturally occurring compounds in their effects, our data nonetheless suggests that exposure to WIN 55,212-2 elicits neurotoxicity within human-derived developing forebrain tissue. These human-derived data therefore support the long-standing belief that maternal use of cannabinoids may require caution so to avoid any potential neurodevelopmental effects upon developing offspring in utero.
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhao Z, Liang Y, Liu Y, Xu P, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Sun D, Sun J, Mullins RF, Chen Y, Cai J. Choroidal γδ T cells in protection against retinal pigment epithelium and retinal injury. FASEB J 2017; 31:4903-4916. [PMID: 28729290 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700533r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
γδ T cells located near the epithelial barrier are integral components of local inflammatory and innate immune responses. We have previously reported the presence of choroidal γδ T cells in a model of chronic degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The goals of the current study were to further define the functions of choroidal γδ T cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms of their action. Our data demonstrate that choroidal γδ T cells are activated by RPE injury in response to NaIO3 treatment, and that they express genes that encode immunosuppressive cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-10. γδ-T-cell-deficient mice developed profound RPE and retinal damage at doses that caused minimal effects in wild-type mice, and adoptive transfer of γδ T cells prevented sensitization. Intravitreal injection of IL-4 and IL-10 ameliorated RPE toxicity that was induced by NaIO3Ex vivo coculture of γδ T cells with RPE explants activated the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines via an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent mechanism. AhR deficiency abolished the protective effects of γδ T cells after adoptive transfer. Collectively, these findings define important roles for choroid γδ T cells in maintaining tissue homeostasis in the outer retina.-Zhao, Z., Liang, Y., Liu, Y., Xu, P., Flamme-Wiese, M. J., Sun, D., Sun, J., Mullins, R. F., Chen, Y., Cai, J. Choroidal γδ T cells in protection against retinal pigment epithelium and retinal injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyang Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuejin Liang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pei Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Miles J Flamme-Wiese
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Deming Sun
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jiaren Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jiyang Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA;
| |
Collapse
|