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Primerano A, De Domenico E, Cianfarani F, De Luca N, Floriddia G, Teson M, Cristofoletti C, Cardarelli S, Scaglione GL, Baldini E, Cangelosi D, Uva P, Reinoso Sánchez JF, Roubaty C, Dengjel J, Nyström A, Mastroeni S, Ulisse S, Castiglia D, Odorisio T. Histone deacetylase inhibition mitigates fibrosis-driven disease progression in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Br J Dermatol 2024; 191:568-579. [PMID: 38820176 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljae225] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a blistering disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding type VII collagen (C7). RDEB is associated with fibrosis, which is responsible for severe complications. The phenotypic variability observed in siblings with RDEB suggests that epigenetic modifications contribute to disease severity. Identifying epigenetic changes may help to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying RDEB pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets. OBJECTIVES To investigate histone acetylation in RDEB skin and to explore histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) as therapeutic molecules capable of counteracting fibrosis and disease progression in RDEB mice. METHODS Acetylated histone levels were detected in human skin by immunofluorescence and in RDEB fibroblasts by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effects of givinostat and valproic acid (VPA) on RDEB fibroblast fibrotic behaviour were assessed by a collagen-gel contraction assay, Western blot and immunocytofluorescence for α-smooth muscle actin, and ELISA for released transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. RNA sequencing was performed in HDACi- and vehicle-treated RDEB fibroblasts. VPA was systemically administered to RDEB mice and effects on overt phenotype were monitored. Fibrosis was investigated in the skin using histological and immunofluorescence analyses. Eye and tongue defects were examined microscopically. Mass spectrometry proteomics was performed on skin protein extracts from VPA-treated RDEB and control mice. RESULTS Histone acetylation decreases in RDEB skin and primary fibroblasts. RDEB fibroblasts treated with HDACi lowered fibrotic traits, including contractility, TGF-β1 release and proliferation. VPA administration to RDEB mice mitigated severe manifestations affecting the eyes and paws. These effects were associated with fibrosis inhibition. Proteomic analysis of mouse skin revealed that VPA almost normalized protein sets involved in protein synthesis and immune response, processes linked to the increased susceptibility to cancer and bacterial infections seen in people with RDEB. CONCLUSIONS Dysregulated histone acetylation contributes to RDEB pathogenesis by facilitating the progression of fibrosis. Repurposing of HDACi could be considered for disease-modifying treatments in RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Naomi De Luca
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Teson
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Cardarelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enke Baldini
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Cangelosi
- Clinical Bioinformatics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Uva
- Clinical Bioinformatics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Carole Roubaty
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Teresa Odorisio
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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2
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Knuutila JS, Riihilä P, Nissinen L, Heiskanen L, Kallionpää RE, Pellinen T, Kähäri VM. Cancer-associated fibroblast activation predicts progression, metastasis, and prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:1112-1127. [PMID: 38648387 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34957] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common metastatic skin cancer and the metastatic disease is associated with poor prognosis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote progression of cancer, but their role in cSCC is largely unknown. We examined the potential of CAF markers in the assessment of metastasis risk and prognosis of primary cSCC. We utilized multiplexed fluorescence immunohistochemistry for profiling CAF landscape in metastatic and non-metastatic primary human cSCCs, in metastases, and in premalignant epidermal lesions. Quantitative high-resolution image analysis was performed with two separate panels of antibodies for CAF markers and results were correlated with clinical and histopathological parameters including disease-specific mortality. Increased stromal expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP), α-smooth muscle actin, and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) were associated with progression to invasive cSCC. Elevation of FAP and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRβ) expression was associated with metastasis risk of primary cSCCs. High expression of PDGFRβ and periostin correlated with poor prognosis. Multimarker combination defined CAF subset, PDGFRα-/PDGFRβ+/FAP+, was associated with invasion and metastasis, and independently predicted poor disease-specific survival. These results identify high PDGFRβ expression alone and multimarker combination PDGFRα-/PDGFRβ+/FAP+ by CAFs as potential biomarkers for risk of metastasis and poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko S Knuutila
- Department of Dermatology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- FICAN West Cancer Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Pilvi Riihilä
- Department of Dermatology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- FICAN West Cancer Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Nissinen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- FICAN West Cancer Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Lauri Heiskanen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- FICAN West Cancer Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Roosa E Kallionpää
- Auria Biobank, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Teijo Pellinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Kähäri
- Department of Dermatology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- FICAN West Cancer Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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3
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Popp C, Miller W, Eide C, Tolar J, McGrath JA, Ebens CL. Beyond the Surface: A Narrative Review Examining the Systemic Impacts of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1943-1953. [PMID: 38613531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.03.008] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare genetic disease resulting from inadequate type VII collagen (C7). Although recurrent skin blisters and wounds are the most apparent disease features, the impact of C7 loss is not confined to the skin and mucous membranes. RDEB is a systemic disease marred by chronic inflammation, fibrotic changes, pain, itch, and anemia, significantly impacting QOL and survival. In this narrative review, we summarize these systemic features of RDEB and promising research avenues to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Popp
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - William Miller
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cindy Eide
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; MHealth Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John A McGrath
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's Hospital, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christen L Ebens
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; MHealth Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
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4
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Jover I, Ramos MC, Escámez MJ, Lozoya E, Tormo JR, de Prado-Verdún D, Mencía Á, Pont M, Puig C, Larraufie MH, Gutiérrez-Caballero C, Reyes F, Trincado JL, García-González V, Cerrato R, Andrés M, Crespo M, Vicente F, Godessart N, Genilloud O, Larcher F, Nueda A. Identification of novel small molecule-based strategies of COL7A1 upregulation and readthrough activity for the treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18969. [PMID: 39152155 PMCID: PMC11329504 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67398-8] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare genetic disease caused by loss of function mutations in the gene coding for collagen VII (C7) due to deficient or absent C7 expression. This disrupts structural and functional skin architecture, leading to blistering, chronic wounds, inflammation, important systemic symptoms affecting the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, cornea, and kidney function, and an increased skin cancer risk. RDEB patients have an extremely poor quality of life and often die at an early age. A frequent class of mutations in RDEB is premature termination codons (PTC), which appear in homozygosity or compound heterozygosity with other mutations. RDEB has no cure and current therapies are mostly palliative. Using patient-derived keratinocytes and a library of 8273 small molecules and 20,160 microbial extracts evaluated in a phenotypic screening interrogating C7 levels, we identified three active chemical series. Two of these series had PTC readthrough activity, and one upregulated C7 mRNA, showing synergistic activity when combined with the reference readthrough molecule gentamicin. These compounds represent novel potential small molecule-based systemic strategies that could complement topical-based treatments for RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Jover
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria C Ramos
- Fundación MEDINA, Parque Tecnológico de La Salud, Av. Conocimiento 34, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - María José Escámez
- Departamento de Bioingeniería E Ingeniería Aeroespacial (UC3M), División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica. Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, U714-CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IISFJD), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - Estrella Lozoya
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José R Tormo
- Fundación MEDINA, Parque Tecnológico de La Salud, Av. Conocimiento 34, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Diana de Prado-Verdún
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Mencía
- Departamento de Bioingeniería E Ingeniería Aeroespacial (UC3M), División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica. Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, U714-CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IISFJD), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercè Pont
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Puig
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marie-Helene Larraufie
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Fernando Reyes
- Fundación MEDINA, Parque Tecnológico de La Salud, Av. Conocimiento 34, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Trincado
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente García-González
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosario Cerrato
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Andrés
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maribel Crespo
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisca Vicente
- Fundación MEDINA, Parque Tecnológico de La Salud, Av. Conocimiento 34, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Nuria Godessart
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Genilloud
- Fundación MEDINA, Parque Tecnológico de La Salud, Av. Conocimiento 34, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Fernando Larcher
- Departamento de Bioingeniería E Ingeniería Aeroespacial (UC3M), División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Madrid, Spain.
- Unidad de Innovación Biomédica. Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, U714-CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IISFJD), Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Arsenio Nueda
- R&D Centre, Almirall S.A., Laureà Miró 408-410, 08980, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
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5
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Lee CAA, Wu S, Chow YT, Kofman E, Williams V, Riddle M, Eide C, Ebens CL, Frank MH, Tolar J, Hook KP, AlDubayan SH, Frank NY. Accelerated Aging and Microsatellite Instability in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa-Associated Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1534-1543.e2. [PMID: 38272206 PMCID: PMC11267985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.11.025] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severely debilitating disorder caused by pathogenic variants in COL7A1 and is characterized by extreme skin fragility, chronic inflammation, and fibrosis. A majority of patients with RDEB develop squamous cell carcinoma, a highly aggressive skin cancer with limited treatment options currently available. In this study, we utilized an approach leveraging whole-genome sequencing and RNA sequencing across 3 different tissues in a single patient with RDEB to gain insight into possible mechanisms of RDEB-associated squamous cell carcinoma progression and to identify potential therapeutic options. As a result, we identified PLK-1 as a possible candidate for targeted therapy and discovered microsatellite instability and accelerated aging as factors potentially contributing to the aggressive nature and early onset of RDEB squamous cell carcinoma. By integrating multitissue genomic and transcriptomic analyses in a single patient, we demonstrate the promise of bridging the gap between genomic research and clinical applications for developing tailored therapies for patients with rare genetic disorders such as RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A A Lee
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Transplant Research Program, Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Siyuan Wu
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Transplant Research Program, Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yuen Ting Chow
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric Kofman
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Valencia Williams
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Megan Riddle
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cindy Eide
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Christen L Ebens
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Markus H Frank
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Transplant Research Program, Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Dermatology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Medical School, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Stem Cell Institute, Medical School, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kristen P Hook
- Department of Dermatology, Medical School, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Saud H AlDubayan
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Natasha Y Frank
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Transplant Research Program, Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, Massachusetts, USA.
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6
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Santucci C, Alexandru M, Chen X, Mellerio JE, Karagiannis SN, Jacków-Malinowska J. Unravelling drivers of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110805. [PMID: 38703415 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110805] [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: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an umbrella term for a group of rare inherited skin disorders characterised by mucocutaneous fragility. Patients suffer from blisters and chronic wounds that arise spontaneously or following minor mechanical trauma, often resulting in inflammation, scarring and fibrosis due to poor healing. The recessive form of dystrophic EB (RDEB) has a particularly severe phenotype and is caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene, encoding the collagen VII protein, which is responsible for adhering the epidermis and dermis together. One of the most feared and devastating complications of RDEB is the development of an aggressive form of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which is the main cause of mortality in this patient group. However, pathological drivers behind the development and progression of RDEB-associated cSCC (RDEB-cSCC) remain somewhat of an enigma, and the evidence to date points towards a complex process. Currently, there is no cure for RDEB-cSCC, and treatments primarily focus on prevention, symptom management and support. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of this cancer's pathogenesis, with the aim of facilitating the discovery of drug targets. This review explores the current knowledge of RDEB-cSCC, emphasising the important role of the immune system, genetics, fibrosis, and the tumour-promoting microenvironment, all ultimately intricately interconnected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Santucci
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Madalina Alexandru
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Xinyi Chen
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Jemima E Mellerio
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK; St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Sophia N Karagiannis
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK; Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Cancer Centre, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Joanna Jacków-Malinowska
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK.
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Zeyer KA, Bornert O, Nelea V, Bao X, Leytens A, Sharoyan S, Sengle G, Antonyan A, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Dengjel J, Reinhardt DP, Nyström A. Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4-Mediated Fibronectin Processing Evokes a Profibrotic Extracellular Matrix. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00260-4. [PMID: 38570029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibronectin serves as a platform to guide and facilitate deposition of collagen and fibrillin microfibrils. During development of fibrotic diseases, altered fibronectin deposition in the extracellular matrix (ECM) is generally an early event. After this, dysregulated organization of fibrillins and fibrillar collagens occurs. Because fibronectin is an essential orchestrator of healthy ECM, perturbation of its ECM-organizational capacity may be involved in development of fibrosis. To investigate this, we employed recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa as a disease model with progressive, severe dermal fibrosis. Fibroblasts from donors with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional cultures displayed dysregulated fibronectin deposition. Our analyses revealed that increase of profibrotic dipeptidyl peptidase-4-positive fibroblasts coincides with altered fibronectin deposition. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors normalized deposition of fibronectin and subsequently of fibrillin microfibrils and collagen I. Intriguingly, proteomics and inhibitor and mutagenesis studies disclosed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 modulates ECM deposition through the proteolysis of the fibronectin N-terminus. Our study provides mechanistic insights into the observed profibrotic activities of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and extends the understanding of fibronectin-guided ECM assembly in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina A Zeyer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olivier Bornert
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Valentin Nelea
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Xinyi Bao
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexandre Leytens
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Svetlana Sharoyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry of Armenian NAS, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
| | - Gerhard Sengle
- Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Cologne Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics (CCMB), Cologne, Germany
| | - Alvard Antonyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry of Armenian NAS, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
| | - Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Dieter P Reinhardt
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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8
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Tartaglia G, Fuentes I, Patel N, Varughese A, Israel LE, Park PH, Alexander MH, Poojan S, Cao Q, Solomon B, Padron ZM, Dyer JA, Mellerio JE, McGrath JA, Palisson F, Salas-Alanis J, Han L, South AP. Antiviral drugs prolong survival in murine recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:870-884. [PMID: 38462666 PMCID: PMC11018630 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00048-8] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare inherited skin disease characterized by defects in type VII collagen leading to a range of fibrotic pathologies resulting from skin fragility, aberrant wound healing, and altered dermal fibroblast physiology. Using a novel in vitro model of fibrosis based on endogenously produced extracellular matrix, we screened an FDA-approved compound library and identified antivirals as a class of drug not previously associated with anti-fibrotic action. Preclinical validation of our lead hit, daclatasvir, in a mouse model of RDEB demonstrated significant improvement in fibrosis as well as overall quality of life with increased survival, weight gain and activity, and a decrease in pruritus-induced hair loss. Immunohistochemical assessment of daclatasvir-treated RDEB mouse skin showed a reduction in fibrotic markers, which was supported by in vitro data demonstrating TGFβ pathway targeting and a reduction of total collagen retained in the extracellular matrix. Our data support the clinical development of antivirals for the treatment of patients with RDEB and potentially other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Tartaglia
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ignacia Fuentes
- DEBRA Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad de Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Neil Patel
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abigail Varughese
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lauren E Israel
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pyung Hun Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael H Alexander
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shiv Poojan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qingqing Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brenda Solomon
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zachary M Padron
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan A Dyer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jemima E Mellerio
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), London, UK
| | - John A McGrath
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), London, UK
| | - Francis Palisson
- DEBRA Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Servicio de Dermatologia, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana-Universidad de Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew P South
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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9
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Rafei-Shamsabadi D, Scholten L, Lu S, Castiglia D, Zambruno G, Volz A, Arnold A, Saleva M, Martin L, Technau-Hafsi K, Meiss F, von Bubnoff D, Has C. Epidermolysis-Bullosa-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinomas Support an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment: Prospects for Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:471. [PMID: 38275911 PMCID: PMC10814073 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are a major complication of some subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), with high morbidity and mortality rates and unmet therapeutic needs. The high rate of endogenous mutations and the fibrotic stroma are considered to contribute to the pathogenesis. Patients with dystrophic EB (DEB) and Kindler EB (KEB) have the highest propensity for developing SCCs. Another patient group that develops high-risk SCCs is immunosuppressed (IS) patients, especially after organ transplantation. Herein, we interrogate whether immune checkpoint proteins and immunosuppressive enzymes are dysregulated in EB-associated SCCs as an immune resistance mechanism and compare the expression patterns with those in SCCs from IS patients, who frequently develop high-risk tumors and sporadic SCCs, and immunocompetent (IC) individuals. The expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain-containing protein-3 (TIM-3), lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), and inflammatory infiltrates (CD4, CD8, and CD68) was assessed via immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative analysis in 30 DEB-SCCs, 22 KEB-SCCs, 106 IS-SCCs, and 100 sporadic IC-SCCs. DEB-SCCs expressed significantly higher levels of IDO and PD-L1 in tumor cells and PD-1 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) compared with SCCs from IC and IS individuals. The number of CD4-positive T cells per mm2 was significantly lower in DEB-SCCs compared with IC-SCCs. KEB-SCCs showed the lowest expression of the exhaustion markers TIM-3 and LAG-3 compared with all other groups. These findings identify IDO, PD-1, and PD-L1 to be increased in EB-SCCs and candidate targets for combinatory treatments, especially in DEB-SCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rafei-Shamsabadi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Lena Scholten
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Sisi Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Daniele Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS), Via Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Zambruno
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Andreas Volz
- Dermatologie am Rhein, 4051 Basel, Switzerland (A.A.)
| | | | - Mina Saleva
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital “Alexandrovska”, Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University of Medicine, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Ludovic Martin
- MAGEC Nord Reference Center for Rare Skin Diseases, Department of Dermatology, Angers University Hospital, 49933 Angers, France;
| | - Kristin Technau-Hafsi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Frank Meiss
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Dagmar von Bubnoff
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
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10
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Illmer J, Zauner R, Piñón Hofbauer J, Wimmer M, Gruner S, Ablinger M, Bischof J, Dorfer S, Hainzl S, Tober V, Bergson S, Sarig O, Samuelov L, Guttmann-Gruber C, Shalom-Feuerstein R, Sprecher E, Koller U, Laimer M, Bauer JW, Wally V. MicroRNA-200b-mediated reversion of a spectrum of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition states in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa squamous cell carcinomas. Br J Dermatol 2023; 190:80-93. [PMID: 37681509 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the leading cause of death in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). However, the survival time from first diagnosis differs between patients; some tumours spread particularly fast, while others may remain localized for years. As treatment options are limited, there is an urgent need for further insights into the pathomechanisms of RDEB tumours, to foster therapy development and support clinical decision-making. OBJECTIVES To investigate differences in RDEB tumours of diverging aggressiveness at the molecular and phenotypic level, with a particular focus on epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition states and thus microRNA-200b (miR-200b) as a regulator. METHODS Primary RDEB-SCC keratinocyte lines were characterized with respect to their EMT state. For this purpose, cell morphology was classified and the expression of EMT markers analysed using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The motility of RDEB-SCC cells was determined and conditioned medium of RDEB-SCC cells was used to treat endothelial cells in an angiogenesis assay. In addition, we mined previously generated microRNA (miRNA) profiling data to identify a candidate with potential therapeutic relevance and performed transient miRNA transfection studies to investigate the candidate's ability to reverse EMT characteristics. RESULTS We observed high variability in EMT state in the RDEB-SCC cell lines, which correlated with in situ analysis of two available patient biopsies and respective clinical disease course. Furthermore, we identified miR-200b-3p to be downregulated in RDEB-SCCs, and the extent of deregulation significantly correlated with the EMT features of the various tumour lines. miR-200b-3p was reintroduced into RDEB-SCC cell lines with pronounced EMT features, which resulted in a significant increase in epithelial characteristics, including cell morphology, EMT marker expression, migration and angiogenic potential. CONCLUSIONS RDEB-SCCs exist in different EMT states and the level of miR-200b is indicative of how far an RDEB-SCC has gone down the EMT path. Moreover, the reintroduction of miR-200b significantly reduced mesenchymal features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Illmer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Roland Zauner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josefina Piñón Hofbauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Monika Wimmer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefanie Gruner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Ablinger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johannes Bischof
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sonja Dorfer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Hainzl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Vanessa Tober
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Shir Bergson
- Division of Dermatology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofer Sarig
- Division of Dermatology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Liat Samuelov
- Division of Dermatology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Christina Guttmann-Gruber
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ruby Shalom-Feuerstein
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eli Sprecher
- Division of Dermatology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Laimer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W Bauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Verena Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
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11
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South AP, Laimer M, Gueye M, Sui JY, Eichenfield LF, Mellerio JE, Nyström A. Type VII Collagen Deficiency in the Oncogenesis of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:2108-2119. [PMID: 37327859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic skin disorder caused by COL7A1 sequence variations that result in type VII collagen deficits and cutaneous and extracutaneous manifestations. One serious complication of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a leading driver of morbidity and mortality, especially among patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Type VII collagen deficits alter TGFβ signaling and evoke multiple other cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma progression-promoting activities within epidermal microenvironments. This review examines cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma pathophysiology in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with a focus on known oncogenesis pathways at play and explores the idea that therapeutic type VII collagen replacement may reduce cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P South
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Martin Laimer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Jennifer Y Sui
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA; Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lawrence F Eichenfield
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA; Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jemima E Mellerio
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany
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12
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Anderson-Crannage M, Ascensión AM, Ibanez-Solé O, Zhu H, Schaefer E, Ottomanelli D, Hochberg B, Pan J, Luo W, Tian M, Chu Y, Cairo MS, Izeta A, Liao Y. Inflammation-mediated fibroblast activation and immune dysregulation in collagen VII-deficient skin. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1211505. [PMID: 37809094 PMCID: PMC10557493 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1211505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is known to play a critical role in all stages of tumorigenesis; however, less is known about how it predisposes the tissue microenvironment preceding tumor formation. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a skin-blistering disease secondary to COL7A1 mutations and associated with chronic wounding, inflammation, fibrosis, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), models this dynamic. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to analyze gene expression patterns in skin cells from a mouse model of RDEB. We uncovered a complex landscape within the RDEB dermal microenvironment that exhibited altered metabolism, enhanced angiogenesis, hyperproliferative keratinocytes, infiltration and activation of immune cell populations, and inflammatory fibroblast priming. We demonstrated the presence of activated neutrophil and Langerhans cell subpopulations and elevated expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in T cells and antigen-presenting cells, respectively. Unsupervised clustering within the fibroblast population further revealed two differentiation pathways in RDEB fibroblasts, one toward myofibroblasts and the other toward a phenotype that shares the characteristics of inflammatory fibroblast subsets in other inflammatory diseases as well as the IL-1-induced inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) reported in various cancer types. Quantitation of inflammatory cytokines indicated dynamic waves of IL-1α, TGF-β1, TNF, IL-6, and IFN-γ concentrations, along with dermal NF-κB activation preceding JAK/STAT signaling. We further demonstrated the divergent and overlapping roles of these cytokines in inducing inflammatory phenotypes in RDEB patients as well as RDEB mouse-derived fibroblasts together with their healthy controls. In summary, our data have suggested a potential role of inflammation, driven by the chronic release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, in creating an immune-suppressed dermal microenvironment that underlies RDEB disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Anderson-Crannage
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Alex M. Ascensión
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Tissue Engineering Group, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Olga Ibanez-Solé
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Tissue Engineering Group, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Research & Development, Guizhou Atlasus Technology Co., Ltd., Guiyang, China
| | - Edo Schaefer
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Darcy Ottomanelli
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Bruno Hochberg
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Jian Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Wen Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Meijuan Tian
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Yaya Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Mitchell S. Cairo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Ander Izeta
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Tissue Engineering Group, San Sebastian, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Science, School of Engineering, Tecnun University of Navarra, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Yanling Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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13
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Winge MCG, Kellman LN, Guo K, Tang JY, Swetter SM, Aasi SZ, Sarin KY, Chang ALS, Khavari PA. Advances in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Nat Rev Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41568-023-00583-5. [PMID: 37286893 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00583-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Human malignancies arise predominantly in tissues of epithelial origin, where the stepwise transformation from healthy epithelium to premalignant dysplasia to invasive neoplasia involves sequential dysregulation of biological networks that govern essential functions of epithelial homeostasis. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a prototype epithelial malignancy, often with a high tumour mutational burden. A plethora of risk genes, dominated by UV-induced sun damage, drive disease progression in conjunction with stromal interactions and local immunomodulation, enabling continuous tumour growth. Recent studies have identified subpopulations of SCC cells that specifically interact with the tumour microenvironment. These advances, along with increased knowledge of the impact of germline genetics and somatic mutations on cSCC development, have led to a greater appreciation of the complexity of skin cancer pathogenesis and have enabled progress in neoadjuvant immunotherapy, which has improved pathological complete response rates. Although measures for the prevention and therapeutic management of cSCC are associated with clinical benefit, the prognosis remains poor for advanced disease. Elucidating how the genetic mechanisms that drive cSCC interact with the tumour microenvironment is a current focus in efforts to understand, prevent and treat cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mårten C G Winge
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Laura N Kellman
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Program in Cancer Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Konnie Guo
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jean Y Tang
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Swetter
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sumaira Z Aasi
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Kavita Y Sarin
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Anne Lynn S Chang
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Paul A Khavari
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford Program in Cancer Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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14
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de Azevedo BLR, Roni GM, Torrelio RMF, da Gama-de-Souza LN. Fibrosis as a Risk Factor for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Systematic Review. J Pediatr Genet 2023; 12:97-104. [PMID: 37090823 PMCID: PMC10118679 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1763257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe subtype of epidermolysis bullosa caused by changes in collagen VII with a high risk of early development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This review aimed to discuss the relationship between the recurrent healing process, the appearance of fibrosis, and malignant epithelial transformation in RDEB. We searched PubMed, the Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library, and Embase for articles on the relationship between blistering, recurrent scarring, and fibrosis in the context of cSCC and RDEB. That alterations of collagen VII result in blister formation, scar deficiency associated with inflammation, and increased expression of transforming growth factor β. These events promote the differentiation of myofibroblasts and the expression of profibrotic proteins, leading to structural changes and the establishment of a microenvironment favorable to carcinogenesis. Patients with RDEB and areas of recurrent scarring and fibrosis may be more prone to the development of cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Marim Roni
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Health Science Center, Morphology Department, Medical School, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | | | - Letícia Nogueira da Gama-de-Souza
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Health Science Center, Morphology Department, Graduate Program in Dental Science, Vitória, ES, Brazil
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15
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De Gregorio C, Catalán E, Garrido G, Morandé P, Bennett JC, Muñoz C, Cofré G, Huang YL, Cuadra B, Murgas P, Calvo M, Altermatt F, Yubero MJ, Palisson F, South AP, Ezquer M, Fuentes I. Maintenance of chronicity signatures in fibroblasts isolated from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa chronic wound dressings under culture conditions. Biol Res 2023; 56:23. [PMID: 37161592 PMCID: PMC10170710 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00437-2] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) is a rare inherited skin disease caused by variants in the COL7A1 gene, coding for type VII collagen (C7), an important component of anchoring fibrils in the basement membrane of the epidermis. RDEB patients suffer from skin fragility starting with blister formation and evolving into chronic wounds, inflammation and skin fibrosis, with a high risk of developing aggressive skin carcinomas. Restricted therapeutic options are limited by the lack of in vitro models of defective wound healing in RDEB patients. RESULTS In order to explore a more efficient, non-invasive in vitro model for RDEB studies, we obtained patient fibroblasts derived from discarded dressings) and examined their phenotypic features compared with fibroblasts derived from non-injured skin of RDEB and healthy-donor skin biopsies. Our results demonstrate that fibroblasts derived from RDEB chronic wounds (RDEB-CW) displayed characteristics of senescent cells, increased myofibroblast differentiation, and augmented levels of TGF-β1 signaling components compared to fibroblasts derived from RDEB acute wounds and unaffected RDEB skin as well as skin from healthy-donors. Furthermore, RDEB-CW fibroblasts exhibited an increased pattern of inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-1β and IL-6) when compared with RDEB and control fibroblasts. Interestingly, these aberrant patterns were found specifically in RDEB-CW fibroblasts independent of the culturing method, since fibroblasts obtained from dressing of acute wounds displayed a phenotype more similar to fibroblasts obtained from RDEB normal skin biopsies. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that in vitro cultured RDEB-CW fibroblasts maintain distinctive cellular and molecular characteristics resembling the inflammatory and fibrotic microenvironment observed in RDEB patients' chronic wounds. This work describes a novel, non-invasive and painless strategy to obtain human fibroblasts chronically subjected to an inflammatory and fibrotic environment, supporting their use as an accessible model for in vitro studies of RDEB wound healing pathogenesis. As such, this approach is well suited to testing new therapeutic strategies under controlled laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian De Gregorio
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7610658, Chile
| | - Evelyng Catalán
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriel Garrido
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pilar Morandé
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Catalina Muñoz
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Glenda Cofré
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ya-Lin Huang
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7610658, Chile
| | - Bárbara Cuadra
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7610658, Chile
| | - Paola Murgas
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Margarita Calvo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y División de Anestesiología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Núcleo milenio para el estudio del dolor MINUSPAIN, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Altermatt
- División de Anestesiología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Joao Yubero
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
- Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases of Clínica Alemana, Facultad de Medicina Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francis Palisson
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
- Servicio de Dermatología, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrew P South
- Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Marcelo Ezquer
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7610658, Chile.
| | - Ignacia Fuentes
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7610658, Chile.
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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16
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Chacón-Solano E, León C, Carretero M, García M, Sánchez-Domínguez R, Quero F, Méndez-Jiménez E, Bonafont J, Ruiz-Mezcua B, Escámez MJ, Larcher F, Del Río M. Mechanistic interrogation of mutation-independent disease modulators of RDEB identifies the small leucine-rich proteoglycan PRELP as a TGF-β antagonist and inhibitor of fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2022; 111:189-206. [PMID: 35779740 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a genetic extracellular matrix disease caused by deficiency in type VII collagen (Col VII). The disease manifests with devastating mucocutaneous fragility leading to progressive fibrosis and metastatic squamous cell carcinomas. Although collagen VII abundance is considered the main predictor of symptom course, previous studies have revealed the existence of mutation-independent mechanisms that control disease progression. Here, to investigate and validate new molecular modifiers of wound healing and fibrosis in a natural human setting, and toward development of disease-modulating treatment of RDEB, we performed gene expression profiling of primary fibroblast from RDEB siblings with marked phenotypic variations, despite having equal COL7A1 genotype. Gene enrichment analysis suggested that severe RDEB was associated with enhanced response to TGF-β stimulus, oxidoreductase activity, and cell contraction. Consistently, we found an increased response to TGF-β, higher levels of basal and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and greater contractile ability in collagen lattices in RDEB fibroblasts (RDEBFs) from donors with severe RDEB vs mild RDEB. Treatment with antioxidants allowed a reduction of the pro-fibrotic and contractile phenotype. Importantly, our analyses revealed higher expression and deposition in skin of the relatively uncharacterized small leucine-rich extracellular proteoglycan PRELP/prolargin associated with milder RDEB manifestations. Mechanistic investigations showed that PRELP effectively attenuated fibroblasts' response to TGF-β1 stimulus and cell contractile capacity. Moreover, PRELP overexpression in RDEBFs enhanced RDEB keratinocyte attachment to fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix in the absence of Col VII. Our results highlight the clinical relevance of pro-oxidant status and hyper-responsiveness to TGF-β in RDEB severity and progression. Of note, our study also reveals PRELP as a novel and natural TGF-β antagonist with a likely dermo-epidermal pro-adhesive capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Chacón-Solano
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M); Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII; Madrid, Spain; IIS-FJD; Madrid, Spain; División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT); Madrid, Spain.
| | - C León
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M); Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII; Madrid, Spain; IIS-FJD; Madrid, Spain
| | - M Carretero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII; Madrid, Spain; IIS-FJD; Madrid, Spain; División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT); Madrid, Spain
| | - M García
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M); Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII; Madrid, Spain; IIS-FJD; Madrid, Spain; División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT); Madrid, Spain
| | - R Sánchez-Domínguez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII; Madrid, Spain; IIS-FJD; Madrid, Spain
| | - F Quero
- División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT); Madrid, Spain
| | - E Méndez-Jiménez
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M); Madrid, Spain; División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT); Madrid, Spain
| | - J Bonafont
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M); Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII; Madrid, Spain; IIS-FJD; Madrid, Spain; División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT); Madrid, Spain
| | - B Ruiz-Mezcua
- Departamento de Informática, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M); Madrid, Spain
| | - M J Escámez
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M); Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII; Madrid, Spain; IIS-FJD; Madrid, Spain; División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT); Madrid, Spain
| | - F Larcher
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M); Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII; Madrid, Spain; IIS-FJD; Madrid, Spain; División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT); Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Del Río
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M); Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII; Madrid, Spain; IIS-FJD; Madrid, Spain; División de Biomedicina Epitelial, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT); Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Cao Q, Tartaglia G, Alexander M, Park PH, Poojan S, Farshchian M, Fuentes I, Chen M, McGrath JA, Palisson F, Salas-Alanis J, South AP. A role for Collagen VII in matrix protein secretion. Matrix Biol 2022; 111:226-244. [PMID: 35779741 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lack of type VII collagen (C7) disrupts cellular proteostasis yet the mechanism remains undescribed. By studying the relationship between C7 and the extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated proteins thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), type XII collagen (C12) and tissue transglutaminase (TGM2) in primary human dermal fibroblasts from multiple donors with or without the genetic disease recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) (n=31), we demonstrate that secretion of each of these proteins is increased in the presence of C7. In dermal fibroblasts isolated from patients with RDEB, where C7 is absent or defective, association with the COPII outer coat protein SEC31 and ultimately secretion of each of these ECM-associated proteins is reduced and intracellular levels are increased. In RDEB fibroblasts, overall collagen secretion (as determined by the levels of hydroxyproline in the media) is unchanged while traffic from the ER to Golgi of TSP1, C12 and TGM2 occurs in a type I collagen (C1) dependent manner. In normal fibroblasts association of TSP1, C12 and TGM2 with the ER exit site transmembrane protein Transport ANd Golgi Organization-1 (TANGO1) as determined by proximity ligation assays, requires C7. In the absence of wild-type C7, or when ECM-associated proteins are overexpressed, C1 proximity and intracellular levels increase resulting in elevated cellular stress responses and elevated TGFβ signaling. Collectively, these data demonstrate a role for C7 in loading COPII vesicle cargo and provides a mechanism for disrupted proteostasis, elevated cellular stress and increased TGFβ signaling in patients with RDEB. Furthermore, our data point to a threshold of cargo loading that can be exceeded with increased protein levels leading to pathological outcomes in otherwise normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Cao
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Grace Tartaglia
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Michael Alexander
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Pyung Hung Park
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Shiv Poojan
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mehdi Farshchian
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ignacia Fuentes
- DEBRA Chile, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad de Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - John A McGrath
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), UK
| | - Francis Palisson
- DEBRA Chile, Santiago, Chile; Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad de Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Andrew P South
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
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18
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Bonamonte D, Filoni A, De Marco A, Lospalluti L, Nacchiero E, Ronghi V, Colagrande A, Giudice G, Cazzato G. Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patients with Inherited Epidermolysis Bullosa: Review of Current Literature. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081365. [PMID: 35456044 PMCID: PMC9027730 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare congenital diseases caused by mutations in structural proteins of the dermal/epidermal junction that are characterized by extreme epithelial fragility, which determines the formation of bullae and erosions either spontaneously or after local mechanical traumas. In EB patients, skin fragility leads to many possible complications and comorbidities. One of the most feared complications is the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) that particularly in the dystrophic recessive EB subtype can be extremely aggressive and often metastatic. SCCs in EB patients generally arise more often in the extremities, where chronic blisters and scars are generally located. SCCs represent a big therapeutic challenge in the EB population. No standard of care exists for the treatment of SCC in these patients, and therapy is based on small case studies. Moreover, the pathogenesis of cSCC in EB patients is still unclear. Many theories have been indeed postulated in order to explain why cSCC behaves so much more aggressively in EB patients compared to the general population. cSCC in EB seems to be the result of many complex interactions among cancer cells, skin microenvironment, susceptibility to DNA mutations and host immune response. In this review, we analyze the different pathogenetic mechanisms of cSCC in EB patients, as well as new therapies for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Bonamonte
- Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.B.); (A.F.); (A.D.M.); (L.L.)
| | - Angela Filoni
- Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.B.); (A.F.); (A.D.M.); (L.L.)
- Unit of Dermatology and Venerology, Perrino Hospital, 72100 Brindisi, Italy
| | - Aurora De Marco
- Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.B.); (A.F.); (A.D.M.); (L.L.)
| | - Lucia Lospalluti
- Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.B.); (A.F.); (A.D.M.); (L.L.)
| | - Eleonora Nacchiero
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.N.); (V.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Valentina Ronghi
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.N.); (V.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Anna Colagrande
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Giudice
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.N.); (V.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3405203641
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19
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Yang GN, Strudwick XL, Bonder CS, Kopecki Z, Cowin AJ. Increased Expression of Flightless I in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Affects Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413203. [PMID: 34948000 PMCID: PMC8703548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413203] [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: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) accounts for 25% of cutaneous malignancies diagnosed in Caucasian populations. Surgical removal in combination with radiation and chemotherapy are effective treatments for cSCC. Nevertheless, the aggressive metastatic forms of cSCC still have a relatively poor patient outcome. Studies have linked actin cytoskeletal dynamics and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway as important modulators of cSCC pathogenesis. Previous studies have also shown that the actin-remodeling protein Flightless (Flii) is a negative regulator of cSCC. The aim of this study was to investigate if the functional effects of Flii on cSCC involve the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Flii knockdown was performed using siRNA in a human late stage aggressive metastatic cSCC cell line (MET-1) alongside analysis of Flii genetic murine models of 3-methylcholanthrene induced cSCC. Flii was increased in a MET-1 cSCC cell line and reducing Flii expression led to fewer PCNA positive cells and a concomitant reduction in cellular proliferation and symmetrical division. Knockdown of Flii led to decreased β-catenin and a decrease in the expression of the downstream effector of β-catenin signaling protein SOX9. 3-Methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced cSCC in Flii overexpressing mice showed increased markers of cancer metastasis including talin and keratin-14 and a significant increase in SOX9 alongside a reduction in Flii associated protein (Flap-1). Taken together, this study demonstrates a role for Flii in regulating proteins involved in cSCC proliferation and tumor progression and suggests a potential role for Flii in aggressive metastatic cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gink N. Yang
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5095, Australia; (G.N.Y.); (X.L.S.); (Z.K.)
- Center for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide 5000, Australia;
| | - Xanthe L. Strudwick
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5095, Australia; (G.N.Y.); (X.L.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Claudine S. Bonder
- Center for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide 5000, Australia;
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Zlatko Kopecki
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5095, Australia; (G.N.Y.); (X.L.S.); (Z.K.)
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Allison J. Cowin
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5095, Australia; (G.N.Y.); (X.L.S.); (Z.K.)
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-83025018
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20
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Martínez-Martínez E, Tölle R, Donauer J, Gretzmeier C, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Dengjel J. Increased abundance of Cbl E3 ligases alters PDGFR signaling in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Matrix Biol 2021; 103-104:58-73. [PMID: 34706254 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), loss of collagen VII, the main component of anchoring fibrils critical for epidermal-dermal cohesion, affects several intracellular signaling pathways and leads to impaired wound healing and fibrosis. In skin fibroblasts, wound healing is also affected by platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) signaling. To study a potential effect of loss of collagen VII on PDGFR signaling we performed unbiased disease phosphoproteomics. Whereas RDEB fibroblasts exhibited an overall weaker response to PDGF, Cbl E3 ubiquitin ligases, negative regulators of growth factor signaling, were stronger phosphorylated. This increase in phosphorylation was linked to higher Cbl mRNA and protein levels due to increased TGFβ signaling in RDEB. In turn, increased Cbl levels led to increased PDGFR ubiquitination, internalization, and degradation negatively affecting MAPK and AKT downstream signaling pathways. Thus, our results indicate that elevated TGFβ signaling leads to an attenuated response to growth factors, which contributes to impaired dermal wound healing in RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regine Tölle
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| | - Julia Donauer
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christine Gretzmeier
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
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21
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Popp CM, Miller WC, Eide CR, Tolar J. Future applications of 3D bioprinting: A promising technology for treating recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Exp Dermatol 2021; 31:384-392. [PMID: 34699623 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a rapidly developing technology that has the potential to initiate a paradigm shift in the treatment of skin wounds arising from burns, ulcers and genodermatoses. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a severe form of epidermolysis bullosa, is a rare genodermatosis that results in mechanically induced blistering of epithelial tissues that leads to chronic wounds. Currently, there is no cure for RDEB, and effective treatment is limited to protection from trauma and extensive bandaging. The care of chronic wounds and burns significantly burdens the healthcare system, further illustrating the dire need for more beneficial wound care. However, in its infancy, 3D bioprinting offers therapeutic potential for wound healing and could be a breakthrough technology for the treatment of rare, incurable genodermatoses like RDEB. This viewpoint essay outlines the promise of 3D bioprinting applications for treating RDEB, including skin regeneration, a delivery system for gene-edited cells and small molecules, and disease modelling. Although the future of 3D bioprinting is encouraging, there are many technical challenges to overcome-including optimizing bioink and cell source-before this approach can be widely implemented in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Popp
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cindy R Eide
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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22
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Nyström A, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Kiritsi D. Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: Secondary Disease Mechanisms and Disease Modifiers. Front Genet 2021; 12:737272. [PMID: 34650598 PMCID: PMC8505774 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.737272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenotypic presentation of monogenetic diseases is determined not only by the nature of the causative mutations but also is influenced by manifold cellular, microenvironmental, and external factors. Here, heritable extracellular matrix diseases, including dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), are no exceptions. Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene encoding collagen VII. Deficiency of collagen VII leads to skin and mucosal fragility, which progresses from skin blistering to severe fibrosis and cancer. Clinical and pre-clinical studies suggest that targeting of secondary disease mechanisms or employment of natural disease modifiers can alleviate DEB severity and progression. However, since many of these mechanisms are needed for tissue homeostasis, informed, selective targeting is essential for safe and efficacious treatment. Here, we discuss a selection of key disease modifiers and modifying processes active in DEB, summarize the still scattered knowledge of them, and reflect on ways forward toward their utilization for symptom-relief or enhancement of curative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dimitra Kiritsi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Gretzmeier C, Pin D, Kern JS, Chen M, Woodley DT, Bruckner-Tuderman L, de Souza MP, Nyström A. Systemic Collagen VII Replacement Therapy for Advanced Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:1094-1102.e3. [PMID: 34606885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a genetic skin blistering disease associated with progressive multiorgan fibrosis. RDEB is caused by biallelic mutations in COL7A1 encoding the extracellular matrix protein collagen VII (C7), which is necessary for epidermal‒dermal adherence. C7 is not simply a structural protein but also has multiple functions, including the regulation of TGFβ bioavailability and the inhibition of skin scarring. Intravenous (IV) administration of recombinant C7 (rC7) rescues C7-deficient mice from neonatal lethality. However, the effect on established RDEB has not been determined. In this study, we used small and large adult RDEB animal models to investigate the disease-modulating abilities of IV rC7 on established RDEB. In adult RDEB mice, rC7 accumulated at the basement membrane zone in multiple organs after a single infusion. Fortnightly IV injections of rC7 for 7 weeks in adult RDEB mice reduced fibrosis of skin and eye. The fibrosis-delaying effect was associated with a reduction of TGFβ signaling. IV rC7 in adult RDEB dogs incorporated in the dermal‒epidermal junction of skin and improved disease by promoting wound healing and reducing dermal‒epidermal separation. In both species, IV C7 was well-tolerated. These preclinical studies suggest that repeated IV administration of rC7 is an option for systemic treatment of established adult RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Gretzmeier
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Didier Pin
- UPSP 2016.A104, VetAgro Sup, Univeristy of Lyon, Marcy l'Étoile, France
| | - Johannes S Kern
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David T Woodley
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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24
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Welponer T, Prodinger C, Pinon-Hofbauer J, Hintersteininger A, Breitenbach-Koller H, Bauer JW, Laimer M. Clinical Perspectives of Gene-Targeted Therapies for Epidermolysis Bullosa. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2021; 11:1175-1197. [PMID: 34110606 PMCID: PMC8322229 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-021-00561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
New insights into molecular genetics and pathomechanisms in epidermolysis bullosa (EB), methodological and technological advances in molecular biology as well as designated funding initiatives and facilitated approval procedures for orphan drugs have boosted translational research perspectives for this devastating disease. This is echoed by the increasing number of clinical trials assessing innovative molecular therapies in the field of EB. Despite remarkable progress, gene-corrective modalities, aimed at sustained or permanent restoration of functional protein expression, still await broad clinical availability. This also reflects the methodological and technological shortcomings of current strategies, including the translatability of certain methodologies beyond preclinical models as well as the safe, specific, efficient, feasible, sustained and cost-effective delivery of therapeutic/corrective information to target cells. This review gives an updated overview on status, prospects, challenges and limitations of current gene-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Welponer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christine Prodinger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josefina Pinon-Hofbauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Arno Hintersteininger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Johann W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Biosciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Laimer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
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Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare genetic disorders for which significant progress has been achieved in the development of molecular therapies in the last few decades. Such therapies require knowledge of mutant genes and specific mutations, some of them being allele specific. A relatively large number of clinical trials are ongoing and ascertaining the clinical efficacy of gene, protein or cell therapies or of repurposed drugs, mainly in recessive dystrophic EB. It is expected that some new drugs may emerge in the near future and that combinations of different approaches may result in improved treatment outcomes for individuals with EB.
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26
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Tartaglia G, Cao Q, Padron ZM, South AP. Impaired Wound Healing, Fibrosis, and Cancer: The Paradigm of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5104. [PMID: 34065916 PMCID: PMC8151646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) is a devastating skin blistering disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding type VII collagen (C7), leading to epidermal fragility, trauma-induced blistering, and long term, hard-to-heal wounds. Fibrosis develops rapidly in RDEB skin and contributes to both chronic wounds, which emerge after cycles of repetitive wound and scar formation, and squamous cell carcinoma-the single biggest cause of death in this patient group. The molecular pathways disrupted in a broad spectrum of fibrotic disease are also disrupted in RDEB, and squamous cell carcinomas arising in RDEB are thus far molecularly indistinct from other sub-types of aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Collectively these data demonstrate RDEB is a model for understanding the molecular basis of both fibrosis and rapidly developing aggressive cancer. A number of studies have shown that RDEB pathogenesis is driven by a radical change in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and increased transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling that is a direct result of C7 loss-of-function in dermal fibroblasts. However, the exact mechanism of how C7 loss results in extensive fibrosis is unclear, particularly how TGFβ signaling is activated and then sustained through complex networks of cell-cell interaction not limited to the traditional fibrotic protagonist, the dermal fibroblast. Continued study of this rare disease will likely yield paradigms relevant to more common pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Tartaglia
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 S. 10th Street, BLSB 406, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (G.T.); (Q.C.); (Z.M.P.)
| | - Qingqing Cao
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 S. 10th Street, BLSB 406, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (G.T.); (Q.C.); (Z.M.P.)
| | - Zachary M. Padron
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 S. 10th Street, BLSB 406, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (G.T.); (Q.C.); (Z.M.P.)
- The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrew P. South
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 S. 10th Street, BLSB 406, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (G.T.); (Q.C.); (Z.M.P.)
- The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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27
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Dayal JHS, Mason SM, Salas-Alanis JC, McGrath JA, Taylor RG, Mellerio JE, Blyth K, South AP, Inman GJ. Heterogeneous addiction to transforming growth factor-beta signalling in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa-associated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Br J Dermatol 2021; 184:697-708. [PMID: 32726455 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.19421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is associated with a high mortality rate due to the development of life-threatening, metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Elevated transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling is implicated in cSCC development and progression in patients with RDEB. OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of exogenous and endogenous TGF-β signalling in RDEB cSCC with a view to assessing the potential of targeting TGF-β signalling for RDEB cSCC therapy. METHODS A panel of 11 patient-derived RDEB cSCC primary tumour keratinocyte cell lines (SCCRDEBs) were tested for their signalling and proliferation responses to exogenous TGF-β. Their responses to TGF-β receptor type-1 (TGFBR1) kinase inhibitors [SB-431542 and AZ12601011 (AZA01)] were tested using in vitro proliferation, clonogenicity, migration and three-dimensional invasion assays, and in vivo tumour xenograft assays. RESULTS All SCCRDEBs responded to exogenous TGF-β by activation of canonical SMAD signalling and proliferative arrest. Blocking endogenous signalling by treatment with SB-431542 and AZ12601011 significantly inhibited proliferation (seven of 11), clonogenicity (six of 11), migration (eight of 11) and invasion (six of 11) of SCCRDEBs. However, these TGFBR1 kinase inhibitors also promoted proliferation and clonogenicity in two of 11 SCCRDEB cell lines. Pretreatment of in vitro TGFBR1-addicted SCCRDEB70 cells with SB-431542 enhanced overall survival and reduced tumour volume in subcutaneous xenografts but had no effect on nonaddicted SCCRDEB2 cells in these assays. CONCLUSIONS Targeting TGFBR1 kinase activity may have therapeutic benefit in the majority of RDEB cSCCs. However, the potential tumour suppressive role of TGF-β signalling in a subset of RDEB cSCCs necessitates biomarker identification to enable patient stratification before clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H S Dayal
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Division of Cancer Research, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - S M Mason
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - J C Salas-Alanis
- Department of Basic Sciences, Health Sciences Division, Universidad de Monterrey, Guadalupe, Nuevo León, México
| | - J A McGrath
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - R G Taylor
- Division of Cancer Research, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - J E Mellerio
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - K Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - A P South
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - G J Inman
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Division of Cancer Research, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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28
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Twaroski K, Chen W, Pickett-Leonard M, Tolar J. Role of transforming growth factor-β1 in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa squamous cell carcinoma. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:664-675. [PMID: 33595864 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops in more than 80% of individuals with the skin blistering disorder recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). In contrast with UV-induced SCC, RDEB-SCC results from skin damage and has a high proliferative and metastatic rate with 5-year survival near zero. Our objective is to determine the mechanisms underlying the increased metastatic tendencies of RDEB-SCC. RDEB-SCC cultured cell lines were treated with RDEB and non-RDEB fibroblast conditioned media and assayed for migration and invasion with and without small molecule inhibitors for TGFβ and other downstream signal transduction pathways. TGFβ1 secreted by RDEB dermal fibroblasts has been found to induce migration and invasion and to increase expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers in an RDEB-SCC line. These effects were reversed upon inhibition of TGFβ signalling and its downstream pathways MEK/ERK, P38 kinase and SMAD3. A number of small molecule inhibitors for these pathways are in different phases of various clinical trials and may be applicable to RDEB-SCC patients. Studying the mechanisms of the extreme form RDEB-SCC may inform studies of other types of SCC, as well as lead to better therapies for RDEB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk Twaroski
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Weili Chen
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michael Pickett-Leonard
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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29
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Lincoln V, Chao L, Woodley DT, Murrell D, Kim M, O'Toole EA, Ly A, Cogan J, Mosallaei D, Wysong A, Chen M. Over-expression of stromal periostin correlates with poor prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:698-704. [PMID: 33450077 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Periostin, an extracellular matrix macromolecule implicated in tumorigenesis, serves as a prognostic marker for many cancer types. However, there are no data on periostin expression in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This study examined periostin expression in patients with cSCC and explored its clincopathological relationship and prognosis. Using immunohistochemistry and ImageJ analysis, we compared periostin expression in 95 cSCCs across a spectrum of cSCC aggressiveness: cSCC in situ (SCCIS) (n = 25), low-risk cSCC (LR-cSCC) (n = 26), high-risk cSCC (HR-cSCC) (n = 38), and cSCC in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients (RDEB cSCC) (n = 6). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated periostin expression within the intra-tumoral stroma but not within tumor cells. Periostin levels significantly (P < 0.001) increased from SCCIS, LR-cSCC, HR-cSCC to RDEB SCC. The stroma of most of the cSCCs we evaluated contained cancer-associated fibroblasts with a myofibroblastic (α -SMA-positive) phenotype. Co-localization of periostin with α-SMA, evidence of fibroblast periostin expression, and absence of keratinocyte or tumor cell periostin expression suggest that, in cSCC, periostin is a product of the peritumoral microenvironment and not the tumor cells themselves. Our data indicate that fibroblast periostin expression is highly correlated with the aggressiveness of cSCC, and may thereby provide a molecular marker that will be useful for subtyping and diagnosing cSCCs according to their biological nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Lincoln
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lyu Chao
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David T Woodley
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Minhee Kim
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Edel A O'Toole
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, London, UK
| | - Alexandre Ly
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jon Cogan
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Mosallaei
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ashley Wysong
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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30
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Vanden Oever M, Muldoon D, Mathews W, Tolar J. Fludarabine modulates expression of type VII collagen during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Br J Dermatol 2020; 185:380-390. [PMID: 33368156 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.19757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe, complicated inherited blistering skin disease with few treatment options currently available. Recently, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) has been used as an alternative therapy that can improve skin integrity, but it is not known if the preparative HCT regimen also contributes to the therapeutic response. OBJECTIVES To determine whether chemotherapy drugs used in the HCT preparative regimen influence type VII collagen (C7) expression, which is inherently reduced or absent in RDEB skin, and to explore the pathomechanisms of such responses, if present. METHODS Drugs from the HCT preparative regimen (busulfan, cyclophosphamide, ciclosporin A, fludarabine and mycophenolate) with inhibitors (PD98059, U0126, LY294002, SR11302, SIS3 and N-acetyl-l-cysteine) were added to normal human dermal and human RDEB fibroblasts. C7 expression was measured using reversetranscription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. RESULTS We uncovered a previously unknown consequence of fludarabine whereby dermal fibroblasts exposed to fludarabine upregulate C7. This effect is mediated, in part, through activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B and transforming growth factor-β pathways. Activation of these pathways leads to activation of downstream transcription factors, including activator protein 1 (AP-1) and SMAD. Subsequently, both AP-1 and SMAD bind the COL7A1 promoter and increase COL7A1 expression. CONCLUSIONS Fludarabine influences the production of type VII collagen in RDEB fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vanden Oever
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - D Muldoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - W Mathews
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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31
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Diversity of Mechanisms Underlying Latent TGF-β Activation in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:1450-1460.e9. [PMID: 33333127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Injury- and inflammation-driven progressive dermal fibrosis is a severe manifestation of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa-a genetic skin blistering disease caused by mutations in COL7A1. TGF-β activation plays a prominent part in progressing dermal fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. TGF-β is secreted in a latent form, which has to be activated for its biological functions. In this study, we determined that recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa fibroblasts have an enhanced capacity to activate the latent form. Mechanistic and functional assessment demonstrated that this process depends on multiple latent TGF-β activators, including TSP-1, RGD-binding integrins, matrix metalloproteinases, and ROS, which act in concert, in a self-perpetuating feedback loop to progress fibrosis. Importantly, our study also disclosed keratinocytes as prominent facilitators of fibrosis in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. They stimulate microenvironmental latent TGF-β activation through enhanced production of the above mediators. Collectively, our study provides data on the molecular mechanism behind dysregulated TGF-β signaling in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, which are much needed for the development of evidence-based fibrosis-delaying treatments.
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32
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Prodinger C, Bauer JW, Laimer M. Translational perspectives to treat Epidermolysis bullosa-Where do we stand? Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:1112-1122. [PMID: 33043517 PMCID: PMC7756480 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is the prototypical example of genetic skin fragility disorders. Genotypic heterogeneity, modifier genes, epigenetic, biochemical and environmental factors alter and determine pathogenic traits and, ultimately, the wide and striking phenotypic variability in EB. Besides the primary structural-functional defect, chronic tissue damage with induction and dysregulation of inflammatory pathways is a common pathogenic mechanism in EB. In localized variants, the inflammatory aberrations may mainly affect the micromilieu of lesional skin, while a systemic inflammatory response was shown to contribute to the systemic morbidity in severe EB subtypes with extensive cutaneous involvement. Our continued understanding of the pathophysiology of EB, as well as advances in molecular technologies, has paved the way for translational therapeutic approaches. The spectrum comprises of corrective and symptom-relieving therapies that include innovative therapeutic options garnered from the bench, repurposed drugs approved for other diseases, as well as strategies for gene-, protein- and cell-based therapies. Immunological traits further define new targets of therapy, aimed at improving skin barrier restoration, microbial surveillance and infection control, wound healing and anti-neoplastic effects. Clinical availability and feasibility of these approaches for all EB patients and subtypes are currently limited, reflecting issues of efficacy, specificity, tolerability and safety. A multistep targeting approach and highly individualized, risk-stratified combinatory treatment plans will thus be essential for sustained efficacy and improved overall quality of life in EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Prodinger
- Department of Dermatology and AllergologyUniversity Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
| | - Johann W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and AllergologyUniversity Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
| | - Martin Laimer
- Department of Dermatology and AllergologyUniversity Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
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33
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Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an inherited, heterogeneous group of rare genetic dermatoses characterized by mucocutaneous fragility and blister formation, inducible by often minimal trauma. A broad phenotypic spectrum has been described, with potentially severe extracutaneous manifestations, morbidity and mortality. Over 30 subtypes are recognized, grouped into four major categories, based predominantly on the plane of cleavage within the skin and reflecting the underlying molecular abnormality: EB simplex, junctional EB, dystrophic EB and Kindler EB. The study of EB has led to seminal advances in our understanding of cutaneous biology. To date, pathogenetic mutations in 16 distinct genes have been implicated in EB, encoding proteins influencing cellular integrity and adhesion. Precise diagnosis is reliant on correlating clinical, electron microscopic and immunohistological features with mutational analyses. In the absence of curative treatment, multidisciplinary care is targeted towards minimizing the risk of blister formation, wound care, symptom relief and specific complications, the most feared of which - and also the leading cause of mortality - is squamous cell carcinoma. Preclinical advances in cell-based, protein replacement and gene therapies are paving the way for clinical successes with gene correction, raising hopes amongst patients and clinicians worldwide.
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34
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Aguado T, García M, García A, Ferrer-Mayorga G, Martínez-Santamaría L, del Río M, Botella LM, Sánchez-Puelles JM. Raloxifene and n-Acetylcysteine Ameliorate TGF-Signalling in Fibroblasts from Patients with Recessive Dominant Epidermolysis Bullosa. Cells 2020; 9:E2108. [PMID: 32947957 PMCID: PMC7565802 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe skin disease caused by mutation of the COL7A1 gene. RDEB is associated with high levels of TGF-β1, which is likely to be involved in the fibrosis that develops in this disease. Endoglin (CD105) is a type III coreceptor for TGF-β1 and its overexpression in fibroblasts deregulates physiological Smad/Alk1/Alk5 signalling, repressing the synthesis of TGF-β1 and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Raloxifene is a specific estrogen receptor modulator designated as an orphan drug for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a rare vascular disease. Raloxifene stimulates endoglin synthesis, which could attenuate fibrosis. By contrast, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine may have therapeutic value to rectify inflammation, fibrosis and endothelial dysfunction. Thus, we present here a repurposing strategy based on the molecular and functional screening of fibroblasts from RDEB patients with these drugs, leading us to propose the repositioning of these two well-known drugs currently in clinical use, raloxifene and N-acetylcysteine, to counteract fibrosis and inflammation in RDEB. Both compounds modulate the profibrotic events that may ultimately be responsible for the clinical manifestations in RDEB, suggesting that these findings may also be relevant for other diseases in which fibrosis is an important pathophysiological event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Aguado
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, U-707 CIBERER, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Marta García
- Departament of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad Carlos III, 28911 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.); (A.G.); (L.M.-S.); (M.d.R.)
- Spanish Network of Research Groups on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) U714, 28911 Madrid, Spain
- Foundation of the Institute for Health Research, Jiménez Díaz Foundation, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela García
- Departament of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad Carlos III, 28911 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.); (A.G.); (L.M.-S.); (M.d.R.)
- Spanish Network of Research Groups on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) U714, 28911 Madrid, Spain
- Foundation of the Institute for Health Research, Jiménez Díaz Foundation, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Ferrer-Mayorga
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Lucía Martínez-Santamaría
- Departament of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad Carlos III, 28911 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.); (A.G.); (L.M.-S.); (M.d.R.)
- Spanish Network of Research Groups on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) U714, 28911 Madrid, Spain
- Foundation of the Institute for Health Research, Jiménez Díaz Foundation, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcela del Río
- Departament of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad Carlos III, 28911 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.); (A.G.); (L.M.-S.); (M.d.R.)
- Spanish Network of Research Groups on Rare Diseases (CIBERER) U714, 28911 Madrid, Spain
- Foundation of the Institute for Health Research, Jiménez Díaz Foundation, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa-María Botella
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, U-707 CIBERER, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - José-María Sánchez-Puelles
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, U-707 CIBERER, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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Dengjel J, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Nyström A. Skin proteomics - analysis of the extracellular matrix in health and disease. Expert Rev Proteomics 2020; 17:377-391. [PMID: 32552150 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1773261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The skin protects the human body from external insults and regulates water and temperature homeostasis. A highly developed extracellular matrix (ECM) supports the skin and instructs its cell functions. Reduced functionality of the ECM is often associated with skin diseases that cause physical impairment and also have implications on social interactions and quality of life of affected individuals. AREAS COVERED With a focus on the skin ECM we discuss how mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic approaches first contributed to establishing skin protein inventories and then facilitated elucidation of molecular functions and disease mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION MS-based proteomic approaches have significantly contributed to our understanding of skin pathophysiology, but also revealed the challenges in assessing the skin ECM. The numerous posttranslational modifications of ECM proteins, like glycosylation, crosslinking, oxidation, and proteolytic maturation in disease settings can be difficult to tackle and remain understudied. Increased ease of handling of LC-MS/MS systems and automated/streamlined data analysis pipelines together with the accompanying increased usage of LC-MS/MS approaches will ensure that in the coming years MS-based proteomic approaches will continue to play a vital part in skin disease research. They will facilitate the elucidation of molecular disease mechanisms and, ultimately, identification of new druggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg , Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg , Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany Germany
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg , Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany Germany
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Siljamäki E, Rappu P, Riihilä P, Nissinen L, Kähäri VM, Heino J. H-Ras activation and fibroblast-induced TGF-β signaling promote laminin-332 accumulation and invasion in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Matrix Biol 2020; 87:26-47. [PMID: 31655292 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common metastatic skin cancer, with increasing incidence worldwide. The molecular basis of cSCC progression to invasive and metastatic disease is still incompletely understood. Here, we show that fibroblasts and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling promote laminin-332 synthesis in cancer cells in an activated H-Ras-dependent manner, which in turn promotes cancer cell invasion. Immunohistochemical analysis of sporadic UV-induced invasive human cSCCs (n = 208) revealed prominent cSCC cell specific immunostaining for laminin-332 γ2 chain, located in the majority of cases (90%, n = 173) in the invasive edge of the tumors. To mimic the progression of cSCC we established 3D spheroid cocultures using primary skin fibroblasts and HaCaT/ras-HaCaT human keratinocytes. Our results indicate that in 3D spheroids, unlike in monolayer cultures, TGF-β upregulates laminin-332 production, but only in cells that harbour oncogenic H-Ras. Accumulation of laminin-332 was prevented by both H-Ras knock down and inhibition of TGF-β signaling by SB431542 or RAdKD-ALK5 kinase-defective adenovirus. Furthermore, fibroblasts accelerated the invasion of ras-HaCaT cells through collagen I gels in a Ras/TGF-β signaling dependent manner. In conclusion, we demonstrate the presence of laminin-332 in the invasive front of cSCC tumors and report a new Ras/TGF-β-dependent mechanism that promotes laminin-332 accumulation and cancer cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Siljamäki
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland; Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| | - Pekka Rappu
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland; Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| | - Pilvi Riihilä
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland; Department of Dermatology, University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, Hämeentie 11, 20520, Turku, Finland; The Western Cancer Centre of the Cancer Centre Finland (FICAN West), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| | - Liisa Nissinen
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland; Department of Dermatology, University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, Hämeentie 11, 20520, Turku, Finland; The Western Cancer Centre of the Cancer Centre Finland (FICAN West), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| | - Veli-Matti Kähäri
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland; Department of Dermatology, University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, Hämeentie 11, 20520, Turku, Finland; The Western Cancer Centre of the Cancer Centre Finland (FICAN West), University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| | - Jyrki Heino
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland; Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland.
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Rousselle P, Scoazec JY. Laminin 332 in cancer: When the extracellular matrix turns signals from cell anchorage to cell movement. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 62:149-165. [PMID: 31639412 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Laminin 332 is crucial in the biology of epithelia. This large extracellular matrix protein consists of the heterotrimeric assembly of three subunits - α3, β3, and γ2 - and its multifunctionality relies on a number of extracellular proteolytic processing events. Laminin 332 is central to normal epithelium homeostasis by sustaining cell adhesion, polarity, proliferation, and differentiation. It also supports a major function in epithelial tissue formation, repair, and regeneration by buttressing cell migration and survival and basement membrane assembly. Interest in this protein increased after the discovery that its expression is perturbed in tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and the tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the established involvement of the laminin 332 γ2 chain in tumor invasiveness and discusses the role of its α3 and β3 subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rousselle
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, CNRS - Université Lyon 1, Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, SFR BioSciences Gerland-Lyon Sud, 7 passage du Vercors, F-69367, France.
| | - Jean Yves Scoazec
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif cedex, France; Université Paris Sud, Faculté de Médecine de Bicêtre, 94270 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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Pliszczyński J, Nita M, Kowalewski C, Woźniak K, Eljaszewicz A, Moniuszko M, Kamiński A, Śladowski D, Zimek Z, Majewski S, Kosieradzki M, Fiedor P. Transplantation of a New Biological Product in Rare Diseases, Such as Epidermolysis Bullosa: Response and Clinical Outcome. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:2239-2243. [PMID: 32334796 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.02.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a phenotypically diverse group of hereditary blistering disorders involving mutations in 20 different genes. Those debilitating disorders are currently incurable; however, there are a number of promising preclinical trials, where some treatments already approach the stage of early clinical trial. In this paper we introduce a novel surgical approach to the treatment of EB-induced ulcerations. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new biological dressing in the form of an allogenic human skin equivalent graft before using multipotent stem cells, classified as an advanced therapy medicinal product. METHODS Implanted human acellular dermal matrices were prepared from the superficial layers of donated human skin. Scaffold sterilization was conducted via irradiation with the use of a linear electron accelerator. Following water-knife debridement, wounds were surgically covered with accordingly prepared grafts and dressed in burn-injury fashion. Subsequently, the wounds were monitored for infection and viability. RESULTS Our data indicate that grafting as a potential new medicinal product was safe and effective in patients with rare diseases, such as EB, and may be used for stem cells to create new Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products. During a 200-day follow-up, we proved the safety of using human scaffolds (allogeneic graft) by observing no apparent infection or necrosis. Instead, we noted fewer required dressing changes, promoted wound healing, pain reduction, and an overall improvement in the quality of life in patients with EB. CONCLUSION The protocol for grafting allogenic acellular epidermal sheets is the most promising treatment for severely affected skin areas in EB patients to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pliszczyński
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Nita
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - C Kowalewski
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw Poland
| | - K Woźniak
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw Poland
| | - A Eljaszewicz
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - M Moniuszko
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland; Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - A Kamiński
- Department of Transplantology and Central Tissue Bank, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - D Śladowski
- Department of Transplantology and Central Tissue Bank, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Z Zimek
- Department of Radiation Chemistry and Technology, Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - S Majewski
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw Poland
| | - M Kosieradzki
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - P Fiedor
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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Cangkrama M, Wietecha M, Mathis N, Okumura R, Ferrarese L, Al‐Nuaimi D, Antsiferova M, Dummer R, Innocenti M, Werner S. A paracrine activin A-mDia2 axis promotes squamous carcinogenesis via fibroblast reprogramming. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11466. [PMID: 32150356 PMCID: PMC7136968 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key regulators of tumorigenesis and promising targets for next-generation therapies. We discovered that cancer cell-derived activin A reprograms fibroblasts into pro-tumorigenic CAFs. Mechanistically, this occurs via Smad2-mediated transcriptional regulation of the formin mDia2, which directly promotes filopodia formation and cell migration. mDia2 also induces expression of CAF marker genes through prevention of p53 nuclear accumulation, resulting in the production of a pro-tumorigenic matrisome and secretome. The translational relevance of this finding is reflected by activin A overexpression in tumor cells and of mDia2 in the stroma of skin cancer and other malignancies and the correlation of high activin A/mDia2 levels with poor patient survival. Blockade of this signaling axis using inhibitors of activin, activin receptors, or mDia2 suppressed cancer cell malignancy and squamous carcinogenesis in 3D organotypic cultures, ex vivo, and in vivo, providing a rationale for pharmacological inhibition of activin A-mDia2 signaling in stratified cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cangkrama
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Mateusz Wietecha
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Nicolas Mathis
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Rin Okumura
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Luca Ferrarese
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Dunja Al‐Nuaimi
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Maria Antsiferova
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Present address:
Roche Glycart AGSchlierenSwitzerland
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of DermatologyUniversity Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Metello Innocenti
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH)Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Sabine Werner
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Molecular Health SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Guerrero-Aspizua S, González-Masa A, Conti CJ, García M, Chacón-Solano E, Larcher F, del Río M. Humanization of Tumor Stroma by Tissue Engineering as a Tool to Improve Squamous Cell Carcinoma Xenograft. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061951. [PMID: 32178458 PMCID: PMC7139348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of stroma is fundamental in the development and behavior of epithelial tumors. In this regard, limited growth of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) or cell-lines derived from them has been achieved in immunodeficient mice. Moreover, lack of faithful recapitulation of the original human neoplasia complexity is often observed in xenografted tumors. Here, we used tissue engineering techniques to recreate a humanized tumor stroma for SCCs grafted in host mice, by combining CAF (cancer associated fibroblasts)-like cells with a biocompatible scaffold. The stroma was either co-injected with epithelial cell lines derived from aggressive SCC or implanted 15 days before the injection of the tumoral cells, to allow its vascularization and maturation. None of the mice injected with the cell lines without stroma were able to develop a SCC. In contrast, tumors were able to grow when SCC cells were injected into previously established humanized stroma. Histologically, all of the regenerated tumors were moderately differentiated SCC with a well-developed stroma, resembling that found in the original human neoplasm. Persistence of human stromal cells was also confirmed by immunohistochemistry. In summary, we provide a proof of concept that humanized tumor stroma, generated by tissue engineering, can facilitate the development of epithelial tumors in immunodeficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Guerrero-Aspizua
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain; (A.G.-M.); (C.J.C.); (M.G.); (E.C.-S.); (F.L.); (M.d.R.)
- Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division. CIEMAT, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), U714, 28911 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-624-8206
| | - Andrea González-Masa
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain; (A.G.-M.); (C.J.C.); (M.G.); (E.C.-S.); (F.L.); (M.d.R.)
| | - Claudio J. Conti
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain; (A.G.-M.); (C.J.C.); (M.G.); (E.C.-S.); (F.L.); (M.d.R.)
- Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta García
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain; (A.G.-M.); (C.J.C.); (M.G.); (E.C.-S.); (F.L.); (M.d.R.)
- Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division. CIEMAT, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), U714, 28911 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esteban Chacón-Solano
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain; (A.G.-M.); (C.J.C.); (M.G.); (E.C.-S.); (F.L.); (M.d.R.)
- Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division. CIEMAT, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), U714, 28911 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Larcher
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain; (A.G.-M.); (C.J.C.); (M.G.); (E.C.-S.); (F.L.); (M.d.R.)
- Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division. CIEMAT, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), U714, 28911 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcela del Río
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain; (A.G.-M.); (C.J.C.); (M.G.); (E.C.-S.); (F.L.); (M.d.R.)
- Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Epithelial Biomedicine Division. CIEMAT, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), U714, 28911 Madrid, Spain
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Epidermolysis Bullosa-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225707. [PMID: 31739489 PMCID: PMC6888002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of inherited skin disorders determined by mutations in genes encoding for structural components of the cutaneous basement membrane zone. Disease hallmarks are skin fragility and unremitting blistering. The most disabling EB (sub)types show defective wound healing, fibrosis and inflammation at lesional skin. These features expose patients to serious disease complications, including the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Almost all subjects affected with the severe recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) subtype suffer from early and extremely aggressive SCCs (RDEB-SCC), which represent the first cause of death in these patients. The genetic determinants of RDEB-SCC do not exhaustively explain its unique behavior as compared to low-risk, ultraviolet-induced SCCs in the general population. On the other hand, a growing body of evidence points to the key role of tumor microenvironment in initiation, progression and spreading of RDEB-SCC, as well as of other, less-investigated, EB-related SCCs (EB-SCCs). Here, we discuss the recent advances in understanding the complex series of molecular events (i.e., fibrotic, inflammatory, and immune processes) contributing to SCC development in EB patients, cross-compare tumor features in the different EB subtypes and report the most promising therapeutic approaches to counteract or delay EB-SCCs.
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Condorelli AG, Logli E, Cianfarani F, Teson M, Diociaiuti A, El Hachem M, Zambruno G, Castiglia D, Odorisio T. MicroRNA-145-5p regulates fibrotic features of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa skin fibroblasts. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181:1017-1027. [PMID: 30816994 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a skin fragility disorder caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen, a cutaneous basement membrane component essential for epidermal-dermal adhesion. Hallmarks of the disease are unremitting blistering and chronic wounds with severe inflammation and fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression also implicated in fibrotic processes. However, the role of miRNAs in RDEB fibrosis is almost unexplored. OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to identify miRNAs deregulated in primary RDEB skin fibroblasts (RDEBFs) and to characterize their function in RDEB fibrosis. METHODS Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to screen RDEBFs for expression levels of a group of miRNAs deregulated in hypertrophic scars and keloids, pathological conditions with abnormal wound healing and fibrosis. Contractility, proliferation and migration rate were evaluated by different in vitro assays in RDEBFs transfected with a miR-145-5p inhibitor. Expression levels of fibrotic markers and miR-145-5p targets were measured using qRT-PCR and western blot. RESULTS The miR-143/145 cluster was upregulated in RDEBFs compared with fibroblasts from healthy subjects. RDEBFs transfected with a miR-145-5p inhibitor showed attenuated fibrotic traits of contraction, proliferation and migration, accompanied by reduced expression of the contractile proteins α-smooth muscle actin and transgelin. These effects were associated with upregulation of Krüppel-like factor 4 transcriptional repressor and downregulation of Jagged1, a known inducer of fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the profibrotic role of miR-145-5p and its regulatory networks in RDEB, shedding light on novel disease pathomechanisms and targets for future therapeutic approaches. What's already known about this topic? Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a highly disabling genetic skin disease caused by mutations in the collagen VII gene and characterized by unremitting blistering and defective wound healing, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in health and disease, and their deregulation has been implicated in fibrotic skin conditions. To date, only miR-29 has been associated with injury-driven fibrosis in RDEB. What does this study add? In patients with RDEB, miR-145-5p is overexpressed in RDEB skin fibroblasts (RDEBFs), where it plays a profibrotic role, as its inhibition reduces RDEBF fibrotic traits (contraction, proliferation and migration). miR-145-5p inhibition in RDEBFs determines the reduction of contractile markers α-smooth muscle actin and transgelin through upregulation of Krüppel-like factor 4, a transcriptional repressor of contractile proteins, and downregulation of Jagged1 (JAG1), an inducer of fibrosis. What is the translational message? Our findings expand the knowledge on miRNA-driven pathomechanisms implicated in RDEB fibrosis. miR-145-5p and its targets (e.g. JAG1) could represent relevant molecules for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to counteract fibrosis progression in patients with RDEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Condorelli
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Logli
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - F Cianfarani
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M Teson
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Diociaiuti
- Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M El Hachem
- Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G Zambruno
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - D Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - T Odorisio
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Cho RJ, Alexandrov LB, den Breems NY, Atanasova VS, Farshchian M, Purdom E, Nguyen TN, Coarfa C, Rajapakshe K, Prisco M, Sahu J, Tassone P, Greenawalt EJ, Collisson EA, Wu W, Yao H, Su X, Guttmann-Gruber C, Hofbauer JP, Hashmi R, Fuentes I, Benz SC, Golovato J, Ehli EA, Davis CM, Davies GE, Covington KR, Murrell DF, Salas-Alanis JC, Palisson F, Bruckner AL, Robinson W, Has C, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Titeux M, Jonkman MF, Rashidghamat E, Lwin SM, Mellerio JE, McGrath JA, Bauer JW, Hovnanian A, Tsai KY, South AP. APOBEC mutation drives early-onset squamous cell carcinomas in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Sci Transl Med 2019; 10:10/455/eaas9668. [PMID: 30135250 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aas9668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare inherited skin and mucous membrane fragility disorder complicated by early-onset, highly malignant cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). The molecular etiology of RDEB SCC, which arises at sites of sustained tissue damage, is unknown. We performed detailed molecular analysis using whole-exome, whole-genome, and RNA sequencing of 27 RDEB SCC tumors, including multiple tumors from the same patient and multiple regions from five individual tumors. We report that driver mutations were shared with spontaneous, ultraviolet (UV) light-induced cutaneous SCC (UV SCC) and head and neck SCC (HNSCC) and did not explain the early presentation or aggressive nature of RDEB SCC. Instead, endogenous mutation processes associated with apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) deaminases dominated RDEB SCC. APOBEC mutation signatures were enhanced throughout RDEB SCC tumor evolution, relative to spontaneous UV SCC and HNSCC mutation profiles. Sixty-seven percent of RDEB SCC driver mutations was found to emerge as a result of APOBEC and other endogenous mutational processes previously associated with age, potentially explaining a >1000-fold increased incidence and the early onset of these SCCs. Human papillomavirus-negative basal and mesenchymal subtypes of HNSCC harbored enhanced APOBEC mutational signatures and transcriptomes similar to those of RDEB SCC, suggesting that APOBEC deaminases drive other subtypes of SCC. Collectively, these data establish specific mutagenic mechanisms associated with chronic tissue damage. Our findings reveal a cause for cancers arising at sites of persistent inflammation and identify potential therapeutic avenues to treat RDEB SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond J Cho
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Ludmil B Alexandrov
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Department of Bioengineering and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Velina S Atanasova
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Mehdi Farshchian
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Elizabeth Purdom
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Tran N Nguyen
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology and Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kimal Rajapakshe
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marco Prisco
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joya Sahu
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Patrick Tassone
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Evan J Greenawalt
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Eric A Collisson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Translational Medical Center, Central Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Yao
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoping Su
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christina Guttmann-Gruber
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josefina Piñón Hofbauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Raabia Hashmi
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ignacia Fuentes
- Fundación DEBRA Chile, Santiago 7760099, Chile.,Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7710162, Chile
| | | | | | - Erik A Ehli
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA
| | | | - Gareth E Davies
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA
| | | | - Dedee F Murrell
- St. George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2217, Australia
| | - Julio C Salas-Alanis
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud TecSalud del Tecnologico de Monterrey, Morones Prieto 3000, Los doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64710, Mexico
| | - Francis Palisson
- Fundación DEBRA Chile, Santiago 7760099, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7710162, Chile
| | - Anna L Bruckner
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - William Robinson
- Cutaneous Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Titeux
- INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Marcel F Jonkman
- Center for Blistering Diseases, Department of Dermatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Elham Rashidghamat
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Su M Lwin
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Jemima E Mellerio
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - John A McGrath
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Johann W Bauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alain Hovnanian
- INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Kenneth Y Tsai
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology and Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Andrew P South
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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Chacón‐Solano E, León C, Díaz F, García‐García F, García M, Escámez M, Guerrero‐Aspizua S, Conti C, Mencía Á, Martínez‐Santamaría L, Llames S, Pévida M, Carbonell‐Caballero J, Puig‐Butillé J, Maseda R, Puig S, de Lucas R, Baselga E, Larcher F, Dopazo J, del Río M. Fibroblast activation and abnormal extracellular matrix remodelling as common hallmarks in three cancer-prone genodermatoses. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181:512-522. [PMID: 30693469 PMCID: PMC6850467 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), Kindler syndrome (KS) and xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) are three cancer-prone genodermatoses whose causal genetic mutations cannot fully explain, on their own, the array of associated phenotypic manifestations. Recent evidence highlights the role of the stromal microenvironment in the pathology of these disorders. OBJECTIVES To investigate, by means of comparative gene expression analysis, the role played by dermal fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of RDEB, KS and XPC. METHODS We conducted RNA-Seq analysis, which included a thorough examination of the differentially expressed genes, a functional enrichment analysis and a description of affected signalling circuits. Transcriptomic data were validated at the protein level in cell cultures, serum samples and skin biopsies. RESULTS Interdisease comparisons against control fibroblasts revealed a unifying signature of 186 differentially expressed genes and four signalling pathways in the three genodermatoses. Remarkably, some of the uncovered expression changes suggest a synthetic fibroblast phenotype characterized by the aberrant expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Western blot and immunofluorescence in situ analyses validated the RNA-Seq data. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed increased circulating levels of periostin in patients with RDEB. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the different causal genetic defects converge into common changes in gene expression, possibly due to injury-sensitive events. These, in turn, trigger a cascade of reactions involving abnormal ECM deposition and underexpression of antioxidant enzymes. The elucidated expression signature provides new potential biomarkers and common therapeutic targets in RDEB, XPC and KS. What's already known about this topic? Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), Kindler syndrome (KS) and xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) are three genodermatoses with high predisposition to cancer development. Although their causal genetic mutations mainly affect epithelia, the dermal microenvironment likely contributes to the physiopathology of these disorders. What does this study add? We disclose a large overlapping transcription profile between XPC, KS and RDEB fibroblasts that points towards an activated phenotype with high matrix-synthetic capacity. This common signature seems to be independent of the primary causal deficiency, but reflects an underlying derangement of the extracellular matrix via transforming growth factor-β signalling activation and oxidative state imbalance. What is the translational message? This study broadens the current knowledge about the pathology of these diseases and highlights new targets and biomarkers for effective therapeutic intervention. It is suggested that high levels of circulating periostin could represent a potential biomarker in RDEB.
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46
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Guerrero-Aspizua S, Conti CJ, Escamez MJ, Castiglia D, Zambruno G, Youssefian L, Vahidnezhad H, Requena L, Itin P, Tadini G, Yordanova I, Martin L, Uitto J, Has C, Del Rio M. Assessment of the risk and characterization of non-melanoma skin cancer in Kindler syndrome: study of a series of 91 patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:183. [PMID: 31340837 PMCID: PMC6657209 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-019-1158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kindler Syndrome (KS) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by skin fragility, skin atrophy, premature aging and poikiloderma. It is caused by mutations in the FERMT1 gene, which encodes kindlin-1, a protein involved in integrin signalling and the formation of focal adhesions. Several reports have shown the presence of non-melanoma skin cancers in KS patients but a systematic study evaluating the risk of these tumors at different ages and their potential outcome has not yet been published. We have here addressed this condition in a retrospective study of 91 adult KS patients, characterizing frequency, metastatic potential and body distribution of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in these patients. SCC developed in 13 of the 91 patients. RESULTS The youngest case arose in a 29-year-old patient; however, the cumulative risk of SCC increased to 66.7% in patients over 60 years of age. The highly aggressive nature of SCCs in KS was confirmed showing that 53.8% of the patients bearing SCCs develop metastatic disease. Our data also showed there are no specific mutations that correlate directly with the development of SCC; however, the mutational distribution along the gene appears to be different in patients bearing SCC from SCC-free patients. The body distribution of the tumor appearance was also unique and different from other bullous diseases, being concentrated in the hands and around the oral cavity, which are areas of high inflammation in this disease. CONCLUSIONS This study characterizes SCCs in the largest series of KS patients reported so far, showing the high frequency and aggressiveness of these tumors. It also describes their particular body distribution and their relationship with mutations in the FERMT-1 gene. These data reinforce the need for close monitoring of premalignant or malignant lesions in KS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Guerrero-Aspizua
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, Madrid, Spain.,Epithelial Biomedicine Division, CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), U714, Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudio J Conti
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Madrid, Spain. .,Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Jose Escamez
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, Madrid, Spain.,Epithelial Biomedicine Division, CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), U714, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniele Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI)-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zambruno
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio, 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Leila Youssefian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Vahidnezhad
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Biotechnology Research Center, Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Luis Requena
- Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, Madrid, Spain
| | - Peter Itin
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Tadini
- Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivelina Yordanova
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical University Pleven, Pleven, Bulgaria
| | - Ludovic Martin
- Department of Dermatology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Jouni Uitto
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marcela Del Rio
- Department of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz e Instituto de Investigación FJD, Madrid, Spain.,Epithelial Biomedicine Division, CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), U714, Madrid, Spain
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47
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Hassan S, Purdie KJ, Wang J, Harwood CA, Proby CM, Pourreyron C, Mladkova N, Nagano A, Dhayade S, Athineos D, Caley M, Mannella V, Blyth K, Inman GJ, Leigh IM. A Unique Panel of Patient-Derived Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines Provides a Preclinical Pathway for Therapeutic Testing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3428. [PMID: 31336867 PMCID: PMC6678499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) incidence continues to rise with increasing morbidity and mortality, with limited treatment options for advanced disease. Future improvements in targeted therapy will rely on advances in genomic/transcriptomic understanding and the use of model systems for basic research. We describe here the panel of 16 primary and metastatic cSCC cell lines developed and characterised over the past three decades in our laboratory in order to provide such a resource for future preclinical research and drug screening. METHODS Primary keratinocytes were isolated from cSCC tumours and metastases, and cell lines were established. These were characterised using short tandem repeat (STR) profiling and genotyped by whole exome sequencing. Multiple in vitro assays were performed to document their morphology, growth characteristics, migration and invasion characteristics, and in vivo xenograft growth. RESULTS STR profiles of the cSCC lines allow the confirmation of their unique identity. Phylogenetic trees derived from exome sequence analysis of the matched primary and metastatic lines provide insight into the genetic basis of disease progression. The results of in vivo and in vitro analyses allow researchers to select suitable cell lines for specific experimentation. CONCLUSIONS There are few well-characterised cSCC lines available for widespread preclinical experimentation and drug screening. The described cSCC cell line panel provides a critical tool for in vitro and in vivo experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakinah Hassan
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Karin J Purdie
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Jun Wang
- Barts Cancer Institute, QMUL, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Catherine A Harwood
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Charlotte M Proby
- Division of Cancer, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Celine Pourreyron
- Division of Cancer, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Nikol Mladkova
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Ai Nagano
- Barts Cancer Institute, QMUL, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Sandeep Dhayade
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Rd, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Dimitris Athineos
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Rd, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Matthew Caley
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Viviana Mannella
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Rd, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Gareth J Inman
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Rd, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1GH, UK
| | - Irene M Leigh
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK.
- Division of Cancer, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK.
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48
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Atanasova VS, Pourreyron C, Farshchian M, Lawler M, Brown CA, Watt SA, Wright S, Warkala M, Guttmann-Gruber C, Hofbauer JP, Fuentes I, Prisco M, Rashidghamat E, Has C, Salas-Alanis JC, Palisson F, Hovnanian A, McGrath JA, Mellerio JE, Bauer JW, South AP. Identification of Rigosertib for the Treatment of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:3384-3391. [PMID: 30846478 PMCID: PMC8185613 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-2661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is the leading cause of death in patients with the severe generalized form of the genetic disease recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Although emerging data are identifying why patients suffer this fatal complication, therapies for treatment of RDEB SCC are in urgent need.Experimental Design: We previously identified polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as a therapeutic target in skin SCC, including RDEB SCC. Here, we undertake a screen of 6 compounds originally designated as PLK1 inhibitors, and detail the efficacy of the lead compound, the multipathway allosteric inhibitor ON-01910, for targeting RDEB SCC in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS ON-01910 (or rigosertib) exhibited significant specificity for RDEB SCC: in culture rigosertib induced apoptosis in 10 of 10 RDEB SCC keratinocyte populations while only slowing the growth of normal primary skin cells at doses 2 orders of magnitude higher. Furthermore, rigosertib significantly inhibited the growth of two RDEB SCC in murine xenograft studies with no apparent toxicity. Mechanistically, rigosertib has been shown to inhibit multiple signaling pathways. Comparison of PLK1 siRNA with MEK inhibition, AKT inhibition, and the microtubule-disrupting agent vinblastine in RDEB SCC shows that only PLK1 reduction exhibits a similar sensitivity profile to rigosertib. CONCLUSIONS These data support a "first in RDEB" phase II clinical trial of rigosertib to assess tumor targeting in patients with late stage, metastatic, and/or unresectable SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velina S Atanasova
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Celine Pourreyron
- Division of Cellular Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Mehdi Farshchian
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Lawler
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christian A Brown
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephen A Watt
- Division of Cellular Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila Wright
- Division of Cellular Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Warkala
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christina Guttmann-Gruber
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josefina Piñón Hofbauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ignacia Fuentes
- Fundación DEBRA Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marco Prisco
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elham Rashidghamat
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Francis Palisson
- Fundación DEBRA Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alain Hovnanian
- INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - John A McGrath
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), London, United Kingdom
| | - Jemima E Mellerio
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), London, United Kingdom
| | - Johann W Bauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andrew P South
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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49
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Brown Y, Hua S, Tanwar PS. Extracellular matrix-mediated regulation of cancer stem cells and chemoresistance. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 109:90-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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50
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Atanasova VS, Russell RJ, Webster TG, Cao Q, Agarwal P, Lim YZ, Krishnan S, Fuentes I, Guttmann-Gruber C, McGrath JA, Salas-Alanis JC, Fertala A, South AP. Thrombospondin-1 Is a Major Activator of TGF-β Signaling in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Fibroblasts. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 139:1497-1505.e5. [PMID: 30684555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding collagen VII cause the devastating blistering disease recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). RDEB is characterized by severe skin fragility and nonhealing wounds aggravated by scarring and fibrosis. We previously showed that TSP1 is increased in RDEB fibroblasts. Because transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is also increased in RDEB, and TSP1 is known to activate TGF-β, we investigated the role of TSP1 in TGF-β signaling in RDEB patient cells. Knockdown of TSP1 reduced phosphorylation of smad3 (a downstream target of TGF-β signaling) in RDEB primary fibroblasts, whereas overexpression of collagen VII reduced phosphorylation of smad3. Furthermore, inhibition of TSP1 binding to the LAP/TGF-β complex decreased fibrosis in engineered extracellular matrix formed by RDEB fibroblasts, as evaluated by picrosirius red staining and analyses of birefringent collagen fibrillar deposits. We show that collagen VII binds TSP1, which could potentially limit TSP1-LAP association and subsequent TGF-β activation. Our study suggests a previously unreported mechanism for increased TGF-β signaling in the absence of collagen VII in RDEB patient skin. Moreover, these data identify TSP1 as a possible target for reducing fibrosis in the tumor-promoting dermal microenvironment of RDEB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velina S Atanasova
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rebecca J Russell
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Timothy G Webster
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qingqing Cao
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Yok Zuan Lim
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Ignacia Fuentes
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Fundación DEBRA Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christina Guttmann-Gruber
- EB House Austria, Research Program for the Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - John A McGrath
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (Guy's Campus), London, UK
| | | | - Andrzej Fertala
- Department of Orthopedics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew P South
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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