1
|
Nyström A, Dengjel J. A Top-Notch Target. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1421-1423. [PMID: 38363271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Condorelli AG, Nobili R, Muglia A, Scarpelli G, Marzuolo E, De Stefanis C, Rota R, Diociaiuti A, Alaggio R, Castiglia D, Odorisio T, El Hachem M, Zambruno G. Gamma-Secretase Inhibitors Downregulate the Profibrotic NOTCH Signaling Pathway in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1522-1533.e10. [PMID: 38237731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare skin fragility disorder caused by mutations in COL7A1. RDEB is hallmarked by trauma-induced unremitting blistering, chronic wounds with inflammation, and progressive fibrosis, leading to severe disease complications. There is currently no cure for RDEB-associated fibrosis. Our previous studies and increasing evidence highlighted the profibrotic role of NOTCH pathway in different skin disorders, including RDEB. In this study, we further investigated the role of NOTCH signaling in RDEB pathogenesis and explored the effects of its inhibition by γ-secretase inhibitors DAPT and PF-03084014 (nirogacestat). Our analyses demonstrated that JAG1 and cleaved NOTCH1 are upregulated in primary RDEB fibroblasts (ie, RDEB-derived fibroblasts) compared with controls, and their protein levels are further increased by TGF-β1 stimulation. Functional assays unveiled the involvement of JAG1/NOTCH1 axis in RDEB fibrosis and demonstrated that its blockade counteracts a variety of fibrotic traits. In particular, RDEB-derived fibroblasts treated with PF-03084014 showed (i) a significant reduction of contractility, (ii) a diminished secretion of TGF-β1 and collagens, and (iii) the downregulation of several fibrotic proteins. Although less marked than PF-03084014-treated cells, RDEB-derived fibroblasts exhibited a reduction of fibrotic traits also upon DAPT treatment. This study provides potential therapeutic strategies to antagonize RDEB fibrosis onset and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Giuseppe Condorelli
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rebecca Nobili
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anita Muglia
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Scarpelli
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Marzuolo
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Diociaiuti
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Pathology Unit and Predictive Molecular Pathology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Odorisio
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - May El Hachem
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zambruno
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Conradt G, Hausser I, Nyström A. Epidermal or Dermal Collagen VII Is Sufficient for Skin Integrity: Insights to Anchoring Fibril Homeostasis. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1301-1310.e7. [PMID: 38007090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Collagen VII forms anchoring fibrils that are essential for the stability of the skin and other epithelial organs. In addition to such structural functions, it is emerging that collagen VII fills instructive functions. Collagen VII is synthesized by both epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Genetic loss of collagen VII causes dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, which manifests with chronic skin fragility and fibrosis. Significant progress has been made in developing therapies for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa; however, such work has also raised questions on the importance of the cellular source of collagen VII for maintenance of tissue integrity and homeostasis. Toward this end, we engineered mice that kept the physiological expression of collagen VII only in epithelial cells or in fibroblasts. Our study revealed that production of collagen VII either by keratinocytes or fibroblasts alone is sufficient for creation of mechanically robust skin. Importantly, we also show tissue-diverse dependence on epithelial and mesenchymal production of collagen VII and provide support for limited amounts of collagen VII being sufficient for tissue protection. Furthermore, a disconnect between collagen VII abundance and anchoring fibril numbers supports the concept that restoration of fully physiological collagen VII levels may not be needed to achieve complete mechanical protection of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Conradt
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingrid Hausser
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jihu Y, Leng R, Liu M, Ren H, Xie D, Yao C, Yan H. Angiotensin (1-7) Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor-Β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Human Keratinocyte Hacat Cells in vitro. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2024; 17:1049-1058. [PMID: 38737946 PMCID: PMC11088851 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s441596] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Angiotensin (1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) is an emerging component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with effective anti-fibrosis properties and has been shown to interfere with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by numerous studies. In recent years, EMT has been proposed as a new therapeutic target for skin fibrotic diseases such as keloids. However, the effect of Ang-(1-7) on EMT in skin is still unclear. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the effect of Ang-(1-7) on Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced EMT of human immortalized keratinocytes HaCaT in vitro. Methods The study involved the use of the human immortalized keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). The cells were cultured in high-glucose DMEM medium with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. Four groups were created for experimentation: control group (Group C), TGF-β1-treated group (Group T), Ang-(1-7)-treated group (Group A), and a group treated with both TGF-β1 and Ang-(1-7) (Group A + T). Various assays were conducted, including a cell proliferation assay using CCK-8 solution, a scratch wound healing assay to evaluate cell migration, and Western blotting to detect protein expressions related to cell characteristics. Additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to analyze epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related gene expression levels. The study aimed to investigate the effects of TGF-β1 and Ang-(1-7) on HaCaT cells. Results We found that Ang-(1-7) not only reduced the migration of HaCaT cells induced by TGF-β1 in vitro but also reduced the expression of α-SMA and vimentin, and restored the protein expression of E-cadherin and claudin-1. Mechanistically, Ang-(1-7) inhibits the phosphorylation levels of Smad2 and Smad3 in the TGF-β1 canonical pathway, and suppresses the expression of EMT-related transcription factors (EMT-TFs) such as SNAI2, TWIST1, and ZEB1. Discussion Taken together, our findings suggest that Ang-(1-7) inhibits TGF-β1-induced EMT in HaCaT cells in vitro by disrupting the TGF-β1-Smad canonical signaling pathway. These results may be helpful in the treatment of EMT in skin fibrotic diseases such as keloids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueda Jihu
- Clinical College of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruobing Leng
- Clinical College of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengchang Liu
- Clinical College of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongjing Ren
- Clinical College of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Defu Xie
- Clinical College of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chong Yao
- Clinical College of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Yan
- Clinical College of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Lu zhou, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lee SG, Kim SE, Jeong IH, Lee SE. Mechanism underlying pruritus in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: Role of interleukin-31 from mast cells and macrophages. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:895-903. [PMID: 38084871 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pruritus is a highly burdensome symptom in patients with epidermolysis bullosa, especially recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB); however, only a few studies have assessed the molecular pathogenesis of RDEB-associated pruritus. Interleukin (IL)-31 is a key cytokine implicated in pruritus associated with dermatologic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and cellular source of IL-31 in RDEB-associated pruritus. METHODS Serum and skin samples were obtained from 11 RDEB patients and 11 healthy controls. Pruritus visual analogue scale scores were determined. Serum levels of IL-31 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of IL-31 and other pruritus mediators in the skin were examined through immunofluorescence staining, and their correlation with pruritus severity was analysed. RESULTS Serum IL-31 and TSLP were elevated in RDEB patients. IL-31 expression was increased in RDEB skin and positively correlated with pruritus severity. Most of the IL-31-expressing cells were mast cells, and some were CD206(+) M2-like macrophages. The number of substance P(+) cells was also increased in the patients' skin, and most of them were mast cells. The number of substance P(+) mast cells was correlated with the number of IL-31(+) dermal infiltrates. The number of IL-4Rα- and IL-13-expressing cells and expression of TSLP and periostin increased in RDEB skin, but without a correlation to pruritus score. CONCLUSION The increased production of skin IL-31 from mast cells and M2-like macrophages may be the mechanism underlying pruritus in RDEB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Gyun Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Song-Ee Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Hye Jeong
- Department of Dermatology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Eun Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Popp C, Miller W, Eide C, Tolar J, McGrath JA, Ebens CL. Beyond the Surface: A Narrative Review Examining the Systemic Impacts of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00198-2. [PMID: 38613531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare genetic disease resulting from inadequate type VII collagen (C7). Although recurrent skin blisters and wounds are the most apparent disease features, the impact of C7 loss is not confined to the skin and mucous membranes. RDEB is a systemic disease marred by chronic inflammation, fibrotic changes, pain, itch, and anemia, significantly impacting QOL and survival. In this narrative review, we summarize these systemic features of RDEB and promising research avenues to address them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Popp
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - William Miller
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cindy Eide
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; MHealth Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John A McGrath
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's Hospital, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christen L Ebens
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; MHealth Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zeyer KA, Bornert O, Nelea V, Bao X, Leytens A, Sharoyan S, Sengle G, Antonyan A, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Dengjel J, Reinhardt DP, Nyström A. Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4-Mediated Fibronectin Processing Evokes a Profibrotic Extracellular Matrix. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00260-4. [PMID: 38570029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibronectin serves as a platform to guide and facilitate deposition of collagen and fibrillin microfibrils. During development of fibrotic diseases, altered fibronectin deposition in the extracellular matrix (ECM) is generally an early event. After this, dysregulated organization of fibrillins and fibrillar collagens occurs. Because fibronectin is an essential orchestrator of healthy ECM, perturbation of its ECM-organizational capacity may be involved in development of fibrosis. To investigate this, we employed recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa as a disease model with progressive, severe dermal fibrosis. Fibroblasts from donors with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional cultures displayed dysregulated fibronectin deposition. Our analyses revealed that increase of profibrotic dipeptidyl peptidase-4-positive fibroblasts coincides with altered fibronectin deposition. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors normalized deposition of fibronectin and subsequently of fibrillin microfibrils and collagen I. Intriguingly, proteomics and inhibitor and mutagenesis studies disclosed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 modulates ECM deposition through the proteolysis of the fibronectin N-terminus. Our study provides mechanistic insights into the observed profibrotic activities of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and extends the understanding of fibronectin-guided ECM assembly in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina A Zeyer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olivier Bornert
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Valentin Nelea
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Xinyi Bao
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexandre Leytens
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Svetlana Sharoyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry of Armenian NAS, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
| | - Gerhard Sengle
- Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Cologne Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics (CCMB), Cologne, Germany
| | - Alvard Antonyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry of Armenian NAS, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
| | - Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Dieter P Reinhardt
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
South AP, Laimer M, Gueye M, Sui JY, Eichenfield LF, Mellerio JE, Nyström A. Type VII Collagen Deficiency in the Oncogenesis of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:2108-2119. [PMID: 37327859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic skin disorder caused by COL7A1 sequence variations that result in type VII collagen deficits and cutaneous and extracutaneous manifestations. One serious complication of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a leading driver of morbidity and mortality, especially among patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Type VII collagen deficits alter TGFβ signaling and evoke multiple other cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma progression-promoting activities within epidermal microenvironments. This review examines cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma pathophysiology in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with a focus on known oncogenesis pathways at play and explores the idea that therapeutic type VII collagen replacement may reduce cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P South
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Martin Laimer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology and EB House Austria, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Jennifer Y Sui
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA; Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lawrence F Eichenfield
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA; Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jemima E Mellerio
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Anderson-Crannage M, Ascensión AM, Ibanez-Solé O, Zhu H, Schaefer E, Ottomanelli D, Hochberg B, Pan J, Luo W, Tian M, Chu Y, Cairo MS, Izeta A, Liao Y. Inflammation-mediated fibroblast activation and immune dysregulation in collagen VII-deficient skin. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1211505. [PMID: 37809094 PMCID: PMC10557493 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1211505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is known to play a critical role in all stages of tumorigenesis; however, less is known about how it predisposes the tissue microenvironment preceding tumor formation. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a skin-blistering disease secondary to COL7A1 mutations and associated with chronic wounding, inflammation, fibrosis, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), models this dynamic. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to analyze gene expression patterns in skin cells from a mouse model of RDEB. We uncovered a complex landscape within the RDEB dermal microenvironment that exhibited altered metabolism, enhanced angiogenesis, hyperproliferative keratinocytes, infiltration and activation of immune cell populations, and inflammatory fibroblast priming. We demonstrated the presence of activated neutrophil and Langerhans cell subpopulations and elevated expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in T cells and antigen-presenting cells, respectively. Unsupervised clustering within the fibroblast population further revealed two differentiation pathways in RDEB fibroblasts, one toward myofibroblasts and the other toward a phenotype that shares the characteristics of inflammatory fibroblast subsets in other inflammatory diseases as well as the IL-1-induced inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) reported in various cancer types. Quantitation of inflammatory cytokines indicated dynamic waves of IL-1α, TGF-β1, TNF, IL-6, and IFN-γ concentrations, along with dermal NF-κB activation preceding JAK/STAT signaling. We further demonstrated the divergent and overlapping roles of these cytokines in inducing inflammatory phenotypes in RDEB patients as well as RDEB mouse-derived fibroblasts together with their healthy controls. In summary, our data have suggested a potential role of inflammation, driven by the chronic release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, in creating an immune-suppressed dermal microenvironment that underlies RDEB disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Anderson-Crannage
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Alex M. Ascensión
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Tissue Engineering Group, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Olga Ibanez-Solé
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Tissue Engineering Group, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Research & Development, Guizhou Atlasus Technology Co., Ltd., Guiyang, China
| | - Edo Schaefer
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Darcy Ottomanelli
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Bruno Hochberg
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Jian Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Wen Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Meijuan Tian
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Yaya Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Mitchell S. Cairo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Ander Izeta
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Tissue Engineering Group, San Sebastian, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Science, School of Engineering, Tecnun University of Navarra, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Yanling Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ewald CY, Nyström A. Mechanotransduction through hemidesmosomes during aging and longevity. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260987. [PMID: 37522320 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemidesmosomes are structural protein complexes localized at the interface of tissues with high mechanical demand and shear forces. Beyond tissue anchoring, hemidesmosomes have emerged as force-modulating structures important for translating mechanical cues into biochemical and transcriptional adaptation (i.e. mechanotransduction) across tissues. Here, we discuss the recent insights into the roles of hemidesmosomes in age-related tissue regeneration and aging in C. elegans, mice and humans. We highlight the emerging concept of preserved dynamic mechanoregulation of hemidesmosomes in tissue maintenance and healthy aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collin Y Ewald
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Schwerzenbach CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg DE-79104, Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), Albertstraße 19, Freiburg im Breisgau DE-79104, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
de Azevedo BLR, Roni GM, Torrelio RMF, da Gama-de-Souza LN. Fibrosis as a Risk Factor for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Systematic Review. J Pediatr Genet 2023; 12:97-104. [PMID: 37090823 PMCID: PMC10118679 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1763257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe subtype of epidermolysis bullosa caused by changes in collagen VII with a high risk of early development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This review aimed to discuss the relationship between the recurrent healing process, the appearance of fibrosis, and malignant epithelial transformation in RDEB. We searched PubMed, the Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library, and Embase for articles on the relationship between blistering, recurrent scarring, and fibrosis in the context of cSCC and RDEB. That alterations of collagen VII result in blister formation, scar deficiency associated with inflammation, and increased expression of transforming growth factor β. These events promote the differentiation of myofibroblasts and the expression of profibrotic proteins, leading to structural changes and the establishment of a microenvironment favorable to carcinogenesis. Patients with RDEB and areas of recurrent scarring and fibrosis may be more prone to the development of cSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Marim Roni
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Health Science Center, Morphology Department, Medical School, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | | | - Letícia Nogueira da Gama-de-Souza
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Health Science Center, Morphology Department, Graduate Program in Dental Science, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Niebergall-Roth E, Dieter K, Daniele C, Fluhr S, Khokhrina M, Silva I, Ganss C, Frank MH, Kluth MA. Kinetics of Wound Development and Healing Suggests a Skin-Stabilizing Effect of Allogeneic ABCB5 + Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Treatment in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. Cells 2023; 12:1468. [PMID: 37296590 PMCID: PMC10252830 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111468] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis (RDEB) is a rare, inherited, and currently incurable skin blistering disorder characterized by cyclically recurring wounds coexisting with chronic non-healing wounds. In a recent clinical trial, three intravenous infusions of skin-derived ABCB5+ mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to 14 patients with RDEB improved the healing of wounds that were present at baseline. Since in RDEB even minor mechanical forces perpetually provoke the development of new or recurrent wounds, a post-hoc analysis of patient photographs was performed to specifically assess the effects of ABCB5+ MSCs on new or recurrent wounds by evaluating 174 wounds that occurred after baseline. During 12 weeks of systemic treatment with ABCB5+ MSCs, the number of newly occurring wounds declined. When compared to the previously reported healing responses of the wounds present at baseline, the newly occurring wounds healed faster, and a greater portion of healed wounds remained stably closed. These data suggest a previously undescribed skin-stabilizing effect of treatment with ABCB5+ MSCs and support repeated dosing of ABCB5+ MSCs in RDEB to continuously slow the wound development and accelerate the healing of new or recurrent wounds before they become infected or progress to a chronic, difficult-to-heal stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Silvia Fluhr
- RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Ines Silva
- RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Markus H. Frank
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Transplant Research Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth 6027, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
De Gregorio C, Catalán E, Garrido G, Morandé P, Bennett JC, Muñoz C, Cofré G, Huang YL, Cuadra B, Murgas P, Calvo M, Altermatt F, Yubero MJ, Palisson F, South AP, Ezquer M, Fuentes I. Maintenance of chronicity signatures in fibroblasts isolated from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa chronic wound dressings under culture conditions. Biol Res 2023; 56:23. [PMID: 37161592 PMCID: PMC10170710 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00437-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) is a rare inherited skin disease caused by variants in the COL7A1 gene, coding for type VII collagen (C7), an important component of anchoring fibrils in the basement membrane of the epidermis. RDEB patients suffer from skin fragility starting with blister formation and evolving into chronic wounds, inflammation and skin fibrosis, with a high risk of developing aggressive skin carcinomas. Restricted therapeutic options are limited by the lack of in vitro models of defective wound healing in RDEB patients. RESULTS In order to explore a more efficient, non-invasive in vitro model for RDEB studies, we obtained patient fibroblasts derived from discarded dressings) and examined their phenotypic features compared with fibroblasts derived from non-injured skin of RDEB and healthy-donor skin biopsies. Our results demonstrate that fibroblasts derived from RDEB chronic wounds (RDEB-CW) displayed characteristics of senescent cells, increased myofibroblast differentiation, and augmented levels of TGF-β1 signaling components compared to fibroblasts derived from RDEB acute wounds and unaffected RDEB skin as well as skin from healthy-donors. Furthermore, RDEB-CW fibroblasts exhibited an increased pattern of inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-1β and IL-6) when compared with RDEB and control fibroblasts. Interestingly, these aberrant patterns were found specifically in RDEB-CW fibroblasts independent of the culturing method, since fibroblasts obtained from dressing of acute wounds displayed a phenotype more similar to fibroblasts obtained from RDEB normal skin biopsies. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that in vitro cultured RDEB-CW fibroblasts maintain distinctive cellular and molecular characteristics resembling the inflammatory and fibrotic microenvironment observed in RDEB patients' chronic wounds. This work describes a novel, non-invasive and painless strategy to obtain human fibroblasts chronically subjected to an inflammatory and fibrotic environment, supporting their use as an accessible model for in vitro studies of RDEB wound healing pathogenesis. As such, this approach is well suited to testing new therapeutic strategies under controlled laboratory conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian De Gregorio
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7610658, Chile
| | - Evelyng Catalán
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriel Garrido
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pilar Morandé
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Catalina Muñoz
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Glenda Cofré
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ya-Lin Huang
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7610658, Chile
| | - Bárbara Cuadra
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7610658, Chile
| | - Paola Murgas
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Margarita Calvo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y División de Anestesiología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Núcleo milenio para el estudio del dolor MINUSPAIN, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Altermatt
- División de Anestesiología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Joao Yubero
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
- Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases of Clínica Alemana, Facultad de Medicina Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francis Palisson
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
- Servicio de Dermatología, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrew P South
- Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Marcelo Ezquer
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7610658, Chile.
| | - Ignacia Fuentes
- DEBRA Chile, Francisco de Villagra 392, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7610658, Chile.
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Martínez-Martínez E, Tölle R, Donauer J, Gretzmeier C, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Dengjel J. Increased abundance of Cbl E3 ligases alters PDGFR signaling in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Matrix Biol 2021; 103-104:58-73. [PMID: 34706254 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), loss of collagen VII, the main component of anchoring fibrils critical for epidermal-dermal cohesion, affects several intracellular signaling pathways and leads to impaired wound healing and fibrosis. In skin fibroblasts, wound healing is also affected by platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) signaling. To study a potential effect of loss of collagen VII on PDGFR signaling we performed unbiased disease phosphoproteomics. Whereas RDEB fibroblasts exhibited an overall weaker response to PDGF, Cbl E3 ubiquitin ligases, negative regulators of growth factor signaling, were stronger phosphorylated. This increase in phosphorylation was linked to higher Cbl mRNA and protein levels due to increased TGFβ signaling in RDEB. In turn, increased Cbl levels led to increased PDGFR ubiquitination, internalization, and degradation negatively affecting MAPK and AKT downstream signaling pathways. Thus, our results indicate that elevated TGFβ signaling leads to an attenuated response to growth factors, which contributes to impaired dermal wound healing in RDEB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Regine Tölle
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| | - Julia Donauer
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christine Gretzmeier
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ebens CL. Deconstructing progressive inflammatory fibrosis in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e14864. [PMID: 34515407 PMCID: PMC8495457 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an inherited blistering skin disease, resulting from biallelic mutations in COL7A1, the gene encoding type VII collagen (C7). At mucocutaneous barriers, tissue integrity relies upon linked extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins forming a physiologic suture, connecting basal epidermal keratinocytes to the underlying dermis. C7 secreted from epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts homotrimerizes in the upper dermis to form anchoring fibrils, a critical component of this suture. Clinical manifestations of RDEB are apparent at birth and include exquisite skin fragility, pain and itch, high metabolic demand, and complications downstream of systemic inflammation. Dermal fibrosis is a critical complication of RDEB. Repeated cycles of mechanical injury and healing trigger characteristic fibrotic changes. In addition to functional limitations from joint strictures and pseudosyndactyly formation, dermal fibrosis in RDEB is a nidus for and potential driver of aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the leading cause of death in RDEB. A greater understanding of fibrosis in RDEB promises to inform impactful, life‐prolonging clinical trials in this patient population with no proven systemic therapy or cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christen L Ebens
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapies, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|