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Zhao H, Zhao S, Wang S, Liu Y. Human β-defensins: The multi-functional natural peptide. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116451. [PMID: 39059771 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The increasing threat of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic microorganisms and the urgent demand for new antibiotics require immediate attention. Antimicrobial peptides exhibit effectiveness against microorganisms, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. The discovery of human β-defensins represents a major milestone in biomedical research, opening new avenues for scientific investigation into the innate immune system and its resistance mechanisms against pathogenic microorganisms. Multiple defensins present a promising alternative in the context of antibiotic abuse. However, obstacles to the practical application of defensins as anti-infective therapies persist due to the unique properties of human β-defensins themselves and serious pharmacological and technical challenges. To overcome these challenges, diverse delivery vehicles have been developed and progressively improved for the conjugation or encapsulation of human β-defensins. This review briefly introduces the biology of human β-defensins, focusing on their multistage structure and diverse functions. It also discusses several heterologous systems for producing human β-defensins, various delivery systems created for these peptides, and patent applications related to their utilization, concluding with a summary of current challenges and potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haile Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock Jointly Constructed by Ministry and Province, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Shuli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock Jointly Constructed by Ministry and Province, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Simeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock Jointly Constructed by Ministry and Province, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock Jointly Constructed by Ministry and Province, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China.
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2
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Chen M, Hu Z, Shi J, Xie Z. Human β-defensins and their synthetic analogs: Natural defenders and prospective new drugs of oral health. Life Sci 2024; 346:122591. [PMID: 38548013 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122591] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, human β-defensins (HBDs) are ubiquitous in the oral cavity and are mainly synthesized primarily by epithelial cells, serving as the primary barrier and aiming to prevent microbial invasion, inflammation, and disease while maintaining physiological homeostasis. In recent decades, there has been great interest in their biological functions, structure-activity relationships, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential in oral diseases. Meanwhile, researchers are dedicated to improving the properties of HBDs for clinical application. In this review, we first describe the classification, structural characteristics, functions, and mechanisms of HBDs. Next, we cover the role of HBDs and their synthetic analogs in oral diseases, including dental caries and pulp infections, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, fungal/viral infections and oral mucosal diseases, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we discuss the limitations and challenges of clinical translation of HBDs and their synthetic analogs, including, but not limited to, stability, bioavailability, antimicrobial activity, resistance, and toxicity. Above all, this review summarizes the biological functions, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of both natural HBDs and their synthetic analogs in oral diseases, as well as the challenges associated with clinical translation, thus providing substantial insights into the laboratory development and clinical application of HBDs in oral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumian Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Zihe Hu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Jue Shi
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Zhijian Xie
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
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3
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Ghosh SK, Man Y, Fraiwan A, Waters C, McKenzie C, Lu C, Pfau D, Kawsar H, Bhaskaran N, Pandiyan P, Jin G, Briggs F, Zender CC, Rezaee R, Panagakos F, Thuener JE, Wasman J, Tang A, Qari H, Wise-Draper T, McCormick TS, Madabhushi A, Gurkan UA, Weinberg A. Beta-defensin index: A functional biomarker for oral cancer detection. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101447. [PMID: 38442713 PMCID: PMC10983043 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
There is an unmet clinical need for a non-invasive and cost-effective test for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) that informs clinicians when a biopsy is warranted. Human beta-defensin 3 (hBD-3), an epithelial cell-derived anti-microbial peptide, is pro-tumorigenic and overexpressed in early-stage OSCC compared to hBD-2. We validate this expression dichotomy in carcinoma in situ and OSCC lesions using immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The proportion of hBD-3/hBD-2 levels in non-invasively collected lesional cells compared to contralateral normal cells, obtained by ELISA, generates the beta-defensin index (BDI). Proof-of-principle and blinded discovery studies demonstrate that BDI discriminates OSCC from benign lesions. A multi-center validation study shows sensitivity and specificity values of 98.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 90.3-99.9) and 82.6% (95% CI 68.6-92.2), respectively. A proof-of-principle study shows that BDI is adaptable to a point-of-care assay using microfluidics. We propose that BDI may fulfill a major unmet need in low-socioeconomic countries where pathology services are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh K Ghosh
- Biological Sciences, Case School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Yuncheng Man
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, CWRU, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Arwa Fraiwan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, CWRU, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Crist McKenzie
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Cheng Lu
- Center for Computational Imaging & Personalized Diagnostics, CWRU, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - David Pfau
- School of Medicine, CWRU, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hameem Kawsar
- Biological Sciences, Case School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Natarajan Bhaskaran
- Biological Sciences, Case School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Pushpa Pandiyan
- Biological Sciences, Case School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ge Jin
- Biological Sciences, Case School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Farren Briggs
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, CWRU, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chad C Zender
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rod Rezaee
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fotinos Panagakos
- West Virginia University (WVU) School of Dentistry, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jason E Thuener
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jay Wasman
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alice Tang
- Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hiba Qari
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, WVU School of Dentistry, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Trisha Wise-Draper
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Anant Madabhushi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Umut A Gurkan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, CWRU, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aaron Weinberg
- Biological Sciences, Case School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland, OH, USA.
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4
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Winter J, Jepsen S. Role of innate host defense proteins in oral cancerogenesis. Periodontol 2000 2024. [PMID: 38265172 DOI: 10.1111/prd.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
It is nowadays well accepted that chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in tumor initiation and progression. Under this aspect, the oral cavity is predestined to examine this connection because periodontitis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease and oral squamous cell carcinomas are the most common oral malignant lesions. In this review, we describe how particular molecules of the human innate host defense system may participate as molecular links between these two important chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Specific focus is directed toward antimicrobial polypeptides, such as the cathelicidin LL-37 and human defensins, as well as S100 proteins and alarmins. We report in which way these peptides and proteins are able to initiate and support oral tumorigenesis, showing direct mechanisms by binding to growth-stimulating cell surface receptors and/or indirect effects, for example, inducing tumor-promoting genes. Finally, bacterial challenges with impact on oral cancerogenesis are briefly addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Winter
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Søren Jepsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Liu Q, Wang L, He D, Wu Y, Liu X, Yang Y, Chen Z, Dong Z, Luo Y, Song Y. Application Value of Antimicrobial Peptides in Gastrointestinal Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16718. [PMID: 38069041 PMCID: PMC10706433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer is a common clinical malignant tumor disease that seriously endangers human health and lacks effective treatment methods. As part of the innate immune defense of many organisms, antimicrobial peptides not only have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity but also can specifically kill tumor cells. The positive charge of antimicrobial peptides under neutral conditions determines their high selectivity to tumor cells. In addition, antimicrobial peptides also have unique anticancer mechanisms, such as inducing apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, membrane destruction, and inhibition of metastasis, which highlights the low drug resistance and high specificity of antimicrobial peptides. In this review, we summarize the related studies on antimicrobial peptides in the treatment of digestive tract tumors, mainly oral cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. This paper describes the therapeutic advantages of antimicrobial peptides due to their unique anticancer mechanisms. The length, net charge, and secondary structure of antimicrobial peptides can be modified by design or modification to further enhance their anticancer effects. In summary, as an emerging cancer treatment drug, antimicrobial peptides need to be further studied to realize their application in gastrointestinal cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Dongxia He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuewei Wu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xian Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yahan Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhizhi Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhan Dong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Ying Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuzhu Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Medical College, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
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Routsias JG, Marinou D, Mavrouli M, Tsakris A, Pitiriga V. Serum β-Defensin 2, A Novel Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Acute Infections. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13111885. [PMID: 37296737 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13111885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defensins are natural antimicrobial peptides that the human body secretes to protect itself from an infection. Thus, they are ideal molecules to serve as biomarkers for infection. This study was conducted to evaluate the levels of human β-defensins in patients with inflammation. METHODS CRP, hBD2 and procalcitonin were measured in 423 sera of 114 patients with inflammation and healthy individuals using nephelometry and commercial ELISA assays. RESULTS Levels of hBD2 in the serum of patients with an infection were markedly elevated compared to those of hBD2 in patients with inflammation of non-infectious etiology (p < 0.0001, t = 10.17) and healthy individuals. ROC analysis demonstrated that hBD2 showed the highest detection performance for infection (AUC 0.897; p < 0.001) followed by PCT (AUC 0.576; p = ns) and CRP (AUC 0.517; p = ns). In addition, analysis of hBD2 and CRP in patients' sera collected at different time points showed that hBD2 levels could help differentiate inflammation of infectious and non-infectious etiology during the first 5 days of hospitalization, while CRP levels could not. CONCLUSIONS hBD2 has the potential to serve as a diagnostic biomarker for infection. In addition, the levels of hBD2 may reflect the efficacy of antibiotic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Routsias
- Department of Microbiology, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Dionysia Marinou
- Department of Microbiology, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Maria Mavrouli
- Department of Microbiology, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Pitiriga
- Department of Microbiology, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Attica, Greece
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Sanapalli BKR, Yele V, Singh MK, Thumbooru SN, Parvathaneni M, Karri VVSR. Human beta defensin-2 loaded PLGA nanoparticles impregnated in collagen-chitosan composite scaffold for the management of diabetic wounds. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114540. [PMID: 36934557 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic wound (DW) is the most devastating complication resulting in significant mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. The standard treatment of DW care fails to address the prerequisites of treating DW owing to its multifactorial pathophysiology. Henceforth, developing a single treatment strategy to handle all the loopholes may effectively manage DW. The objective of the current study was to formulate Human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2) loaded Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle impregnated in collagen/chitosan (COL-CS) composite scaffolds for the accelerated healing of DW. Upon investigation, the developed biodegradable crosslinked scaffold possesses low matrix degradation, optimum porosity, and sustained drug release than the non-crosslinked scaffold. In vitro studies revealed that the HBD-2 COL-CS scaffold was biocompatible and accelerated cell migration and angiogenesis. The HBD-2 COL-CS scaffold showed significant antimicrobial activity in S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. The in vivo studies revealed that the HBD-2 COL-CS treated group accelerated healing compared to those in COL-CS and control groups. The ELISA results indicated a significant decrease in MMP-9, TNF-α, MPO, NAG, and NO with an increase in IL-10 in HBD-2 COL-CS treated group. The accelerated healing in HBD-2 COL-CS treated group might be due to the synergistic effects of PLGA (collagen synthesis and deposition and positive angiogenic effect), HBD-2 (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, positive angiogenic effect, cell proliferation, and migration), COL (established wound healer and stabilizer) and CS (antibacterial, controlled drug release).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Kumar Reddy Sanapalli
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643001, India.
| | - Vidyasrilekha Yele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643001, India.
| | - Mantosh Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643001, India.
| | - Shilpa N Thumbooru
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643001, India.
| | - Madhukiran Parvathaneni
- Department of Biotechnology, Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, USA; Arni Medica, 4475 South Clinton Ave, Suite 230, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA; CRC Pharma LLC, 333 Littleton Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054, USA.
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Occurrence of Human Defensins and S100 Proteins in Head and Neck Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Entities: hBD3 and S100A4 as Potential Biomarkers to Evaluate Successful Surgical Therapy. JOURNAL OF OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY, HEARING AND BALANCE MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ohbm4010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The goal of this study is the identification of potential marker molecules for characterizing different basal cell carcinoma entities, to help improve clinical decisions for surgical resection therapy. Methods: Three different entities, sclerodermiform, solid and superficial basal cell carcinomas, were subjected to immunohistochemical microscopy and histomorphometric analyses for human α- (DEFA1/3; DEFA4) and β-defensins (hBD1/2/3) and special S100 proteins (S100A4/7/8/9). Thirty specimens of the three entities were evaluated. Analyses were performed by comparing tissue and cellular localization and staining intensities of tumorous with non-tumorous areas. Staining intensities were semiquantitatively examined by using an RGB-based model. Results: Human defensins are present in all three entities of basal cell carcinomas. They all show cytoplasmic immunostaining in cells of the epithelium, stroma and tumor. Notably, human β-defensin3 is accumulated in the cell nuclei of sclerodermiform and superficial basal cell carcinomas. S100A4 and A7 are undetectable in tumor regions. However, S100A4 occurs in cancer-associated stroma cells with nuclear staining in superficial basal cell carcinomas. Conclusion: Two candidates, namely hBD3 and S100A4, might be used as potential clinical tools for evaluating successful surgical resection therapy to avoid aesthetic and functional facial deformation.
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9
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Niu JY, Yin IX, Mei ML, Wu WKK, Li QL, Chu CH. The multifaceted roles of antimicrobial peptides in oral diseases. Mol Oral Microbiol 2021; 36:159-171. [PMID: 33721398 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are naturally occurring protein molecules with antibacterial, antiviral and/or antifungal activity. Some antimicrobial peptides kill microorganisms through direct binding with negatively charged microbial surfaces. This action disrupts the cytoplasmic membrane and leads to the leakage of the cytoplasm. In addition, they are involved in the innate immune response. Antimicrobial peptides play an important role in oral health, as natural antimicrobial peptides are the first line of host defence in response to microbial infection. The level of natural antimicrobial peptides increases during severe disease conditions and play a role in promoting the healing of oral tissues. However, they are insufficient for eliminating pathogenic micro-organisms. The variability of the oral environment can markedly reduce the effect of natural antimicrobial peptides. Thus, researchers are developing synthetic antimicrobial peptides with promising stability and biocompatibility. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides are a potential alternative to traditional antimicrobial therapy. Pertinent to oral diseases, the deregulation of antimicrobial peptides is involved in the pathogenesis of dental caries, periodontal disease, mucosal disease and oral cancer, where they can kill pathogenic microorganisms, promote tissue healing, serve as biomarkers and inhibit tumor cells. This narrative review provides an overview of the multifaceted roles of antimicrobial peptides in oral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Yun Niu
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Iris Xiaoxue Yin
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - May Lei Mei
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - William Ka Kei Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Quan-Li Li
- School of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chun Hung Chu
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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10
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Abstract
Defensins are a major family of host defense peptides expressed predominantly in neutrophils and epithelial cells. Their broad antimicrobial activities and multifaceted immunomodulatory functions have been extensively studied, cementing their role in innate immunity as a core host-protective component against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. More recent studies, however, paint defensins in a bad light such that they are "alleged" to promote viral and bacterial infections in certain biological settings. This mini review summarizes the latest findings on the potential pathogenic properties of defensins against the backdrop of their protective roles in antiviral and antibacterial immunity. Further, a succinct description of both tumor-proliferative and -suppressive activities of defensins is also given to highlight their functional and mechanistic complexity in antitumor immunity. We posit that given an enabling environment defensins, widely heralded as the "Swiss army knife," can function as a "double-edged sword" in host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- Institute of Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Madhusudhan N, Pausan MR, Halwachs B, Durdević M, Windisch M, Kehrmann J, Patra V, Wolf P, Boukamp P, Moissl-Eichinger C, Cerroni L, Becker JC, Gorkiewicz G. Molecular Profiling of Keratinocyte Skin Tumors Links Staphylococcus aureus Overabundance and Increased Human β-Defensin-2 Expression to Growth Promotion of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030541. [PMID: 32111012 PMCID: PMC7139500 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin microbiota plays a prominent role in health and disease; however, its contribution to skin tumorigenesis is not well understood. We comparatively assessed the microbial community compositions from excision specimens of the main human non-melanoma skin cancers, actinic keratosis (AK), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Keratinocyte skin tumors are characterized by significantly different microbial community compositions, wherein AK and SCC are more similar to each other than to BCC. Notably, in SCC, which represents the advanced tumor entity and frequently develops from AK, overabundance of Staphylococcus aureus, a known skin pathogen, was noted. Moreover, S. aureus overabundance was significantly associated with increased human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2) expression in SCC. By challenging human SCC cell lines with S. aureus, a specific induction of hBD-2 expression and increased tumor cell growth was seen. Increased proliferation was also induced by directly challenging SCC cells with hBD-2. Together, our data indicate that a changed microbial community composition in SCC, specified by S. aureus overabundance, might promote tumor cell growth via modulation of hBD-2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandhitha Madhusudhan
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (N.M.); (B.H.); (M.D.); (M.W.)
- Theodor Escherich Laboratory for Medical Microbiome Research, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Manuela R. Pausan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.R.P.); (C.M.-E.)
| | - Bettina Halwachs
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (N.M.); (B.H.); (M.D.); (M.W.)
- Theodor Escherich Laboratory for Medical Microbiome Research, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Interuniversity Cooperation, Mozartgasse 12/11, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Marija Durdević
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (N.M.); (B.H.); (M.D.); (M.W.)
- Theodor Escherich Laboratory for Medical Microbiome Research, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Windisch
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (N.M.); (B.H.); (M.D.); (M.W.)
- Theodor Escherich Laboratory for Medical Microbiome Research, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Jan Kehrmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany;
| | - VijayKumar Patra
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 8, 8036 Graz, Austria; (V.P.); (P.W.); (L.C.)
| | - Peter Wolf
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 8, 8036 Graz, Austria; (V.P.); (P.W.); (L.C.)
| | - Petra Boukamp
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.R.P.); (C.M.-E.)
- BioTechMed, Interuniversity Cooperation, Mozartgasse 12/11, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Lorenzo Cerroni
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 8, 8036 Graz, Austria; (V.P.); (P.W.); (L.C.)
| | - Jürgen C. Becker
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research and Department of Dermatology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Universitätsstrasse 1, 45141 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (G.G.); Tel.: +49-201-183-672 (J.C.B.); Tel.: +43-3163-857-1743 (G.G.)
| | - Gregor Gorkiewicz
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; (N.M.); (B.H.); (M.D.); (M.W.)
- Theodor Escherich Laboratory for Medical Microbiome Research, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Interuniversity Cooperation, Mozartgasse 12/11, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (G.G.); Tel.: +49-201-183-672 (J.C.B.); Tel.: +43-3163-857-1743 (G.G.)
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Ramroach S, Joshi A, John M. Optimisation of cancer classification by machine learning generates an enriched list of candidate drug targets and biomarkers. Mol Omics 2020; 16:113-125. [PMID: 32095794 DOI: 10.1039/c9mo00198k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A novel list of potential biomarkers was generated from RNA-seq expression data and used to optimise cancer classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterling Ramroach
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- University of the West Indies
- Saint Augustine
- Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Ajay Joshi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- University of the West Indies
- Saint Augustine
- Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Melford John
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences
- University of the West Indies
- Saint Augustine
- Trinidad and Tobago
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Prasad SV, Fiedoruk K, Daniluk T, Piktel E, Bucki R. Expression and Function of Host Defense Peptides at Inflammation Sites. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010104. [PMID: 31877866 PMCID: PMC6982121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in the complex role of host defense peptides (HDPs) in the pathophysiology of several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The physicochemical properties and selective interaction of HDPs with various receptors define their immunomodulatory effects. However, it is quite challenging to understand their function because some HDPs play opposing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles, depending on their expression level within the site of inflammation. While it is known that HDPs maintain constitutive host protection against invading microorganisms, the inducible nature of HDPs in various cells and tissues is an important aspect of the molecular events of inflammation. This review outlines the biological functions and emerging roles of HDPs in different inflammatory conditions. We further discuss the current data on the clinical relevance of impaired HDPs expression in inflammation and selected diseases.
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S100 Proteins as Biomarkers in Risk Estimations for Malignant Transformation in Oral Lesions. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1929:763-771. [PMID: 30710310 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9030-6_48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Oncologic relevant members of S100 proteins are described as promising biomarkers in molecular pathology for risk estimation in oral neoplasia exhibiting different stages of malignancy: gingiva as healthy tissue, irritation fibroma as benign, leukoplakia as precancerous, and oral squamous cell carcinoma as malignant entity. Gene expression levels of S100A4 (metastasin), S100A7 (psoriasin), S100A8 (calgranulin A), and S100A9 (calgranulin B) were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, immunohistochemistry-based microscopy was used to examine cellular localization and distribution of these biomarkers in tissue sections. The results indicate that S100 proteins represent promising biomarkers for early-stage diagnosis in oral lesions. The inclusion of expression profiles and ratios for each entity even improves their diagnostic validity.
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Sun CQ, Arnold RS, Hsieh CL, Dorin JR, Lian F, Li Z, Petros JA. Discovery and mechanisms of host defense to oncogenesis: targeting the β-defensin-1 peptide as a natural tumor inhibitor. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:774-786. [PMID: 30900935 PMCID: PMC6605992 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1564564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human beta-defensin-1 (hBD-1) is one of a number of small cationic host-defense peptides. Besides its well-known broad-spectrum antimicrobial function, hBD-1 has recently been identified as a chromosome 8p tumor-suppressor gene. The role of hBD-1 in modulating the host immune response to oncogenesis, associated with cell signaling and potential therapeutic applications, has become increasingly appreciated over time. In this study, multiple approaches were used to illustrate hBD-1 anti-tumor activities. Results demonstrate that hBD-1 peptide alters human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) signal transduction and represses retroviral-mediated transgene expression in cancer cells. Loss of orthologous murine defense-1 (mBD1) in mice enhances nickel sulfate-induced leiomyosarcoma and causes mouse kidney cells to exhibit increased susceptibility to HPV-16 E6/7-induced neoplastic transformation. Furthermore, for the first time, a novel function of the urine-derived hBD-1 peptide was discovered to suppress bladder cancer growth and this may lead to future applications in the treatment of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Q. Sun
- Department of Urology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rebecca S. Arnold
- Department of Urology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chia-Ling Hsieh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Julia R. Dorin
- Center for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fei Lian
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zhenghong Li
- School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Human Province, P. R. China
| | - John A. Petros
- Department of Urology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
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Expression of Psoriasin in Human Papillomavirus-Induced Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2019; 23:33-38. [PMID: 30247221 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Persistent infection with human papillomavirus causes cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). The role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in premalignant and malignant transformation is not fully understood. In this study, we examined the expression of human β-defensin 1 (HBD-1), HBD-2, HBD-3, LL37, psoriasin, and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in women with HSIL before and 6 months after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Biopsies and secretion samples from the cervical canal were collected from 19 patients with HSIL and 14 healthy controls. The mRNA expression of HBD-1, HBD-2, HBD-3, LL37, psoriasin, and IL-8 was analyzed before and 6 months after surgery excision using reverse transcriptase real time polymerase chain reaction. For protein analyses, ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used for psoriasin and ELISA for IL-8. RESULTS The mRNA expression of psoriasin was lower in patients before treatment compared with healthy controls (p = .05). After surgery, when the infection was cleared, psoriasin increased on mRNA (p = .04) and protein (p = .03) levels compared with before treatment. Immunostaining for psoriasin after treatment was prominent and localized in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells. After treatment, IL-8 mRNA was reduced compared with before treatment (p = .05), but not on the protein level. No changes in mRNA expression of the other AMPs analyzed were observed in pretreatment and posttreatment samples. CONCLUSIONS In this study of AMP expression in human papillomavirus-induced HSIL, we observed lower psoriasin levels before surgery compared with after treatment, when both mRNA and protein levels were similar to healthy controls. Interleukin 8, on the other hand, was increased before treatment, indicating an inflammatory response.
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EGFR-targeting, β-defensin-tailored fusion protein exhibits high therapeutic efficacy against EGFR-expressed human carcinoma via mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 39:1777-1786. [PMID: 30013033 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0069-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Defensins play an essential role in innate immunity. In this study, a novel recombinant β-defensin that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was designed and prepared. The EGFR-targeting β-defensin consists of an EGF-derived oligopeptide (Ec), a β-defensin-1 peptide (hBD1) and a lidamycin-derived apoprotein (LDP), which serves as the "scaffold" for the fusion protein (Ec-LDP-hBD1). Ec-LDP-hBD1 effectively bound to EGFR highly expressed human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. The cytotoxicity of Ec-LDP-hBD1 to EGFR highly expressed A431 cells was more potent than that to EGFR low-expressed human lung carcinoma A549 and H460 cells (the IC50 values in A431, A549, and H460 cells were 1.8 ± 0.55, 11.9 ± 0.51, and 5.19 ± 1.21 μmol/L, respectively); in addition, the cytotoxicity of Ec-LDP-hBD1 was much stronger than that of Ec-LDP and hBD1. Moreover, Ec-LDP-hBD1 suppressed cancer cell proliferation and induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Its in vivo anticancer action was evaluated in athymic mice with A431 and H460 xenografts. The mice were administered Ec-LDP-hBD1 (5, 10 mg/kg, i.v.) two times with a weekly interval. Administration of Ec-LDP-hBD1 markedly inhibited the tumor growth without significant body weight changes. The in vivo imaging further revealed that Ec-LDP-hBD1 had a tumor-specific distribution with a clear image of localization. The results demonstrate that the novel recombinant EGFR-targeting β-defensin Ec-LDP-hBD1 displays both selectivity and enhanced cytotoxicity against relevant cancer cells by inducing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and exhibits high therapeutic efficacy against the EGFR-expressed carcinoma xenograft. This novel format of β-defensin, which induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, may play an active role in EGFR-targeting cancer therapy.
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Abstract
More than a decade has passed since the conceptualization of the "alarmin" hypothesis. The alarmin family has been expanding in terms of both number and the concept. It has recently become clear that alarmins play important roles as initiators and participants in a diverse range of physiological and pathophysiological processes such as host defense, regulation of gene expression, cellular homeostasis, wound healing, inflammation, allergy, autoimmunity, and oncogenesis. Here, we provide a general view on the participation of alarmins in the induction of innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as their contribution to tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Yang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Zhen Han
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Joost J Oppenheim
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
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19
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Human beta-defensin 3 contributes to the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer via activation of NF-κB signaling. Oncotarget 2018; 7:75902-75913. [PMID: 27713149 PMCID: PMC5342786 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human beta-defensin 3 (hBD3), an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expressed in epithelium in response to various stimulations including human papillomavirus infection, has recently been found to be overexpressed in head and neck cancers and exhibit tumorigenic activities. However, the role of hBD3 in cervical cancer remains to be investigated. In this study, we showed by immunohistochemistry that hBD3 expression was elevated in cervical cancer samples of different stages versus the normal tissue, and was positively correlated with the progression of the disease. Overexpression of hBD3 in cervical cancer cell lines promoted cell proliferation by accelerating G1/S progression and enhanced cell migration and invasion in vitro. These oncogenic effects of hBD3 were associated with activation of NF-κB signaling. Using a mouse xenograft model, we further demonstrated that hBD3 overexpression promoted the growth of cervical cancer cells in vivo. Our results suggested that hBD3 is involved in the carcinogenesis and development of cervical cancer, and may serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target of this disease.
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20
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Zhou J, Zhang Y, Li L, Fu H, Yang W, Yan F. Human β-defensin 3-combined gold nanoparticles for enhancement of osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells in inflammatory microenvironments. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:555-567. [PMID: 29416335 PMCID: PMC5790078 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s150897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective It is a great challenge to absorb and conduct biophysicochemical interactions at the nano-bio interface. Peptides are emerging as versatile materials whose function can be programmed to perform specific tasks. Peptides combined nanoparticles might be utilized as a new approach of treatment. Human β-defensin 3 (hBD3), possesses both antimicrobial and proregeneration properties. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have shown promising applications in the field of tissue engineering. However, the coordinating effects of AuNPs and hBD3 on human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) remain unknown. In this study, we systematically investigated whether AuNPs and hBD3 would be able to coordinate and enhance the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs in inflammatory microenvironments, and the underlying mechanisms was explored. Methods hPDLCs were stimulated with E. coli-LPS, hBD3 and AuNPs. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S staining were used to observe the effects of hBD3 and AuNPs on the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs. Real-time PCR and western blot were performed to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related gene and protein expression. Results In the inflammatory microenvironments stimulated by E. coli-LPS, we found that AuNPs and hBD3 increased the proliferation of hPDLCs slightly. In addition, hBD3-combined AuNPs could significantly enhance ALP activities and mineral deposition in vitro. Meanwhile, we observed that the osteogenic differentiation-related gene and protein expressions of ALP, collagenase-I (COL-1) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2) were remarkably upregulated in the presence of hBD3 and AuNPs. Moreover, hBD3-combined AuNPs strongly activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and upregulated the gene and protein expression of β-catenin and cyclin D1. Furthermore, hBD3-combined AuNPs induced osteogenesis, which could be reversed by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor (ICG-001). Conclusion The present study demonstrated that hBD3 combined AuNPs could significantly promote the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs in inflammatory microenvironments via activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangheng Zhang
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingjun Li
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Huangmei Fu
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Centre for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Wenrong Yang
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Centre for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Fuhua Yan
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Ribeiro CM, Ferreira LGA, Thimoteo DS, Smith LB, Hinton BT, Avellar MCW. Novel androgen-induced activity of an antimicrobial β-defensin: Regulation of Wolffian duct morphogenesis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 442:142-152. [PMID: 27989506 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The Wolffian duct (WD) undergoes morphological changes induced by androgens to form the epididymis, which is an organ essential for sperm maturation. Androgen action in WD epithelium involves paracrine factors of mesenchymal origin that function by still poorly understood mechanisms. Here we studied the antimicrobial β-defensin SPAG11C as a new player in duct morphogenesis, localized prenatally in the WD mesenchyme. Organotypic culture of rat WDs and tissues from Androgen Receptor (AR) knockout mice (ARKO) were used. Our results show that androgen/AR signaling differentially regulated SPAG11C expression at mRNA and protein levels in the developing WD. WDs incubated with recombinant human SPAG11C were shorter and less coiled as a result of reduced epithelial cell proliferation, but not increased apoptosis. Our results suggested β-defensin SPAG11C as an androgen-target required for WD morphogenesis. This highlights the multifunctional repertoire of the β-defensin protein family and their potential contribution to the in utero environment that determines male reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M Ribeiro
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas G A Ferreira
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Thimoteo
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Hoppe T, Kraus D, Novak N, Probstmeier R, Frentzen M, Wenghoefer M, Jepsen S, Winter J. Oral pathogens change proliferation properties of oral tumor cells by affecting gene expression of human defensins. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:13789-13798. [PMID: 27481514 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5281-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of oral pathogens onto the generation and variability of oral tumors has only recently been investigated. To get further insights, oral cancer cells were treated with pathogens and additionally, as a result of this bacterial cellular infection, with human defensins, which are as anti-microbial peptide members of the innate immune system. After cell stimulation, proliferation behavior, expression analysis of oncogenic relevant defensin genes, and effects on EGFR signaling were investigated. The expression of oncogenic relevant anti-microbial peptides was analyzed with real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Cell culture experiments were performed to examine cellular impacts caused by stimulation, i.e., altered gene expression, proliferation rate, and EGF receptor-dependent signaling. Incubation of oral tumor cells with an oral pathogen (Porphyromonas gingivalis) and human α-defensins led to an increase in cell proliferation. In contrast, another oral bacterium used, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, enhanced cell death. The bacteria and anti-microbial peptides exhibited diverse effects on the transcript levels of oncogenic relevant defensin genes and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. These two oral pathogens exhibited opposite primary effects on the proliferation behavior of oral tumor cells. Nevertheless, both microbe species led to similar secondary impacts on the proliferation rate by modifying expression levels of oncogenic relevant α-defensin genes. In this respect, oral pathogens exerted multiplying effects on tumor cell proliferation. Additionally, human defensins were shown to differently influence epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, supporting the hypothesis that these anti-microbial peptides serve as ligands of EGFR, thus modifying the proliferation behavior of oral tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hoppe
- Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - D Kraus
- Department of Prosthodontics, Preclinical Education, and Material Science, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - N Novak
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - R Probstmeier
- Neuro- and Tumor Cell Biology Group, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - M Frentzen
- Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - M Wenghoefer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - S Jepsen
- Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - J Winter
- Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany.
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Kraus D, Reckenbeil J, Wenghoefer M, Stark H, Frentzen M, Allam JP, Novak N, Frede S, Götz W, Probstmeier R, Meyer R, Winter J. Ghrelin promotes oral tumor cell proliferation by modifying GLUT1 expression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:1287-99. [PMID: 26407611 PMCID: PMC11108541 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In our study, ghrelin was investigated with respect to its capacity on proliferative effects and molecular correlations on oral tumor cells. The presence of all molecular components of the ghrelin system, i.e., ghrelin and its receptors, was analyzed and could be detected using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. To examine cellular effects caused by ghrelin and to clarify downstream-regulatory mechanisms, two different oral tumor cell lines (BHY and HN) were used in cell culture experiments. Stimulation of either cell line with ghrelin led to a significantly increased proliferation. Signal transduction occurred through phosphorylation of GSK-3β and nuclear translocation of β-catenin. This effect could be inhibited by blocking protein kinase A. Glucose transporter1 (GLUT1), as an important factor for delivering sufficient amounts of glucose to tumor cells having high requirements for this carbohydrate (Warburg effect) was up-regulated by exogenous and endogenous ghrelin. Silencing intracellular ghrelin concentrations using siRNA led to a significant decreased expression of GLUT1 and proliferation. In conclusion, our study describes the role for the appetite-stimulating peptide hormone ghrelin in oral cancer proliferation under the particular aspect of glucose uptake: (1) tumor cells are a source of ghrelin. (2) Ghrelin affects tumor cell proliferation through autocrine and/or paracrine activity. (3) Ghrelin modulates GLUT1 expression and thus indirectly enhances tumor cell proliferation. These findings are of major relevance, because glucose uptake is assumed to be a promising target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Kraus
- Department of Prosthodontics, Preclinical Education, and Material Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Reckenbeil
- Department of Prosthodontics, Preclinical Education, and Material Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Wenghoefer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Helmut Stark
- Department of Prosthodontics, Preclinical Education, and Material Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Frentzen
- Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jean-Pierre Allam
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Natalija Novak
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stilla Frede
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Werner Götz
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Meyer
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jochen Winter
- Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany.
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Winter J, Kraus D, Reckenbeil J, Probstmeier R. Oncogenic relevant defensins: expression pattern and proliferation characteristics of human tumor cell lines. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:7959-66. [PMID: 26711780 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4701-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate gene expression levels of oncogenic relevant human defensins and their impact on proliferation rates of 29 cell lines derived from main types of different tumor origins. Differential gene expression analysis of human defensins was performed by real-time PCR experiments. The proliferation rate of tumor cells that had been cultivated in the absence or presence of biologically active peptides was analyzed with a lactate dehydrogenase assay kit. At least one member of the defensin family was expressed in each tumor cell line, whereby α-defensin (DEFA1), DEFA2, or DEFA3 transcripts could be ubiquitously detected. Cell lines of neural origin (glioma, neuroblastoma, and small-cell lung carcinoma) expressed far less human β-defensins (hBDs) in comparison to other tumor types. The expression level of a specific defensin in various cell lines could vary by more than five orders of magnitude. Compensatory mechanisms on the expression levels of the different defensins could not be strictly observed. Only in 3 out of 29 tumor cell lines the proliferation rate was affected after defensin stimulation. The variable appearance of defensins, as well as the cell line-restricted functional activity, argues for the integration of defensins in complex cellular and molecular networks that tolerate rather flexible expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Winter
- Oral Cell Biology Group, Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Dominik Kraus
- Department of Prosthodontics, Preclinical Education, and Material Science, University of Bonn, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Reckenbeil
- Department of Prosthodontics, Preclinical Education, and Material Science, University of Bonn, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Probstmeier
- Neuro- and Tumor Cell Biology Group, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Bonn, 53105, Bonn, Germany
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Expression and new exon mutations of the human Beta defensins and their association on colon cancer development. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126868. [PMID: 26038828 PMCID: PMC4454434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer involves genetic predisposition and a variety of environmental exposures. Genome-wide linkage analyses provide evidence for the significant linkage of many diseases to susceptibility loci on chromosome 8p23, the location of the human defensin gene cluster. Human β-defensins (hBDs) are important molecules of innate immunity. This study was designed to analyze the expression and genetic variations in hBDs (hBD-1, hBD-2, hBD-3 and hBD-4) and their putative association with colon cancer. hBD gene expression and relative protein expression were evaluated by Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively, from 40 normal patients and 40 age-matched patients with colon cancer in Saudi Arabia. In addition, hBD polymorphisms were genotyped by exon sequencing and by promoter methylation. hBD-1, hBD-2, hBD-3 and hBD-4 basal messenger RNA expression was significantly lower in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. Several insertion mutations were detected in different exons of the analyzed hBDs. However, no methylation in any hBDs promoters was detected because of the limited number of CpG islands in these regions. We demonstrated for the first time a link between hBD expression and colon cancer. This suggests that there is a significant link between innate immunity deregulation through disruption of cationic peptides (hBDs) and the potential development of colon cancer.
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Conlon JM. Host-defense peptides of the skin with therapeutic potential: From hagfish to human. Peptides 2015; 67:29-38. [PMID: 25794853 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that peptides that were first identified on the basis of their ability to inhibit growth of bacteria and fungi are multifunctional and so are more informatively described as host-defense peptides. In some cases, their role in protecting the organism against pathogenic microorganisms, although of importance, may be secondary. A previous article in the journal (Peptides 2014; 57:67-77) assessed the potential of peptides present in the skin secretions of frogs for development into anticancer, antiviral, immunomodulatory and antidiabetic drugs. This review aims to extend the scope of this earlier article by focusing upon therapeutic applications of host-defense peptides present in skin secretions and/or skin extracts of species belonging to other vertebrate classes (Agnatha, Elasmobranchii, Teleostei, Reptilia, and Mammalia as represented by the human) that supplement their potential role as anti-infectives for use against multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
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Wang WM, Ye P, Qian YJ, Gao YF, Li JJ, Sun FF, Zhang WY, Wang X. Effects of whole cigarette smoke on human beta defensins expression and secretion by oral mucosal epithelial cells. Tob Induc Dis 2015; 13:3. [PMID: 25635179 PMCID: PMC4310021 DOI: 10.1186/s12971-015-0029-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cigarette smoke a recognized risk factor for many systemic diseases and also oral diseases. Human beta defensins (HBDs), a group of important antimicrobial peptides expressed by the epithelium, are crucial for local defense and tissue homeostasis of oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential effects of whole cigarette smoke (WCS) exposure on the expression and secretion of HBDs by oral mucosal epithelial cells. Methods Immortalized human oral mucosal epithelial (Leuk-1) cells were exposed to WCS for various time periods. HBD-1, -2 and -3 expression and subcellular localization were detected by real time qPCR, immunofluorescence assay and confocal microscopy. According to the relative fluorescent intensity, the expression levels of HBD-1, -2 and -3 were evaluated by digital image analysis system. The alteration of HBD-1, -2 and -3 secretion levels was measured by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Results WCS exposure remarkably attenuated HBD-1 expression and secretion while clearly enhanced HBD-2, -3 expression levels and HBD-2 secretion by Leuk-l cells. It appeared that there was no significant effect of WCS exposure on HBD-3 secretion. Conclusions WCS exposure could modulate expression and secretion of HBDs by oral mucosal epithelial cells, establishing a link between cigarette smoke and abnormal levels of antimicrobial peptides. The present results may give a new perspective to investigate smoking-related local defense suppression and oral disease occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Mei Wang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Institute and Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical School, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Pei Ye
- Department of Oral Medicine, Institute and Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical School, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Ya-Jie Qian
- Department of Oral Medicine, Institute and Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical School, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Ya-Fan Gao
- Department of Oral Medicine, Institute and Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical School, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Jing-Jing Li
- Department of Oral Medicine, Institute and Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical School, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Fang-Fang Sun
- Department of Prosthodontics, Institute and Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 21008 China.,Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory, Medical School, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093 China
| | - Wei-Yun Zhang
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory, Medical School, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093 China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Institute and Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical School, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, 210008 China.,Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory, Medical School, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093 China
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29
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Lim W, Song G. Discovery of prognostic factors for diagnosis and treatment of epithelial-derived ovarian cancer from laying hens. J Cancer Prev 2014; 18:209-20. [PMID: 25337548 PMCID: PMC4189469 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2013.18.3.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a lethal gynecological cancer causing cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. It is difficult to diagnosis at an early stage when more than 90% patients can be cured because of lack of specific symptoms and early detection markers. Most of malignant ovarian tumors are originated from the germinal epithelium of the ovary. For investigation with animal models of epithelial-derived ovarian cancer (EOC), laying hens are the most relevant animal models because they spontaneously develop EOC as occurs in women through ovulating almost every day. As in women, EOC in the hen is age-related and grossly and histologically similar to that in women. However, domesticated animals are inappropriate for research human EOC due to multiple pregnancies and lactating or seasonally anestrous. In addition, the non-spontaneous nature of rodents EOC limits clinical relevance with human EOC. Recent studies have shown that ovarian cancer could arise from epithelium from the oviduct as oviduct-related genes are up-regulated in EOC of hens. Therefore, we showed in the review: 1) characterization and classification of EOC; 2) chicken models for EOC; 3) relationship estrogen with EOC; 4) candidate prognostic factors for EOC including serpin peptidase inhibior, clade B (ovalbumin), member 3 (SERPINB3), SERPINB11, gallicin 11 (GAL11), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and alpha 2 macroglobulin (A2M) in normal and cancerous ovaries of laying hens; 5) biological roles of microRNAs in development of EOC. Collectively, the present reviews indicate that expression of SERPINB3, SERPINB11, GAL11, SPP1 and A2M is clearly associated with the development of ovarian carcinogenesis. These results provide new insights into the prognostic biomarkers for EOC to diagnose and to evaluate responses to therapies for treating EOC of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whasun Lim
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
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30
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Human β-defensin messenger RNA is overexpressed in the cervical epithelia of patients with nongonococcal cervicitis. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2014; 17:440-5. [PMID: 23774076 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0b013e318281f1a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human β-defensin (hBD) is an innate immune mediator present in the mucosae. This study aimed to investigate whether hBD is implicated in nongonococcal cervicitis (NGC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-two patients with NGC and 64 healthy volunteers were consecutively enrolled between April 2010 and May 2011. Sensitive antimicrobial treatment was assigned to patients with NGC. Cervical tissues were sampled for the semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses of hBD-1, hBD-2, and hBD-3 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. RESULTS The hBD-1, hBD-2, and hBD-3 mRNAs were comparably expressed in normal cervical tissues. The expression of hBD-1 mRNA was similar between patients with NGC and control subjects, whereas those of hBD-2 and hBD-3 mRNAs were significantly up-regulated in patients with NGC (1.25 [0.38] vs 1.08 [0.31], p = .005; 1.26 [0.35] vs 1.04 [0.30], p < .001). The relative expression level of hBD-1 mRNA remained unchanged in pathogen-eliminated patients, whereas those of hBD-2 mRNA (1.33 [0.42] vs 1.04 [0.36], p = .012) and hBD-3 mRNA (1.23 [0.32] vs 1.13 [0.26], p = .009) decreased significantly after the successful antimicrobial treatment. CONCLUSIONS Expressions of hBD-2 and hBD-3 mRNA are up-regulated in NGC, suggesting the role of mucosal immunity in NGC.
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Alterations of skin innate immunity in lymphedematous limbs: Correlations with opportunistic diseases. Clin Dermatol 2014; 32:592-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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32
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Vincent-Chong VK, Karen-Ng LP, Abdul Rahman ZA, Yang YH, Anwar A, Zakaria Z, Jayaprasad Pradeep P, Kallarakkal TG, Kiong Tay K, Thomas Abraham M, Mazlipah Ismail S, Zain RB. Distinct pattern of chromosomal alterations and pathways in tongue and cheek squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2014; 36:1268-1278. [PMID: 31615169 DOI: 10.1002/hed.23448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the cause of behavioral difference between tongue and cheek squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) by verifying the copy number alterations (CNAs). METHODS Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was used to profile unique deletions and amplifications that are involved with tongue and cheek SCC, respectively. This was followed by pathway analysis relating to CNA genes from both sites. RESULTS The most frequently amplified regions in tongue SCC were 4p16.3, 11q13.4, and 13q34; whereas the most frequently deleted region was 19p12. For cheek SCC, the most frequently amplified region was identified on chromosome 9p24.1-9p23; whereas the most common deleted region was located on chromosome 8p23.1. Further analysis revealed that the most significant unique pathway related to tongue and cheek SCCs was the cytoskeleton remodeling and immune response effect on the macrophage differentiation pathway. CONCLUSION This study has showed the different genetic profiles and biological pathways between tongue and cheek SCCs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1268-1278, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vui King Vincent-Chong
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Center, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lee Peng Karen-Ng
- Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Center, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zainal Ariff Abdul Rahman
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Center, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yi-Hsin Yang
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung
| | - Arif Anwar
- Sengenics Sdn Bhd, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Zubaidah Zakaria
- Department of Haematology, Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Padmaja Jayaprasad Pradeep
- Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Center, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thomas George Kallarakkal
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Keng Kiong Tay
- Oral Health Division, Ministry of Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | | | - Siti Mazlipah Ismail
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rosnah Binti Zain
- Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Center, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Uraki S, Sugimoto K, Shiraki K, Tameda M, Inagaki Y, Ogura S, Kasai C, Nojiri K, Yoneda M, Yamamoto N, Takei Y, Nobori T, Ito M. Human β-defensin-3 inhibits migration of colon cancer cells via downregulation of metastasis-associated 1 family, member 2 expression. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:1059-64. [PMID: 24969834 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system plays an important role as the first line of defense against many types of microbes. Accumulating reports suggest that human β-defensins (hBDs) are expressed by and have certain roles in some cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the roles of hBD-3 in colon cancer cells. The expression of hBD-3 was examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of colon cancer cell lines and immunohistochemical staining of colon cancer tissues. The effect of hBD-3 on proliferation of colon cancer was assessed using the MTT assay and a real-time cell analyzer, and the effect of hBD-3 on the migration of colon cancer cells was also examined. The results showed that hBD-3 is not expressed in colon cancer cells but is produced by tumor-infiltrating monocytes. Migration of colon cancer cells was significantly inhibited by hBD-3 in a dose-dependent manner, although proliferation of colon cancer cells was not affected by administration of hBD-3. Moreover, reduced expression of metastasis-associated 1 family, member 2 (MTA2) mRNA in colon cancer cells was associated with exposure to hBD-3. In conclusion, progression of colon cancer was inhibited by hBD-3 in a paracrine fashion. Therefore, hBD-3 may be a potent new agent for treating colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Uraki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Kazushi Sugimoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Katsuya Shiraki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Masahiko Tameda
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Yuji Inagaki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Suguru Ogura
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Chika Kasai
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Nojiri
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Misao Yoneda
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Norihiko Yamamoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Takei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nobori
- Department of Molecular and Laboratory Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Masaaki Ito
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
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Kamino Y, Kurashige Y, Uehara O, Sato J, Nishimura M, Yoshida K, Arakawa T, Nagayasu H, Saitoh M, Abiko Y. HBD-2 is downregulated in oral carcinoma cells by DNA hypermethylation, and increased expression of hBD-2 by DNA demethylation and gene transfection inhibits cell proliferation and invasion. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:462-8. [PMID: 24927104 PMCID: PMC4091880 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2) is a type of epithelial antimicrobial peptide. The expression level of hBD-2 mRNA is lower in oral carcinoma cells (OCCs) than in healthy oral epithelium. Yet, it is still unknown how hBD-2 expression is downregulated in OCCs. The present study investigated DNA hypermethylation of hBD-2 in OCCs and the effect of the demethylation and increased expression of hBD-2 on cell proliferation and invasion. Six different types of oral carcinoma cell lines (OSC-19, BSC-OF, SAS, HSC-2, HSC-4 and HSY) and normal oral keratinocytes (NOKs) were used. The expression levels of hBD-2 in all OCCs were significantly lower than that in the NOKs. Treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-dC, at the concentration of 50 µM significantly induced upregulation of expression of hBD-2 in the OCCs. Using methylation-specific PCR, DNA hypermethylation was observed in all OCCs. These results suggest that DNA hypermethylation is, at least in part, involved in the decreased expression of hBD-2 in OCCs. We examined the effect of 5-aza-dC on the cell proliferation and invasive ability of OCCs. The cell invasion assays showed that the number of OCCs treated with 5-aza-dC on the filters was significantly lower than that of the controls. We examined whether increased expression of hBD-2 generated by gene transfection inhibited the proliferation and invasion of SAS cells. The number of SAS cells exhibiting increased expression of hBD-2 on the filters in the invasion assay were significantly lower on day 7 when compared with the control. hBD-2 may function as a tumor suppressor. Increased expression of hBD-2 induced by demethylation or increased expression generated by gene transfection may be useful therapeutic methods for oral carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Kamino
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Kurashige
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
| | - Osamu Uehara
- Division of Disease Control and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
| | - Jun Sato
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
| | - Michiko Nishimura
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
| | - Koki Yoshida
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
| | - Toshiya Arakawa
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nagayasu
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
| | - Masato Saitoh
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Abiko
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
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35
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Wang G. Human antimicrobial peptides and proteins. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2014; 7:545-94. [PMID: 24828484 PMCID: PMC4035769 DOI: 10.3390/ph7050545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As the key components of innate immunity, human host defense antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) play a critical role in warding off invading microbial pathogens. In addition, AMPs can possess other biological functions such as apoptosis, wound healing, and immune modulation. This article provides an overview on the identification, activity, 3D structure, and mechanism of action of human AMPs selected from the antimicrobial peptide database. Over 100 such peptides have been identified from a variety of tissues and epithelial surfaces, including skin, eyes, ears, mouths, gut, immune, nervous and urinary systems. These peptides vary from 10 to 150 amino acids with a net charge between -3 and +20 and a hydrophobic content below 60%. The sequence diversity enables human AMPs to adopt various 3D structures and to attack pathogens by different mechanisms. While α-defensin HD-6 can self-assemble on the bacterial surface into nanonets to entangle bacteria, both HNP-1 and β-defensin hBD-3 are able to block cell wall biosynthesis by binding to lipid II. Lysozyme is well-characterized to cleave bacterial cell wall polysaccharides but can also kill bacteria by a non-catalytic mechanism. The two hydrophobic domains in the long amphipathic α-helix of human cathelicidin LL-37 lays the basis for binding and disrupting the curved anionic bacterial membrane surfaces by forming pores or via the carpet model. Furthermore, dermcidin may serve as ion channel by forming a long helix-bundle structure. In addition, the C-type lectin RegIIIα can initially recognize bacterial peptidoglycans followed by pore formation in the membrane. Finally, histatin 5 and GAPDH(2-32) can enter microbial cells to exert their effects. It appears that granulysin enters cells and kills intracellular pathogens with the aid of pore-forming perforin. This arsenal of human defense proteins not only keeps us healthy but also inspires the development of a new generation of personalized medicine to combat drug-resistant superbugs, fungi, viruses, parasites, or cancer. Alternatively, multiple factors (e.g., albumin, arginine, butyrate, calcium, cyclic AMP, isoleucine, short-chain fatty acids, UV B light, vitamin D, and zinc) are able to induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides, opening new avenues to the development of anti-infectious drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
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36
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Wang P, Duan D, Zhou X, Li X, Yang J, Deng M, Xu Y. Relationship between expression of human gingival beta-defensins and levels of periodontopathogens in subgingival plaque. J Periodontal Res 2014; 50:113-22. [PMID: 24814979 DOI: 10.1111/jre.12187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Human beta-defensins (hBDs) are a group of antimicrobial peptides important in epithelial innate immunity, and their differential expression is associated with periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to explore relationships among hBDs, total subgingival bacteria and periodontopathogens in healthy subjects and in patients with chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The periodontal clinical parameters of 29 healthy subjects and 25 patients with chronic periodontitis were recorded. The relative expression of hBD1, hBD2 and hBD3 genes in gingival biopsies was measured using real-time PCR. The numbers of total bacteria and of Treponema denticola, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Tannerella forsythia in subgingival plaque were quantified by real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's rank correlation test. RESULTS No significant differences in expression of the hBD genes were found between the group of healthy subjects and the group of patients with chronic periodontitis. Total bacteria and T. denticola were detected in all participants. F. nucleatum and T. forsythia were detected in all patients with chronic periodontitis and in 86.21% and 51.72%, respectively, of healthy volunteers. P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans were detected in 24.14% and 17.24%, respectively, of the healthy group and in 84.00% and 12.00%, respectively, of the chronic periodontitis group. The prevalence of all bacteria, except A. actinomycetemcomitans, was significantly higher in the group of patients with chronic periodontitis than in the group of healthy subjects (p < 0.05). A significant, negative correlation was observed between total bacteria and hBD-2 (r = -0.384, p = 0.011). Upon analyzing the data in different groups, total bacteria and hBD-2 were significantly correlated (r = -0.492, p = 0.026) only in the group of healthy subjects. CONCLUSION The negative correlations between hBD-2 and total bacteria, especially in the group of healthy subjects, indicate that hBDs may play an important role by limiting an increase of bacterial load at the initial stage of periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Chengdu, China; Department of Applied Oral Sciences, Center for Periodontology, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
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37
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Han Q, Wang R, Sun C, Jin X, Liu D, Zhao X, Wang L, Ji N, Li J, Zhou Y, Ye L, Liang X, Jiang L, Liao G, Dan H, Zeng X, Chen Q. Human beta-defensin-1 suppresses tumor migration and invasion and is an independent predictor for survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91867. [PMID: 24658581 PMCID: PMC3962354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human beta-defensin-1 (hBD-1) has recently been considered as a candidate tumor suppressor in renal and prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of hBD-1 in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its potential as diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for OSCC. Methods HBD-1 expression in tissues at different stages of oral carcinogenesis, as well as OSCC cell lines was examined. HBD-1 was overexpressed in HSC-3, UM1, SCC-9 and SCC-25 cells and subjected to cell growth, apoptosis, migration and invasion assays. Tissue microarray constructed with tissues from 175 patients was used to examine clinicopathological significance of hBD-1 expression in OSCC. Results HBD-1 expression decreased from oral precancerous lesions to OSCC and was lower in OSCC with lymph node metastasis than those without metastasis. In vitro, the expression of hBD-1 was related to the invasive potential of OSCC cell lines. Induction of exogenous expression of hBD-1 inhibited migration and invasion of OSCC cells, probably by regulation of RhoA, RhoC and MMP-2; but had no significant effect on proliferation or apoptosis. In a cohort of patients with primary OSCC, cases with no expression of hBD-1 had more chance to be involved in lymph node metastasis. Eventually, the positive expression of hBD-1 was associated with longer survival of patients with OSCC, and multivariate analysis and ROC curve analysis confirmed hBD-1 positivity to be an independent prognostic factor of OSCC, especially OSCC at early stage. Conclusions Overall, these data indicated that hBD-1 suppressed tumor migration and invasion of OSCC and was likely to be a prognostic biomarker and a potential target for treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruinan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chongkui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongjuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lili Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ning Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinhua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ga Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongxia Dan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: (HD); (X. Zeng)
| | - Xin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: (HD); (X. Zeng)
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Pierson T, Learmonth-Pierson S, Pinto D, van Hoek ML. Cigarette smoke extract induces differential expression levels of beta-defensin peptides in human alveolar epithelial cells. Tob Induc Dis 2013; 11:10. [PMID: 23627872 PMCID: PMC3648470 DOI: 10.1186/1617-9625-11-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The damaging effects of cigarette smoke on the lungs are well known in terms of cancer risks. Additional molecular changes within the lung tissue can also occur as a result of exposure to cigarette smoke. The human β-defensin (hBD) class of antimicrobial peptides is the focus of our research. In addition to antimicrobial activity, β-defensins also have immunomodulatory functions. Over 30 previously unrecognized β-defensin genes have recently been identified in the human genome, many with yet to be determined functions. We postulated that altered β-defensin production may play a role in the pathogenesis observed in the lungs of smokers. Our hypothesis is that cigarette smoke exposure will affect the expression of β-defensins in human lung alveolar epithelial cells (A549). Methods We exposed A549 cells to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and measured the changes in mRNA levels of several antimicrobial peptides by quantitative real-time PCR, and directly observed peptide expression in cells by immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. Results We found that hBD3, hBD5, and hBD9 gene expression was upregulated in A549 cells exposed to CSE. HBD1, hBD8, hBD18 and LL-37 gene expression did not significantly change upon exposure to CSE. Expression of hBD3 and hBD4 peptides was visualized by IF. Conclusions This differential expression suggests that hBD3, hBD5, and hBD9 may play a role in the changes to the lung tissue observed in smokers. Establishing differential β-defensin expression following CSE treatment will add to our understanding of the molecular response of the lung alveolar epithelium to cigarette smoke exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Pierson
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA.
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Scola N, Gambichler T, Saklaoui H, Bechara FG, Georgas D, Stücker M, Gläser R, Kreuter A. The expression of antimicrobial peptides is significantly altered in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and precursor lesions. Br J Dermatol 2013; 167:591-7. [PMID: 22709331 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.11110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptides and proteins are not only effectors of the immune system but are also attributed important roles in tumour progression or tumour suppression in several malignancies such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). OBJECTIVES These reports encouraged us to systematically investigate the expression of different classes of antimicrobial peptides and proteins in tissue samples of cutaneous SCC and its precursor lesions. METHODS The protein expression of human beta-defensin (hBD)-1, -2, and -3, ribonuclease (RNase)-7 and the S100 protein psoriasin were analysed in 25 patients with actinic keratosis (AK), 30 with SCC in situ (SCCis), 23 with SCC, nine healthy skin controls and 10 healthy, chronically ultraviolet (UV)-exposed controls, by means of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Expression of hBD-1 was significantly reduced in SCC compared with UV-exposed healthy skin, AK and SCCis. RNase-7 expression was reduced gradually parallel to every step of malignant transformation, with the highest expression in healthy skin and the lowest expression in SCC. hBD-2 and psoriasin were significantly overexpressed in SCC and SCCis, compared with healthy controls. hBD-3 showed significantly more frequent expression in AK than in healthy controls, and in patients with SCCis and SCC. CONCLUSIONS It is tempting to speculate that hBD-1 and RNase-7 might act as tumour suppressors while hBD-2 and psoriasin might act in the opposite way as promoters of tumour progression. Further investigations should clarify whether hBD-2 and hBD-3 could be potential targets for the development of pharmacological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Scola
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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Sato J, Nishimura M, Yamazaki M, Yoshida K, Kurashige Y, Saitoh M, Abiko Y. Expression profile of drosomycin-like defensin in oral epithelium and oral carcinoma cell lines. Arch Oral Biol 2012; 58:279-85. [PMID: 23084467 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2012.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Revised: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Drosomycin-like defensin (DLD) is a recently discovered antimicrobial peptide mainly active against filamentous fungi. The present study investigated the expression profile of DLD in oral epithelium and oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines. METHODS Tissue sections of human oral mucosa, keratinocytes derived from oral mucosa (NOK) and eight kinds of SCC cell lines were used. In situ hybridization was performed on tissue sections of oral mucosa. Expression levels of DLD in the cells were observed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time RT-PCR assays. The cells were treated with IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α, and agonists for TLR2, TLR4 and β-glucan. DLD expression in cells was increased and decreased by the DLD gene and its siRNA transfection, respectively. The proliferation rates were assessed by cell counting. RESULTS By means of in situ hybridization, DLD mRNA positive staining was detected in the epithelial layer of the oral mucosa. An RT-PCR assay confirmed the expression of DLD mRNA in keratinocytes derived from oral epithelium. Expression of DLD in two out of eight cell lines was significantly lower than in NOK cells. The expression levels of DLD mRNA were not significantly changed in the cells stimulated with any cytokines or agonists. The cell proliferation rate where there was decreased expression of DLD was significantly lower than in the control. CONCLUSION DLD may be partially involved in the defence against filamentous fungal infection in the oral mucosa, and may also serve other functions, such as contribution to cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sato
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
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Winter J, Pantelis A, Kraus D, Reckenbeil J, Reich R, Jepsen S, Fischer HP, Allam JP, Novak N, Wenghoefer M. Human α-defensin (DEFA) gene expression helps to characterise benign and malignant salivary gland tumours. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:465. [PMID: 23050799 PMCID: PMC3518101 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of the infrequence of salivary gland tumours and their complex histopathological diagnosis it is still difficult to exactly predict their clinical course by means of recurrence, malignant progression and metastasis. In order to define new proliferation associated genes, purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of human α-defensins (DEFA) 1/3 and 4 in different tumour entities of the salivary glands with respect to malignancy. METHODS Tissue of salivary glands (n=10), pleomorphic adenomas (n=10), cystadenolymphomas (n=10), adenocarcinomas (n=10), adenoidcystic carcinomas (n=10), and mucoepidermoid carcinomas (n=10) was obtained during routine surgical procedures. RNA was extracted according to standard protocols. Transcript levels of DEFA 1/3 and 4 were analyzed by quantitative realtime PCR and compared with healthy salivary gland tissue. Additionally, the proteins encoded by DEFA 1/3 and DEFA 4 were visualized in paraffin-embedded tissue sections by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Human α-defensins are traceable in healthy as well as in pathological altered salivary gland tissue. In comparison with healthy tissue, the gene expression of DEFA 1/3 and 4 was significantly (p<0.05) increased in all tumours - except for a significant decrease of DEFA 4 gene expression in pleomorphic adenomas and a similar transcript level for DEFA 1/3 compared to healthy salivary glands. CONCLUSIONS A decreased gene expression of DEFA 1/3 and 4 might protect pleomorphic adenomas from malignant transformation into adenocarcinomas. A similar expression pattern of DEFA-1/3 and -4 in cystadenolymphomas and inflamed salivary glands underlines a potential importance of immunological reactions during the formation of Warthin's tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Winter
- Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr, 1753111, Bonn, Germany
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Swain N, Kumar SV, Richa, Pathak J. DEFENSINS: Potent biomarkers in Oral Squamous cell Carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2012; 48:e29-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Winter J, Mohr S, Pantelis A, Kraus D, Allam JP, Novak N, Reich R, Martini M, Jepsen S, Götz W, Wenghoefer M. IGF-1 deficiency in combination with a low basic hBD-2 and hBD-3 gene expression might counteract malignant transformation in pleomorphic adenomas in vitro. Cancer Invest 2012; 30:106-13. [PMID: 22250586 DOI: 10.3109/07357907.2011.640651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the IGF-1-influence on oncological relevant genes in pleomorphic adenomas. Therefore A64-tumor cells were stimulated by recombinant IGF-1. After RNA-extraction, transcript levels of hBD-1, hBD-2, hBD-3, DEFA1/3, DEFA4, S100A4, Psoriasin, DOC-1, EGF, EGFR, and IGFR were analyzed by qRT-PCR at t = 0, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 hr. The gene-products were visualized by immunostaining. A64-tumor-cells were deficient for hBD-1 and IGF-1. IGF-1 downregulates hBD-2 and hBD-3 without influencing hBD-1-expression. IGF-1 only slightly affects DEFA1/3-, DEFA4-, S100A4-, Psoriasin-, DOC-1-, EGF-, EGFR-, and IGFR-gene-expression. IGF-1-deficiency combined with low basic hBD-2-gene-expression and hBD-3-gene-expression might counteract, whereas hBD-1-deficiency promotes malignant transformation in pleomorphic adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Winter
- Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr, Bonn, Germany
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Kesting MR, Stoeckelhuber M, Kuppek A, Hasler R, Rohleder N, Wolff KD, Nieberler M. Human β-defensins and psoriasin/S100A7 expression in salivary glands: anti-oncogenic molecules for potential therapeutic approaches. BioDrugs 2012; 26:33-42. [PMID: 22149099 DOI: 10.2165/11597570-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Host defence peptides (HDPs), including human β-defensins (hBDs) and psoriasin/S100A7, exert antimicrobial and immunoregulatory functions of the innate defense system. In addition to these functions, the search for cancer biomarkers has identified HDPs as playing a potential role in both tumor suppression and oncogenesis. Although HDPs are highly expressed in salivary glands, their role as molecules for potential diagnostic and therapeutic approaches has not yet been analyzed. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate whether expression levels of putative pro- or anti-oncogenic hBDs, including hBD-1, -2, -3, and psoriasin/S100A7, are altered in salivary gland tumor tissue as potential targets for molecular-based therapeutic approaches. METHODS We analyzed the expression levels of hBD-1, -2, -3, and psoriasin/S100A7 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qrt-PCR) and immunohistochemistry in a case control study by comparing salivary gland tumor samples relative to healthy control specimens from 58 patients. Expression level analysis of hBD-1, -2, -3, and psoriasin/S100A7 by qrt-PCR was normalized to the endogenous 18S rRNA expression levels. RESULTS The results demonstrate the significant downregulation of hBD-1 (p < 0.001), hBD-2 (p = 0.003), hBD-3 (p = 0.002), and psoriasin/S100A7 (p = 0.003) mRNA in human salivary gland tumors compared with healthy control specimens. Protein expression levels of hBD-1, -2, -3, and psoriasin/S100A7 in salivary gland tumor tissue were strongly reduced compared with healthy control specimens. CONCLUSION The data indicates a putative role of the innate defense system in salivary gland tumor formation. The identification of immunoregulatory molecules as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets could provide new approaches for molecular-based diagnostic and therapeutic support to treat salivary gland tumors as well as other malignancies. We suggest that HDPs should be taken into consideration for use in molecular-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco R Kesting
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Röhrl J, Huber B, Koehl GE, Geissler EK, Hehlgans T. Mouse β-defensin 14 (Defb14) promotes tumor growth by inducing angiogenesis in a CCR6-dependent manner. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:4931-9. [PMID: 22504651 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
β-Defensins are known for their antimicrobial activity and belong to the molecular barrier of the innate immune system against invading pathogens. In addition, it has been shown that some members of the β-defensin superfamily have the capacity to promote local innate inflammatory and systemic adaptive immune responses, mediated in part by the interaction with CCR6. We found that mouse β-defensin 14 (mBD14, Defb14), a newly identified member of the mouse β-defensin superfamily, is expressed in mouse fibrosarcoma tumor tissue. Tumor cells overexpressing mBD14 demonstrated enhanced solid tumor growth in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice concomitant with increased vascularization of these tumors. Furthermore, mBD14-overexpressing tumors demonstrated increased expression of proangiogenic MIP-2 (CXCL2) ex vivo. In contrast, vascular endothelial growth factor expression was not affected. Cellular analysis of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes revealed a significant increase of CCR6(+) B220(+) lymphocytes in solid tumors derived from mBD14-overexpressing tumor cells. Enhanced tumor growth of mBD14-overexpressing fibrosarcomas was abolished in CCR6-deficient mice, which was paralleled by decreased infiltration of CCR6(+) B220(+) lymphocytes, indicating the requirement of CCR6 expression on host cells. Previously, the interaction of activated, LTαβ(+), lymphocytes with lymphotoxin β-receptor-expressing fibrosarcoma tumor cells has been identified as a new CXCL2-dependent proangiogenic pathway. Coexpression of a soluble lymphotoxin β-receptor:Ig fusion protein, an inhibitor of CXCL2-dependent angiogenesis, in mBD14-overexpressing fibrosarcoma tumor cells abolished enhanced solid tumor growth. Thus, we conclude that mBD14 expression by tumor-infiltrating host cells results in the chemoattraction of CCR6(+) B220(+) lymphocytes, which in turn initiates a proangiogenic pathway leading to enhanced angiogenesis and organized tumor tissue development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Röhrl
- Department of Immunology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Semple F, Dorin JR. β-Defensins: multifunctional modulators of infection, inflammation and more? J Innate Immun 2012; 4:337-48. [PMID: 22441423 DOI: 10.1159/000336619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins comprise one of the largest groups of host defence peptides, present throughout evolution, in fungi and flowering plants as well as in invertebrates and vertebrates. These cysteine-rich, cationic peptides have a common ability to kill a broad range of microorganisms including bacteria, yeast and viruses. As such, they are a strong component of the arsenal that is an organism's innate immunity. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that antimicrobial action is only one of the numerous roles of these multifunctional peptides. In recent years, the functions of defensins in immunomodulation have been widely investigated, and their involvement in other processes (such as fertility) is becoming evident. This review addresses recent advances in the immunomodulatory activity of β-defensins as well as the involvement of β-defensins in fertility, development, wound healing and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Semple
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Kraus D, Deschner J, Jäger A, Wenghoefer M, Bayer S, Jepsen S, Allam JP, Novak N, Meyer R, Winter J. Human β-defensins differently affect proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of osteoblast-like MG63 cells. J Cell Physiol 2011; 227:994-1003. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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