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Fernandes da Costa D, de Oliveira Ribeiro A, Morena Bonita Ricci J, da Silva Rodrigues M, Antonio de Oliveira M, Felipe da Rosa I, Benites Doretto L, Takahiro Nakajima R, Henrique Nóbrega R. A83-01 and DMH1 effects in the zebrafish spermatogonial niche: Unraveling the roles of TGF-β and BMP signaling in the Fsh-mediated spermatogonial fate. Gene 2024; 897:148082. [PMID: 38101710 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has fundamental roles in the regulation of the stem cell niche for both embryonic and adult stem cells. In zebrafish, male germ stem cell niche is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) through different members of the TGF-β superfamily. On the other hand, the specific roles of TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways are unknown in the zebrafish male germ stem cell niche. Considering this lack of information, the present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β (A83-01) and BMP (DMH1) signaling pathways in the presence of recombinant zebrafish Fsh using testicular explants. We also reanalyzed single cell-RNA sequencing (sc-RNA-seq) dataset from adult zebrafish testes to identify the testicular cellular sites of smad expression, and to understand the physiological significance of the changes in smad transcript levels after inhibition of TGF-β or BMP pathways. Our results showed that A83-01 potentiated the pro-stimulatory effects of Fsh on spermatogonial differentiation leading to an increase in the proportion area occupied by differentiated spermatogonia with concomitant reduction of type A undifferentiated (Aund) spermatogonia. In agreement, expression analysis showed lower mRNA levels for the pluripotency gene pou5f3, and increased expression of dazl (marker of type B spermatogonia and spermatocyte) and igf3 (pro-stimulatory growth factor) following the co-treatment with TGF-β inhibitor and Fsh. Contrariwise, the inhibition of BMP signaling nullified the pro-stimulatory effects of Fsh, resulting in a reduction of differentiated spermatogonia and increased proportion area occupied by type Aund spermatogonia. Supporting this evidence, BMP signaling inhibition increased the mRNA levels of pluripotency genes nanog and pou5f3, and decreased dazl levels when compared to control. The sc-RNA-seq data unveiled a distinctive pattern of smad expression among testicular cells, primarily observed in spermatogonia (smad 2, 3a, 3b, 8), spermatocytes (smad 2, 3a, 8), Sertoli cells (smad 1, 3a, 3b), and Leydig cells (smad 1, 2). This finding supports the notion that inhibition of TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways may predominantly impact cellular components within the spermatogonial niche, namely spermatogonia, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways exert antagonistic roles in the zebrafish germ stem cell niche. The members of the TGF-β subfamily are mainly involved in maintaining the undifferentiated state of spermatogonia, while the BMP subfamily promotes spermatogonial differentiation. Therefore, in the complex regulation of the germ stem cell niche by Fsh, members of the BMP subfamily (pro-differentiation) should be more predominant in the niche than those belonging to the TGF-β (anti-differentiation). Overall, these findings are not only relevant for understanding the regulation of germ stem cell niche but may also be useful for expanding in vitro the number of undifferentiated spermatogonia more efficiently than using recombinant hormones or growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fernandes da Costa
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda de Oliveira Ribeiro
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Morena Bonita Ricci
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maira da Silva Rodrigues
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Antonio de Oliveira
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivana Felipe da Rosa
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Benites Doretto
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Takahiro Nakajima
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic.
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Hazrati R, Davaran S, Keyhanvar P, Soltani S, Alizadeh E. A Systematic Review of Stem Cell Differentiation into Keratinocytes for Regenerative Applications. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:362-393. [PMID: 37922106 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10636-9] [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] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
To improve wound healing or treatment of other skin diseases, and provide model cells for skin biology studies, in vitro differentiation of stem cells into keratinocyte-like cells (KLCs) is very desirable in regenerative medicine. This study examined the most recent advancements in in vitro differentiation of stem cells into KLCs, the effect of biofactors, procedures, and preparation for upcoming clinical cases. A range of stem cells with different origins could be differentiated into KLCs under appropriate conditions. The most effective ways of stem cell differentiation into keratinocytes were found to include the co-culture with primary epithelial cells and keratinocytes, and a cocktail of growth factors, cytokines, and small molecules. KLCs should also be supported by biomaterials for the extracellular matrix (ECM), which replicate the composition and functionality of the in vivo extracellular matrix (ECM) and, thus, support their phenotypic and functional characteristics. The detailed efficient characterization of different factors, and their combinations, could make it possible to find the significant inducers for stem cell differentiation into epidermal lineage. Moreover, it allows the development of chemically known media for directing multi-step differentiation procedures.In conclusion, the differentiation of stem cells to KLCs is feasible and KLCs were used in experimental, preclinical, and clinical trials. However, the translation of KLCs from in vitro investigational system to clinically valuable cells is challenging and extremely slow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Hazrati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soodabeh Davaran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Peyman Keyhanvar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Somaieh Soltani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Liu S, Han C, Huang J, Li M, Yang J, Li G, Lin H, Li S, Zhang Y. Genome-wide identification, evolution and expression of TGF-β signaling pathway members in mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi). Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126949. [PMID: 37722635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126949] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway regulate diverse cellular biological processes in embryonic and tissue development. We took mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) as the research object to identify all members of the TGF-β signaling pathway, measure their expression pattern in the key period post hatching, and further explore their possible role in the process of sex regulation. Herein, we identified eighty-three TGF-β signaling pathway members and located them on chromosomes based on the genome of mandarin fish. TGF-β signaling pathway members were highly conserved since each TGF-β subfamily clustered with orthologs from other species. Transcriptome analysis, qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization demonstrated that most mandarin fish TGF-β signaling pathway members presented stage-specific and/or sex-dimorphic expression during gonadal development, and different members of the TGF-β signaling pathway participated in different stages of gonadal development. Taken together, our results provide new insight into the role of TGF-β signaling pathway members in the sex regulation of mandarin fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266373, China
| | - Chong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jingjun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Meihui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jiayu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Guifeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Haoran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266373, China
| | - Shuisheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Healthy Breeding of Important Economic Fish, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266373, China.
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Mao Y, Miao Y, Zhu X, Duan S, Wang Y, Wang X, Wu C, Wang G. Expression of bone morphogenetic protein 10 and its role in biomineralization in Hyriopsis cumingii. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127245. [PMID: 37797863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Shells and pearls are the products of biomineralization of shellfish after ingesting external mineral ions. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play a role in a variety of biological function, and the genes that encode them, are considered important shell-forming genes in mollusks and are associated with shell and pearl formation, embryonic development, and other functions, but bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) is poorly understood in Hyriopsis cumingii. In this study, we cloned Hc-BMP10 and obtained a 2477 bp full-length sequence encoding 460 amino acids with a conserved TGF-β structural domain. During the embryonic developmental stages, the cleavage stage had the highest expression of Hc-BMP10, followed by juvenile clams; the expression in the mantle gradually decreased with increasing mussel age. A strong signal was detected on epidermal cells on the mantle edge by in situ hybridization. In both the shell notching and inserting operations of the pearl fragment assay, we found that the expression of Hc-BMP10 increased after the above treatments. RNA interference assays showed that the silencing of Hc-BMP10 resulted in a change in the morphology of the prismatic layer and nacreous layer, with the prismatic layer less closely aligned and the disordered aragonite flakes in the nacreous layer. These findings indicate that Hc-BMP10 is involved in the growth and development of H. cumingii, as well as the formation of shells and pearls. Therefore, this study provides some reference for selecting superior species for growth and pearl breeding of H. cumingii at a molecular level and further investigation of the molecular mechanism for biomineralization of Hc-BMP10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingrui Mao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Afairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yulin Miao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Afairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Afairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shenghua Duan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Afairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yayu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Afairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Afairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Congdi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Afairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Guiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Afairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai 201306, China.
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5
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Swinerd GW, Alhussini AA, Sczelecki S, Heath D, Mueller TD, McNatty KP, Pitman JL. Molecular forms of BMP15 and GDF9 in mammalian species that differ in litter size. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22428. [PMID: 38104237 PMCID: PMC10725505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49852-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor (GDF9) are critical for ovarian follicular development and fertility and are associated with litter size in mammals. These proteins initially exist as pre-pro-mature proteins, that are subsequently cleaved into biologically active forms. Thus, the molecular forms of GDF9 and BMP15 may provide the key to understanding the differences in litter size determination in mammals. Herein, we compared GDF9 and BMP15 forms in mammals with high (pigs) and low to moderate (sheep) and low (red deer) ovulation-rate. In all species, oocyte lysates and secretions contained both promature and mature forms of BMP15 and GDF9. Whilst promature and mature GDF9 levels were similar between species, deer produced more BMP15 and exhibited, together with sheep, a higher promature:mature BMP15 ratio. N-linked glycosylation was prominant in proregion and mature GDF9 and in proregion BMP15 of pigs, and present in proregion GDF9 of sheep. There was no evidence of secreted native homo- or hetero-dimers although a GDF9 dimer in red deer oocyte lysate was detected. In summary, GDF9 appeared to be equally important in all species regardless of litter size, whilst BMP15 levels were highest in strict monovulatory species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene W Swinerd
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Abdulaziz A Alhussini
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Sczelecki
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Derek Heath
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Thomas D Mueller
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-Von-Sachs Institute of the University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kenneth P McNatty
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Janet L Pitman
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
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Mzyk P, Hernandez H, Le T, Ramirez JR, McDowell CM. Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling in the Trabecular Meshwork. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:936115. [PMID: 35912101 PMCID: PMC9335276 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.936115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. With limited therapeutics targeting the pathogenesis at the trabecular meshwork (TM), there is a great need for identifying potential new targets. Recent evidence has implicated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and it is signaling pathway in augmenting the effects of transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGFβ2) and downstream extracellular matrix production. In this review, we examine the role of TLR4 signaling in the trabecular meshwork and the interplay between endogenous activators of TLR4 (damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)), extracellular matrix (ECM), and the effect on intraocular pressure
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Mzyk
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Thanh Le
- University of Houston-Victoria, Victoria, TX, United States
| | | | - Colleen M. McDowell
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Colleen M. McDowell,
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Transcriptomes of testis and pituitary from male Nile tilapia (O. niloticus L.) in the context of social status. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268140. [PMID: 35544481 PMCID: PMC9094562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
African cichlids are well established models for studying social hierarchies in teleosts and elucidating the effects social dominance has on gene expression. Ascension in the social hierarchy has been found to increase plasma levels of steroid hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (Fsh) and luteinizing hormone (Lh) as well as gonadosomatic index (GSI). Furthermore, the expression of genes related to gonadotropins and steroidogenesis and signaling along the brain-pituitary-gonad axis (BPG-axis) is affected by changes of an animal’s social status. In this study, we use RNA-sequencing to obtain an in-depth look at the transcriptomes of testes and pituitaries from dominant and subordinate male Nile tilapia living in long-term stable social hierarchies. This allows us to draw conclusions about factors along the brain-pituitary-gonad axis that are involved in maintaining dominance over weeks or even months. We identify a number of genes that are differentially regulated between dominant and subordinate males and show that in high-ranking fish this subset of genes is generally upregulated. Genes differentially expressed between the two social groups comprise growth factors, related binding proteins and receptors, components of Wnt-, Tgfβ- and retinoic acid-signaling pathway, gonadotropin signaling and steroidogenesis pathways. The latter is backed up by elevated levels of 11-ketotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol in dominant males. Luteinizing hormone (Lh) is found in higher concentration in the plasma of long-term dominant males than in subordinate animals. Our results both strengthen the existing models and propose new candidates for functional studies to expand our understanding of social phenomena in teleost fish.
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Wang YW, Wu CH, Lin TY, Luo CW. Expression profiling of ovarian BMP antagonists reveals the potential interaction between TWSG1 and the chordin subfamily in the ovary. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 538:111457. [PMID: 34517078 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The TGF-β superfamily members and their antagonists comprise an indispensable system that controls mammalian ovarian development in a sophisticated manner. In contrast to a plethora of studies on the ovary-expressed TGF-β superfamily members, knowledge regarding their antagonists, including their expression profiles and antagonism preferences, is still lacking. Using quantitative PCR in rats and transcriptomic dataset comparisons in mice and humans, we set out to characterize the relative expression levels of most antagonists in the mammalian ovary. We found that Twsg1 and Nbl1 are the most abundant BMP antagonists expressed in the rodent and human ovaries, respectively. TWSG1 has been reported to have synergistic action with the chordin subfamily, including CHRD and CHRDL1, the genes of which also showed moderate expression in the mammalian ovary. Therefore, their ovarian expression profiles and antagonisms against the ovary-expressed TGF-β superfamily members were further characterized. Bioactivity tests indicated that TWSG1 alone can directly inhibit the signaling of BMP6 or BMP7. In addition, it can further enhance the antagonizing ability of CHRD towards BMP2, BMP4, BMP7 and GDF5, or CHRDL1's antagonism towards BMP2, BMP4, GDF5 and activin A. In combination with their distinct transcript profiles in ovarian compartments, our findings suggest that TWSG1 may work coordinately with CHRD within theca/interstitial shells and also with CHRDL1 in developing granulosa cells; these interactions would modulate the intraovarian functions of the TGF-β superfamily members, such as the control of progesterone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Wen Wang
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsu Wu
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Lin
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wei Luo
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
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Patnaik S, Sahoo L, Mohanty M, Bit A, Meher PK, Das S, Jayasankar P, Saha JN, Das P. Activin receptor type IIB in rohu (Labeo rohita): molecular characterization, tissue distribution and immunohistochemical localization during different stages of gonadal maturation. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2021; 47:1353-1367. [PMID: 34273063 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-00973-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB) is a transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptor which plays a pivotal role in regulating the reproduction in vertebrates including teleost. Earlier studies have documented its importance in governing gonadal maturation in higher vertebrates. However, reports on the regulation of fish reproductive system by ActRIIB gene are still limited. Here, we report the identification and characterization of ActRIIB cDNA of Labeo rohita, a commercially important fish species of the Indian subcontinent. The full-length gene encoding rohu ActRIIB was cloned and found to be of 1674 bp in length. Functional similarities were evident from evolutionary analysis across vertebrates. Real-time PCR to measure the expression of ActRIIB transcript in rohu revealed significant mRNA levels in gonads followed by non-reproductive tissues, including the brain, pituitary and muscle. With respect to different gonadal maturation stages, predominant expression of ActRIIB mRNA was observed during the pre-spawning phase of both sexes. To further delineate its role in rohu reproduction, a recombinant protein of the extracellular domain of ActRIIB (rECD-ActRIIB) was produced, and polyclonal antibody is raised against the protein for its immuno-localization studies during different gonadal maturation stages. Strong immunoreactivity was noticed in the pre-vitellogenic oocytes which decreased dramatically in the fully mature oocytes. Similarly, the strong and intense immunoreactivity was found in the spermatids and spermatocytes of the immature testis, and eventually the intensity reduced with the progression of the maturation stage. These results provide the first evidence of the presence of ActRIIB in rohu gonadal tissues. Taken together, our observations lay the groundwork for further understanding and investigating on the potential role of ActRIIB in fish reproduction system in the event of gonadal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhi Patnaik
- Department of Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Lakshman Sahoo
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, 751002, Odisha, India
| | - Mausumee Mohanty
- Barcode Biosciences, Dr. Shivaram Karanth Nagar, Bengaluru, 560077, India
| | - Amrita Bit
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, 751002, Odisha, India
| | - Prem Kumar Meher
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, 751002, Odisha, India
| | - Sachidananda Das
- PG Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, 751004, Odisha, India
| | - Pallipuram Jayasankar
- Marine Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, 682018, India
| | - Jatindra Nath Saha
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, 751002, Odisha, India
| | - Paramananda Das
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, 751002, Odisha, India.
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Rozier P, Maumus M, Bony C, Maria ATJ, Sabatier F, Jorgensen C, Guilpain P, Noël D. Extracellular Vesicles Are More Potent Than Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Exert an Anti-Fibrotic Effect in an In Vitro Model of Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136837. [PMID: 34202139 PMCID: PMC8269376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disorder resulting from dysregulated interactions between the three main pathophysiological axes: fibrosis, immune dysfunction, and vasculopathy, with no specific treatment available to date. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) have proved efficacy in pre-clinical murine models of SSc. However, their precise action mechanism is still not fully understood. Because of the lack of availability of fibroblasts isolated from SSc patients (SSc-Fb), our aim was to determine whether a TGFβ1-induced model of human myofibroblasts (Tβ-Fb) could reproduce the characteristics of SSc-Fb and be used to evaluate the anti-fibrotic function of ASCs and their EVs. We found out that Tβ-Fb displayed the main morphological and molecular features of SSc-Fb, including the enlarged hypertrophic morphology and expression of several markers associated with the myofibroblastic phenotype. Using this model, we showed that ASCs were able to regulate the expression of most myofibroblastic markers on Tβ-Fb and SSc-Fb, but only when pre-stimulated with TGFβ1. Of interest, ASC-derived EVs were more effective than parental cells for improving the myofibroblastic phenotype. In conclusion, we provided evidence that Tβ-Fb are a relevant model to mimic the main characteristics of SSc fibroblasts and investigate the mechanism of action of ASCs. We further reported that ASC-EVs are more effective than parental cells suggesting that the TGFβ1-induced pro-fibrotic environment may alter the function of ASCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Rozier
- INSERM U1183, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, IRMB, University of Montpellier, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, CEDEX 5, 34295 Montpellier, France; (P.R.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (C.J.); (P.G.)
| | - Marie Maumus
- INSERM U1183, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, IRMB, University of Montpellier, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, CEDEX 5, 34295 Montpellier, France; (P.R.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (C.J.); (P.G.)
| | - Claire Bony
- INSERM U1183, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, IRMB, University of Montpellier, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, CEDEX 5, 34295 Montpellier, France; (P.R.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (C.J.); (P.G.)
| | | | - Florence Sabatier
- INSERM, INRA, C2VN, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Christian Jorgensen
- INSERM U1183, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, IRMB, University of Montpellier, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, CEDEX 5, 34295 Montpellier, France; (P.R.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (C.J.); (P.G.)
- Clinical Immunology and Osteoarticular Disease Therapeutic Unit, Department of Rheumatology, CHU, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Guilpain
- INSERM U1183, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, IRMB, University of Montpellier, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, CEDEX 5, 34295 Montpellier, France; (P.R.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (C.J.); (P.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Multi-Organic Diseases, CHU, 34295 Montpellier, France;
| | - Danièle Noël
- INSERM U1183, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, IRMB, University of Montpellier, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, CEDEX 5, 34295 Montpellier, France; (P.R.); (M.M.); (C.B.); (C.J.); (P.G.)
- Clinical Immunology and Osteoarticular Disease Therapeutic Unit, Department of Rheumatology, CHU, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-4-67-33-04-73; Fax: +33-4-67-33-01-13
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11
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Martinez-Hackert E, Sundan A, Holien T. Receptor binding competition: A paradigm for regulating TGF-β family action. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 57:39-54. [PMID: 33087301 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family is a group of structurally related, multifunctional growth factors, or ligands that are crucially involved in the development, regulation, and maintenance of animal tissues. In humans, the family counts over 33 members. These secreted ligands typically form multimeric complexes with two type I and two type II receptors to activate one of two distinct signal transduction branches. A striking feature of the family is its promiscuity, i.e., many ligands bind the same receptors and compete with each other for binding to these receptors. Although several explanations for this feature have been considered, its functional significance has remained puzzling. However, several recent reports have promoted the idea that ligand-receptor binding promiscuity and competition are critical features of the TGF-β family that provide an essential regulating function. Namely, they allow a cell to read and process multi-ligand inputs. This capability may be necessary for producing subtle, distinctive, or adaptive responses and, possibly, for facilitating developmental plasticity. Here, we review the molecular basis for ligand competition, with emphasis on molecular structures and binding affinities. We give an overview of methods that were used to establish experimentally ligand competition. Finally, we discuss how the concept of ligand competition may be fundamentally tied to human physiology, disease, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Martinez-Hackert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Anders Sundan
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway; Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Toril Holien
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Hematology, St. Olav's University Hospital, 7030, Trondheim, Norway.
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12
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Yu H, Wang Y, Wang M, Liu Y, Cheng J, Zhang Q. Growth differentiation factor 9 (gdf9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (bmp15) are potential intraovarian regulators of steroidogenesis in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 297:113547. [PMID: 32659273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Members of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily are vital regulators during the development of fish ovary. However, its intraovarian functions in teleost are still unclear. As members of the TGF-β superfamily, gdf9 and bmp15 are necessary for follicle formation and granulosa cell proliferation. Here in Japanese flounder, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis showed that gdf9 and bmp15 were mainly expressed in oogonia and oocytes, whereas weakly expressed in non-ovarian tissues. Overexpression of single gdf9 and the co-overexpression with bmp15 could up-regulate the expression of most steroidogenic genes, while the overexpression of single bmp15 could down-regulate the expression of most steroidogenic genes. These findings demonstrate that single gdf9 and the combination with bmp15 may act as "activator", while single bmp15 may act as "inhibitor" in the process of steroidogenesis in flounder. This was also verified in negative feedback regulation of gdf9 and bmp15 during hormone treatment. High concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) could down-regulate gdf9 and up-regulate bmp15, which were beneficial for the homeostasis of hCG hormone. Besides, knockdown of either gdf9 or bmp15 could significantly down-regulate most steroidogenic genes. This indicated that heterodimer of GDF9:BMP15 might be the most bioactive ligand in gonad development of flounder. Taken together, our study provided a novel recognition that gdf9 and bmp15 could regulate steroidogenesis in teleost through mechanism different from that in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Mengya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yuxiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Quanqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, Shandong, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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13
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Woodruff TK. Lessons from bioengineering the ovarian follicle: a personal perspective. Reproduction 2020; 158:F113-F126. [PMID: 31846436 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The ovarian follicle and its maturation captivated my imagination and inspired my scientific journey - what we know now about this remarkable structure is captured in this invited review. In the past decade, our knowledge of the ovarian follicle expanded dramatically as cross-disciplinary collaborations brought new perspectives to bear, ultimately leading to the development of extragonadal follicles as model systems with significant clinical implications. Follicle maturation in vitro in an 'artificial' ovary became possible by learning what the follicle is fundamentally and autonomously capable of - which turns out to be quite a lot. Progress in understanding and harnessing follicle biology has been aided by engineers and materials scientists who created hardware that enables tissue function for extended periods of time. The EVATAR system supports extracorporeal ovarian function in an engineered environment that mimics the endocrine environment of the reproductive tract. Finally, applying the tools of inorganic chemistry, we discovered that oocytes require zinc to mature over time - a truly new aspect of follicle biology with no antecedent other than the presence of zinc in sperm. Drawing on the tools and ideas from the fields of bioengineering, materials science and chemistry unlocked follicle biology in ways that we could not have known or even predicted. Similarly, how today's basic science discoveries regarding ovarian follicle maturation are translated to improve the experience of tomorrow's patients is yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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14
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De los Santos MI, Bacos DM, Bernal SD. WITHDRAWN: A novel bifunctional T regulatory cell engaging (BiTE) TGF-β1/PD-L1 fusion protein with therapeutic potential for autoimmune diseases. J Transl Autoimmun 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2020.100037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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15
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Kuo YC, Lee IH, Rajesh R. Self-assembled ternary poly(vinyl alcohol)-alginate-gelatin hydrogel with controlled-release nanoparticles for pancreatic differentiation of iPS cells. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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16
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Impact of bone extracellular matrix mineral based nanoparticles on structure and stability of purified bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2). JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2019; 198:111563. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2019.111563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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17
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Liu C, Chang HM, Yi Y, Fang Y, Zhao F, Leung PCK, Yang X. ALK4-SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling mediates the activin A-induced suppression of PTX3 in human granulosa-lutein cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 493:110485. [PMID: 31185247 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
As one of the members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, activin A plays an important role in regulating follicular development and oocyte maturation. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is the key component that promotes the process of cumulus expansion during mammalian ovulation. At present, the regulation of PTX3 expression in human granulosa cells remains largely unknown. This study aimed to examine the effects of activin A on the expression of PTX3 in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using an established immortalized hGL cell line (SVOG) and primary hGL cells as study models, we demonstrated that activin A significantly increased the phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3, which suppressed the expression of PTX3 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, these effects induced by activin A were completely reversed by pretreatment with the TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor SB431542 and knockdown of ALK4. Furthermore, knockdown of SMAD2, SMAD3, or SMAD4 completely reversed the activin A-induced suppressive effects on PTX3 expression. Notably, the ChIP analyses demonstrated that phosphorylated SMADs could bind to human PTX3 promoter. Collectively, our results showed that the ALK4-SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling pathway most likely mediates the suppressive effect of activin A on PTX3 expression in hGL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yuyin Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Feiyan Zhao
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Xiaokui Yang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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18
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Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. Activins, follistatin and immunoregulation in the epididymis. Andrology 2019; 7:703-711. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences School of Clinical Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
| | - M. P. Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences School of Clinical Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
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19
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Sandomenico A, Ruvo M. Targeting Nodal and Cripto-1: Perspectives Inside Dual Potential Theranostic Cancer Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1994-2050. [PMID: 30207211 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180912104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of embryonic signaling pathways in tumorigenesis has led to the discovery of onco-fetal players which have physiological roles during normal development but result aberrantly re-activated in tumors. In this context, Nodal and Cripto-1 are recognized as onco-developmental factors, which are absent in normal tissues but are overexpressed in several solid tumors where they can serve as theranostic agents. OBJECTIVE To collect, review and discuss the most relevant papers related to the involvement of Nodal and Cripto-1 in the development, progression, recurrence and metastasis of several tumors where they are over-expressed, with a particular attention to their occurrence on the surface of the corresponding sub-populations of cancer stem cells (CSC). RESULTS We have gathered, rationalized and discussed the most interesting findings extracted from some 370 papers related to the involvement of Cripto-1 and Nodal in all tumor types where they have been detected. Data demonstrate the clear connection between Nodal and Cripto-1 presence and their multiple oncogenic activities across different tumors. We have also reviewed and highlighted the potential of targeting Nodal, Cripto-1 and the complexes that they form on the surface of tumor cells, especially of CSC, as an innovative approach to detect and suppress tumors with molecules that block one or more mechanisms that they regulate. CONCLUSION Overall, Nodal and Cripto-1 represent two innovative and effective biomarkers for developing potential theranostic anti-tumor agents that target normal as well as CSC subpopulations and overcome both pharmacological resistance and tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
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20
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Al-Khafaji KHA, Al-Dujaili MN, Al-Dujaili ANG. Assessment of noggin level in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. CURRENT ISSUES IN PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/cipms-2018-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Noggin (NOG) is a protein that is involved in the development of many body tissues, including nerve tissue, muscles, and bones. The NOG protein plays a role in germ layer-specific derivation of specialized cells. Via NOG, the formation of neural tissues, the notochord, hair follicles, and eye structures arise from the ectoderm germ layer, while noggin activity in the mesoderm gives way to the formation of cartilage, bone and muscle growth. In the endoderm, NOG is involved in the development of the lungs.
NOG dimerizes by a core body, while two pairs of strands extend from it preceding by an N-terminal segment (called a clip segment) with approximately 20 amino acids. This clip twists around the BMP ligand and obstructs the growth factor surfaces from binding to both BMP receptors type I and type II. NOG binding to some BMPs inhibits these from combining and thus activating receptors of BMP, therefore, blocking non-Smad and Smad-dependent signaling.
The anti-proliferative noggin has particular effects in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) that are exposed to specifically down regulated hypoxia. This occurs together with the BMP4 up-regulation levels of protein, and this imbalance between NOG and BMP4 consequence results in the activation and development of PAH disease. Our study consists of numerous examinations so as to explore new biomarkers in order to determine onset of PAH, and to discover the relationship between NOG serum level and gender, age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC), smoking, types of PAH primaries and secondaries, as well as their grade.
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21
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Wang D, Uhrin P, Mocan A, Waltenberger B, Breuss JM, Tewari D, Mihaly-Bison J, Huminiecki Ł, Starzyński RR, Tzvetkov NT, Horbańczuk J, Atanasov AG. Vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation as a therapeutic target. Part 1: molecular targets and pathways. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1586-1607. [PMID: 29684502 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of human death worldwide. Excessive proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells contributes to the etiology of such diseases, including atherosclerosis, restenosis, and pulmonary hypertension. The control of vascular cell proliferation is complex and encompasses interactions of many regulatory molecules and signaling pathways. Herein, we recapitulated the importance of signaling cascades relevant for the regulation of vascular cell proliferation. Detailed understanding of the mechanism underlying this process is essential for the identification of new lead compounds (e.g., natural products) for vascular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland; Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, Wagistrasse 14, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Pavel Uhrin
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Andrei Mocan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Strada Gheorghe Marinescu 23, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Birgit Waltenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes M Breuss
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Technology, Kumaun University, Bhimtal, 263136 Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Judit Mihaly-Bison
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Łukasz Huminiecki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Rafał R Starzyński
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Nikolay T Tzvetkov
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany; NTZ Lab Ltd., Krasno Selo 198, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Jarosław Horbańczuk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Atanas G Atanasov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland; Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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22
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Couto HL, Buzelin MA, Toppa NH, Bloise E, Wainstein AJ, Reis FM. Prognostic value of follistatin-like 3 in human invasive breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:42189-42197. [PMID: 28178680 PMCID: PMC5522059 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) binds and inactivates activin, a growth factor involved with cell growth and differentiation. We have previously shown FSTL3 overexpression in invasive breast cancers, but its clinical relevance remained unexplored. Here we evaluate FSTL3 as a prognostic tool and its relation with clinical and pathological features of breast cancer. A cohort of 154 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2008 and 2012 was followed up for 5 years. Tumor samples were processed by immunohistochemistry to detect FSTL3 expression in tumor epithelium. FSTL3 expression was classified semiquantitatively and tested for possible correlation with age, menopause status, stage, tumor histological type and grade, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 expression. Survival plots with Kaplan-Mayer statistics were used to assess whether FSTL3 expression predicted disease-free survival. Our findings show that FSTL3 staining was unrelated to menopausal status, histological type, disease stage, or receptor profile. However, the intensity of FSTL3 immunostaining correlated inversely with tumor size (r = -0.366, p<0.001) and with nuclear grade (p<0.01). The intensity of FSTL3 expression in the tumoral epithelium was not predictive of the disease-free survival (p = 0.991, log-rank test), even though the follow-up length and the study size were sufficient to detect a significant reduction in disease-free survival among women with stage III-IV compared to stage I-II disease (p<0.001). FSTL3 expression in invasive breast cancer is inversely associated with tumor size and nuclear grade but it does not predict disease relapse in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique L Couto
- Division of Human Reproduction and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Department of Oncology, Hospital Alberto Cavalcanti, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Nivaldo H Toppa
- Laboratório Analys Patologia, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alberto J Wainstein
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Alberto Cavalcanti, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernando M Reis
- Division of Human Reproduction and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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23
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Hernandez H, Millar JC, Curry SM, Clark AF, McDowell CM. BMP and Activin Membrane Bound Inhibitor Regulates the Extracellular Matrix in the Trabecular Meshwork. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:2154-2166. [PMID: 29801150 PMCID: PMC5915111 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The trabecular meshwork (TM) has an important role in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow and IOP. Regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by TGFβ2 has been studied extensively. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) has been shown to inhibit or modulate TGFβ2 signaling. We investigate the role of TGFβ2 and BAMBI in the regulation of TM ECM and ocular hypertension. Methods Mouse TM (MTM) cells were isolated from B6;129S1-Bambitm1Jian/J flox mice, characterized for TGFβ2 and dexamethasone (DEX)-induced expression of fibronectin, collagen-1, collagen-4, laminin, α-smooth muscle actin, cross-linked actin networks (CLANs) formation, and DEX-induced myocilin (MYOC) expression. MTM cells were transduced with Ad5.GFP to identify transduction efficiency. MTM cells and mouse eyes were transduced with Ad5.Null, Ad5.Cre, Ad5.TGFβ2, or Ad5.TGFβ2 + Ad5.Cre to evaluate the effect on ECM production, IOP, and outflow facility. Results MTM cells express TM markers and respond to DEX and TGFβ2. Ad5.GFP at 100 MOI had the highest transduction efficiency. Bambi knockdown by Ad5.Cre and Ad5.TGFβ2 increased fibronectin, collagen-1, and collagen-4 in TM cells in culture and tissue. Ad5.Cre, Ad5.TGFβ2, and Ad5.TGFβ2 + Ad5.Cre each significantly induced ocular hypertension and lowered aqueous humor outflow facility in transduced eyes. Conclusions We show for the first time to our knowledge that knockdown of Bambi alters ECM expression in cultured cells and mouse TM, reduces outflow facility, and causes ocular hypertension. These data provide a novel insight into the development of glaucomatous TM damage and identify BAMBI as an important regulator of TM ECM and ocular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Hernandez
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - J. Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Stacy M. Curry
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Abbot F. Clark
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Colleen M. McDowell
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
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Kim MJ, Park SY, Chang HR, Jung EY, Munkhjargal A, Lim JS, Lee MS, Kim Y. Clinical significance linked to functional defects in bone morphogenetic protein type 2 receptor, BMPR2. BMB Rep 2018; 50:308-317. [PMID: 28391780 PMCID: PMC5498141 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2017.50.6.059] [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: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein type 2 receptor (BMPR2) is one of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily receptors, performing diverse roles during embryonic development, vasculogenesis, and osteogenesis. Human BMPR2 consists of 1,038 amino acids, and contains functionally conserved extracellular, transmembrane, kinase, and C-terminal cytoplasmic domains. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) engage the tetrameric complex, composed of BMPR2 and its corresponding type 1 receptors, which initiates SMAD proteins-mediated signal transduction leading to the expression of target genes implicated in the development or differentiation of the embryo, organs and bones. In particular, genetic alterations of BMPR2 gene are associated with several clinical disorders, including representative pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancers, and metabolic diseases, thus demonstrating the physiological importance of BMPR2. In this mini review, we summarize recent findings regarding the molecular basis of BMPR2 functions in BMP signaling, and the versatile roles of BMPR2. In addition, various aspects of experimentally validated pathogenic mutations of BMPR2 and the linked human diseases will also be discussed, which are important in clinical settings for diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Jin Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Seon Young Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Hae Ryung Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Eun Young Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Anudari Munkhjargal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Jong-Seok Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Myeong-Sok Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Yonghwan Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
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Calvanese L, Focà A, Sandomenico A, Focà G, Caporale A, Doti N, Iaccarino E, Leonardi A, D'Auria G, Ruvo M, Falcigno L. Structural insights into the interaction of a monoclonal antibody and Nodal peptides by STD-NMR spectroscopy. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6589-6596. [PMID: 29113739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Nodal is a growth factor expressed during early embryonic development, but reactivated in several advanced-stage cancers. Targeting of Nodal signaling, which occurs via the binding to Cripto-1 co-receptor, results in inhibition of cell aggressiveness and reduced tumor growth. The Nodal binding region to Cripto-1 was identified and targeted with a high affinity monoclonal antibody (3D1). By STD-NMR technique, we investigated the interaction of Nodal fragments with 3D1 with the aim to elucidate at atomic level the interaction surface. Data indicate with high accuracy the antibody-antigen contact atoms and confirm the information previously obtained by immune-enzymatic methods. Main residues contacted by 3D1 are P46, V47, E49 and E50, which belong to the Nodal loop involved in the interaction with the co-receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Calvanese
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annalia Focà
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Focà
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Caporale
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Emanuela Iaccarino
- DISTABIF, Università degli Studi della Campania "Lugi Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi, 43, 80100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Leonardi
- Dept. Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Auria
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Dept. of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Lucia Falcigno
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Dept. of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
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Zhu K, Guo H, Zhang N, Li Y, Jiang S, Zhang D. Functional characteristic and differential expression of myostatin in Chlamys nobilis. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2017.1380646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kecheng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huayang Guo
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yundong Li
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shigui Jiang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dianchang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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27
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Coskuner O, Uversky VN. BMP-2 and BMP-9 binding specificities with ALK-3 in aqueous solution with dynamics. J Mol Graph Model 2017; 77:181-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Xi G, An L, Jia Z, Tan K, Zhang J, Wang Z, Zhang C, Miao K, Wu Z, Tian J. Natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) localized in bovine oocyte underlies a unique mechanism for C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP)-induced meiotic arrest. Theriogenology 2017; 106:198-209. [PMID: 29080478 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is of prime importance for successful gametogenesis, and insufficient maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest compromises oocyte developmental competence. Recent studies have demonstrated that the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP)-Natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) pathway can inhibit mammalian oocyte meiotic resumption. In mouse and porcine, the inhibitory effect of mural granulosa cell (MGC)-derived CNP on oocyte meiotic resumption is mediated by NPR2 localized in cumulus cells (CCs) surrounding the oocytes. However, in the present study, we identified a novel mechanism for CNP-induced meiotic arrest that appears to be unique to bovine oocytes. Unlike mouse and porcine, bovine NPR2 not only localizes in CCs, but also in oocyte membranes. We also showed that CNP can directly activate intra-oocyte cGMP production via NPR2 localized in oocyte membranes, in parallel with the CC-mediated pathway. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Npr2 expression in bovine CCs and oocytes were synergistically regulated by estradiol and oocyte-derived growth factors. Finally, based on the profound inhibitory effect of CNP on meiotic resumption, we established a natural factor synchronized in vitro oocyte maturation (NFSOM) system, which can significantly improve the developmental competence of matured oocytes, thereby resulting in higher in vitro embryo production efficiency. Taken together, our study not only provides new insight into understanding the crosstalk between oocytes and follicular somatic cells in mammals, but also presents a promising strategy for improving the in vitro oocyte maturation systems of assisted reproductive technology (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyin Xi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei An
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhenwei Jia
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Inner Mongolia 028000, China
| | - Kun Tan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Zhuqing Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kai Miao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhonghong Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Hernandez H, Medina-Ortiz WE, Luan T, Clark AF, McDowell CM. Crosstalk Between Transforming Growth Factor Beta-2 and Toll-Like Receptor 4 in the Trabecular Meshwork. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:1811-1823. [PMID: 28346614 PMCID: PMC5374883 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-21331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The trabecular meshwork (TM) is involved in the outflow of aqueous humor and intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation. Regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by TGFβ2 signaling pathways in the TM has been extensively studied. Recent evidence has implicated toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the regulation of ECM and fibrogenesis in liver, kidney, lung, and skin. Here, we investigated the role of TGFβ2-TLR4 signaling crosstalk in the regulation of the ECM in the TM and ocular hypertension. Methods Cross sections of human donor eyes, primary human TM cells in culture, and dissected mouse TM rings were used to determine Tlr4 expression in the TM. Trabecular meshwork cells in culture were treated with TGFβ2 (5 ng/mL), TLR4 inhibitor (TAK-242, 15 μM), and a TLR4 ligand (cellular fibronectin isoform [cFN]-EDA). A/J (n = 13), AKR/J (n = 7), BALBc/J (n = 8), C3H/HeJ (n = 20), and C3H/HeOuJ (n = 10) mice were injected intravitreally with adenovirus 5 (Ad5).hTGFβ2c226s/c228s in one eye, with the uninjected contralateral eye serving as a control. Conscious IOP measurements were taken using a TonoLab rebound tonometer. Results Toll-like receptor 4 is expressed in the human and mouse TM. Inhibition of TLR4 signaling in the presence of TGFβ2 decreases fibronectin expression. Activation of TLR4 by cFN-EDA in the presence of TGFβ2 further increases fibronectin, laminin, and collagen-1 expression, and TLR4 signaling inhibition blocks this effect. Ad5.hTGFβ2c226s/c228s induces ocular hypertension in wild-type mice but has no effect in Tlr4 mutant (C3H/HeJ) mice. Conclusions These studies identify TGFβ2-TLR4 crosstalk as a novel pathway involved in ECM regulation in the TM and ocular hypertension. These data further explain the complex mechanisms involved in the development of glaucomatous TM damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Hernandez
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Wanda E Medina-Ortiz
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Tomi Luan
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Abbot F Clark
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Colleen M McDowell
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
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30
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Aykul S, Parenti A, Chu KY, Reske J, Floer M, Ralston A, Martinez-Hackert E. Biochemical and Cellular Analysis Reveals Ligand Binding Specificities, a Molecular Basis for Ligand Recognition, and Membrane Association-dependent Activities of Cripto-1 and Cryptic. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:4138-4151. [PMID: 28126904 PMCID: PMC5354514 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.747501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathways are key determinants of cell fate in animals. Their basic mechanism of action is simple. However, to produce cell-specific responses, TGF-β pathways are heavily regulated by secondary factors, such as membrane-associated EGF-CFC family proteins. Cellular activities of EGF-CFC proteins have been described, but their molecular functions, including how the mammalian homologs Cripto-1 and Cryptic recognize and regulate TGF-β family ligands, are less clear. Here we use purified human Cripto-1 and mouse Cryptic produced in mammalian cells to show that these two EGF-CFC homologs have distinct, highly specific ligand binding activities. Cripto-1 interacts with BMP-4 in addition to its known partner Nodal, whereas Cryptic interacts only with Activin B. These interactions depend on the integrity of the protein, as truncated or deglycosylated Cripto-1 lacked BMP-4 binding activity. Significantly, Cripto-1 and Cryptic blocked binding of their cognate ligands to type I and type II TGF-β receptors, indicating that Cripto-1 and Cryptic contact ligands at their receptor interaction surfaces and, thus, that they could inhibit their ligands. Indeed, soluble Cripto-1 and Cryptic inhibited ligand signaling in various cell-based assays, including SMAD-mediated luciferase reporter gene expression, and differentiation of a multipotent stem cell line. But in agreement with previous work, the membrane bound form of Cripto-1 potentiated signaling, revealing a critical role of membrane association for its established cellular activity. Thus, our studies provide new insights into the mechanism of ligand recognition by this enigmatic family of membrane-anchored TGF-β family signaling regulators and link membrane association with their signal potentiating activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senem Aykul
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Anthony Parenti
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Kit Yee Chu
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Jake Reske
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Monique Floer
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Amy Ralston
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Erik Martinez-Hackert
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
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31
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Chen YY, Lu YH, Ma CH, Tao WW, Zhu JJ, Zhang X. A novel elastic liposome for skin delivery of papain and its application on hypertrophic scar. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 87:82-91. [PMID: 28040601 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of papain elastic liposomes (PEL) on hypertrophic scar through topical application. PEL were prepared using the reverse-phase evaporation method and optimized by response surface methodology. The transdermal absorption of optimized PEL was tested by vertical Franz diffusion cells in vitro. The effects of PEL were investigated in rabbit model of hypertrophic scar in vivo, histological analysis and scar-related proteins were detected to reveal potential scar repair mechanism. The best formulation of PEL had EE (43.8±1.4%), particle size (100.9±2.2nm), PDI (0.037±0.003), zeta potential (-26.3±1.3mV), and DI (21.9±3.1). PEL gave the cumulative amounts and steady state fluxes in the receiver solution of 381.9±32.4μg/cm2, 11.4±1.5μg/cm2/h, and showed drug deposition in skin of 19.1±3.2% after 24h. After topical application, the scar elevation index, microvascular density, and collagen fiber were significantly decreased with regular arrangement. The expressions of TGF-β1, P-Smad-3, P-NF-κB p65, and P-IKBa in hypertrophic scar were significantly down regulated in contrast with those in model group. PEL were proven as an excellent topical preparation for hypertrophic scar treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yan Chen
- College of Basic Medical, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Yunnan Baiyao Group Wuxi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214028, China
| | - Ye-Hui Lu
- Yunnan Baiyao Group Wuxi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214028, China; Yunnan Institute of Materia Medica, Yunnan 650111, China
| | - Chun-Hua Ma
- College of Basic Medical, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei-Wei Tao
- College of Basic Medical, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing-Juan Zhu
- College of Basic Medical, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Yunnan Baiyao Group Wuxi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214028, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Basic Medical, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Patnaik S, Mohanty M, Bit A, Sahoo L, Das S, Jayasankar P, Das P. Molecular characterization of Activin Receptor Type IIA and its expression during gonadal maturation and growth stages in rohu carp. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 203:1-10. [PMID: 27575753 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Activin receptor type IIA (ActRIIA), a transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptor is an important regulator of physiological traits, viz., reproduction and body growth in vertebrates including teleosts. However, existing knowledge of its role in regulating fish physiology is limited. To address this, we have cloned and characterized the ActRIIA cDNA of Labeo rohita (rohu), an economically important fish species of the Indian subcontinent. Comparative expression profiling of the receptor gene at various reproductive and growth stages supports to its role in promoting oocyte maturation, spermatogenesis and skeletal muscle development via interaction with multiple ligands of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family. The full-length cDNA of rohu ActRIIA was found to be of 1587bp length encoding 528 amino acids. The three-dimensional structure of the intracellular kinase domain of rohu ActRIIA has also been predicted. Phylogenetic relationship studies showed that the gene is evolutionarily conserved across the vertebrate lineage implicating that the functioning of the receptor is more or less similar in vertebrates. Taken together, these findings could be an initial step towards the use of ActRIIA as a potential candidate gene marker for understanding the complex regulatory mechanism of fish reproduction and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhi Patnaik
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar 751002, Odisha, India
| | - Mausumee Mohanty
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar 751002, Odisha, India
| | - Amrita Bit
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar 751002, Odisha, India
| | - Lakshman Sahoo
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar 751002, Odisha, India
| | - Sachidananda Das
- P. G. Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, 751004, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Pallipuram Jayasankar
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar 751002, Odisha, India
| | - Paramananda Das
- Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar 751002, Odisha, India.
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Kausar T, Nayeem SM. Computational analysis on conformational dynamics of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2016; 35:2224-2234. [PMID: 27426435 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2016.1214083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BMP-2 is widely used for bone regeneration because of its ability to induce osteoblast differentiation and proliferation. The pharmaceutical application of BMP-2 as bone implant makes the studies on stability and conformational dynamics very relevant as proteins are functional only in their native three-dimensional state. Knowing the factors affecting BMP-2 structure becomes essential for designing bone implants activated by BMP-2. In order to explore the influence of temperature and hydration on protein conformation, we have performed the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at the time scale of 100 ns with two different force fields. We have examined the dynamic behaviour of BMP-2 monomer and dimer in aqueous medium as well as in vacuum at four different temperatures (300, 350, 400 and 450 K). MD simulation of BMP-2 monomer and dimer in water and vacuum environments shows the major contribution of water in structure stabilization. Temperature of the system affects the secondary structure differently in case of monomer and dimer simulation and the dynamics also depends on the environment viz. vacuum and aqueous. Vacuum simulations show very early loss of the major secondary structure content. On the other hand, BMP-2 monomer and dimer in aqueous environment show the unfolding of α-helix with increasing temperature. This unfolded α-helix is converted into β-sheet at 400 K in monomer of BMP-2. Contrary to this, we did not observe β-sheet formation in dimer BMP-2 even at 450 K indicating that monomers are more aggregation prone entity as compared to dimers of BMP-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Kausar
- a Department of Chemistry , Aligarh Muslim University , Aligarh 202002 , Uttar Pradesh , India
| | - Shahid M Nayeem
- a Department of Chemistry , Aligarh Muslim University , Aligarh 202002 , Uttar Pradesh , India
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Wilbers RHP, Westerhof LB, van Raaij DR, van Adrichem M, Prakasa AD, Lozano-Torres JL, Bakker J, Smant G, Schots A. Co-expression of the protease furin in Nicotiana benthamiana leads to efficient processing of latent transforming growth factor-β1 into a biologically active protein. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2016; 14:1695-704. [PMID: 26834022 PMCID: PMC5067602 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a signalling molecule that plays a key role in developmental and immunological processes in mammals. Three TGF-β isoforms exist in humans, and each isoform has unique therapeutic potential. Plants offer a platform for the production of recombinant proteins, which is cheap and easy to scale up and has a low risk of contamination with human pathogens. TGF-β3 has been produced in plants before using a chloroplast expression system. However, this strategy requires chemical refolding to obtain a biologically active protein. In this study, we investigated the possibility to transiently express active human TGF-β1 in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. We successfully expressed mature TGF-β1 in the absence of the latency-associated peptide (LAP) using different strategies, but the obtained proteins were inactive. Upon expression of LAP-TGF-β1, we were able to show that processing of the latent complex by a furin-like protease does not occur in planta. The use of a chitinase signal peptide enhanced the expression and secretion of LAP-TGF-β1, and co-expression of human furin enabled the proteolytic processing of latent TGF-β1. Engineering the plant post-translational machinery by co-expressing human furin also enhanced the accumulation of biologically active TGF-β1. This engineering step is quite remarkable, as furin requires multiple processing steps and correct localization within the secretory pathway to become active. Our data demonstrate that plants can be a suitable platform for the production of complex proteins that rely on specific proteolytic processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruud H P Wilbers
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte B Westerhof
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Debbie R van Raaij
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes van Adrichem
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas D Prakasa
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jose L Lozano-Torres
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Bakker
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Smant
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen Schots
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Wijayarathna R, de Kretser DM. Activins in reproductive biology and beyond. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:342-57. [PMID: 26884470 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activins are members of the pleiotrophic family of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily of cytokines, initially isolated for their capacity to induce the release of FSH from pituitary extracts. Subsequent research has demonstrated that activins are involved in multiple biological functions including the control of inflammation, fibrosis, developmental biology and tumourigenesis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the roles of activin in reproductive and developmental biology. It also discusses interesting advances in the field of modulating the bioactivity of activins as a therapeutic target, which would undoubtedly be beneficial for patients with reproductive pathology. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify studies in the English language which have contributed to the advancement of the field of activin biology, since its initial isolation in 1987 until July 2015. 'Activin', 'testis', 'ovary', 'embryonic development' and 'therapeutic targets' were used as the keywords in combination with other search phrases relevant to the topic of activin biology. RESULTS Activins, which are dimers of inhibin β subunits, act via a classical TGF-β signalling pathway. The bioactivity of activin is regulated by two endogenous inhibitors, inhibin and follistatin. Activin is a major regulator of testicular and ovarian development. In the ovary, activin A promotes oocyte maturation and regulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis. It is also essential in endometrial repair following menstruation, decidualization and maintaining pregnancy. Dysregulation of the activin-follistatin-inhibin system leads to disorders of female reproduction and pregnancy, including polycystic ovary syndrome, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and pre-term birth. Moreover, a rise in serum activin A, accompanied by elevated FSH, is characteristic of female reproductive aging. In the male, activin A is an autocrine and paracrine modulator of germ cell development and Sertoli cell proliferation. Disruption of normal activin signalling is characteristic of many tumours affecting reproductive organs, including endometrial carcinoma, cervical cancer, testicular and ovarian cancer as well as prostate cancer. While activin A and B aid the progression of many tumours of the reproductive organs, activin C acts as a tumour suppressor. Activins are important in embryonic induction, morphogenesis of branched glandular organs, development of limbs and nervous system, craniofacial and dental development and morphogenesis of the Wolffian duct. CONCLUSIONS The field of activin biology has advanced considerably since its initial discovery as an FSH stimulating agent. Now, activin is well known as a growth factor and cytokine that regulates many aspects of reproductive biology, developmental biology and also inflammation and immunological mechanisms. Current research provides evidence for novel roles of activins in maintaining the structure and function of reproductive and other organ systems. The fact that activin A is elevated both locally as well as systemically in major disorders of the reproductive system makes it an important biomarker. Given the established role of activin A as a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic agent, studies of its involvement in disorders of reproduction resulting from these processes should be examined. Follistatin, as a key regulator of the biological actions of activin, should be evaluated as a therapeutic agent in conditions where activin A overexpression is established as a contributing factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - D M de Kretser
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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Sarin H. Pressuromodulation at the cell membrane as the basis for small molecule hormone and peptide regulation of cellular and nuclear function. J Transl Med 2015; 13:372. [PMID: 26610602 PMCID: PMC4660824 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0707-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Building on recent knowledge that the specificity of the biological interactions of small molecule hydrophiles and lipophiles across microvascular and epithelial barriers, and with cells, can be predicted on the basis of their conserved biophysical properties, and the knowledge that biological peptides are cell membrane impermeant, it has been further discussed herein that cellular, and thus, nuclear function, are primarily regulated by small molecule hormone and peptide/factor interactions at the cell membrane (CM) receptors. The means of regulating cellular, and thus, nuclear function, are the various forms of CM Pressuromodulation that exist, which include Direct CM Receptor-Mediated Stabilizing Pressuromodulation, sub-classified as Direct CM Receptor-Mediated Stabilizing Shift Pressuromodulation (Single, Dual or Tri) or Direct CM Receptor-Mediated Stabilizing Shift Pressuromodulation (Single, Dual or Tri) cum External Cationomodulation (≥3+ → 1+); which are with respect to acute CM receptor-stabilizing effects of small biomolecule hormones, growth factors or cytokines, and also include Indirect CM- or CM Receptor-Mediated Pressuromodulation, sub-classified as Indirect 1ary CM-Mediated Shift Pressuromodulation (Perturbomodulation), Indirect 2ary CM Receptor-Mediated Shift Pressuromodulation (Tri or Quad Receptor Internal Pseudo-Cationomodulation: SS 1+), Indirect 3ary CM Receptor-Mediated Shift Pressuromodulation (Single or Dual Receptor Endocytic External Cationomodulation: 2+) or Indirect (Pseudo) 3ary CM Receptor-Mediated Shift Pressuromodulation (Receptor Endocytic Hydroxylocarbonyloetheroylomodulation: 0), which are with respect to sub-acute CM receptor-stabilizing effects of small biomolecules, growth factors or cytokines. As a generalization, all forms of CM pressuromodulation decrease CM and nuclear membrane (NM) compliance (whole cell compliance), due to pressuromodulation of the intracellular microtubule network and increases the exocytosis of pre-synthesized vesicular endogolgi peptides and small molecules as well as nuclear-to-rough endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins to the CM, with the potential to simultaneously increase the NM-associated chromatin DNA transcription of higher molecular weight protein forms, secretory and CM-destined, mitochondrial and nuclear, including the highest molecular weight nuclear proteins, Ki67 (359 kDa) and Separase (230 kDa), with the latter leading to mitogenesis and cell division; while, in the case of growth factors or cytokines with external cationomodulation capability, CM Receptor External Cationomodulation of CM receptors (≥3+ → 1+) results in cationic extracellular interaction (≥3+) with extracellular matrix heparan sulfates (≥3+ → 1+) concomitant with lamellopodesis and cell migration. It can be surmised that the modulation of cellular, and nuclear, function is mostly a reactive process, governed, primarily, by small molecule hormone and peptide interactions at the cell membrane, with CM receptors and the CM itself. These insights taken together, provide valuable translationally applicable knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Sarin
- Freelance Investigator in Translational Science and Medicine, Charleston, WV, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The GDF3 gene plays a fundamental role in embryonic morphogenesis. Recent studies have indicated that GDF3 plays a previously unrecognised role in cardiovascular system development. Non-syndromic CHDs might be a clinically isolated manifestation of GDF3 mutations. The purpose of the present study was to identify potential pathological mutations in the GDF3 gene in Chinese children with non-syndromic CHDs, and to gain insight into the aetiology of non-syndromic CHDs. METHODS A total of 200 non-syndromic CHDs patients and 202 normal control patients were sampled. There were two exons of the human GDF3 gene amplified using polymerase chain reaction. The polymerase chain reaction products were purified and directly sequenced. RESULTS One missense mutation (c.C635T, p.Ser212 Leu, phenotype: isolated muscular ventricular septal defect) was found that has not been reported previously. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the role of the GDF3 gene in non-syndromic CHDs. Our results expand the spectrum of mutations associated with CHDs and first suggest the potentially disease-related GDF3 gene variant in the pathogenesis of CHDs.
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Zhu J, Mishra RK, Schiltz GE, Makanji Y, Scheidt KA, Mazar AP, Woodruff TK. Virtual High-Throughput Screening To Identify Novel Activin Antagonists. J Med Chem 2015; 58:5637-48. [PMID: 26098096 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activin belongs to the TGFβ superfamily, which is associated with several disease conditions, including cancer-related cachexia, preterm labor with delivery, and osteoporosis. Targeting activin and its related signaling pathways holds promise as a therapeutic approach to these diseases. A small-molecule ligand-binding groove was identified in the interface between the two activin βA subunits and was used for a virtual high-throughput in silico screening of the ZINC database to identify hits. Thirty-nine compounds without significant toxicity were tested in two well-established activin assays: FSHβ transcription and HepG2 cell apoptosis. This screening workflow resulted in two lead compounds: NUCC-474 and NUCC-555. These potential activin antagonists were then shown to inhibit activin A-mediated cell proliferation in ex vivo ovary cultures. In vivo testing showed that our most potent compound (NUCC-555) caused a dose-dependent decrease in FSH levels in ovariectomized mice. The Blitz competition binding assay confirmed target binding of NUCC-555 to the activin A:ActRII that disrupts the activin A:ActRII complex's binding with ALK4-ECD-Fc in a dose-dependent manner. The NUCC-555 also specifically binds to activin A compared with other TGFβ superfamily member myostatin (GDF8). These data demonstrate a new in silico-based strategy for identifying small-molecule activin antagonists. Our approach is the first to identify a first-in-class small-molecule antagonist of activin binding to ALK4, which opens a completely new approach to inhibiting the activity of TGFβ receptor superfamily members. in addition, the lead compound can serve as a starting point for lead optimization toward the goal of a compound that may be effective in activin-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 10-250, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,‡Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Rama K Mishra
- §Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Gary E Schiltz
- §Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Yogeshwar Makanji
- †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 10-250, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Karl A Scheidt
- §Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,⊥Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, 60208, Illinois, United States.,∥Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Andrew P Mazar
- ∥Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,□Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 10-250, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,‡Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,□Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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Kuczma M, Kraj P. Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Regulates Development and Activation of CD4(+) T Cells. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2015; 99:171-93. [PMID: 26279376 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are growth factors belonging to the TGF-β (transforming growth factor β) superfamily. BMPs were found to regulate multiple cell processes such as proliferation, survival, differentiation, and apoptosis. They were originally described to play a pivotal role in inducing bone, cartilage, ligament, and tendon formation at both heterotopic and orthotopic sites but were found to play a significant role in embryogenesis and development of multiple tissues and organs. Activities of BMPs are regulated by a number of secreted proteins, which modulate their availability to bind cellular receptors. The functions of individual BMPs are highly redundant due to binding the same receptors and inducing overlapping signal transduction pathways. Recently, BMPs were found to regulate cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. BMPs are involved in thymic development of T cells at the early, double negative, as well as later, double positive, stages of thymopoesis. They specifically modulate thymic development of regulatory T cells (T(reg)). In the periphery, BMPs affect T cell activation, promoting generation of T(reg) cells. We found that mice deficient for one of the receptors activated by BMPs demonstrated slower growth of transplantable melanoma tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kuczma
- Cancer Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Piotr Kraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
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Brazil DP, Church RH, Surae S, Godson C, Martin F. BMP signalling: agony and antagony in the family. Trends Cell Biol 2015; 25:249-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Wong KA, Trembley M, Abd Wahab S, Viczian AS. Efficient retina formation requires suppression of both Activin and BMP signaling pathways in pluripotent cells. Biol Open 2015; 4:573-83. [PMID: 25750435 PMCID: PMC4400599 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20149977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Retina formation requires the correct spatiotemporal patterning of key regulatory factors. While it is known that repression of several signaling pathways lead to specification of retinal fates, addition of only Noggin, a known BMP antagonist, can convert pluripotent Xenopus laevis animal cap cells to functional retinal cells. The aim of this study is to determine the intracellular molecular events that occur during this conversion. Surprisingly, blocking BMP signaling alone failed to mimic Noggin treatment. Overexpressing Noggin in pluripotent cells resulted in a concentration-dependent suppression of both Smad1 and Smad2 phosphorylation, which act downstream of BMP and Activin signaling, respectively. This caused a decrease in downstream targets: endothelial marker, xk81, and mesodermal marker, xbra. We treated pluripotent cells with dominant-negative receptors or the chemical inhibitors, dorsomorphin and SB431542, which each target either the BMP or Activin signaling pathway. We determined the effect of these treatments on retina formation using the Animal Cap Transplant (ACT) assay; in which treated pluripotent cells were transplanted into the eye field of host embryos. We found that inhibition of Activin signaling, in the presence of BMP signaling inhibition, promotes efficient retinal specification in Xenopus tissue, mimicking the affect of adding Noggin alone. In whole embryos, we found that the eye field marker, rax, expanded when adding both dominant-negative Smad1 and Smad2, as did treating the cells with both dorsomorphin and SB431542. Future studies could translate these findings to a mammalian culture assay, in order to more efficiently produce retinal cells in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Wong
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA The Center for Vision Research, SUNY Eye Institute, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Michael Trembley
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Syafiq Abd Wahab
- Department of Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Andrea S Viczian
- Department of Ophthalmology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA The Center for Vision Research, SUNY Eye Institute, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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Wang X, Chu J, Wen C, Fu S, Qian Y, Wo Y, Wang C, Wang D. Functional characterization of TRAP1-like protein involved in modulating fibrotic processes mediated by TGF-β/Smad signaling in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. Exp Cell Res 2015; 332:202-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Osses N, Henríquez JP. Bone morphogenetic protein signaling in vertebrate motor neurons and neuromuscular communication. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 8:453. [PMID: 25674047 PMCID: PMC4307192 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
An accurate communication between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers is required for the proper assembly, growth and maintenance of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Several signaling and extracellular matrix molecules play stimulatory and inhibitory roles on the assembly of functional synapses. Studies in Drosophila have revealed crucial functions for early morphogens, such as members of the Wnt and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) signaling pathways, during the assembly and maturation of the NMJ. Here, we bring together recent findings that led us to propose that BMPs also work in vertebrate organisms as diffusible cues to communicate motor neurons and skeletal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Osses
- BMP Research Group, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Juan P Henríquez
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Millennium Nucleus of Regenerative Biology, Center for Advanced Microscopy (CMA Bio-Bio), Universidad de Concepción Concepción, Chile
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Calvanese L, Sandomenico A, Caporale A, Focà A, Focà G, D'Auria G, Falcigno L, Ruvo M. Conformational features and binding affinities to Cripto, ALK7 and ALK4 of Nodal synthetic fragments. J Pept Sci 2015; 21:283-93. [PMID: 25588905 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Nodal, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is a potent embryonic morphogen also implicated in tumor progression. As for other TGF-βs, it triggers the signaling functions through the interaction with the extracellular domains of type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors and with the co-receptor Cripto. Recently, we reported the molecular models of Nodal in complex with its type I receptors (ALK4 and ALK7) as well as with Cripto, as obtained by homology modeling and docking simulations. From such models, potential binding epitopes have been identified. To validate such hypotheses, a series of mutated Nodal fragments have been synthesized. These peptide analogs encompass residues 44-67 of the Nodal protein, corresponding to the pre-helix loop and the H3 helix, and reproduce the wild-type sequence or bear some modifications to evaluate the hot-spot role of modified residues in the receptor binding. Here, we show the structural characterization in solution by CD and NMR of the Nodal peptides and the measurement of binding affinity toward Cripto by surface plasmon resonance. Data collected by both conformational analyses and binding measurements suggest a role for Y58 of Nodal in the recognition with Cripto and confirm that previously reported for E49 and E50. Surface plasmon resonance binding assays with recombinant proteins show that Nodal interacts in vitro also with ALK7 and ALK4 and preliminary data, generated using the Nodal synthetic fragments, suggest that Y58 of Nodal may also be involved in the recognition with these protein partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Calvanese
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
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Cooley MA, Harikrishnan K, Oppel JA, Miler SF, Barth JL, Haycraft CJ, Reddy SV, Scott Argraves W. Fibulin-1 is required for bone formation and Bmp-2-mediated induction of Osterix. Bone 2014; 69:30-8. [PMID: 25201465 PMCID: PMC4385289 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2014.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix protein Fibulin-1 (Fbln1) has been shown to be involved in numerous processes including cardiovascular and lung development. Here we have examined the role of Fbln1 in bone formation. Alizarin red staining of skulls from Fbln1-deficient mice showed reduced mineralization of both membranous and endochondral bones. MicroCT (μCT) analysis of the calvarial bones (i.e., frontal, parietal and interparietal bones collectively) indicated that bone volume in Fbln1 nulls at neonatal stage P0 were reduced by 22% (p=0.015). Similarly, Fbln1 null frontal bones showed a 16% (p=0.035) decrease in bone volume, with a reduction in the interfrontal bone, and a discontinuity in the leading edge of the frontal bone. To determine whether Fbln1 played a role in osteoblast differentiation during bone formation, qPCR was used to measure the effects of Fbln1 deficiency on the expression of Osterix (Osx), a transcription factor essential for osteoblast differentiation. This analysis demonstrated that Osx mRNA was significantly reduced in Fbln1-deficient calvarial bones at developmental stages E16.5 (p=0.049) and E17.5 (p=0.022). Furthermore, the ability of Bmp-2 to induce Osx expression was significantly diminished in Fbln1-deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts. Together, these findings indicate that Fbln1 is a new positive modulator of the formation of membranous bone and endochondral bone in the skull, acting as a positive regulator of Bmp signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion A Cooley
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Oral Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Keerthi Harikrishnan
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - James A Oppel
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Sloan F Miler
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Jeremy L Barth
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Courtney J Haycraft
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Sakamuri V Reddy
- Charles P. Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - W Scott Argraves
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Makanji Y, Zhu J, Mishra R, Holmquist C, Wong WPS, Schwartz NB, Mayo KE, Woodruff TK. Inhibin at 90: from discovery to clinical application, a historical review. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:747-94. [PMID: 25051334 PMCID: PMC4167436 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
When it was initially discovered in 1923, inhibin was characterized as a hypophysiotropic hormone that acts on pituitary cells to regulate pituitary hormone secretion. Ninety years later, what we know about inhibin stretches far beyond its well-established capacity to inhibit activin signaling and suppress pituitary FSH production. Inhibin is one of the major reproductive hormones involved in the regulation of folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. Although the physiological role of inhibin as an activin antagonist in other organ systems is not as well defined as it is in the pituitary-gonadal axis, inhibin also modulates biological processes in other organs through paracrine, autocrine, and/or endocrine mechanisms. Inhibin and components of its signaling pathway are expressed in many organs. Diagnostically, inhibin is used for prenatal screening of Down syndrome as part of the quadruple test and as a biochemical marker in the assessment of ovarian reserve. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the biological role of inhibin, its relationship with activin, its signaling mechanisms, and its potential value as a diagnostic marker for reproductive function and pregnancy-associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogeshwar Makanji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.M., J.Z., C.H., W.P.S.W., T.K.W.), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60610; Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery (R.M., C.H.), Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208; and Department of Molecular Biosciences (N.B.S., K.E.M., T.K.W.), Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208
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Activin A is anti-lymphangiogenic in a melanoma mouse model. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 135:212-221. [PMID: 25084052 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma spreads primarily to the sentinel lymph nodes, and its risk correlates with lymphangiogenesis, which is mainly driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C. However, anti-lymphangiogenic factors are poorly characterized. We have shown in a melanoma model that Wnt1 reduces lymphangiogenesis by reducing VEGF-C expression. Screening this model for additional potentially anti-lymphangiogenic factors identified increased activin A expression and reduced expression of the antagonist, follistatin (FST), in Wnt1(+) cells. Activin A is known to reduce blood vessel formation, but the effects on lymphangiogenesis are unknown. Here we show that human primary melanoma expresses significantly higher levels of activin A and lower levels of FST compared with nevi and melanoma metastasis. Using our mouse model with melanoma cells overexpressing Wnt1, FST, Wnt1/FST, or the inhibin βA subunit (INHBA, resulting in activin A expression), we found both activin A and Wnt1 to reduce lymphangiogenesis. Whereas Wnt1 also reduced metastasis, this was not seen with activin A. In vitro, activin A phosphorylated SMAD2 in both melanoma and lymphatic endothelium but, although it reduced sprouting of lymphatic endothelium, it enhanced the migration of melanoma cells. In conclusion, activin A is an anti-lymphangiogenic factor, but because of its pleiotropic effects on cell mobility it appears not suitable as a pharmacological target.
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Wang Y, Ho CC, Bang E, Rejon CA, Libasci V, Pertchenko P, Hébert TE, Bernard DJ. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 stimulates noncanonical SMAD2/3 signaling via the BMP type 1A receptor in gonadotrope-like cells: implications for FSH synthesis. Endocrinology 2014; 155:1970-81. [PMID: 24601881 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
FSH is an essential regulator of mammalian reproduction. Its synthesis by pituitary gonadotrope cells is regulated by multiple endocrine and paracrine factors, including TGFβ superfamily ligands, such as the activins and inhibins. Activins stimulate FSH synthesis via transcriptional regulation of its β-subunit gene (Fshb). More recently, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were shown to stimulate murine Fshb transcription alone and in synergy with activins. BMP2 signals via its canonical type I receptor, BMPR1A (or activin receptor-like kinase 3 [ALK3]), and SMAD1 and SMAD5 to stimulate transcription of inhibitor of DNA binding proteins. Inhibitor of DNA binding proteins then potentiate the actions of activin-stimulated SMAD3 to regulate the Fshb gene in the gonadotrope-like LβT2 cell line. Here, we report the unexpected observation that BMP2 also stimulates the SMAD2/3 pathway in these cells and that it does so directly via ALK3. Indeed, this novel, noncanonical ALK3 activity is completely independent of ALK4, ALK5, and ALK7, the type I receptors most often associated with SMAD2/3 pathway activation. Induction of the SMAD2/3 pathway by ALK3 is dependent upon its own previous activation by associated type II receptors, which phosphorylate conserved serine and threonine residues in the ALK3 juxtamembrane glycine-serine-rich domain. ALK3 signaling via SMAD3 is necessary for the receptor to stimulate Fshb transcription, whereas its activation of the SMAD1/5/8 pathway alone is insufficient. These data challenge current dogma that ALK3 and other BMP type I receptors signal via SMAD1, SMAD5, and SMAD8 and not SMAD2 or SMAD3. Moreover, they suggest that BMPs and activins may use similar intracellular signaling mechanisms to activate the murine Fshb promoter in immortalized gonadotrope-like cells.
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MESH Headings
- Activins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Activins/metabolism
- Animals
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/agonists
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/genetics
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/metabolism
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I/agonists
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I/antagonists & inhibitors
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I/genetics
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit/biosynthesis
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit/genetics
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit/metabolism
- Gene Silencing
- Genes, Reporter
- Gonadotrophs/metabolism
- Humans
- Mice
- Phosphorylation
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- RNA, Small Interfering
- Recombinant Proteins/chemistry
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Smad2 Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- Smad2 Protein/genetics
- Smad2 Protein/metabolism
- Smad3 Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- Smad3 Protein/genetics
- Smad3 Protein/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Y.W., C.C.H., E.B., C.A.R., V.L., P.P., T.E.H., D.J.B.), Oncology (C.A.R.), Obstetrics and Gynecology (D.J.B.), and Anatomy and Cell Biology (D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6
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Yoon BH, Jeon YH, Hwang B, Kwon H, Choe S, Yang Z. Anti-wrinkle effect of bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1a-extracellular domain (BMPR1a-ECD). BMB Rep 2014; 46:465-70. [PMID: 24064062 PMCID: PMC4133875 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2013.46.9.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have diverse and important roles in the proliferation and differentiation of adult stem cells in our tissues. Especially, BMPs are well known to be the main inducers of bone formation, by facilitating both proliferation and differentiation of bone stem cells. Interestingly, in skin stem cells, BMPs repress their proliferation but are indispensable for the proper differentiation into several lineages of skin cells. Here, we tested whether BMP antagonists have an effect on the prevention of wrinkle formation. For this study we used an in vivo wrinkle-induced mouse model. As a positive control, retinoic acid, one of the top anti-wrinkle effectors, showed a 44% improvement compared to the non-treated control. Surprisingly, bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1a extracellular domain (BMPR1a-ECD) exhibited an anti-wrinkle effect which was 6-fold greater than that of retinoic acid. Our results indicate that BMP antagonists will be good targets for skin or hair diseases. [BMB Reports 2013; 46(9): 465-470]
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Hak Yoon
- joint Center for Biosciences at Songdo Global University Campus, Incheon 406-840, Korea
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The microRNA networks of TGFβ signaling in cancer. Tumour Biol 2013; 35:2857-69. [PMID: 24323563 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-1481-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In metazoans, the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling regulates a host of activities ranging from embryonic development to tissue homeostasis. The normal as well as tumor cells respond to this cytokine signaling pathway in a highly context-dependent manner. It acts as a potent tumor suppressor initially by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. But advanced tumors often misuse TGFβ signaling for tumor progression by selectively disabling the tumor suppressor arm and using other properties of TGFβ signaling such as induction of angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastases. This dual role of TGFβ in cancer remained a mystery until recently. But recent advances in the field of microRNA provided a deeper understanding about this dual nature of TGFβ signaling in cancers. In the present review, we present an account of the role of microRNAs in deregulating TGFβ signaling and modulating cancer cell behavior during tumor initiation and cancer progression. This review also includes a discussion on the recent advances in the deregulation of TGFβ signaling in carcinogenesis.
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