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Cumplido-Laso G, Benitez DA, Mulero-Navarro S, Carvajal-Gonzalez JM. Transcriptional Regulation of Airway Epithelial Cell Differentiation: Insights into the Notch Pathway and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14789. [PMID: 37834236 PMCID: PMC10573127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The airway epithelium is a critical component of the respiratory system, serving as a barrier against inhaled pathogens and toxins. It is composed of various cell types, each with specific functions essential to proper airway function. Chronic respiratory diseases can disrupt the cellular composition of the airway epithelium, leading to a decrease in multiciliated cells (MCCs) and an increase in secretory cells (SCs). Basal cells (BCs) have been identified as the primary stem cells in the airway epithelium, capable of self-renewal and differentiation into MCCs and SCs. This review emphasizes the role of transcription factors in the differentiation process from BCs to MCCs and SCs. Recent advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) techniques have provided insights into the cellular composition of the airway epithelium, revealing specialized and rare cell types, including neuroendocrine cells, tuft cells, and ionocytes. Understanding the cellular composition and differentiation processes within the airway epithelium is crucial for developing targeted therapies for respiratory diseases. Additionally, the maintenance of BC populations and the involvement of Notch signaling in BC self-renewal and differentiation are discussed. Further research in these areas could provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying airway epithelial homeostasis and disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Cumplido-Laso
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (D.A.B.); (S.M.-N.)
| | | | | | - Jose Maria Carvajal-Gonzalez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (D.A.B.); (S.M.-N.)
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Yeung-Luk BH, Narayanan GA, Ghosh B, Wally A, Lee E, Mokaya M, Wankhade E, Zhang R, Lee B, Park B, Resnick J, Jedlicka A, Dziedzic A, Ramanathan M, Biswal S, Pekosz A, Sidhaye VK. SARS-CoV-2 infection alters mitochondrial and cytoskeletal function in human respiratory epithelial cells mediated by expression of spike protein. mBio 2023; 14:e0082023. [PMID: 37504520 PMCID: PMC10470579 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00820-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, SCV2), which has resulted in higher morbidity and mortality rate than other respiratory viral infections, such as Influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of SCV2-host infection vs IAV is vital in exploring antiviral drug targets against SCV2. We assessed differential gene expression in human nasal cells upon SCV2 or IAV infection using RNA sequencing. Compared to IAV, we observed alterations in both metabolic and cytoskeletal pathways suggestive of epithelial remodeling in the SCV2-infected cells, reminiscent of pathways activated as a response to chronic injury. We found that spike protein interaction with the epithelium was sufficient to instigate these epithelial responses using a SCV2 spike pseudovirus. Specifically, we found downregulation of the mitochondrial markers SIRT3 and TOMM22. Moreover, SCV2 spike infection increased extracellular acidification and decreased oxygen consumption rate in the epithelium. In addition, we observed cytoskeletal rearrangements with a reduction in the actin-severing protein cofilin-1 and an increase in polymerized actin, indicating epithelial cytoskeletal rearrangements. This study revealed distinct epithelial responses to SCV2 infection, with early mitochondrial dysfunction in the host cells and evidence of cytoskeletal remodeling that could contribute to the worsened outcome in COVID-19 patients compared to IAV patients. These changes in cell structure and energetics could contribute to cellular resilience early during infection, allowing for prolonged cell survival and potentially paving the way for more chronic symptoms. IMPORTANCE COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic affecting millions of people worldwide, resulting in a higher mortality rate and concerns of more persistent symptoms compared to influenza A. To study this, we compare lung epithelial responses to both viruses. Interestingly, we found that in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the cellular energetics changed and there were cell structural rearrangements. These changes in cell structure could lead to prolonged epithelial cell survival, even in the face of not working well, potentially contributing to the development of chronic symptoms. In summary, these findings represent strategies utilized by the cell to survive the infection but result in a fundamental shift in the epithelial phenotype, with potential long-term consequences, which could set the stage for the development of chronic lung disease or long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie H. Yeung-Luk
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Baishakhi Ghosh
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ara Wally
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Esther Lee
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle Mokaya
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Esha Wankhade
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brianna Lee
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bongsoo Park
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Aging, National Institute of Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jessica Resnick
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anne Jedlicka
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amanda Dziedzic
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Murugappan Ramanathan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shyam Biswal
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Venkataramana K. Sidhaye
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Pi P, Zeng Z, Zeng L, Han B, Bai X, Xu S. Molecular mechanisms of COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1218059. [PMID: 37601070 PMCID: PMC10436482 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1218059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first broke out in Hubei Province, China, at the end of 2019. It has brought great challenges and harms to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 mainly affects the lungs and is mainly manifested as pulmonary disease. However, one of the biggest crises arises from the emergence of COVID-19-induced fibrosis. At present, there are still many questions about how COVID-19 induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) occurs and how to treat and regulate its long-term effects. In addition, as an important process of fibrosis, the effect of COVID-19 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be an important factor driving PF. This review summarizes the main pathogenesis and treatment mechanisms of COVID-19 related to PF. Starting with the basic mechanisms of PF, such as EMT, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, inflammation, macrophages, innate lymphoid cells, matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, hedgehog pathway as well as Notch signaling. Further, we highlight the importance of COVID-19-induced EMT in the process of PF and provide an overview of the related molecular mechanisms, which will facilitate future research to propose new clinical therapeutic solutions for the treatment of COVID-19-induced PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Pi
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhipeng Zeng
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Liqing Zeng
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Han
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Xizhe Bai
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shousheng Xu
- School of Sports Engineering, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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Durairajan SSK, Singh AK, Saravanan UB, Namachivayam M, Radhakrishnan M, Huang JD, Dhodapkar R, Zhang H. Gastrointestinal Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2: Transmission, Pathogenesis, Immunomodulation, Microflora Dysbiosis, and Clinical Implications. Viruses 2023; 15:1231. [PMID: 37376531 DOI: 10.3390/v15061231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical manifestation of COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in the respiratory system of humans is widely recognized. There is increasing evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 possesses the capability to invade the gastrointestinal (GI) system, leading to the manifestation of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and GI lesions. These symptoms subsequently contribute to the development of gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nevertheless, the pathophysiological mechanisms linking these GI symptoms to SARS-CoV-2 infection remain unelucidated. During infection, SARS-CoV-2 binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and other host proteases in the GI tract during the infection, possibly causing GI symptoms by damaging the intestinal barrier and stimulating inflammatory factor production, respectively. The symptoms of COVID-19-induced GI infection and IBD include intestinal inflammation, mucosal hyperpermeability, bacterial overgrowth, dysbiosis, and changes in blood and fecal metabolomics. Deciphering the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and understanding its exacerbation may provide insights into disease prognosis and pave the way for the discovery of potential novel targets for disease prevention or treatment. Besides the usual transmission routes, SARS-CoV-2 can also be transmitted via the feces of an infected person. Hence, it is crucial to implement preventive and control measures in order to mitigate the fecal-to-oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Within this context, the identification and diagnosis of GI tract symptoms during these infections assume significance as they facilitate early detection of the disease and the development of targeted therapeutics. The present review discusses the receptors, pathogenesis, and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, with a particular focus on the induction of gut immune responses, the influence of gut microbes, and potential therapeutic targets against COVID-19-induced GI infection and IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abhay Kumar Singh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvarur 610005, India
| | - Udhaya Bharathy Saravanan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvarur 610005, India
| | - Mayurikaa Namachivayam
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvarur 610005, India
| | - Moorthi Radhakrishnan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvarur 610005, India
| | - Jian-Dong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Rahul Dhodapkar
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Government of India, Puducherry 605006, India
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Ismail MMF, El-Awady RR, Farrag AM, Mahmoud SH, Abo Shama NM, Mostafa A, Ali MA, Rashed MH, Ibrahim IH. Potential role of PIM1 inhibition in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:65. [PMID: 37211584 PMCID: PMC10200336 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00520-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 infection involves disturbing multiple molecular pathways related to immunity and cellular functions. PIM1 is a serine/threonine-protein kinase found to be involved in the pathogenesis of several viral infections. One PIM1 substrate, Myc, was reported to interact with TMPRSS2, which is crucial for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. PIM1 inhibitors were reported to have antiviral activity through multiple mechanisms related to immunity and proliferation. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral activity of 2-pyridone PIM1 inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 and its potential role in hindering the progression of COVID-19. It also aimed to assess PIM1 inhibitor's effect on the expression of several genes of Notch signaling and Wnt pathways. In vitro study was conducted on Vero-E6 cells infected by SARS-CoV-2 "NRC-03-nhCoV" virus. Protein-protein interaction of the study genes was assessed to evaluate their relation to cell proliferation and immunity. The effect of 2-pyridone PIM1 inhibitor treatment on viral load and mRNA expression of target genes was assessed at three time points. RESULTS Treatment with 2-pyridone PIM1 inhibitor showed potential antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (IC50 of 37.255 µg/ml), significantly lowering the viral load. Functional enrichments of the studied genes include negative regulation of growth rate, several biological processes involved in cell proliferation, and Interleukin-4 production, with interleukin-6 as a predicted functional partner. These results suggest an interplay between study genes with relation to cell proliferation and immunity. Following in vitro SARS-CoV-2 infection, Notch pathway genes, CTNNB1, SUMO1, and TDG, were found to be overexpressed compared to uninfected cells. Treatment with 2-pyridone PIM1 inhibitor significantly lowers the expression levels of study genes, restoring Notch1 and BCL9 to the control level while decreasing Notch2 and CTNNB1 below control levels. CONCLUSION 2-pyridone PIM1 inhibitor could hinder cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 and modulate several pathways implicated in immunity, suggesting a potential benefit in the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda M. F. Ismail
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rehab R. El-Awady
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11884 Cairo Egypt
| | - Amal M. Farrag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara H. Mahmoud
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noura M. Abo Shama
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Ali
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohammed H. Rashed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iman H. Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11884 Cairo Egypt
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Diani S, Leonardi E, Cavezzi A, Ferrari S, Iacono O, Limoli A, Bouslenko Z, Natalini D, Conti S, Mantovani M, Tramonte S, Donzelli A, Serravalle E. SARS-CoV-2-The Role of Natural Immunity: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:6272. [PMID: 36362500 PMCID: PMC9655392 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity to COVID-19 may be useful to reduce the mortality/morbidity of this disease, but still a lot of controversy exists. AIMS This narrative review analyzes the literature regarding these two immunitary processes and more specifically: (a) the duration of natural immunity; (b) cellular immunity; (c) cross-reactivity; (d) the duration of post-vaccination immune protection; (e) the probability of reinfection and its clinical manifestations in the recovered patients; (f) the comparisons between vaccinated and unvaccinated as to the possible reinfections; (g) the role of hybrid immunity; (h) the effectiveness of natural and vaccine-induced immunity against Omicron variant; (i) the comparative incidence of adverse effects after vaccination in recovered individuals vs. COVID-19-naïve subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS through multiple search engines we investigated COVID-19 literature related to the aims of the review, published since April 2020 through July 2022, including also the previous articles pertinent to the investigated topics. RESULTS nearly 900 studies were collected, and 246 pertinent articles were included. It was highlighted that the vast majority of the individuals after suffering from COVID-19 develop a natural immunity both of cell-mediated and humoral type, which is effective over time and provides protection against both reinfection and serious illness. Vaccine-induced immunity was shown to decay faster than natural immunity. In general, the severity of the symptoms of reinfection is significantly lower than in the primary infection, with a lower degree of hospitalizations (0.06%) and an extremely low mortality. CONCLUSIONS this extensive narrative review regarding a vast number of articles highlighted the valuable protection induced by the natural immunity after COVID-19, which seems comparable or superior to the one induced by anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Consequently, vaccination of the unvaccinated COVID-19-recovered subjects may not be indicated. Further research is needed in order to: (a) measure the durability of immunity over time; (b) evaluate both the impacts of Omicron BA.5 on vaccinated and healed subjects and the role of hybrid immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Diani
- School of Musictherapy, Université Européenne Jean Monnet, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Oriana Iacono
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Mirandola Hospital, 41037 Mirandola, Italy
| | - Alice Limoli
- ARPAV (Regional Agency for the Environment Protection), 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Zoe Bouslenko
- Cardiology Department, Valdese Hospital, 10100 Torino, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Silvano Tramonte
- Environment and Health Commission, National Bioarchitecture Institute, 20121 Milano, Italy
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