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Gawronska-Kozak B, Machcinska-Zielinska S, Walendzik K, Kopcewicz M, Pääkkönen M, Wisniewska J. Hypoxia and Foxn1 alter the proteomic signature of dermal fibroblasts to redirect scarless wound healing to scar-forming skin wound healing in Foxn1 -/- mice. BMC Biol 2024; 22:193. [PMID: 39256768 PMCID: PMC11389453 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01990-2] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foxn1-/- deficient mice are a rare model of regenerative skin wound healing among mammals. In wounded skin, the transcription factor Foxn1 interacting with hypoxia-regulated factors affects re-epithelialization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) reestablishment and is thus a factor regulating scar-forming/reparative healing. Here, we hypothesized that transcriptional crosstalk between Foxn1 and Hif-1α controls the switch from scarless (regenerative) to scar-present (reparative) skin wound healing. To verify this hypothesis, we examined (i) the effect of hypoxia/normoxia and Foxn1 signalling on the proteomic signature of Foxn1-/- (regenerative) dermal fibroblasts (DFs) and then (ii) explored the effect of Hif-1α or Foxn1/Hif-1α introduced by a lentiviral (LV) delivery vector to injured skin of regenerative Foxn1-/- mice with particular attention to the remodelling phase of healing. RESULTS We showed that hypoxic conditions and Foxn1 stimulation modified the proteome of Foxn1-/- DFs. Hypoxic conditions upregulated DF protein profiles, particularly those related to extracellular matrix (ECM) composition: plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (Pai-1), Sdc4, Plod2, Plod1, Lox, Loxl2, Itga2, Vldlr, Ftl1, Vegfa, Hmox1, Fth1, and F3. We found that Pai-1 was stimulated by hypoxic conditions in regenerative Foxn1-/- DFs but was released by DFs to the culture media exclusively upon hypoxia and Foxn1 stimulation. We also found higher levels of Pai-1 protein in DFs isolated from Foxn1+/+ mice (reparative/scar-forming) than in DFs isolated from Foxn1-/- (regenerative/scarless) mice and triggered by injury increase in Foxn1 and Pai-1 protein in the skin of mice with active Foxn1 (Foxn1+/+ mice). Then, we demonstrated that the introduction of Foxn1 and Hif-1α via lentiviral injection into the wounded skin of regenerative Foxn1-/- mice activates reparative/scar-forming healing by increasing the wounded skin area and decreasing hyaluronic acid deposition and the collagen type III to I ratio. We also identified a stimulatory effect of LV-Foxn1 + LV-Hif-1α injection in the wounded skin of Foxn1-/- mice on Pai-1 protein levels. CONCLUSIONS The present data highlight the effect of hypoxia and Foxn1 on the protein profile and functionality of regenerative Foxn1-/- DFs and demonstrate that the introduction of Foxn1 and Hif-1α into the wounded skin of regenerative Foxn1-/- mice activates reparative/scar-forming healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ul. Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Machcinska-Zielinska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ul. Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Walendzik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ul. Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ul. Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mirva Pääkkönen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6, Biocity 5 Floor, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Joanna Wisniewska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ul. Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
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2
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Lim JJY, Murata Y, Yuri S, Kitamuro K, Kawai T, Isotani A. Generating an organ-deficient animal model using a multi-targeted CRISPR-Cas9 system. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10636. [PMID: 38724644 PMCID: PMC11082136 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61167-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene-knockout animal models with organ-deficient phenotypes used for blastocyst complementation are generally not viable. Animals need to be maintained as heterozygous mutants, and homozygous mutant embryos yield only one-fourth of all embryos. In this study, we generated organ-deficient embryos using the CRISPR-Cas9-sgRNAms system that induces cell death with a single-guide RNA (sgRNAms) targeting multiple sites in the genome. The Cas9-sgRNAms system interrupted cell proliferation and induced cell ablation in vitro. The mouse model had Cas9 driven by the Foxn1 promoter with a ubiquitous expression cassette of sgRNAms at the Rosa26 locus (Foxn1Cas9; Rosa26_ms). It showed an athymic phenotype similar to that of nude mice but was not hairless. Eventually, a rat cell-derived thymus in an interspecies chimera was generated by blastocyst complementation of Foxn1Cas9; Rosa26_ms mouse embryos with rat embryonic stem cells. Theoretically, a half of the total embryos has the Cas9-sgRNAms system because Rosa26_ms could be maintained as homozygous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Jun-Yong Lim
- Laboratory of Organ Developmental Engineering, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0912, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Yamato Murata
- Laboratory of Organ Developmental Engineering, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0912, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yuri
- Laboratory of Organ Developmental Engineering, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0912, Japan
| | - Kohei Kitamuro
- Laboratory of Organ Developmental Engineering, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0912, Japan
| | - Taro Kawai
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0912, Japan
- Life Science Collaboration Center (LiSCo), Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Ayako Isotani
- Laboratory of Organ Developmental Engineering, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0912, Japan.
- Life Science Collaboration Center (LiSCo), Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan.
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3
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Holthaus KB, Eckhart L. Development-Associated Genes of the Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC). J Dev Biol 2024; 12:4. [PMID: 38248869 PMCID: PMC10801484 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12010004] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes that encode protein components of the outermost layers of the epidermis in mammals, reptiles and birds. The development of the stratified epidermis from a single-layered ectoderm involves an embryo-specific superficial cell layer, the periderm. An additional layer, the subperiderm, develops in crocodilians and over scutate scales of birds. Here, we review the expression of EDC genes during embryonic development. Several EDC genes are expressed predominantly or exclusively in embryo-specific cell layers, whereas others are confined to the epidermal layers that are maintained in postnatal skin. The S100 fused-type proteins scaffoldin and trichohyalin are expressed in the avian and mammalian periderm, respectively. Scaffoldin forms the so-called periderm granules, which are histological markers of the periderm in birds. Epidermal differentiation cysteine-rich protein (EDCRP) and epidermal differentiation protein containing DPCC motifs (EDDM) are expressed in the avian subperiderm where they are supposed to undergo cross-linking via disulfide bonds. Furthermore, a histidine-rich epidermal differentiation protein and feather-type corneous beta-proteins, also known as beta-keratins, are expressed in the subperiderm. The accumulating evidence for roles of EDC genes in the development of the epidermis has implications on the evolutionary diversification of the skin in amniotes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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4
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Yang X, Xiong M, Fu X, Sun X. Bioactive materials for in vivo sweat gland regeneration. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:247-271. [PMID: 37637080 PMCID: PMC10457517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of sweat glands (SwGs) commonly associated with extensive skin defects is a leading cause of hyperthermia and heat stroke. In vivo tissue engineering possesses the potential to take use of the body natural ability to regenerate SwGs, making it more conducive to clinical translation. Despite recent advances in regenerative medicine, reconstructing SwG tissue with the same structure and function as native tissue remains challenging. Elucidating the SwG generation mechanism and developing biomaterials for in vivo tissue engineering is essential for understanding and developing in vivo SwG regenerative strategies. Here, we outline the cell biology associated with functional wound healing and the characteristics of bioactive materials. We critically summarize the recent progress in bioactive material-based cell modulation approaches for in vivo SwG regeneration, including the recruitment of endogenous cells to the skin lesion for SwG regeneration and in vivo cellular reprogramming for SwG regeneration. We discussed the re-establishment of microenvironment via bioactive material-mediated regulators. Besides, we offer promising perspectives for directing in situ SwG regeneration via bioactive material-based cell-free strategy, which is a simple and effective approach to regenerate SwG tissue with both fidelity of structure and function. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of in vivo SwG regeneration in detail. The molecular mechanisms and cell fate modulation of in vivo SwG regeneration will provide further insights into the regeneration of patient-specific SwGs and the development of potential intervention strategies for gland-derived diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinling Yang
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, China
- PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, China
- Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, PR China
| | - Mingchen Xiong
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, China
- PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, China
- Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, PR China
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, China
- PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, China
- Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College, China
- PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, China
- Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, PR China
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5
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Min H, Valente LA, Xu L, O'Neil SM, Begg LR, Kurtzberg J, Filiano AJ. Improving thymus implantation for congenital athymia with interleukin-7. Clin Transl Immunology 2023; 12:e1475. [PMID: 38020730 PMCID: PMC10665642 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Thymus implantation is a recently FDA-approved therapy for congenital athymia. Patients receiving thymus implantation develop a functional but incomplete T cell compartment. Our objective was to develop a mouse model to study clinical thymus implantation in congenital athymia and to optimise implantation procedures to maximise T cell education and expansion of naïve T cells. Methods Using Foxn1 nu athymic mice as recipients, we tested MHC-matched and -mismatched donor thymi that were implanted as fresh tissue or cultured to remove donor T cells. We first implanted thymus under the kidney capsule and then optimised intramuscular implantation. Using competitive adoptive transfer assays, we investigated whether the failure of newly developed T cells to expand into a complete T cell compartment was because of intrinsic deficits or whether there were deficits in engaging MHC molecules in the periphery. Finally, we tested whether recombinant IL-7 would promote the expansion of host naïve T cells educated by the implanted thymus. Results We determined that thymus implants in Foxn1 nu athymic mice mimic many aspects of clinical thymus implants in patients with congenital athymia. When we implanted cultured, MHC-mismatched donor thymus into Foxn1 nu athymic mice, mice developed a limited T cell compartment with notably underdeveloped naïve populations and overrepresented memory-like T cells. Newly generated T cells were predominantly educated by MHC molecules expressed by the donor thymus, thus potentially undergoing another round of selection once in the peripheral circulation. Using competitive adoptive transfer assays, we compared expansion rates of T cells educated on donor thymus versus T cells educated during typical thymopoiesis in MHC-matched and -mismatched environments. Once in the circulation, regardless of the MHC haplotypes, T cells educated on a donor thymus underwent abnormal expansion with initially more robust proliferation coupled with greater cell death, resembling IL-7 independent spontaneous expansion. Treating implanted mice with recombinant interleukin (IL-7) promoted homeostatic expansion that improved T cell development, expanded the T cell receptor repertoire, and normalised the naïve T cell compartment. Conclusion We conclude that implanting cultured thymus into the muscle of Foxn1 nu athymic mice is an appropriate system to study thymus implantation for congenital athymia and immunodeficiencies. T cells are educated by the donor thymus, yet naïve T cells have deficits in expansion. IL-7 greatly improves T cell development after thymus implantation and may offer a novel strategy to improve outcomes of clinical thymus implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Min
- Marcus Center for Cellular CuresDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
| | - Laura A Valente
- Marcus Center for Cellular CuresDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
- Department of PathologyDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
| | - Li Xu
- Marcus Center for Cellular CuresDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
| | - Shane M O'Neil
- Marcus Center for Cellular CuresDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
| | - Lauren R Begg
- Marcus Center for Cellular CuresDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
| | - Joanne Kurtzberg
- Marcus Center for Cellular CuresDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
- Department of PediatricsDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
| | - Anthony J Filiano
- Marcus Center for Cellular CuresDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
- Department of PathologyDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
- Department of NeurosurgeryDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
- Department of ImmunologyDuke UniversityDurhamNCUSA
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6
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Walendzik K, Kopcewicz M, Wiśniewska J, Opyd P, Machcińska-Zielińska S, Gawrońska-Kozak B. Dermal white adipose tissue development and metabolism: The role of transcription factor Foxn1. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23171. [PMID: 37682531 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300873rr] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Intradermal adipocytes form dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT), a unique fat depot localized in the lower layer of the dermis. However, recognition of molecular factors regulating dWAT development, homeostasis, and bioactivity is limited. Using Foxn1-/- and Foxn1+/+ mice, we demonstrated that epidermally expressed Foxn1 regulates dWAT development and defines the adipogenic capacity of dermal fibroblasts. In intact and post-wounded skin, Foxn1 contributes to the initial stimulation of dWAT adipogenesis and participates in the modulation of lipid metabolism processes. Furthermore, Foxn1 activity strengthens adipogenic processes through Bmp2 and Igf2 signaling and regulates lipid metabolism in differentiated dermal fibroblasts. The results reveal the contribution of Foxn1 to dWAT metabolism, thus identifying possible targets for modulation and regulation of dWAT in physiological and pathological processes in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walendzik
- Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Wiśniewska
- Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Paulina Opyd
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Sylwia Machcińska-Zielińska
- Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawrońska-Kozak
- Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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7
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Zhang T, Yao H, Wang H, Sui T. Development of Woolly Hair and Hairlessness in a CRISPR-Engineered Mutant Mouse Model with KRT71 Mutations. Cells 2023; 12:1781. [PMID: 37443815 PMCID: PMC10341341 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131781] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypotrichosis simplex (HS) and woolly hair (WH) are rare and monogenic disorders of hair loss. HS, characterized by a diffuse loss of hair, usually begins in early childhood and progresses into adulthood. WH displays strong coiled hair involving a localized area of the scalp or covering the entire side. Mutations in the keratin K71(KRT71) gene have been reported to underlie HS and WH. Here, we report the generation of a mouse model of HS and WH by the co-injection of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA, targeting exon6 into mouse zygotes. The Krt71-knockout (KO) mice displayed the typical phenotypes, including Krt71 protein expression deletion and curly hair in their full body. Moreover, we found that mice in 3-5 weeks showed a new phenomenon of the complete shedding of hair, which was similar to nude mice. However, we discovered that the mice exhibited no immune deficiency, which was a typical feature of nude mice. To our knowledge, this novel mouse model generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system mimicked woolly hair and could be valuable for hair disorder studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tingting Sui
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (T.Z.); (H.Y.); (H.W.)
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8
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Le KT, Nguyen CT, Lac TD, Nguyen LGT, Tran TL, Tran-Van H. Facilely preparing carboxymethyl chitosan/hydroxyethyl cellulose hydrogel films for protective and sustained release of fibroblast growth factor 2 to accelerate dermal tissue repair. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
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9
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Machcinska S, Walendzik K, Kopcewicz M, Wisniewska J, Rokka A, Pääkkönen M, Slowinska M, Gawronska-Kozak B. Hypoxia reveals a new function of Foxn1 in the keratinocyte antioxidant defense system. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22436. [PMID: 35792861 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200249rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Skin exposed to environmental threats, including injuries and oxidative stress, develops an efficient but not fully recognized system of repair and antioxidant protection. Here, using mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS/MS), followed by in vitro and in vivo experiments, we provided evidence that Foxn1 in keratinocytes regulates elements of the electron transport chain and participates in the thioredoxin system (Txn2, Txnrd3, and Srxn1) induction, particularly in a hypoxic environment. We first showed that Foxn1 in keratinocytes upregulates glutathione thioredoxin reductase 3 (Txnrd3) protein expression, and high levels of Txnrd3 mRNA were detected in injured skin of Foxn1+/+ mice. We also showed that Foxn1 strongly downregulated the Ccn2 protein expression, participating in epidermal reconstruction after injury. An in vitro assay revealed that Foxn1 controls keratinocyte migration, stimulating it under normoxia and suppressing it under hypoxia. Keratinocytes overexpressing Foxn1 and exposed to hypoxia displayed a reduced ability to promote angiogenesis by downregulating Vegfa expression. In conclusion, this study showed a new mechanism in which Foxn1, along with hypoxia, participates in the activation of antioxidant defense and controls the functional properties of keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Machcinska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Walendzik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Wisniewska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anne Rokka
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Mirva Pääkkönen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Mariola Slowinska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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10
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Molekularne mechanizmy działania czynnika transkrypcyjnego FOXN1 w skórze. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2021-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstrakt
Artykuł jest przeglądem wyników badań dotyczących funkcji i mechanizmu działania czynnika transkrypcyjnego FOXN1. Lokalizacja FOXN1 u przedstawicieli wszystkich ssaków ogranicza się do nabłonka tylko dwóch organów: skóry i grasicy. W skórze FOXN1 stymuluje różnicowanie się keratynocytów, reguluje proces pigmentacji i bierze udział w rozwoju włosów. W skórze objętej urazem FOXN1 jest zaangażowany w bliznowy proces gojenia poprzez udział w reepitelializacji oraz w procesie przejścia epitelialno-mezenchymalnego (epithelial-mesenchymal transition; EMT). Pozbawione aktywnego czynnika transkrypcyjnego FOXN1 dorosłe myszy (Foxn1-/-) goją urazy skórne w unikalnym, charakterystycznym jedynie dla płodów ssaków, procesie bezbliznowej (scar-free) regeneracji. Analiza porównawcza transkryptomów skóry: dorosłych myszy Foxn1-/- oraz skóry płodów myszy (14. dzień rozwoju płodowego) wykazała istotne podobieństwa w ekspresji genów związanych przede wszystkim z przebudową tkanek, budową cytoszkieletu, gojeniem urazów, odpowiedzią immunologiczną oraz różnicowaniem. Wyniki te wskazują, iż FOXN1 może być głównym elementem szlaku sygnałowego na drodze tzw. punktu tranzycyjnego czyli przejścia z etapu gojenia bezbliznowego (płodowego) do bliznowego (dorosłego) w trakcie rozwoju płodowego.
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11
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Griffin MF, Huber J, Evan FJ, Quarto N, Longaker MT. The role of Wnt signaling in skin fibrosis. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:615-628. [PMID: 34431110 DOI: 10.1002/med.21853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Skin fibrosis is the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the dermis. Cutaneous fibrosis can occur following tissue injury, including burns, trauma, and surgery, resulting in scars that are disfiguring, limit movement and cause significant psychological distress for patients. Many molecular pathways have been implicated in the development of skin fibrosis, yet effective treatments to prevent or reverse scarring are unknown. The Wnt signaling pathways are known to play an important role in skin homeostasis, skin injury, and in the development of fibrotic skin diseases. This review provides a detailed overview of the role of the canonical Wnt signaling pathways in regulating skin scarring. We also discuss how Wnt signaling interacts with other known fibrotic molecular pathways to cause skin fibrosis. We further provide a summary of the different Wnt inhibitor types available for treating skin scarring. Understanding the role of the Wnt pathway in cutaneous fibrosis will accelerate the development of effective Wnt modulators for the treatment of skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle F Griffin
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Julika Huber
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Fahy J Evan
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Natalina Quarto
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford, California, USA.,Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Michael T Longaker
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford, California, USA.,Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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12
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Bukowska J, Walendzik K, Kopcewicz M, Cierniak P, Gawronska-Kozak B. Wnt signaling and the transcription factor Foxn1 contribute to cutaneous wound repair in mice. Connect Tissue Res 2021; 62:238-248. [PMID: 31690137 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2019.1688314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Aim: The transcription factor Foxn1 is a regulator of scar-ended cutaneous wound healing in mice. However, the link between Foxn1 and Wnt signaling has not been explored in the context of cutaneous repair. Here, we investigate the effects of β-catenin-dependent and -independent Wnt signaling represented by Wnt10a and Wnt11, respectively, in healing of full-thickness cutaneous wounds in C57BL/6 mice. Material and Methods: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunostaining were performed to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of Wnt10a, Wnt11, and β-catenin in skin during wound healing. A co-culture system consisting of keratinocytes transfected with an adenoviral vector carrying Foxn1-GFP and dermal fibroblasts (DFs) was employed to determine the influence of epidermal signals on the capacity of DFs to produce extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in vitro. The levels of types I and III collagen in conditioned media from DFs cultures were examined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The expression of Wnt10a, Wnt11, and β-catenin increased at post-wounding days 14 and 21 when tissue remodeling occurred. Foxn1::Egfp transgenic mice experiments demonstrated that Wnts were abundant in the epidermis adjacent to the wound margin and to a lesser extent in the dermis. The Wnt10a signal colocalized with Foxn1-eGFP in the epithelial tongue and neo-epidermis during the initial stage of wound healing. Foxn1 overexpression in keratinocytes affected DFs function related to collagen synthesis. Conclusions: Wnt ligands contribute to cutaneous wound repair, predominantly by engagement in ECM maturation. The data indicates a possible relationship between Foxn1 and Wnts in post-traumatic skin tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bukowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences , Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Walendzik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences , Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences , Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Patrycja Cierniak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences , Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences , Olsztyn, Poland
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Walendzik K, Kopcewicz M, Bukowska J, Panasiewicz G, Szafranska B, Gawronska-Kozak B. The Transcription Factor FOXN1 Regulates Skin Adipogenesis and Affects Susceptibility to Diet-Induced Obesity. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 140:1166-1175.e9. [PMID: 31811821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
FOXN1, a transcription factor expressed in the epidermis, regulates keratinocyte differentiation and participates in skin wound healing. In this study, we explored the impact of FOXN1 insufficiency on diet-stimulated weight gain and dermal white adipose tissue regulation in the intact and wounded skin of FOXN1eGFP/+ (heterozygotes, FOXN1-insufficient) mice in the context of age and diet. The results showed that on a high-fat diet, FOXN1eGFP/+ mice gained significantly less body weight than their FOXN1+/+ counterparts (FOXN1-sufficient mice). The intact and wounded skin of FOXN1eGFP/+ mice displayed abrogated expression of the master regulators of adipogenesis, PPARγ, FABP4, and leptin, which decreased with age in FOXN1+/+ mice. FOXN1 insufficiency also resulted in a decreased percentage of adipocyte-committed precursor cells (CD24+) in the skin. The proadipogenic pathway genes Bmp2, Igf2, and Mest showed a gradual decrease in expression that accompanied the gradual inactivation of FOXN1 in the skin of FOXN1+/+, FOXN1eGFP/+, and FOXN1eGFP/eGFP (lack of FOXN1) mice. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 and insulin-like growth factor 2 signals colocalized with FOXN1-eGFP in the epidermis and in hair follicles. These data demonstrated that FOXN1 initiates the cascade of adipogenic signaling that regulates skin homeostasis and wound healing and affects susceptibility to diet-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walendzik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Bukowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Panasiewicz
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Bozena Szafranska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
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Lynch KS, O'Connell LA, Louder MIM, Balakrishnan CN, Fischer EK. Understanding the Loss of Maternal Care in Avian Brood Parasites Using Preoptic Area Transcriptome Comparisons in Brood Parasitic and Non-parasitic Blackbirds. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2019; 9:1075-1084. [PMID: 30760540 PMCID: PMC6469424 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Parental care is critical for offspring survival in many species. However, parental behaviors have been lost in roughly 1% of avian species known as the obligate brood parasites. To shed light on molecular and neurobiological mechanisms mediating brood parasitic behavior, we compared brain gene expression patterns between two brood parasitic species and one closely related non-parasitic Icterid (blackbird) species. Our analyses focused on gene expression changes specifically in the preoptic area (POA), a brain region known to play a critical role in parental behavior across vertebrates. Using comparative transcriptomic approaches, we identified gene expression patterns associated with brood parasitism. We evaluated three non-mutually exclusive alternatives for the evolution of brood parasitism: (1) retention of juvenile-like (neotenic) gene expression, (2) reduced expression of maternal care-related genes in the POA, and/or (3) increased expression of genes inhibiting maternal care. We find evidence for neotenic expression patterns in both species of parasitic cowbirds as compared to maternal, non-parasites. In addition, we observed differential expression in a number of genes with previously established roles in mediating maternal care. Together, these results provide the first insight into transcriptomic and genetic mechanisms underlying the loss of maternal behavior in avian brood parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew I M Louder
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University: Greenville, NC, 27858
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | | | - Eva K Fischer
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
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Foxn1 in Skin Development, Homeostasis and Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071956. [PMID: 29973508 PMCID: PMC6073674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intensive research effort has focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate skin biology, including the phenomenon of scar-free skin healing during foetal life. Transcription factors are the key molecules that tune gene expression and either promote or suppress gene transcription. The epidermis is the source of transcription factors that regulate many functions of epidermal cells such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. Furthermore, the activation of epidermal transcription factors also causes changes in the dermal compartment of the skin. This review focuses on the transcription factor Foxn1 and its role in skin biology. The regulatory function of Foxn1 in the skin relates to physiological (development and homeostasis) and pathological (skin wound healing) conditions. In particular, the pivotal role of Foxn1 in skin development and the acquisition of the adult skin phenotype, which coincides with losing the ability of scar-free healing, is discussed. Thus, genetic manipulations with Foxn1 expression, specifically those introducing conditional Foxn1 silencing in a Foxn1+/+ organism or its knock-in in a Foxn1−/− model, may provide future perspectives for regenerative medicine.
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Therapeutic Applications for Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Wound Healing and Tissue Engineering. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40778-018-0125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Foxn1 expression in keratinocytes is stimulated by hypoxia: further evidence of its role in skin wound healing. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5425. [PMID: 29615703 PMCID: PMC5882803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23794-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that the transcription factor Foxn1, which is expressed in keratinocytes, is involved in the skin wound healing process, yet how Foxn1 functions remains largely unknown. Our latest data indicate that Foxn1 drives skin healing via engagement in re-epithelization and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In the present study, 2D-DIGE proteomic profiling analysis of in vitro cultured keratinocytes transfected with adenoviral vector carrying Foxn1-GFP or GFP alone (control) revealed forty proteins with differential abundance between the compared groups. Among the proteins with Foxn1-dependent expression, several enable adaptation to hypoxia. Subsequent experiments revealed that hypoxic conditions (1% O2) stimulate endogenous and exogenous (transfected Ad-Foxn1) Foxn1 expression in cultured keratinocytes. A proteomics analysis also identified proteins that can act as a factors controlling the balance between cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in response to Foxn1. We also showed that in C57BL/6 keratinocytes, the stimulation of Foxn1 by hypoxia is accompanied by increases in Mmp-9 expression. These data corroborate the detected co-localization of Foxn1 and Mmp-9 expression in vivo in post-wounding skin samples of Foxn1::Egfp transgenic mice. Together, our data indicate that Foxn1 orchestrates cellular changes in keratinocytes in both physiological (self-renewal) and pathological (skin wound healing) contexts.
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18
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Abstract
FOXN1 is a prodifferentiation transcription factor in the skin epithelium. Recently, it has also emerged as an important player in controlling the skin wound healing process, as it actively participates in reepithelialization and is thought to be responsible for scar formation. FOXN1 positivity is also a feature of pigmented keratinocytes, including nevi, and FOXN1 is an attribute of benign epithelial tumors. The lack of FOXN1 favors the skin regeneration process displayed by nude mice, pointing to FOXN1 as a switch between regeneration and reparative processes. The stem cell niche provides a functional source of cells after the loss of tissue following wounding. The involvement of prodifferentiation factors in the regulation of this pool of stem cells is suggested. However, the exact mechanism is still under question, and we speculate that the FOXN1 transcription factor is involved in this process. This review analyzes the pleiotropic effects of FOXN1 in the skin, its function in the tumorigenesis process, and its potential role in depletion of the stem cell niche after injury, as well as its suggested mechanistic role, acting in a cell-autonomous and a non-cell-autonomous manner during skin self-renewal.
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Mescher AL. Macrophages and fibroblasts during inflammation and tissue repair in models of organ regeneration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 4:39-53. [PMID: 28616244 PMCID: PMC5469729 DOI: 10.1002/reg2.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This review provides a concise summary of the changing phenotypes of macrophages and fibroblastic cells during the local inflammatory response, the onset of tissue repair, and the resolution of inflammation which follow injury to an organ. Both cell populations respond directly to damage and present coordinated sequences of activation states which determine the reparative outcome, ranging from true regeneration of the organ to fibrosis and variable functional deficits. Recent work with mammalian models of organ regeneration, including regeneration of full‐thickness skin, hair follicles, ear punch tissues, and digit tips, is summarized and the roles of local immune cells in these systems are discussed. New investigations of the early phase of amphibian limb and tail regeneration, including the effects of pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory agents, are then briefly discussed, focusing on the transition from the normally covert inflammatory response to the initiation of the regeneration blastema by migrating fibroblasts and the expression of genes for limb patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L Mescher
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine - Bloomington Indiana University Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology Bloomington IN 47405 USA
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