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Kumar R, Tripathi R, Sinha NR, Mohan RR. RNA-Seq Analysis Unraveling Novel Genes and Pathways Influencing Corneal Wound Healing. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:13. [PMID: 39240550 PMCID: PMC11383191 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.11.13] [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] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Transdifferentiation of corneal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in the stroma is a central mechanistic event in corneal wound healing. This study sought to characterize genes and pathways influencing transdifferentiation of human corneal fibroblasts (hCSFs) to human corneal myofibroblasts (hCMFs) using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to develop comprehensive mechanistic information and identify newer targets for corneal fibrosis management. Methods Primary hCSFs were derived from donor human corneas. hCMFs were generated by treating primary hCSFs with transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1; 5 ng/mL) for 72 hours under serum-free conditions. RNA was extracted using the RNeasy Plus Mini Kit and subjected to RNA-seq analysis after quality control testing. Differential gene expression, pathway enrichment, and protein-protein network analyses were performed using DESeq2, GSEA/PANTHER/Reactome, and Cytoscape/cytoHubba, respectively. Results RNA-seq analysis of hCMFs and hCSFs identified 3843 differentially expressed genes and transcripts (adjusted P < 0.05). The log(fold change) ≥ ±1.5 filter showed 816 upregulated and 739 downregulated genes between two cell types. Pathway enrichment analysis showed the highest normalized enrichment score for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (5.569), followed by mTORC1 signaling (2.949), angiogenesis (2.176), and TGFβ signaling (2.008). Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified the top 20 nodes influencing corneal myofibroblast development. The expression of a novel MXRA5 in corneal stroma and its association with corneal fibrosis was verified by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR and immunofluorescence. RNA-seq and gene count files were submitted to the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE260476). Conclusions This study identified several novel genes involved in myofibroblast development, offering potential targets for developing newer therapeutic strategies for corneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Kumar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Ratnakar Tripathi
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
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2
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Zhan G, Yu L, Wang Q, Jin L, Yin X, Cao X, Gao H. Patterned collagen films loaded with miR-133b@MBG-NH 2for potential applications in corneal stromal injury repair. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:035009. [PMID: 38422520 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad2ed2] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Corneal stromal injury is a common surgical disease. With the development of tissue engineering materials, many artificial corneal scaffolds have been developed to replace allograft corneal transplantation and solve the problem of corneal donor shortage. However, few researchers have paid attention to corneal stromal wound healing. Herein, a nanocomposite of amino modified mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG-NH2) and microRNA-133b (miR-133b) was introduced into the patterned collagen films to achieve corneal stromal injury repair. MBG-NH2nanoparticles as a nano delivery carrier could efficiently load miR-133b and achieve the slow release of miR-133b. The physicochemical properties of collagen films were characterized and found the microgrooved collagen films loaded with miR-133b@MBG-NH2nanoparticles possessed similar swelling properties, optical clarity, and biodegradability to the natural cornea.In vitrocell experiments were also conducted and proved that the patterned collagen films with miR-133b@MBG-NH2possessed good biocompatibility, and miR-133b@MBG-NH2nanoparticles could be significantly uptake by rabbit corneal stromal cells (RCSCs) and have a significant impact on the orientation, proliferation, migration, and gene expression of RCSCs. More importantly, the patterned collagen films with miR-133b@MBG-NH2could effectively promote the migration of RCSCs and accelerate wound healing process, and down-regulate the expression levels ofα-SMA, COL-I, and CTGF genes associated with myofibroblast differentiation of corneal stromal cells, which has a potential application prospect in the repair of corneal stromal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guancheng Zhan
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Yu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiqi Wang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Longyang Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Yin
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Huichang Gao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
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Guo Y, Wang H, Lyu R, Wang J, Wang T, Shi J, Lyu L. Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery of MicroRNAs for Fibrotic Diseases. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:53-67. [PMID: 37897655 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00681-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs that mediate the fibrotic process by regulating multiple targets. MicroRNA-based therapy can restore or inhibit miRNA expression and is expected to become an effective approach to prevent and alleviate fibrotic diseases. However, the safe, targeted, and effective delivery of miRNAs is a major challenge in translating miRNA therapy from bench to bedside. In this review, we briefly describe the pathophysiological process of fibrosis and the mechanism by which miRNAs regulate the progression of fibrosis. Additionally, we summarize the miRNA nanodelivery tools for fibrotic diseases, including chemical modifications and polymer-based, lipid-based, and exosome-based delivery systems. Further clarification of the role of miRNAs in fibrosis and the development of a novel nanodelivery system may facilitate the prevention and alleviation of fibrotic diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Guo
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Hanying Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Rumin Lyu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jingpei Shi
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, Yunnan, China.
| | - Lechun Lyu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
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Yam GHF, Pi S, Du Y, Mehta JS. Posterior corneoscleral limbus: Architecture, stem cells, and clinical implications. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101192. [PMID: 37392960 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The limbus is a transition from the cornea to conjunctiva and sclera. In human eyes, this thin strip has a rich variation of tissue structures and composition, typifying a change from scleral irregularity and opacity to corneal regularity and transparency; a variation from richly vascularized conjunctiva and sclera to avascular cornea; the neural passage and drainage of aqueous humor. The limbal stroma is enriched with circular fibres running parallel to the corneal circumference, giving its unique role in absorbing small pressure changes to maintain corneal curvature and refractivity. It contains specific niches housing different types of stem cells for the corneal epithelium, stromal keratocytes, corneal endothelium, and trabecular meshwork. This truly reflects the important roles of the limbus in ocular physiology, and the limbal functionality is crucial for corneal health and the entire visual system. Since the anterior limbus containing epithelial structures and limbal epithelial stem cells has been extensively reviewed, this article is focused on the posterior limbus. We have discussed the structural organization and cellular components of the region beneath the limbal epithelium, the characteristics of stem cell types: namely corneal stromal stem cells, endothelial progenitors and trabecular meshwork stem cells, and recent advances leading to the emergence of potential cell therapy options to replenish their respective mature cell types and to correct defects causing corneal abnormalities. We have reviewed different clinical disorders associated with defects of the posterior limbus and summarized the available preclinical and clinical evidence about the developing topic of cell-based therapy for corneal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Shaohua Pi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore.
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Jia J, Han Y, Jin L, Lu C, Wang W, Tong P, Li N, Sun X, Gu W, Dai J. miR-204-3p downregulates KRT16 and promotes corneal repair in tree shrew fungal keratitis model. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:7336-7349. [PMID: 36398250 PMCID: PMC9641470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Corneal repair is critical for the treatment and recovery of corneal injuries. However, the molecular mechanism underlying corneal repair remains unclear. METHODS A tree shrew model of corneal fungal infection was established by injecting Fusarium solani into the corneal stroma to study the role of miR-204-3p in repairing corneal injury induced by fungal keratitis and to explore the potential mechanisms underlying the repair process. RESULTS miR-204-3p expression was significantly downregulated, while KRT16 expression was significantly upregulated after F. solani infection in the cornea of tree shrews. Moreover, miR-204-3p injection promoted corneal injury repair post-infection, potentially by downregulating KRT16 expression. Results of a luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-204-3p had a targeted relationship with KRT16. KRT16 protein expression levels decreased after miR-204-3p injection into the cornea with fungal keratitis, reducing the degree of corneal injury. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we report for the first time that miR-204-3p and KRT16 influence the repair of corneal injury. In addition, their effects on the repair of corneal injury were studied in a tree shrew model, providing an experimental basis for the study of pathogenesis of human fungal keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jia
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunming, China
- Scientific Research Laboratory Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical UniversityKunming, China
| | - Yuanyuan Han
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunming, China
| | - Liangzi Jin
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunming, China
| | - Caixia Lu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunming, China
| | - Wenguang Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunming, China
| | - Pinfen Tong
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunming, China
| | - Na Li
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunming, China
| | - Xiaomei Sun
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunming, China
| | - Wenpeng Gu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunming, China
| | - Jiejie Dai
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunming, China
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Yu FSX, Lee PSY, Yang L, Gao N, Zhang Y, Ljubimov AV, Yang E, Zhou Q, Xie L. The impact of sensory neuropathy and inflammation on epithelial wound healing in diabetic corneas. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 89:101039. [PMID: 34991965 PMCID: PMC9250553 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes, with several underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, some of which are still uncertain. The cornea is an avascular tissue and sensitive to hyperglycemia, resulting in several diabetic corneal complications including delayed epithelial wound healing, recurrent erosions, neuropathy, loss of sensitivity, and tear film changes. The manifestation of DPN in the cornea is referred to as diabetic neurotrophic keratopathy (DNK). Recent studies have revealed that disturbed epithelial-neural-immune cell interactions are a major cause of DNK. The epithelium is supplied by a dense network of sensory nerve endings and dendritic cell processes, and it secretes growth/neurotrophic factors and cytokines to nourish these neighboring cells. In turn, sensory nerve endings release neuropeptides to suppress inflammation and promote epithelial wound healing, while resident immune cells provide neurotrophic and growth factors to support neuronal and epithelial cells, respectively. Diabetes greatly perturbs these interdependencies, resulting in suppressed epithelial proliferation, sensory neuropathy, and a decreased density of dendritic cells. Clinically, this results in a markedly delayed wound healing and impaired sensory nerve regeneration in response to insult and injury. Current treatments for DPN and DNK largely focus on managing the severe complications of the disease. Cell-based therapies hold promise for providing more effective treatment for diabetic keratopathy and corneal ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Shin X Yu
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Patrick S Y Lee
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Lingling Yang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Nan Gao
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ellen Yang
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Lixin Xie
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.
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miRNA Levels as a Biomarker for Anti-VEGF Response in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121297. [PMID: 34945769 PMCID: PMC8708164 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate whether miRNA levels in the circulation could serve as a predictive biomarker for responsiveness to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in patients with diabetic macular edema. METHODS Whole blood samples were collected at baseline from 135 patients who were included in the BRDME study, a randomized controlled comparative trial of monthly bevacizumab or ranibizumab treatment for 6 months in patients with diabetic macular edema (Trialregister.nl, NTR3247). Best corrected visual acuity letter score (BCVA) and retinal central area thickness (CAT) were measured monthly during the 6-month follow-up. Levels of selected miRNAs were quantified. RESULTS Following linear regression analysis, the levels of four miRNAs were negatively associated with baseline CAT. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed this association for miR-181a. No associations with changes in CAT after 3 or 6 months of anti-VEGF treatment were found. In addition, no associations with miRNA levels with baseline BCVA or change in BCVA after 3 or 6 months of anti-VEGF treatment were found. CONCLUSIONS Circulating miR-181a levels were negatively associated with CAT at baseline. However, no associations between miRNA levels and the response to anti-VEGF therapy were found.
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Ebhodaghe SO. Natural Polymeric Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION 2021; 32:2144-2194. [PMID: 34328068 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2021.1958185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Natural polymeric scaffolds can be used for tissue engineering applications such as cell delivery and cell-free supporting of native tissues. This is because of their desirable properties such as; high biocompatibility, tunable mechanical strength and conductivity, large surface area, porous- and extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicked structures. Specifically, their less toxicity and biocompatibility makes them suitable for several tissue engineering applications. For these reasons, several biopolymeric scaffolds are currently being explored for numerous tissue engineering applications. To date, research on the nature, chemistry, and properties of nanocomposite biopolymers are been reported, while the need for a comprehensive research note on more tissue engineering application of these biopolymers remains. As a result, this present study comprehensively reviews the development of common natural biopolymers as scaffolds for tissue engineering applications such as cartilage tissue engineering, cornea repairs, osteochondral defect repairs, and nerve regeneration. More so, the implications of research findings for further studies are presented, while the impact of research advances on future research and other specific recommendations are added as well.
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Jhanji V, Billig I, Yam GHF. Cell-Free Biological Approach for Corneal Stromal Wound Healing. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671405. [PMID: 34122095 PMCID: PMC8193853 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal opacification is the fourth most common cause of blindness globally behind cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. The standard treatment of serious corneal scarring is corneal transplantation. Though it is effective for restoring vision, the treatment outcome is not optimal, due to limitations such as long-term graft survival, lifelong use of immunosuppressants, and a loss of corneal strength. Regulation of corneal stromal wound healing, along with inhibition or downregulation of corneal scarring is a promising approach to prevent corneal opacification. Pharmacological approaches have been suggested, however these are fraught with side effects. Tissue healing is an intricate process that involves cell death, proliferation, differentiation, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Current research on stromal wound healing is focused on corneal characteristics such as the immune response, angiogenesis, and cell signaling. Indeed, promising new technologies with the potential to modulate wound healing are under development. In this review, we provide an overview of cell-free strategies and some approaches under development that have the potential to control stromal fibrosis and scarring, especially in the context of early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Isabelle Billig
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Dinç E, Ayaz L, Kurt AH, Dursun Ö, Yılmaz G, Vatansever M, Özer Ö, Yılmaz ŞN. Effects of Bone Marrow and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on microRNA Expressions in Acute Alkaline Corneal Burn. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2021; 37:200-208. [PMID: 33481657 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2020.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the microRNA (miRNA) expressions of the corneal tissue after an alkaline burn and to compare the efficiency of adipose- and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on expressions. Methods: Thirty-two rats were divided into 4 groups. No intervention was made in the control group. A chemical burn was created by applying 4 μL NaOH soaked in 6 mm filter paper to the right eye of each animal in the other groups. Whereas only subconjunctival 0.1 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was injected to in the group 1, 2 × 106 adipose- or bone marrow-derived MSC in 0.1 mL PBS was injected subconjunctivally to the animals in the remaining groups (groups 2 and 3, respectively). Tissue samples were collected for miRNA analysis on the third day after the burn. Results: When group 1 was compared with the control group, the expression of 3 of 93 miRNAs increased significantly, whereas the expression of 50 miRNAs decreased significantly. Significant changes in miRNA expressions were observed when group 1 was compared with groups 2 and 3. Although a significant change was observed in the expression of 6 miRNAs in the adipose-derived MSC group, it was found that the expression of 65 miRNAs significantly changed in the bone marrow-derived MSC group. Conclusion: This study shows that there are significant changes in some miRNA expressions after corneal alkaline burn and these changes can be reversed with the subconjunctival injection of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Dinç
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Lokman Ayaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - A Hakan Kurt
- Department of Pharmacology, Bolu İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Özer Dursun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Gülsen Yılmaz
- Department of Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Vatansever
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ömer Özer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ş Necat Yılmaz
- Department of Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
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Hosen MR, Goody PR, Zietzer A, Nickenig G, Jansen F. MicroRNAs As Master Regulators of Atherosclerosis: From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapeutic Options. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 33:621-644. [PMID: 32408755 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2020.8107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accumulating evidence indicates that atherosclerosis and its sequelae, coronary artery disease, contribute to the majority of cardiovascular deaths. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries in which atherosclerotic plaques form within the vessel wall. Epidemiological studies have identified various risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, genetic predisposition, and sedentary lifestyle. Recent Advances: Through the advancement of genetic manipulation techniques and their use in cardiovascular biology, it was shown that small RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), are dynamic regulators of disease pathogenesis. They are considered to be central during the regulation of gene expression through numerous mechanisms and provide a means to develop biomarkers and therapeutic tools for the diagnosis and therapy of atherosclerosis. Circulating miRNAs encapsulated within membrane-surrounded vesicles, which originate from diverse subcellular compartments, are now emerging as novel regulators of intercellular communication. The miRNAs, in both freely circulating and vesicle-bound forms, represent a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring CVD, recently termed as "liquid biopsy." Critical Issues: However, despite the recent advancements in miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics, understanding how miRNAs can regulate atherosclerosis is still crucial to achieving an effective intervention and reducing the disease burden. Future Directions: We provide a landscape of the current developmental progression of RNA therapeutics as a holistic approach for treating CVD in different animal models and clinical trials. Future interrogations are warranted for the development of miRNA-based therapeutics to overcome challenges for the treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Rabiul Hosen
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Molecular Cardiology, Heart Center Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philip Roger Goody
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Molecular Cardiology, Heart Center Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Zietzer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Molecular Cardiology, Heart Center Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Georg Nickenig
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Molecular Cardiology, Heart Center Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Felix Jansen
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Molecular Cardiology, Heart Center Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Stechmiller JK, Lyon D, Schultz G, Gibson DJ, Weaver MT, Wilkie D, Ferrell AV, Whitney J, Kim J, Millan SB. Biobehavioral Mechanisms Associated With Nonhealing Wounds and Psychoneurologic Symptoms (Pain, Cognitive Dysfunction, Fatigue, Depression, and Anxiety) in Older Individuals With Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers. Biol Res Nurs 2019; 21:407-419. [PMID: 31142148 DOI: 10.1177/1099800419853881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence and incidence of chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLUs) are increasing worldwide, as are the associated financial costs. Although it has long been known that their underlying etiology is venous insufficiency, the molecular aspects of healing versus nonhealing, as well as the psychoneurologic symptoms (PNS; pain, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, depression, and anxiety) associated with CVLUs remain understudied. In this biobehaviorally focused review, we aim to elucidate the complex mechanisms that link the biological and molecular aspects of CLVUs with their PNS. Innovations in "omics" research have increased our understanding of important wound microenvironmental factors (e.g., inflammation, microbial pathogenic biofilm, epigenetic processes) that may adversely alter the wound bed's molecular milieu so that microbes evade immune detection. Although these molecular factors are not singularly responsible for wound healing, they are major components of wound development, nonhealing, and PNS that, until now, have not been amenable to systematic study, especially over time. Further, this review explores our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which the immune activation that contributes to the development and persistence of CVLUs also leads to the development, persistence, and severity of wound-related PNS. We also make recommendations for future research that will expand the field of biobehavioral wound science. Biobehavioral research that focuses on the interrelated mechanisms of PNS will lead to symptom-management interventions that improve quality of life for the population burdened by CVLUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce K Stechmiller
- 1 Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Debra Lyon
- 2 College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gregory Schultz
- 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Wound Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Daniel J Gibson
- 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Wound Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael T Weaver
- 2 College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Diana Wilkie
- 4 Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Joanne Whitney
- 5 School of Nursing, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Junglyun Kim
- 2 College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Susan B Millan
- 6 UF Health Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
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13
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Mukwaya A, Jensen L, Peebo B, Lagali N. MicroRNAs in the cornea: Role and implications for treatment of corneal neovascularization. Ocul Surf 2019; 17:400-411. [PMID: 30959113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
With no safe and efficient approved therapy available for treating corneal neovascularization, the search for alternative and effective treatments is of great importance. Since the discovery of miRNAs as key regulators of gene expression, knowledge of their function in the eye has expanded continuously, facilitated by high throughput genomic tools such as microarrays and RNA sequencing. Recently, reports have emerged implicating miRNAs in pathological and developmental angiogenesis. This has led to the idea of targeting these regulatory molecules as a therapeutic approach for treating corneal neovascularization. With the growing volume of data generated from high throughput tools applied to study corneal neovascularization, we provide here a focused review of the known miRNAs related to corneal neovascularization, while presenting new experimental data and insights for future research and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Mukwaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lasse Jensen
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Beatrice Peebo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway.
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14
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Zhao X, Song W, Chen Y, Liu S, Ren L. Collagen-based materials combined with microRNA for repairing cornea wounds and inhibiting scar formation. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:51-62. [DOI: 10.1039/c8bm01054d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AuNP/miR-133b can be released from cornea regeneration materials and entered into stromal cells to inhibit cornea scar formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510006
- P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction
| | - Wenjing Song
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510006
- P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction
| | - Yawei Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction
- Guangzhou 510006
- P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education
- South China University of Technology
| | - Sa Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510006
- P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction
| | - Li Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510006
- P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction
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15
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Zahir-Jouzdani F, Khonsari F, Soleimani M, Mahbod M, Arefian E, Heydari M, Shahhosseini S, Dinarvand R, Atyabi F. Nanostructured lipid carriers containing rapamycin for prevention of corneal fibroblasts proliferation and haze propagation after burn injuries: In vitro and in vivo. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:4702-4712. [PMID: 30191977 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chemical burns are a major cause of corneal haze and blindness. Corticosteroids are commonly used after corneal burns to attenuate the severity of the inflammation-related fibrosis. While research efforts have been aimed toward application of novel therapeutics. In the current study, a novel drug delivery system based nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were designed to treat corneal alkaline burn injury. Rapamycin, a potent inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, was loaded in NLCs (rapa-NLCs), and the NLCs were characterized. Cell viability assay, cellular uptake of NLCs, and in vitro evaluation of the fibrotic/angiogenic genes suppression by rapa-NLCs were carried out on human isolated corneal fibroblasts. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were also performed after treatment of murine model of corneal alkaline burn with rapa-NLCs. According to the results, rapamycin was efficiently loaded in NLCs. NLCs could enhance coumarin-6 fibroblast uptake by 1.5 times. Rapa-NLCs efficiently downregulated platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor beta genes in vitro. Furthermore, proliferation of fibroblasts, a major cause of corneal haze after injury, reduced. IHC staining of treated cornea with alpha-smooth muscle actin and CD34 + antibodies showed efficient prevention of myofibroblasts differentiation and angiogenesis, respectively. In conclusion, ocular delivery of rapamycin using NLCs after corneal injury may be considered as a promising antifibrotic/angiogenic treatment approach to preserve patient eyesight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forouhe Zahir-Jouzdani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khonsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Bonyakhteh Stem Cell Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Biology Department, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mirgholamreza Mahbod
- Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Pathology Department, Noor Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Arefian
- Bonyakhteh Stem Cell Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Biology Department, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Heydari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Shahhosseini
- Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Pathology Department, Noor Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rassoul Dinarvand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Nanotechnology Research Centre, Novel Drug Delivery Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Atyabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Nanotechnology Research Centre, Novel Drug Delivery Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Zhang F, Li Y, Chen L, Cheng J, Wu P, Chu W, Zhang J. Characterization of the Ubiquitin Specific Protease (USP) family members in the fast and slow muscle fibers from Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi). Gene 2018; 677:1-9. [PMID: 30030202 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy results from fasting, disuse and other systemic diseases. Muscle atrophy is associated with increased muscle protein degradation via the Ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). The Ubiquitin Specific Proteases (USPs), also known as deubiquitinating enzymes, regulates a wide variety of cellular processes in skeletal muscle. In our study, among the 41 members of the USP family identified in the skeletal muscle transcriptome of Chinese perch, 24 USPs were differentially expressed between the fast and slow muscle fibers. The expressional profile of 4 muscle-related USPs (USP10, USP14, USP19, USP45) was investigated in the fast and slow muscle in response to fasting at 4 and 7 days. The results showed that the expression of USP10, USP14 and USP19 was significantly increased in the fast muscle after fasting for 4 days and 7 days. But only the USP10 and USP14 had significantly increased at 7 days of fasting in the slow muscle. The expression of MAFbx and MuRF1 up-regulated and major myofibrillar genes down-regulated, indicating that all of these four USPs are involved in the protein degradation of the fast and slow muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- FangLiang Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, Hunan 410003, China.
| | - YuLong Li
- Department of Bioengineering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, Hunan 410003, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, Hunan 410003, China
| | - Jia Cheng
- Department of Bioengineering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, Hunan 410003, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Bioengineering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, Hunan 410003, China
| | - WuYing Chu
- Department of Bioengineering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, Hunan 410003, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Changde 415000, China.
| | - JianShe Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, Hunan 410003, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Changde 415000, China.
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17
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Vitulo N, Dalla Valle L, Skobo T, Valle G, Alibardi L. Downregulation of lizard immuno-genes in the regenerating tail and myogenes in the scarring limb suggests that tail regeneration occurs in an immuno-privileged organ. PROTOPLASMA 2017; 254:2127-2141. [PMID: 28357509 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-017-1107-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Amputated tails of lizards regenerate while limbs form scars which histological structure is very different from the original organs. Lizards provide useful information for regenerative medicine and some hypotheses on the loss of regeneration in terrestrial vertebrates. Analysis of tail and limb transcriptomes shows strong downregulation in the tail blastema for immunoglobulins and surface B and T receptors, cell function, and metabolism. In contrast, in the limb blastema genes for myogenesis, muscle and cell function, and extracellular matrix deposition but not immunity are variably downregulated. The upregulated genes show that the regenerating tail is an embryonic organ driven by the Wnt pathway and non-coding RNAs. The strong inflammation following amputation, the non-activation of the Wnt pathway, and the upregulation of inflammatory genes with no downregulation of immune genes indicate that the amputated limb does not activate an embryonic program. Intense inflammation in limbs influences in particular the activity of genes coding for muscle proteins, cell functions, and stimulates the deposition of dense extracellular matrix proteins resulting in scarring limb outgrowths devoid of muscles. The present study complements that on upregulated genes, and indicates that the regenerating tail requires immune suppression to maintain this embryonic organ connected to the rest of the tail without be rejected or turned into a scar. It is hypothesized that the evolution of the adaptive immune system determined scarring instead of organ regeneration in terrestrial vertebrates and that lizards evolved the process of tail regeneration through a mechanism of immuno-evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Vitulo
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Tatjana Skobo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Valle
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab, Padova, Italy.
- Dipartimento Bigea, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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18
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Sriram S, Tran JA, Guo X, Hutcheon AEK, Kazlauskas A, Zieske JD. Development of wound healing models to study TGFβ3's effect on SMA. Exp Eye Res 2017; 161:52-60. [PMID: 28599847 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to test the efficacy of transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFβ3) in reducing α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression in two models-an ex vivo organ culture and an in vitro 3D cell construct-both of which closely mimic an in vivo environment. For the ex vivo organ culture system, a central 6.0 mm corneal keratectomy was performed on freshly excised rabbit globes The corneas were then excised, segregated into groups treated with 1.0 ng/ml TGFβ1 or β3 (T1 or T3, respectively), and cultured for 2 weeks. The corneas were assessed for levels of haze and analyzed for SMA mRNA levels. For the 3D in vitro model, rabbit corneal fibroblasts (RbCFs) were cultured for 4 weeks on poly-transwell membranes in Eagle's minimum essential media (EMEM) + 10% FBS + 0.5 mM vitamin C ± 0.1 ng/ml T1 or T3. At the end of 4 weeks, the constructs were processed for analysis by indirect-immunofluorescence (IF) and RT-qPCR. The RT-qPCR data showed that SMA mRNA expression in T3 samples for both models was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than T1 treatment (around 3-fold in ex vivo and 2-fold in constructs). T3 also reduced the amount of scarring in ex vivo corneas as compared with the T1 samples. IF data from RbCF constructs confirmed that T3-treated samples had up to 4-fold (p < 0.05) lower levels of SMA protein expression than samples treated with T1. These results show that T3 when compared to T1 decreases the expression of SMA in both ex vivo organ culture and in vitro 3D cell construct models. Understanding the mechanism of T3's action in these systems and how they differ from simple cell culture models, may potentially help in developing T3 as an anti-scarring therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriniwas Sriram
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Tran
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Audrey E K Hutcheon
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - James D Zieske
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Etich J, Bergmeier V, Pitzler L, Brachvogel B. Identification of a reference gene for the quantification of mRNA and miRNA expression during skin wound healing. Connect Tissue Res 2017; 58:196-207. [PMID: 27386825 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2016.1210606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM Wound healing is a coordinated process to restore tissue homeostasis and reestablish the protective barrier of the skin. miRNAs may modulate the expression of target genes to contribute to repair processes, but due to the complexity of the tissue it is challenging to quantify gene expression during the distinct phases of wound repair. Here, we aimed to identify a common reference gene to quantify changes in miRNA and mRNA expression during skin wound healing. METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR and bioinformatic analysis tools were used to identify suitable reference genes during skin repair and their reliability was tested by studying the expression of mRNAs and miRNAs. RESULTS Morphological assessment of wounds showed that the injury model recapitulates the distinct phases of skin repair. Non-degraded RNA could be isolated from skin and wounds and used to study the expression of non-coding small nuclear RNAs during wound healing. Among those, RNU6B was most constantly expressed during skin repair. Using this reference gene we could confirm the transient upregulation of IL-1β and PTPRC/CD45 during the early phase as well as the increased expression of collagen type I at later stages of repair and validate the differential expression of miR-204, miR-205, and miR-31 in skin wounds. In contrast to Gapdh the normalization to multiple reference genes gave a similar outcome. CONCLUSION RNU6B is an accurate alternative normalizer to quantify mRNA and miRNA expression during the distinct phases of skin wound healing when analysis of multiple reference genes is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Etich
- a Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Experimental Neonatology, Medical Faculty , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,b Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - Vera Bergmeier
- a Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Experimental Neonatology, Medical Faculty , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,b Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - Lena Pitzler
- a Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Experimental Neonatology, Medical Faculty , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,b Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - Bent Brachvogel
- a Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Experimental Neonatology, Medical Faculty , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,b Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
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20
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Xin H, Wang F, Li Y, Lu QE, Cheung WL, Zhang Y, Zhang ZG, Chopp M. Secondary Release of Exosomes From Astrocytes Contributes to the Increase in Neural Plasticity and Improvement of Functional Recovery After Stroke in Rats Treated With Exosomes Harvested From MicroRNA 133b-Overexpressing Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Cell Transplant 2016; 26:243-257. [PMID: 27677799 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x693031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that overexpress microRNA 133b (miR-133b) significantly improve functional recovery in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) compared with naive MSCs and that exosomes generated from naive MSCs mediate the therapeutic benefits of MSC therapy for stroke. Here we investigated whether exosomes isolated from miR-133b-overexpressing MSCs (Ex-miR-133b+) exert amplified therapeutic effects. Rats subjected to 2 h of MCAO were intra-arterially injected with Ex-miR-133b+, exosomes from MSCs infected by blank vector (Ex-Con), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and were sacrificed 28 days after MCAO. Compared with the PBS treatment, both exosome treatment groups exhibited significant improvement of functional recovery. Ex-miR-133b+ treatment significantly increased functional improvement and neurite remodeling/brain plasticity in the ischemic boundary area compared with the Ex-Con treatment. Treatment with Ex-miR-133b+ also significantly increased brain exosome content compared with Ex-Con treatment. To elucidate mechanisms underlying the enhanced therapeutic effects of Ex-miR-133b+, astrocytes cultured under oxygen- and glucose-deprived (OGD) conditions were incubated with exosomes harvested from naive MSCs (Ex-Naive), miR-133b downregulated MSCs (Ex-miR-133b-), and Ex-miR-133b+. Compared with the Ex-Naive treatment, Ex-miR-133b+ significantly increased exosomes released by OGD astrocytes, whereas Ex-miR-133b- significantly decreased the release. Also, exosomes harvested from OGD astrocytes treated with Ex-miR-133b+ significantly increased neurite branching and elongation of cultured cortical embryonic rat neurons compared with the exosomes from OGD astrocytes subjected to Ex-Con. Our data suggest that exosomes harvested from miR-133b-overexpressing MSCs improve neural plasticity and functional recovery after stroke with a contribution from a stimulated secondary release of neurite-promoting exosomes from astrocytes.
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21
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Liu X, Trakooljul N, Hadlich F, Muráni E, Wimmers K, Ponsuksili S. MicroRNA-mRNA regulatory networking fine-tunes the porcine muscle fiber type, muscular mitochondrial respiratory and metabolic enzyme activities. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:531. [PMID: 27485725 PMCID: PMC4970254 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2850-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play critical roles in diverse biological processes via regulation of gene expression including in skeletal muscles. In the current study, miRNA expression profile was investigated in longissimus muscle biopsies of malignant hyperthermia syndrome-negative Duroc and Pietrain pigs with distinct muscle metabolic properties in order to explore the regulatory role of miRNAs related to mitochondrial respiratory activity and metabolic enzyme activity in skeletal muscle. Results A comparative analysis of the miRNA expression profile between Duroc and Pietrain pigs was performed, followed by integration with mRNA profiles based on their pairwise correlation and computational target prediction. The identified target genes were enriched in protein ubiquitination pathway, stem cell pluripotency and geranylgeranyl diphosphate biosynthesis, as well as skeletal and muscular system development. Next, we analyzed the correlation between individual miRNAs and phenotypical traits including muscle fiber type, mitochondrial respiratory activity, metabolic enzyme activity and adenosine phosphate concentrations, and constructed the regulatory miRNA-mRNA networks associated with energy metabolism. It is noteworthy that miR-25 targeting BMPR2 and IRS1, miR-363 targeting USP24, miR-28 targeting HECW2 and miR-210 targeting ATP5I, ME3, MTCH1 and CPT2 were highly associated with slow-twitch oxidative fibers, fast-twitch oxidative fibers, ADP and ATP concentration suggesting an essential role of the miRNA-mRNA regulatory networking in modulating the mitochondrial energy expenditure in the porcine muscle. In the identified miRNA-mRNA network, a tight relationship between mitochondrial and ubiquitin proteasome system at the level of gene expression was observed. It revealed a link between these two systems contributing to energy metabolism of skeletal muscle under physiological conditions. Conclusions We assembled miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks based on divergent muscle properties between different pig breeds and further with the correlation analysis of expressed genes and phenotypic measurements. These complex networks relate to muscle fiber type, metabolic enzyme activity and ATP production and may contribute to divergent muscle phenotypes by fine-tuning the expression of genes. Altogether, the results provide an insight into a regulatory role of miRNAs in muscular energy metabolisms and may have an implication on meat quality and production. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2850-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Liu
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Nares Trakooljul
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Frieder Hadlich
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Eduard Muráni
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Klaus Wimmers
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Siriluck Ponsuksili
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
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22
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Lan W, Chen S, Tong L. MicroRNA-215 Regulates Fibroblast Function: Insights from a Human Fibrotic Disease. Cell Cycle 2016; 14:1973-84. [PMID: 25565137 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2014.998077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are implicated in the regulation of gene expression via various mechanisms in health and disease, including fibrotic processes. Pterygium is an ocular surface condition characterized by abnormal fibroblast proliferation and matrix deposition. We aimed to investigate the role of microRNAs in pterygium and understand the relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms. To achieve this objective, a combination of approaches using surgically excised paired human pterygium and conjunctival tissues as well as cultured primary fibroblast cells from tissue explants were evaluated. Fibroblast dysfunction has been shown to play a central role in pterygium pathology. Here we show that miR-215, among a few others, was down-regulated (2-fold) in pterygium compared to control, and this was consistent in microarray, real-time PCR and fluorescent in-situ hybridization. The effects of increased miR-215 were investigated by adding exogenous miR-215 to fibroblasts, and this showed a decrease in cell proliferation but no significant apoptosis compared to control. Further cell cycle analysis showed that miR-215 depressed progression of cells at G1/S as well as G2/M. A few cell cycle related transcripts were downregulated (2.2-4.5-fold) on addition of miR-215: Mcm3, Dicer1, Cdc25A, Ick, Trip13 and Mcm10. Theoretic binding energies were used to predict miR-215 binding targets and luciferase reporter studies confirmed Mcm10 and Cdc25A as direct targets. In summary, mir-215 could play a role in inhibiting fibroblast proliferation in ocular surface conjunctiva. Dampening of this mir-215 could result in increased fibroblast cell cycling and proliferation, with possibly increased fibroblastic production of matrix, inducing pterygium formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanwen Lan
- a Ocular Surface Research Group; Singapore Eye Research Institute ; Singapore
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23
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Gjymishka A, Pi L, Oh SH, Jorgensen M, Liu C, Protopapadakis Y, Patel A, Petersen BE. miR-133b Regulation of Connective Tissue Growth Factor: A Novel Mechanism in Liver Pathology. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:1092-102. [PMID: 26945106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
miRNAs are involved in liver regeneration, and their expression is dysregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a direct target of miR-133b, is crucial in the ductular reaction (DR)/oval cell (OC) response for generating new hepatocyte lineages during liver injury in the context of hepatotoxin-inhibited hepatocyte proliferation. Herein, we investigate whether miR-133b regulation of CTGF influences HCC cell proliferation and migration, and DR/OC response. We analyzed miR-133b expression and found it to be down-regulated in HCC patient samples and induced in the rat DR/OC activation model of 2-acetylaminofluorene with partial hepatectomy. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-133b via adenoviral system in vitro led to decreased CTGF expression and reduced proliferation and Transwell migration of both HepG2 HCC cells and WBF-344 rat OCs. In vivo, overexpression of miR-133b in DR/OC activation models of 2-acetylaminofluorene with partial hepatectomy in rats, and 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine in mice, led to down-regulation of CTGF expression and OC proliferation. Collectively, these results show that miR-133b regulation of CTGF is a novel mechanism critical for the proliferation and migration of HCC cells and OC response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altin Gjymishka
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Liya Pi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Seh-Hoon Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Marda Jorgensen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Ashnee Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Bryon E Petersen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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Pi L, Chung PY, Sriram S, Rahman MM, Song WY, Scott EW, Petersen BE, Schultz GS. Connective tissue growth factor differentially binds to members of the cystine knot superfamily and potentiates platelet-derived growth factor-B signaling in rabbit corneal fibroblast cells. World J Biol Chem 2015; 6:379-388. [PMID: 26629321 PMCID: PMC4657117 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v6.i4.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To study the binding of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) to cystine knot-containing ligands and how this impacts platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B signaling.
METHODS: The binding strengths of CTGF to cystine knot-containing growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, PDGF-B, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were compared using the LexA-based yeast two-hybrid system. EYG48 reporter strain that carried a wild-type LEU2 gene under the control of LexA operators and a lacZ reporter plasmid (p80p-lacZ) containing eight high affinity LexA binding sites were used in the yeast two-hybrid analysis. Interactions between CTGF and the tested growth factors were evaluated based on growth of transformed yeast cells on selective media and colorimetric detection in a liquid β-galactosidase activity assay. Dissociation constants of CTGF to VEGF-A isoform 165 or PDGF-BB homo-dimer were measured in surface plasma resonance (SPR) analysis. CTGF regulation in PDGF-B presentation to the PDGF receptor β (PDGFRβ) was also quantitatively assessed by the SPR analysis. Combinational effects of CTGF protein and PDGF-BB on activation of PDGFRβ and downstream signaling molecules ERK1/2 and AKT were assessed in rabbit corneal fibroblast cells by Western analysis.
RESULTS: In the LexA-based yeast two-hybrid system, cystine knot motifs of tested growth factors were fused to the activation domain of the transcriptional factor GAL4 while CTGF was fused to the DNA binding domain of the bacterial repressor protein LexA. Yeast co-transformants containing corresponding fusion proteins for CTGF and all four tested cystine knot motifs survived on selective medium containing galactose and raffinose but lacking histidine, tryptophan, and uracil. In liquid β-galactosidase assays, CTGF expressing cells that were co-transformed with the cystine knot of VEGF-A had the highest activity, at 29.88 ± 0.91 fold above controls (P < 0.01). Cells containing the cystine knot of BMP-4 expressed the second most activity, with a 24.77 ± 0.47 fold increase (P < 0.01). Cells that contained the cystine knot of TGF-β1 had a 3.80 ± 0.66 fold increase (P < 0.05) and the ones with the cystine knot of PDGF-B had a 2.64 ± 0.33 fold increase of β-galactosidase activity (P < 0.01). Further SPR analysis showed that the association rate between VEGF-A 165 and CTGF was faster than PDGF-BB and CTGF. The calculated dissociation constant (KD) of CTGF to VEGF165 and PDGF-BB was 1.8 and 43 nmol/L respectively. PDGF-BB ligand and PDGFRβ receptor formed a stable complex with a low dissociation constant 1.4 nmol/L. Increasing the concentration of CTGF up to 263.2 nmol/L significantly the ligand/receptor binding. In addition, CTGF potentiated phosphorylation of PDGFRβ and AKT in rabbit corneal fibroblast cells stimulated by PDGF-BB in tissue culture condition. In contrast, CTGF did not affect PDGF-B induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2.
CONCLUSION: CTGF has a differential binding affinity to VEGF-A, PDGF-B, BMP-4, and TGF-β. Its weak association with PDGF-B may represent a novel mechanism to enhance PDGF-B signaling.
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Ratuszny D, Gras C, Bajor A, Börger AK, Pielen A, Börgel M, Framme C, Blasczyk R, Figueiredo C. miR-145 Is a Promising Therapeutic Target to Prevent Cornea Scarring. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:698-707. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dominica Ratuszny
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christiane Gras
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Bajor
- Clinic for Ophthalmology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Börger
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amelie Pielen
- Clinic for Ophthalmology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Börgel
- German Society for Tissue Transplantation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carsten Framme
- Clinic for Ophthalmology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rainer Blasczyk
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Mitchelson KR, Qin WY. Roles of the canonical myomiRs miR-1, -133 and -206 in cell development and disease. World J Biol Chem 2015; 6:162-208. [PMID: 26322174 PMCID: PMC4549760 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v6.i3.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that participate in different biological processes, providing subtle combinational regulation of cellular pathways, often by regulating components of signalling pathways. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is an important factor in the development and progression of disease. The canonical myomiRs (miR-1, -133 and -206) are central to the development and health of mammalian skeletal and cardiac muscles, but new findings show they have regulatory roles in the development of other mammalian non-muscle tissues, including nerve, brain structures, adipose and some specialised immunological cells. Moreover, the deregulation of myomiR expression is associated with a variety of different cancers, where typically they have tumor suppressor functions, although examples of an oncogenic role illustrate their diverse function in different cell environments. This review examines the involvement of the related myomiRs at the crossroads between cell development/tissue regeneration/tissue inflammation responses, and cancer development.
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Gras C, Ratuszny D, Hadamitzky C, Zhang H, Blasczyk R, Figueiredo C. miR-145 Contributes to Hypertrophic Scarring of the Skin by Inducing Myofibroblast Activity. Mol Med 2015; 21:296-304. [PMID: 25876136 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2014.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperthrophic scarring of the skin is caused by excessive activity of skin myofibroblasts after wound healing and often leads to functional and/or aesthetic disturbance with significant impairment of patient quality of life. MicroRNA (miRNA) gene therapies have recently been proposed for complex processes such as fibrosis and scarring. In this study, we focused on the role of miR-145 in skin scarring and its influence in myofibroblast function. Our data showed not only a threefold increase of miR-145 levels in skin hypertrophic scar tissue but also in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced skin myofibroblasts compared with healthy skin or nontreated fibroblasts (p < 0.001). Consistent with the upregulation of miR-145 induced by TGF-β1 stimulation of fibroblasts, the expression of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) was decreased by 50% and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression showed a threefold increase. Both could be reversed by miR-145 inhibition (p < 0.05). Restoration of KLF4 levels equally abrogated TGF-β1-induced α-SMA expression. These data demonstrate that TGF-β1 induces miR-145 expression in fibroblasts, which in turn inhibits KLF4, a known inhibitor of α-SMA, hence upregulating α-SMA expression. Furthermore, treatment of myofibroblasts with a miR-145 inhibitor strongly decreased their α-1 type I collagen expression, TGF-β1 secretion, contractile force generation and migration. These data demonstrate that upregulation of miR-145 plays an important role in the differentiation and function of skin myofibroblasts. Additionally, inhibition of miR-145 significantly reduces skin myofibroblast activity. Taken together, these results suggest that miR-145 is a promising therapeutic target to prevent or reduce hypertrophic scarring of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Gras
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dominica Ratuszny
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Catarina Hadamitzky
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Haijiao Zhang
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rainer Blasczyk
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Chen Q, Lu H, Yang H. Chitosan inhibits fibroblasts growth in Achilles tendon via TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway by miR-29b. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:8462-8470. [PMID: 25674210 PMCID: PMC4313955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Chitosan, is a natural polymer, plays an important role in prevention of tendon adhesion in tendon healing process. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the prevention effect is unclear. Here we investigated the effects of chitosan on Achilles tendon injury rats and fibroblasts. METHODS Eight weeks after surgery, gliding excursion and the content of collagen fibers in Achilles tendon injury rats were determined to evaluate the chitosan effect on tendon healing. Fibroblasts isolated from scar tissue of repaired tendon were treated with different concentration of chitosan, and then cell inhibition, apoptosis and cell cycle were measured using MTT and Flow Cytometry respectively. The expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) was quantified by real-time PCR and protein expression of TGF-β1, Smad3 and P21 were quantified by western blotting. MiR-29b inhibitor was transfected in cells to evaluate the mechanism underlying the effects of chitosan on tendon fibroblasts. RESULTS The gliding excursion of repaired tendon was increased and the content of collagen fibers was decreased by chitosan in rats. Chitosan inhibited the fibroblasts growth and arrested cells in G1 phase. Chitosan also elevated the expression of miR-29b and P21 while reduced the levels of TGFβ1 and Smad3 in both repaired tendon and fibroblasts. In addition, miR-29b inhibitor revered the effects of chitosan on fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrated that chitosan improving the condition of tendon healing after surgery, which is reduced by the high expression of miR-29b and its down-regulation of TGF-β1/Smad3 level and inhibition of fibroblasts growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Chen
- Department of Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University China
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University China
| | - Hu Yang
- Department of Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University China
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