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Wareing N, Mills TW, Collum S, Wu M, Revercomb L, Girard R, Lyons M, Skaug B, Bi W, Ali MA, Koochak H, Flores AR, Yang Y, Zheng WJ, Swindell WR, Assassi S, Karmouty-Quintana H. Deletion of adipocyte Sine Oculis Homeobox Homolog 1 prevents lipolysis and attenuates skin fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.22.595271. [PMID: 38826482 PMCID: PMC11142148 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.22.595271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Dermal fibrosis is a cardinal feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) for which there are limited treatment strategies. This is in part due to our fragmented understanding of how dermal white adipose tissue (DWAT) contributes to skin fibrosis. We identified elevated sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1) expression in SSc skin samples from the GENISOS and PRESS cohorts, the expression of which correlated with adipose-associated genes and molecular pathways. SIX1 localization studies identified increased signals in the DWAT area in SSc and in experimental models of skin fibrosis. Global and adipocyte specific Six1 deletion abrogated end-stage fibrotic gene expression and dermal adipocyte shrinkage induced by SQ bleomycin treatment. Further studies revealed a link between elevated SIX1 and increased expression of SERPINE1 and its protein PAI-1 which are known pro-fibrotic mediators. However, SIX1 deletion did not appear to affect cellular trans differentiation. Taken together these results point at SIX1 as a potential target for dermal fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Wareing
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), TX, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | - Tingting W Mills
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), TX, USA
| | - Scott Collum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), TX, USA
| | - Minghua Wu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | | | - Rene Girard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), TX, USA
| | - Marka Lyons
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | - Brian Skaug
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | - Weizhen Bi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), TX, USA
| | - Meer A. Ali
- D Bradley McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | - Haniyeh Koochak
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | - Anthony R Flores
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | - Yuntao Yang
- D Bradley McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | - W Jim Zheng
- D Bradley McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | - William R Swindell
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
| | - Harry Karmouty-Quintana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), TX, USA
- Divisions of Critical Care, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston TX, USA
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Yang Z, Yang Y, Han X, Hou J. Novel AT2 Cell Subpopulations and Diagnostic Biomarkers in IPF: Integrating Machine Learning with Single-Cell Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7754. [PMID: 39062997 PMCID: PMC11277372 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147754] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a long-term condition with an unidentified cause, and currently there are no specific treatment options available. Alveolar epithelial type II cells (AT2) constitute a heterogeneous population crucial for secreting and regenerative functions in the alveolus, essential for maintaining lung homeostasis. However, a comprehensive investigation into their cellular diversity, molecular features, and clinical implications is currently lacking. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of single-cell RNA sequencing data from both normal and fibrotic lung tissues. We analyzed alterations in cellular composition between IPF and normal tissue and investigated differentially expressed genes across each cell population. This analysis revealed the presence of two distinct subpopulations of IPF-related alveolar epithelial type II cells (IR_AT2). Subsequently, three unique gene co-expression modules associated with the IR_AT2 subtype were identified through the use of hdWGCNA. Furthermore, we refined and identified IPF-related AT2-related gene (IARG) signatures using various machine learning algorithms. Our analysis demonstrated a significant association between high IARG scores in IPF patients and shorter survival times (p-value < 0.01). Additionally, we observed a negative correlation between the percent predicted diffusing capacity for lung carbon monoxide (% DLCO) and increased IARG scores (cor = -0.44, p-value < 0.05). The cross-validation findings demonstrated a high level of accuracy (AUC > 0.85, p-value < 0.01) in the prognostication of patients with IPF utilizing the identified IARG signatures. Our study has identified distinct molecular and biological features among AT2 subpopulations, specifically highlighting the unique characteristics of IPF-related AT2 cells. Importantly, our findings underscore the prognostic relevance of specific genes associated with IPF-related AT2 cells, offering valuable insights into the advancement of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xin Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (Z.Y.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Jiwei Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (Z.Y.); (Y.Y.)
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Yao Y, Miethe S, Kattler K, Colakoglu B, Walter J, Schneider-Daum N, Herr C, Garn H, Ritzmann F, Bals R, Beisswenger C. Mutual Regulation of Transcriptomes between Murine Pneumocytes and Fibroblasts Mediates Alveolar Regeneration in Air-Liquid Interface Cultures. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2024; 70:203-214. [PMID: 38051640 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2023-0078oc] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar type 2 and club cells are part of the stem cell niche of the lung and their differentiation is required for pulmonary homeostasis and tissue regeneration. A disturbed crosstalk between fibroblasts and epithelial cells contributes to the loss of lung structure in chronic lung diseases. Therefore, it is important to understand how fibroblasts and lung epithelial cells interact during regeneration. Here, we analyzed the interaction of fibroblasts and the alveolar epithelium modeled in air-liquid interface cultures. Single-cell transcriptomics showed that cocultivation with fibroblasts leads to increased expression of type 2 markers in pneumocytes, activation of regulons associated with the maintenance of alveolar type 2 cells (e.g., Etv5), and transdifferentiation of club cells toward pneumocytes. This was accompanied by an intensified transepithelial barrier. Vice versa, the activation of NF-κB pathways and the CEBPB regulon and the expression of IL-6 and other differentiation factors (e.g., fibroblast growth factors) were increased in fibroblasts cocultured with epithelial cells. Recombinant IL-6 enhanced epithelial barrier formation. Therefore, in our coculture model, regulatory loops were identified by which lung epithelial cells mediate regeneration and differentiation of the alveolar epithelium in a cooperative manner with the mesenchymal compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Yao
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine and
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sarah Miethe
- Translational Inflammation Research Division and Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics and
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- The Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Giessen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Kattler
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Betül Colakoglu
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Jörn Walter
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Schneider-Daum
- Department of Drug Delivery, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Christian Herr
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Holger Garn
- Translational Inflammation Research Division and Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics and
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- The Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Giessen, Germany
| | - Felix Ritzmann
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine and
- Department of Drug Delivery, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Robert Bals
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine and
- Department of Drug Delivery, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Christoph Beisswenger
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine and
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Chen J, Guo W, Du P, Cui T, Yang Y, Wang Y, Kang P, Zhang Z, Wang Q, Ye Z, Liu L, Jian Z, Gao T, Bian H, Li S, Li C. MIF inhibition alleviates vitiligo progression by suppressing CD8 + T cell activation and proliferation. J Pathol 2023; 260:84-96. [PMID: 36852981 DOI: 10.1002/path.6073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
In vitiligo, autoreactive CD8+ T cells have been established as the main culprit considering its pathogenic role in mediating epidermal melanocyte-specific destruction. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic molecule that plays a central role in various immune processes including the activation and proliferation of T cells; but whether MIF is intertwined in vitiligo development and progression and its involvement in aberrantly activated CD8+ T cells remains ill-defined. In this study, we found that MIF was overabundant in vitiligo patients and a mouse model for human vitiligo. Additionally, inhibiting MIF ameliorated the disease progression in vitiligo mice, which manifested as less infiltration of CD8+ T cells and more retention of epidermal melanocytes in the tail skin. More importantly, in vitro experiments indicated that MIF-inhibition suppressed the activation and proliferation of CD8+ T cells from the lymph nodes of vitiligo mice, and the effect extended to CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of vitiligo patients. Finally, CD8+ T cells derived from MIF-inhibited vitiligo mice also exhibited an impaired capacity for activation and proliferation. Taken together, our results show that MIF might be clinically targetable in vitiligo treatment, and its inhibition might ameliorate vitiligo progression by suppressing autoreactive CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianru Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Pengran Du
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Tingting Cui
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yuqi Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yinghan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Pan Kang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Zhubiao Ye
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Zhe Jian
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Tianwen Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Huijie Bian
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Shuli Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
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5
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Zhu S, Li W, Zhang H, Yan Y, Mei Q, Wu K. Retinal determination gene networks: from biological functions to therapeutic strategies. Biomark Res 2023; 11:18. [PMID: 36750914 PMCID: PMC9906957 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00459-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal determinant gene network (RDGN), originally discovered as a critical determinator in Drosophila eye specification, has become an important regulatory network in tumorigenesis and progression, as well as organogenesis. This network is not only associated with malignant biological behaviors of tumors, such as proliferation, and invasion, but also regulates the development of multiple mammalian organs. Three members of this conservative network have been extensively investigated, including DACH, SIX, and EYA. Dysregulated RDGN signaling is associated with the initiation and progression of tumors. In recent years, it has been found that the members of this network can be used as prognostic markers for cancer patients. Moreover, they are considered to be potential therapeutic targets for cancer. Here, we summarize the research progress of RDGN members from biological functions to signaling transduction, especially emphasizing their effects on tumors. Additionally, we discuss the roles of RDGN members in the development of organs and tissue as well as their correlations with the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease and coronary heart disease. By summarizing the roles of RDGN members in human diseases, we hope to promote future investigations into RDGN and provide potential therapeutic strategies for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangli Zhu
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Wanling Li
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China ,grid.470966.aCancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032 China
| | - Hao Zhang
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Yuheng Yan
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Qi Mei
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China. .,Cancer Center, Tongji hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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6
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Zhu W, Tan C, Zhang J. Alveolar Epithelial Type 2 Cell Dysfunction in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Lung 2022; 200:539-547. [PMID: 36136136 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-022-00571-w] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and irreversible pulmonary interstitial disease that seriously affects the patient's quality of life and lifespan. The pathogenesis of IPF has not been clarified, and its treatment is limited to pirfenidone and nintedanib, which only delays the decline of lung function. Alveolar epithelial type 2 (AT2) cells are indispensable in the regeneration and lung surfactant secretion of alveolar epithelial cells. Studies have shown that AT2 cell dysfunction initiates the occurrence and progression of IPF. This review expounds on the AT2 cell dysfunction in IPF, involving senescence, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial damage, metabolic reprogramming, and the transitional state of AT2 cells. This article also briefly summarizes potential treatments targeting AT2 cell dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunting Tan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.
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