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Song H, Liang GQ, Yu MS, Shan Y, Shi J, Jiang CB, Ni DL, Sheng MX. Shen-yan-yi-hao oral solution ameliorates IgA nephropathy via intestinal IL-17/NF-κB pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118335. [PMID: 38754644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis in the world, it is one of the most common causes of kidney disease and can lead to end-stage kidney disease, however, its pathogenesis is still complicated. The Shen-yan-yi-hao oral solution (SOLI) is an effective prescription for the clinical treatment of IgAN while its specific mechanism remains to be further elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study investigates SOLI's effects on IgAN in rats, particularly on the intestinal mucosal barrier, and identifies potential therapeutic targets through network pharmacology and molecular docking, validated experimentally. MATERIALS AND METHODS Target genes for SOLI in IgAN were identified and analysed through molecular docking and KEGG pathway enrichment. An IgAN rat model examined SOLI's effect on renal biomarkers and cytokines involved in specific pathways, ileum mucosal lesions, and the intestinal immune system. The IL-17 pathway's role was studied in IEC-6 cells with SOLI in vitro. RESULT Rats developed increased proteinuria and kidney damage marked by IgA deposition and inflammation. SOLI treatment significantly ameliorated these symptoms, reduced galactose-deficient Ig A1 (Gd-IgA1), and decreased cytokines like IL-17, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β etc. SOLI also normalized intestinal tight junction protein expression, ameliorated intestinal damage, and regulated intestinal immune response (focused on IL-17/NF-κB signal pathway). SOLI moderated the abnormally activated IL-17 pathway, which damages intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting IgAN treatment potential. CONCLUSION SOLI reduces proteinuria and enhances intestinal mucosal function in IgAN rats, kidney protection in the IgAN rat model may initiate from modulating the intestinal IL-17/NF-κB pathway and subsequent Gd-IgA1 accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Song
- Nephropathy Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China; Nephropathy Department, The Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 18 Yangsu Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Guo-Qiang Liang
- Nephropathy Department, The Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 18 Yangsu Road, Suzhou, 215000, China; Suzhou Academy of Wumen Chinese Medicine, 18 Yangsu Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Man-Shu Yu
- Nephropathy Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Yun Shan
- Nephropathy Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Jun Shi
- Nephropathy Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Chun-Bo Jiang
- Nephropathy Department, The Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 18 Yangsu Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Dao-Lei Ni
- Nephropathy Department, The Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 18 Yangsu Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Mei-Xiao Sheng
- Nephropathy Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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Zhu W, Chen Y, Xiao J, Cheng C, Ma G, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Chen M. Ferroptosis-Related Genes in IgA Nephropathy: Screening for Potential Targets of the Mechanism. Int J Genomics 2024; 2024:8851124. [PMID: 39171207 PMCID: PMC11338665 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8851124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims: Exploring key genes and potential molecular pathways of ferroptosis in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Methods: The IgAN datasets and ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) were obtained in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and FerrDb database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using R software and intersected with FRGs to obtain differentially expressed FRGs (DE-FRGs). After that, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis (PEA) and Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation were performed on DE-FRGs. In the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) website, we construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The PPI network was further investigated with screening hub genes with Cytoscape software. The core genes were then subjected to gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Finally, the samples were analyzed for immune infiltration in R, and the correlation between hub genes and immune cells was analyzed. Results: A total of 347 DEGs were identified. CD44, CDO1, CYBB, IL1B, RRM2, AKR1C1, activated transcription factor-3 (ATF3), CDKN1A, GDF15, JUN, MGST1, MIOX, MT1G, NR4A1, PDK4, TNFAIP3, and ZFP36 were determined as DE-FRGs. JUN, IL1B, and ATF3 were then screened as hub genes. GSEA and immune infiltration analysis revealed that the hub genes were closely associated with immune inflammatory responses such as NOD-like receptor signaling, IL-17 signaling, and TNF signaling. Conclusions: Our results show that JUN and ATF3 are possibly critical genes in the process of IgAN ferroptosis and may be related with immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Zhu
- Department of Renal DivisionHeilongjiang Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Harbin, China
- College of Traditional Chinese MedicineChangchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Renal DivisionHeilongjiang Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Department of Renal DivisionHeilongjiang Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Chuchu Cheng
- Department of Renal DivisionHeilongjiang Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Guijie Ma
- Department of Renal DivisionHeilongjiang Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Renal DivisionHeilongjiang Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yonggang Zhang
- Department of Renal DivisionFirst People's Hospital of Qiqihar City, Qiqihar, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Renal DivisionHeilongjiang Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Harbin, China
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Qing J, Li C, Zhi H, Zhang L, Wu J, Li Y. Exploring macrophage heterogeneity in IgA nephropathy: Mechanisms of renal impairment and current therapeutic targets. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 140:112748. [PMID: 39106714 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112748] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The lack of understanding of the mechanism of renal injury in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) hinders the development of personalized treatment plans and targeted therapies. Improved insight into the cause of renal dysfunction in IgAN is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of strategies for slowing the progression of the disease. This study examined single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq) and bulk-RNA seq data and found that the gene expression of renal intrinsic cells (RIC) was significantly changed in patients with renal impairment, with a primary focus on energy metabolism. We discovered a clear metabolic reprogramming of RIC during renal function impairment (RF) using the 'scMetabolism' package, which manifested as a weakening of oxidative phosphorylation, alterations in fatty acid metabolism, and changes in glycolysis. Cellular communication analysis revealed that communication between macrophages (Ma) and RIC became more active and impacted cell function through the ligand-receptor-transcription factor (L-R-TF) axis in patients with RF. Our studies showed a notable upsurge in the expression of gene CLU and the infiltration of CLU+ Ma in patients with RF. CLU is a multifunctional protein, extensively involved in processes such as cell apoptosis and immune responses. Data obtained from the Nephroseq V5 database and multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) were used to validate the findings, which were found to be robustly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of the IgAN patients, as demonstrated by linear regression (LR). This study provides new insights into the cellular and molecular changes that occur in IgAN during renal impairment, revealing that elevated expression of CLU and CLU+ Ma percolation are common features in patients with RF. These findings offer potential targets and strategies for personalized management and targeted therapy of IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Qing
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Nephrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Changqun Li
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Nephrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Huiwen Zhi
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Junnan Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Yafeng Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital (Fifth Hospital), Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Medicinal Basic Research Innovation Center of Chronic Kidney Disease, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Core Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital (Fifth Hospital), Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Academy of Microbial Ecology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Nephrology, Hejin Municipal People's Hospital, Yuncheng 043300, China.
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Cai A, Meng Y, Zhou H, Cai H, Shao X, Wang Q, Xu Y, Zhou Y, Zhou W, Chen L, Mou S. Podocyte Pathogenic Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Pathway and Immune Cell Behaviors in Primary Membranous Nephropathy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2404151. [PMID: 38785168 PMCID: PMC11304328 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease, and the most frequent cause of massive proteinuria in nondiabetic adults, resulting in fatal complications. However, the underlying pathomechanisms of PMN remain largely unclear. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing is employed to analyze kidney biopsies from eleven PMN patients and seven healthy subjects. Profiling 44 060 cells from patients allowed us to characterize the cellular composition and cell-type-specific gene expression in the PMN kidney. The complement-induced BMP2/pSMAD1/COL4 pathway is identified as the pathogenic pathway in podocytes, bridging two key events, i.e., complement system activation and glomerular basement membrane thickening in PMN. Augmented infiltration and activation of myeloid leukocytes and B lymphocytes are found, profiling delicate crosstalk of immune cells in PMN kidneys. Overall, these results provide valuable insights into the roles of podocytes and immune cells in PMN, and comprehensive resources toward the complete understanding of PMN pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anxiang Cai
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Yiwei Meng
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Hong Cai
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Xinghua Shao
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Yao Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Yin Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Wenyan Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Luonan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced StudyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhou310024China
- School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghai Tech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Shan Mou
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
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Zhai Y, Tian H, Zhang W, Sun S, Zhao Z. Genome-wide analysis of long noncoding RNAs as cis-acting regulators of transcription factor-encoding genes in IgA nephropathy. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304301. [PMID: 38787831 PMCID: PMC11125480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis in the world, but the disease pathogenesis noncoding is yet to be elucidated. Previous studies have revealed regulatory functions for long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in various diseases; however, the roles of lncRNA in IgAN and regulation of transcription factors (TFs) have been scarcely investigated. METHODS Renal tissue samples (n = 5) from patients with IgAN and control samples (n = 4) were collected and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed. Four software programs were employed for lncRNA prediction. GO (Gene Ontology)/KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) were employed for analysis of the identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A regulatory network model of DE lncRNA-TF-DEG was developed, and the levels of expression of key lncRNAs, TFs, and corresponding target genes were assessed using qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence. RESULTS The current study identified 674 upregulated and 1,011 downregulated DE mRNAs and 260 upregulated and 232 downregulated DE lncRNAs in IgAN samples compared with control samples. The upregulated DE mRNAs showed enrichment in cell adhesion and collagen glial fiber organization pathways. The DE lncRNAs-DE mRNAs showing co-expression are associated with transmembrane transport. A novel regulatory network model of lncRNA-TF-DEG has been developed. This study identified seven TFs that are cis-regulated by 6 DE lncRNAs, and show co-expression with 132 DEGs (correlation coefficient ≥ 0.8, P ≤ 0.01), generating 158 pairs that showed co-expression. The lncRNAs NQO1-DT and RP5-1057120.6 were found to be highly expressed in IgAN samples. The TFs vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and NFAT5, along with their target genes were also aberrantly expressed. CONCLUSION Key lncRNAs and TFs centrally associated with IgAN have been identified in this study. A regulatory network model of lncRNA-TF-mRNA was constructed. Further studies on the genes identified herewith could provide insight into the pathogenesis of IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Zhai
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- The Renal Research Institution of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Tian
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- The Renal Research Institution of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenhui Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- The Renal Research Institution of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuaigang Sun
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- The Renal Research Institution of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhanzheng Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- The Renal Research Institution of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Lv X, Shang Y, Ning Y, Yu W, Wang J. Pharmacological targets of SGLT2 inhibitors on IgA nephropathy and membranous nephropathy: a mendelian randomization study. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399881. [PMID: 38846092 PMCID: PMC11155304 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emerging research suggests that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may play a pivotal role in the treatment of primary glomerular diseases. This study was aimed to investigate potential pharmacological targets connecting SGLT2 inhibitors with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and membranous nephropathy (MN). Methods A univariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets. Co-localization analysis was used to identify potential connections between target genes and IgAN and MN. Then, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was employed to predict diseases associated with these target genes and SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin). Subsequently, phenotypic scan analyses were applied to explore the causal relationships between the predicted diseases and target genes. Finally, we analyzed the immune signaling pathways involving pharmacological target genes using the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG). Results The results of MR analysis revealed that eight drug targets were causally linked to the occurrence of IgAN, while 14 drug targets were linked to MN. In the case of IgAN, LCN2 and AGER emerged as co-localized genes related to the pharmacological agent of dapagliflozin and the occurrence of IgAN. LCN2 was identified as a risk factor, while AGER was exhibited a protective role. KEGG analysis revealed that LCN2 is involved in the interleukin (IL)-17 immune signaling pathway, while AGER is associated with the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) signaling immune pathway. No positive co-localization results of the target genes were observed between two other SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin and empagliflozin) and the occurrence of IgAN, nor between the three SGLT2 inhibitors and the occurrence of MN. Conclusion Our study provided evidence supporting a causal relationship between specific SGLT2 inhibitors and IgAN. Furthermore, we found that dapagliflozin may act on IgAN through the genes LCN2 and AGER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Shang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Ning
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weimin Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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Reily C, Moldoveanu Z, Pramparo T, Hall S, Huang ZQ, Rice T, Novak L, Komers R, Jenkinson CP, Novak J. Sparsentan ameliorates glomerular hypercellularity and inflammatory-gene networks induced by IgA1-IgG immune complexes in a mouse model of IgA nephropathy. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F862-F875. [PMID: 38511222 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00253.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by glomerular deposition of immune complexes (ICs) consisting of IgA1 with O-glycans deficient in galactose (Gd-IgA1) and Gd-IgA1-specific IgG autoantibodies. These ICs induce kidney injury, and in the absence of disease-specific therapy, up to 40% of patients with IgAN progress to kidney failure. IgA1 with its clustered O-glycans is unique to humans, which hampered development of small-animal models of IgAN. Here, we used a model wherein engineered ICs (EICs) formed from human Gd-IgA1 and recombinant human IgG autoantibody are injected into nude mice to induce glomerular injury mimicking human IgAN. In this model, we assessed the protective effects of sparsentan, a single-molecule dual endothelin angiotensin receptor antagonist (DEARA) versus vehicle on EIC-induced glomerular proliferation and dysregulation of gene expression in the kidney. Oral administration of sparsentan (60 or 120 mg/kg daily) to mice intravenously injected with EIC attenuated the EIC-induced glomerular hypercellularity. Furthermore, analysis of changes in the whole kidney transcriptome revealed that key inflammatory and proliferative biological genes and pathways that are upregulated in this EIC model of IgAN were markedly reduced by sparsentan, including complement genes, integrin components, members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, and Fc receptor elements. Partial overlap between mouse and human differentially expressed genes in IgAN further supported the translational aspect of the immune and inflammatory components from our transcriptional findings. In conclusion, our data indicate that in the mouse model of IgAN, sparsentan targets immune and inflammatory processes leading to protection from mesangial hypercellularity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanisms by which deposited IgA1 immune complexes cause kidney injury during early phases of IgA nephropathy are poorly understood. We used an animal model we recently developed that involves IgA1-IgG immune complex injections and determined pathways related to the induced mesangioproliferative changes. Treatment with sparsentan, a dual inhibitor of endothelin type A and angiotensin II type 1 receptors, ameliorated the induced mesangioproliferative changes and the associated alterations in the expression of inflammatory genes and networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Reily
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Zina Moldoveanu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Tiziano Pramparo
- Travere Therapeutics Incorporated, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Stacy Hall
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Zhi-Qiang Huang
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Terri Rice
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Lea Novak
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Radko Komers
- Travere Therapeutics Incorporated, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Celia P Jenkinson
- Travere Therapeutics Incorporated, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Jan Novak
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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Li JJ, Li L, Li S, Tang XY, Sun HF, Liu JX. Sinomenine Hydrochloride Protects IgA Nephropathy Through Regulating Cell Growth and Apoptosis of T and B Lymphocytes. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:1247-1262. [PMID: 38645988 PMCID: PMC11032719 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s449119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sinomenine hydrochloride (SH) is used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and may also be efficacious against Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). However, no trial has investigated the molecular mechanism of SH on IgAN. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of SH on IgAN. Methods The pathological changes and IgA and C3 depositions in the kidney of an IgAN rat model were detected by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and direct immunofluorescence staining. After extracting T and B cells using immunomagnetic beads, we assessed their purity, cell cycle phase, and apoptosis stage through flow cytometry. Furthermore, we quantified cell cycle-related and apoptosis-associated proteins by Western blotting. Results SH reduced IgA and C3 depositions in stage 4 IgAN, thereby decreasing inflammatory cellular infiltration and mesangial injury in an IgAN model induced using heteroproteins. Furthermore, SH arrested the cell cycle of lymphocytes T and B from the spleen of IgAN rats. Regarding the mechanism, our results demonstrated that SH regulated the Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E1 protein levels for arresting the cell cycle and it also regulated Bax and Bcl-2 protein levels, thus increasing Cleaved caspase-3 protein levels in Jurkat T and Ramos B cells. Conclusion SH exerts a dual regulation on the cell cycle and apoptosis of T and B cells by controlling cell cycle-related and apoptosis-associated proteins; it also reduces inflammatory cellular infiltration and mesangial proliferation. These are the major mechanisms of SH in IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jian Li
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, People’s Republic of China
- Harbin Voolga Technology Co., Ltd., Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yi Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui-Feng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Xin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, People’s Republic of China
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Tang R, Lin W, Shen C, Hu X, Yu L, Meng T, Zhang L, Eggenhuizen PJ, Ooi JD, Jin P, Ding X, Xiao X, Zhong Y. Single-cell transcriptomics uncover hub genes and cell-cell crosstalk in patients with hypertensive nephropathy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111104. [PMID: 37897949 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive nephropathy (HTN) is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease, yet the molecular mechanisms are still unknown. To explore novel mechanisms and gene targets for HTN, the gene expression profiles of renal biopsy samples obtained from 2 healthy living donor controls and 5 HTN patients were determined by single-cell RNA sequencing. Key hub genes expression were validated by the Nephroseq v5 platform. The HTN endothelium upregulated cellular adhesion genes (ICAM2 and CEACAM1), inflammatory genes (ETS2 and IFI6) and apoptosis related genes (CNN3). Proximal tubules in HTN highly expressed hub genes including BBOX1, TPM1, TMSB10, SDC4, and NUP58, which might be potential novel targets for proximal tubular injury. The upregulated genes in tubules of HTN were mainly participating in inflammatory signatures including IFN-γ signature, NF-κB signaling, IL-12 signaling and Wnt signaling pathway. Receptor-ligand interaction analysis indicated potential cell-cell crosstalk between endothelial cells or mesangial cells with other renal resident cells in HTN. Together, our data identify a distinct cell-specific gene expression profile, pathogenic inflammatory signaling and potential cell-cell communications between endothelial cells or mesangial cells with other renal resident cells in HTN. These findings may provide a promising novel landscape for mechanisms and treatment of human HTN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chanjuan Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Xueling Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Leilin Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Nephrology, Jiujiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ting Meng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Peter J Eggenhuizen
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Joshua D Ooi
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Ding
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangcheng Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yong Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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10
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Feng X, Chen Q, Zhong J, Yu S, Wang Y, Jiang Y, Wan J, Li L, Jiang H, Peng L, Wang A, Zhang G, Wang M, Yang H, Li Q. Molecular characteristics of circulating B cells and kidney cells at the single-cell level in special types of primary membranous nephropathy. Clin Kidney J 2023; 16:2639-2651. [PMID: 38046035 PMCID: PMC10689139 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) associated with podocyte autoantibodies (POS) is becoming well-known, the molecular characteristics of the specific type of pMN that is negative for podocyte autoantibodies (NEG) is still unclear. Methods We performed single-cell transcriptome sequencing and single-cell B cell receptor sequencing on circulating CD19+ cells and kidney cells of a NEG paediatric patient with pMN. The single-cell datasets of POS patients and healthy control individuals were included for integrative analysis. Results The gene expression characteristics and clonal expansion of naïve and memory B cells in the NEG patient changed significantly. We found that a group of CD38+ naïve B cells expanded in the NEG patient, which had the functional characteristics of cell activation. In addition, the conversion between immunoglobulin M (IgM)/IgD and IgG1 in the NEG patient was increased. Parietal epithelial cells (PECs) and podocytes shared similar signature genes (WT1, CLIC5), and new candidate marker genes for PECs, such as NID2, CAV1 and THY1, might contribute to the definition of cell subsets. PECs might have undergone significant changes in the disease, mainly manifested by changes in the expression of CCN2, PLAAT4 and SEPTIN2. The scores of gene sets related to extracellular matrix, cell adhesion and calcium channel in podocytes of the NEG patient was significantly increased. The gene expression of sodium transporter in a group of proximal tubule cells in the disease was significantly increased, especially SLC5A12, which might be related to the oedema of patients. Conclusions Our research demonstrated the cell type-specific molecular features in the circulation and kidney of the NEG pMN patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Feng
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Qilin Chen
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinjie Zhong
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Sijie Yu
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Nanjing Jiangbei New Area Biopharmaceutical Public Service Platform, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaru Jiang
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Junli Wan
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Nanjing Jiangbei New Area Biopharmaceutical Public Service Platform, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huimin Jiang
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Liping Peng
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Anshuo Wang
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaofu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiping Yang
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Nephrology Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
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11
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Chen Q, Jiang H, Ding R, Zhong J, Li L, Wan J, Feng X, Peng L, Yang X, Chen H, Wang A, Jiao J, Yang Q, Chen X, Li X, Shi L, Zhang G, Wang M, Yang H, Li Q. Cell-type-specific molecular characterization of cells from circulation and kidney in IgA nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1231937. [PMID: 37908345 PMCID: PMC10613708 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1231937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a relatively rare and serious presentation of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) (NS-IgAN). Previous research has suggested that the pathogenesis of NS-IgAN may involve circulating immune imbalance and kidney injury; however, this has yet to be fully elucidated. To investigate the cellular and molecular status of NS-IgAN, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and kidney cells from pediatric patients diagnosed with NS-IgAN by renal biopsy. Consistently, the proportion of intermediate monocytes (IMs) in NS-IgAN patients was higher than in healthy controls. Furthermore, flow cytometry confirmed that IMs were significantly increased in pediatric patients with NS. The characteristic expression of VSIG4 and MHC class II molecules and an increase in oxidative phosphorylation may be important features of IMs in NS-IgAN. Notably, we found that the expression level of CCR2 was significantly increased in the CMs, IMs, and NCMs of patients with NS-IgAN. This may be related to kidney injury. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are classified into two subsets of cells: Treg1 (CCR7 high, TCF7 high, and HLA-DR low) and Treg2 (CCR7 low, TCF7 low, and HLA-DR high). We found that the levels of Treg2 cells expressed significant levels of CCR4 and GATA3, which may be related to the recovery of kidney injury. The state of NS in patients was closely related to podocyte injury. The expression levels of CCL2, PRSS23, and genes related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition were significantly increased in podocytes from NS-IgAN patients. These represent key features of podocyte injury. Our analysis suggests that PTGDS is significantly downregulated following injury and may represent a new marker for podocytes. In this study, we systematically analyzed molecular events in the circulatory system and kidney tissue of pediatric patients with NS-IgAN, which provides new insights for targeted therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Huimin Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Rong Ding
- Nanjing Jiangbei New Area Biopharmaceutical Public Service Platform Co. Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinjie Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Nanjing Jiangbei New Area Biopharmaceutical Public Service Platform Co. Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junli Wan
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoqian Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Liping Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Han Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Anshuo Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Jiao
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuelan Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaofu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiping Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
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12
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Li C, Wei A, Qin Y. Expression of GADD45B in Renal Tissue of Children with IgA Nephropathy and Correlation with Mesangial Hypercellularity. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2023; 42:785-795. [PMID: 37534585 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2023.2239904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: We correlated the expression of growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein beta (GADD45B) in renal tissue with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) with clinical characteristics and mesangial hypercellularity. Materials and methods: Biopsies from IgAN children were divided into M0 and M1 groups based on the Oxford classification, and biopsies with minimal change disease (MCD) were selected as controls. The mesangial cell proliferation area was evaluated on PAS-stained tissues, and the relative level of GADD45B in renal tissue was assessed by immunohistochemical staining (IHC). Results: Compared with the MCD group, levels of GADD45B in the M0 and M1 groups were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Levels of GADD45B positively correlated with mesangial cell proliferation, proteinuria, and total cholesterol, negatively correlated with Alb levels. Conclusions: It is suggested that high expression of GADD45B may play a regulatory role in mesangial hypercellularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ailing Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuanhan Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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13
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Zanoni F, Abinti M, Belingheri M, Castellano G. Present and Future of IgA Nephropathy and Membranous Nephropathy Immune Monitoring: Insights from Molecular Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13134. [PMID: 37685941 PMCID: PMC10487514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) and Membranous Nephropathy (MN) are primary immune-mediated glomerular diseases with highly variable prognosis. Current guidelines recommend that greater immunologic activity and worse prognosis should guide towards the best treatment in an individualized approach. Nevertheless, proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate, the current gold standards for prognosis assessment and treatment guidance in primary glomerular diseases, may be altered with chronic damage and nephron scarring, conditions that are not related to immune activity. In recent years, thanks to the development of new molecular technologies, among them genome-wide genotyping, RNA sequencing techniques, and mass spectrometry, we have witnessed an outstanding improvement in understanding the pathogenesis of IgAN and MN. In addition, recent genome-wide association studies have suggested potential targets for immunomodulating agents, stressing the need for the identification of specific biomarkers of immune activity. In this work, we aim to review current evidence and recent progress, including the more recent use of omics techniques, in the identification of potential biomarkers for immune monitoring in IgAN and MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Zanoni
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (M.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Matteo Abinti
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (M.B.); (G.C.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Mirco Belingheri
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (M.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Castellano
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (M.B.); (G.C.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
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14
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Yu Z, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Ning X, Li T, Wei L, Wang Y, Bai X, Sun S. Cell Profiling of Acute Kidney Injury to Chronic Kidney Disease Reveals Novel Oxidative Stress Characteristics in the Failed Repair of Proximal Tubule Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11617. [PMID: 37511374 PMCID: PMC10380716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411617] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue around the world. A significant number of CKD patients originates from acute kidney injury (AKI) patients, namely "AKI-CKD". CKD is significantly related to the consequences of AKI. Damaged renal proximal tubular (PT) cell repair has been widely confirmed to indicate the renal prognosis of AKI. Oxidative stress is a key damage-associated factor and plays a significant role throughout the development of AKI and CKD. However, the relationships between AKI-CKD progression and oxidative stress are not totally clear and the underlying mechanisms in "AKI-CKD" remain indistinct. In this research, we constructed unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (UIRI)-model mice and performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of the kidney samples from UIRI and sham mice. We obtained our snRNA-seq data and validated the findings based on the joint analysis of public databases, as well as a series of fundamental experiments. Proximal tubular cells associated with failed repair express more complete senescence and oxidative stress characteristics compared to other subgroups. Furthermore, oxidative stress-related transcription factors, including Stat3 and Dnmt3a, are significantly more active under the circumstance of failed repair. What is more, we identified abnormally active intercellular communication between PT cells associated with failed repair and macrophages through the APP-CD74 pathway. More notably, we observed that the significantly increased expression of CD74 in hypoxia-treated TECs (tubular epithelial cells) was dependent on adjacently infiltrated macrophages, which was essential for the further deterioration of failed repair in PT cells. This research provides a novel understanding of the process of AKI to CKD progression, and the oxidative stress-related characteristics that we identified might represent a potentially novel therapeutic strategy against AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yuzhan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Ning
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Lei Wei
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yingxue Wang
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, Center for Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 124, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xiao Bai
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Shiren Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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15
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Xie M, Xie R, Huang P, Yap DYH, Wu P. GADD45A and GADD45B as Novel Biomarkers Associated with Chromatin Regulators in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11304. [PMID: 37511062 PMCID: PMC10379085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411304] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin regulators (CRs) are essential upstream regulatory factors of epigenetic modification. The role of CRs in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains unclear. We analyzed a bioinformatic analysis on the differentially expressed chromatin regulator genes in renal IRI patients using data from public domains. The hub CRs identified were used to develop a risk prediction model for renal IRI, and their expressions were also validated using Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry in a murine renal IRI model. We also examined the relationships between hub CRs and infiltrating immune cells in renal IRI and used network analysis to explore drugs that target hub CRs and their relevant downstream microRNAs. The results of machine learning methods showed that five genes (DUSP1, GADD45A, GADD45B, GADD45G, HSPA1A) were upregulated in renal IRI, with key roles in the cell cycle, p38 MAPK signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway. Two genes from the network, GADD45A and GADD45B (growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 45 alpha and beta), were chosen for the renal IRI risk prediction model. They all showed good performance in the testing and validation cohorts. Mice with renal IRI showed significantly upregulated GADD45A and GADD45B expression within kidneys compared to sham-operated mice. GADD45A and GADD45B showed correlations with plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in infiltrating immune cell analysis and enrichment in the MAPK pathway based on the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) method. Candidate drugs that target GADD45A and GADD45B include beta-escin, sertraline, primaquine, pimozide, and azacyclonol. The dysregulation of GADD45A and GADD45B is related to renal IRI and the infiltration of pDCs, and drugs that target GADD45A and GADD45B may have therapeutic potential for renal IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xie
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruiyan Xie
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Pengcheng Huang
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Desmond Y H Yap
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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16
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Zhu J, Lu J, Weng H. Single-cell RNA sequencing for the study of kidney disease. Mol Med 2023; 29:85. [PMID: 37400792 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00693-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The kidney is an important organ for maintaining normal metabolism and stabilising the internal environment, in which, the heterogeneity of cell types has hindered the progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying kidney disease. In recent years the application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in nephrology has developed rapidly. In this review, we summarized the technical platform related to scRNA-seq and the role of this technology in investigating the onset and development of kidney diseases, starting from several common kidney diseases (mainly including lupus nephritis, renal cell carcinoma, diabetic nephropathy and acute kidney injury), and provide a reference for the application of scRNA-seq in the study of kidney disease diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Zhu
- The College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Highway, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinrong Lu
- The College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Highway, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China
| | - Huachun Weng
- The College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Highway, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Tang R, Jin P, Shen C, Lin W, Yu L, Hu X, Meng T, Zhang L, Peng L, Xiao X, Eggenhuizen P, Ooi JD, Wu X, Ding X, Zhong Y. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the transcriptomic landscape of kidneys in patients with ischemic acute kidney injury. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:1177-1187. [PMID: 37083129 PMCID: PMC10278705 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common syndrome associated with considerable mortality and healthcare costs. Up to now, the underlying pathogenesis of ischemic AKI remains incompletely understood, and specific strategies for early diagnosis and treatment of ischemic AKI are still lacking. Here, this study aimed to define the transcriptomic landscape of AKI patients through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis in kidneys. METHODS In this study, scRNA-seq technology was applied to kidneys from two ischemic AKI patients, and three human public scRNA-seq datasets were collected as controls. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cell clusters of kidneys were determined. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, as well as the ligand-receptor interaction between cells, were performed. We also validated several DEGs expression in kidneys from human ischemic AKI and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced AKI mice through immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS 15 distinct cell clusters were determined in kidney from subjects of ischemic AKI and control. The injured proximal tubules (PT) displayed a proapoptotic and proinflammatory phenotype. PT cells of ischemic AKI had up-regulation of novel pro-apoptotic genes including USP47 , RASSF4 , EBAG9 , IER3 , SASH1 , SEPTIN7 , and NUB1 , which have not been reported in ischemic AKI previously. Several hub genes were validated in kidneys from human AKI and renal I/R injury mice, respectively. Furthermore, PT highly expressed DEGs enriched in endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) signaling. DEGs overexpressed in other tubular cells were primarily enriched in nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling, estrogen signaling, interleukin (IL)-12 signaling, and IL-17 signaling. Overexpressed genes in kidney-resident immune cells including macrophages, natural killer T (NKT) cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells were associated with leukocyte activation, chemotaxis, cell adhesion, and complement activation. In addition, the ligand-receptor interactions analysis revealed prominent communications between macrophages and monocytes with other cells in the process of ischemic AKI. CONCLUSION Together, this study reveals distinct cell-specific transcriptomic atlas of kidney in ischemic AKI patients, altered signaling pathways, and potential cell-cell crosstalk in the development of AKI. These data reveal new insights into the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies in ischemic AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Chanjuan Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan 412007, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Leilin Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Department of Nephrology, Jiujiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332099, China
| | - Xueling Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Ting Meng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Ling Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xiangcheng Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Peter Eggenhuizen
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Joshua D. Ooi
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Xueqin Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiang Ding
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yong Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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Ma S, Yang B, Zhao M, Li P, Fan J, Chang M, Pan Z, Zhang Z, Xue S, Zhang Y. Effects of modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction on the IL-17 signaling pathway in an IgA nephropathy rat model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 307:116220. [PMID: 36750149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is an immune-related primary glomerular disease prevalent worldwide, with complicated clinical manifestations and an unclear pathogenesis. IgAN is the main cause of chronic renal failure and places a significant burden on patients and society. The modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction (MHCD) is an effective prescription for the clinical treatment of IgAN while its specific mechanism remains to be further elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY Based on the findings of previous network pharmacology-related method-based studies, this study aimed to further explore the mechanism of action of MHCD for IgAN treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS IgAN rat model was established by bovine serum protein + carbon tetrachloride + lipopolysaccharide. After successful modeling, the rats in the original model group were divided into 5 group: model group, telmisartan group, and MHCD high-, medium- and low-dose groups by random number table (n = 10 respectively). The corresponding drugs were applied for 8 weeks, and the experiment lasted for 21 weeks. At the end of the experiment, 24h urine protein quantification, serum biochemistry and IL-6 and IL-17A levels were measured. The pathological changes of kidney were observed by light microscope, immunofluorescence microscope and the changes of glomerular ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of IL-17 signaling pathway related proteins (HSP90, MMP9, NF-κB P65 and p-NF-κB P65) were detected by Western Blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULT Telmisartan and MHCD treatment can reduce the 24h urinary protein level and improved blood stasis states of IgAN rats, alleviate the renal pathological injury, decrease the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17A and the expression levels of HSP90, MMP9 and p-NF-κB P65 related proteins in IL-17 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION MHCD can down-regulate the expression of IL-17 signaling pathway-related factors in IgAN model rats, improve the state of blood stasis, and alleviate the pathological damage of kidney in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Pathology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Peng Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Jiao Fan
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Meiying Chang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Zhiyu Pan
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Shunxuan Xue
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
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Mucha K, Pac M, Pączek L. Omics are Getting Us Closer to Understanding IgA Nephropathy. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2023; 71:12. [PMID: 37060455 PMCID: PMC10105675 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-023-00677-w] [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: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, thanks to omics technologies, new light has been shed on the pathogenesis of many diseases. Genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics have helped to provide a better understanding of the origin and heterogeneity of several diseases. However, the risk factors for most autoimmune diseases remain unknown. The successes and pitfalls of omics have also been observed in nephrology, including immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), the most common form of glomerulonephritis and a principal cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Unfortunately, the immense progress in basic research has not yet been followed by the satisfactory development of a targeted treatment. Although, most omics studies describe changes in the immune system, there is still insufficient data to apply their results in the constantly evolving multi-hit pathogenesis model and thus do to provide a complete picture of the disease. Here, we describe recent findings regarding the pathophysiology of IgAN and link omics studies with immune system dysregulation. This review provides insights into specific IgAN markers, which may lead to the identification of potential targets for personalised treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Mucha
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Pac
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Pączek
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Li X, Zeng M, Liu J, Zhang S, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Wei C, Yang K, Huang Y, Zhang L, Xiao L. Identifying potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of IgA nephropathy based on bioinformatics analysis. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:63. [PMID: 36978098 PMCID: PMC10044383 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01494-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in young adults. Nevertheless, the current diagnosis exclusively relies on invasive renal biopsy, and specific treatment is deficient. Thus, our study aims to identify potential crucial genes, thereby providing novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and therapy of IgAN. METHODS Three microarray datasets were downloaded from GEO official website. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by limma package. GO and KEGG analysis were conducted. Tissue/organ-specific DEGs were distinguished via BioGPS. GSEA was utilized to elucidate the predominant enrichment pathways. The PPI network of DEGs was established, and hub genes were mined through Cytoscape. The CTD database was employed to determine the association between hub genes and IgAN. Infiltrating immune cells and their relationship to hub genes were evaluated based on CIBERSORT. Furthermore, the diagnostic effectiveness of hub markers was subsequently predicted using the ROC curves. The CMap database was applied to investigate potential therapeutic drugs. The expression level and diagnostic accuracy of TYROBP was validated in the cell model of IgAN and different renal pathologies. RESULTS A total of 113 DEGs were screened, which were mostly enriched in peptidase regulator activity, regulation of cytokine production, and collagen-containing extracellular matrix. Among these DEGs, 67 genes manifested pronounced tissue and organ specificity. GSEA analysis revealed that the most significant enriched gene sets were involved in proteasome pathway. Ten hub genes (KNG1, FN1, ALB, PLG, IGF1, EGF, HRG, TYROBP, CSF1R, and ITGB2) were recognized. CTD showed a close connection between ALB, IGF, FN1 and IgAN. Immune infiltration analysis elucidated that IGF1, EGF, HRG, FN1, ITGB2, and TYROBP were closely associated with infiltrating immune cells. ROC curves reflected that all hub genes, especially TYROBP, exhibited a good diagnostic value for IgAN. Verteporfin, moxonidine, and procaine were the most significant three therapeutic drugs. Further exploration proved that TYROBP was not only highly expressed in IgAN, but exhibited high specificity for the diagnosis of IgAN. CONCLUSIONS This study may offer novel insights into the mechanisms involved in IgAN occurrence and progression and the selection of diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Mengru Zeng
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jialu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Shumin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yifei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yuee Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Cong Wei
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Kexin Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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21
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Chen J, Zhang L, Lin J, Wang Z, Lin A. Excessive MALAT1 promotes the immunologic process of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder by upregulating BAFF expression. Transl Neurosci 2023; 14:20220306. [PMID: 37873058 PMCID: PMC10590614 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased B cell activating factor (BAFF) expression in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is associated with B cell overstimulation, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to reveal the emerging mechanisms that regulate BAFF expression in the inflammatory process of NMOSD. The results showed that the expression of miR-30b-5p was significantly decreased in NMOSD CD14+ monocytes compared with the normal control. Furthermore, we confirmed that metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcription 1 (MALAT1) is an upstream target of miR-30b-5p, and it could act as a ceRNA and absorb miR-30b-5p with reduced expression of miR-30b-5p. The low expression of miR-30b-5p could not bind to BAFF messenger RNA (mRNA), which resulted in the overexpression of both BAFF mRNA and protein expression. Overexpression of BAFF could bind to the corresponding receptors on B cells, which may initiate activation and proliferation of B cells and increase their production of autoantibodies. Therefore, these findings interpreted that excessive MALAT1 expression in NMOSD mononuclear macrophages led to increased BAFF expression by targeting miR-30b-5p, which caused B cell autoimmune reaction and autoantibodies production, aggravated the disease progression of NMOSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou350005, China
- Department of Neurology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, 363000, Fujian, China
| | - Lijie Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou350005, China
- Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou350212, China
| | - Jingyu Lin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou350005, China
| | - Zeng Wang
- Central Research Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Aiyu Lin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou350005, China
- Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou350212, Fujian, China
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22
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Li W, Gu P, Gao B, Zou L, Zhang A, Huang H, Zhao X, Xu D, Cheng C. Characteristics and transcriptomic analysis of scar tissues on the inner uterine cavity wall in patients with intrauterine adhesions. Front Physiol 2022; 13:990009. [PMID: 36620214 PMCID: PMC9815801 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.990009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: It has been previously reported that intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) are the main cause of uterine infertility. However, the histological origin of scar tissue present on the inner wall of the uterine cavity with IUAs has not been previously studied, which is particularly necessary for follow-up research and prevention and treatment. Methods: In this study, myometrium with normal uterus were assigned to the control group and scar tissues with IUAs were assigned to the experimental group. And pathological characteristics and transcriptomic were analyzed between the two groups. Results: We founded no difference was noted in the histological morphology and the α-SMA expression between the experimental and control groups. A total of 698 differentially expressed genes were identified between the two groups. Gene Ontology (GO) analyses revealed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in cell proliferation, AP-1 complex formation, and angiogenesis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses revealed that the target genes were significantly enriched in the AGE-RAGE, FOXO and TNF signaling pathway. Discussion: As far as we know, this is the first study to propose that the scar tissues are mainly derived from the myometrium and the first one to report differentially expressed genes in the scar tissues of IUAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waixing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of the Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pan Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of the Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingsi Gao
- The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingxiao Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of the Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Aiqian Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of the Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of the Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xingping Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of the Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Xingping Zhao, ; Dabao Xu,
| | - Dabao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of the Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Xingping Zhao, ; Dabao Xu,
| | - Chunxia Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of the Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Zeng L, Yang K, Zhang T, Zhu X, Hao W, Chen H, Ge J. Research progress of single-cell transcriptome sequencing in autoimmune diseases and autoinflammatory disease: A review. J Autoimmun 2022; 133:102919. [PMID: 36242821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmunity refers to the phenomenon that the body's immune system produces antibodies or sensitized lymphocytes to its own tissues to cause an immune response. Immune disorders caused by autoimmunity can mediate autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases have complicated pathogenesis due to the many types of cells involved, and the mechanism is still unclear. The emergence of single-cell research technology can solve the problem that ordinary transcriptome technology cannot be accurate to cell type. It provides unbiased results through independent analysis of cells in tissues and provides more mRNA information for identifying cell subpopulations, which provides a novel approach to study disruption of immune tolerance and disturbance of pro-inflammatory pathways on a cellular basis. It may fundamentally change the understanding of molecular pathways in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and develop targeted drugs. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been widely applied in autoimmune diseases, which provides a powerful tool for demonstrating the cellular heterogeneity of tissues involved in various immune inflammations, identifying pathogenic cell populations, and revealing the mechanism of disease occurrence and development. This review describes the principles of scRNA-seq, introduces common sequencing platforms and practical procedures, and focuses on the progress of scRNA-seq in 41 autoimmune diseases, which include 9 systemic autoimmune diseases and autoinflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.) and 32 organ-specific autoimmune diseases (5 Skin diseases, 3 Nervous system diseases, 4 Eye diseases, 2 Respiratory system diseases, 2 Circulatory system diseases, 6 Liver, Gallbladder and Pancreas diseases, 2 Gastrointestinal system diseases, 3 Muscle, Bones and joint diseases, 3 Urinary system diseases, 2 Reproductive system diseases). This review also prospects the molecular mechanism targets of autoimmune diseases from the multi-molecular level and multi-dimensional analysis combined with single-cell multi-omics sequencing technology (such as scRNA-seq, Single cell ATAC-seq and single cell immune group library sequencing), which provides a reference for further exploring the pathogenesis and marker screening of autoimmune diseases and autoimmune inflammatory diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuting Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing, China.
| | - Kailin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.
| | - Tianqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.
| | - Wensa Hao
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing, China.
| | - Jinwen Ge
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China; Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.
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Hu J, Huang Z, Yu M, Zhang P, Xia Z, Gao C. Caspase-8 activation in neutrophils facilitates autoimmune kidney vasculitis through regulating CD4 + effector memory T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1038134. [PMID: 36505410 PMCID: PMC9732547 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1038134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAVs) are closely associated with neutrophil recruitment and activation, but the impact of the neutrophil apoptosis process in autoimmune disease has been rarely explained. Here, by integrating and analyzing single-cell transcriptome datasets, we found that the caspase-8-associated pathway in neutrophils was highly activated in the kidney rather than in the blood. To verify the function of caspase-8 in neutrophils on AAVs progression, we constructed neutrophil-specific caspase-8 knockout mice combined with an AAVs model induced by human ANCA from AAVs patients, a rapid and powerful model developed in this study. Our results show that caspase-8 activation of neutrophils up-regulates the expression of several inflammatory and immunoregulatory factors, especially IL23A, regulating the activation and differentiation of tissue-resident CD4+ effector memory T cells. This study reveals that the activation of caspase-8 in neutrophils can worsen glomerulonephritis of AAVs by regulating inflammation and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengkun Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Zhengkun Xia, ; Chunlin Gao,
| | - Chunlin Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Zhengkun Xia, ; Chunlin Gao,
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25
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Zhang X, Chao P, Jiang H, Yang S, Muhetaer G, Zhang J, Song X, Lu C. Integration of three machine learning algorithms identifies characteristic RNA binding proteins linked with diagnosis, immunity and pyroptosis of IgA nephropathy. Front Genet 2022; 13:975521. [PMID: 36246620 PMCID: PMC9554240 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.975521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are essential for most post-transcriptional regulatory events, which exert critical roles in nearly all aspects of cell biology. Here, characteristic RBPs of IgA nephropathy were determined with multiple machine learning algorithms. Methods: Our study included three gene expression datasets of IgA nephropathy (GSE37460, GSE73953, GSE93798). Differential expression of RBPs between IgA nephropathy and normal samples was analyzed via limma, and hub RBPs were determined through MCODE. Afterwards, three machine learning algorithms (LASSO, SVM-RFE, random forest) were integrated to determine characteristic RBPs, which were verified in the Nephroseq database. Immune cell infiltrations were estimated through CIBERSORT. Utilizing ConsensusClusterPlus, IgA nephropathy were classified based on hub RBPs. The potential upstream miRNAs were predicted. Results: Among 388 RBPs with differential expression, 43 hub RBPs were determined. After integration of three machine learning algorithms, three characteristic RBPs were finally identified (DDX27, RCL1, and TFB2M). All of them were down-regulated in IgA nephropathy than normal specimens, with the excellent diagnostic efficacy. Additionally, they were significantly linked to immune cell infiltrations, immune checkpoints, and pyroptosis-relevant genes. Based on hub RBPs, IgA nephropathy was stably classified as two subtypes (cluster 1 and 2). Cluster 1 exhibited the relatively high expression of pyroptosis-relevant genes and characteristic RBPs. MiR-501-3p, miR-760, miR-502-3p, miR-1224-5p, and miR-107 were potential upstream miRNAs of hub RBPs. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings determine three characteristic RBPs in IgA nephropathy and two RBPs-based subtypes, and thus provide a certain basis for further research on the diagnosis and pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Peng Chao
- Department of Cardiology, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Shufen Yang
- Department of Nephrology, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Gulimire Muhetaer
- Department of Nephrology, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Xue Song
- Department of Nephrology, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
- *Correspondence: Xue Song, ; Chen Lu,
| | - Chen Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- *Correspondence: Xue Song, ; Chen Lu,
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Yu L, Lin W, Shen C, Meng T, Jin P, Ding X, Eggenhuizen PJ, Ooi JD, Tang R, Nie W, Li X, Xiao X, Zhong Y. Intrarenal Single-Cell Sequencing of Hepatitis B Virus Associated Membranous Nephropathy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:869284. [PMID: 35935760 PMCID: PMC9355751 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.869284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated membranous nephropathy (MN) remains elusive. This study aimed to decipher the etiopathogenesis of HBV-associated MN by performing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of kidney biopsy specimens from a patient with HBV-associated MN and two healthy individuals. We generated 4,114 intrarenal single-cell transcriptomes from the HBV-associated MN patient by scRNA-seq. Compared to healthy individuals, podocytes in the HBV-associated MN patient showed an increased expression of extracellular matrix formation-related genes, including HSPA5, CTGF, and EDIL3. Kidney endothelial cells (ECs) in the HBV-associated MN were enriched in inflammatory pathways, including NF-kappa B signaling, IL-17 signaling, TNF signaling and NOD-like receptor signaling. Gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) further revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of ECs from the HBV-associated MN patients were enriched in apoptotic signaling pathway, response to cytokine and leukocyte cell-cell adhesion. The up-regulated DEGs in glomerular ECs of HBV-associated MN patients were involved in biological processes such as viral gene expression, and protein targeting to endoplasmic reticulum. We further verified that the overexpressed genes in ECs from HBV-associated MN were mainly enriched in regulation of protein targeting to endoplasmic reticulum, exocytosis, viral gene expression, IL-6 and IL-1 secretion when compared with anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R)-positive idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). The receptor-ligand crosstalk analysis revealed potential interactions between endothelial cells and other cells in HBV-associated-MN. These results offer new insight into the pathogenesis of HBV-associated MN and may identify new therapeutic targets for HBV-associated MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilin Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Jiujiang Traditional Medicine Hospital, Jiujiang, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chanjuan Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Meng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Ding
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Joshua D. Ooi
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Rong Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wannian Nie
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangcheng Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangcheng Xiao
| | - Yong Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Zhong
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Single-Cell RNA Transcriptomics Reveals the State of Hepatic Lymphatic Endothelial Cells in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102910. [PMID: 35629036 PMCID: PMC9143330 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is an acutely decompensated cirrhosis syndrome with high short-term mortality. Very little is known about the relationship between the lymphatic system and ACLF. We explored the role of hepatic lymphatic vessels (LVs) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LyECs) in ACLF using human liver samples with the help of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology. Here, ACLF exhibited more severe liver injury and inflammation than cirrhosis, as indicated by significant increases in plasma levels of alanine/aspartate aminotransferases and total bilirubin. Compared with cirrhosis cases, the number of intrahepatic LVs was decreased significantly in ACLF patients. ScRNA-seq revealed that many monocyte/macrophages infiltrated into the liver of ACLF cases. Meanwhile, scRNA-seq revealed a group of apoptotic and dysfunctional LyECs, which were the result of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) released from infiltrating monocyte/macrophages. In vitro, SPP1 increased the proportion of dead LyECs significantly and impaired the ability of tube formation of LyECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, ACLF is associated with less LV and LyEC dysfunction, at least in part mediated by SPP1 released from infiltrating monocyte/macrophages. Hepatic LVs and LyECs can be a novel therapeutic strategy for ACLF.
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The Diagnostic and Predictive Significance of Immune-Related Genes and Immune Characteristics in the Occurrence and Progression of IgA Nephropathy. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:9284204. [PMID: 35528619 PMCID: PMC9071862 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9284204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the potential diagnostic and predictive significance of immune-related genes in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and discover the abnormal glomerular inflammation in IgAN. Methods GSE116626 was used as a training set to identify different immune-related genes (DIRGs) and establish machine learning models for the diagnosis of IgAN; then, a nomogram model was generated based on GSE116626, and GSE115857 was used as a test set to evaluate its clinical value. Short Time-Series Expression Miner (STEM) analysis was also performed to explore the changing trend of DIRGs with the progression of IgAN lesions. GSE141344 was used with DIRGs to establish the ceRNA network associated with IgAN progression. Finally, ssGSEA analysis was performed on the GSE141295 dataset to discover the abnormal inflammation in IgAN. Results Machine learning (ML) performed excellently in diagnosing IgAN using six DIRGs. A nomogram model was constructed to predict IgAN based on the six DIRGs. Three trends related to IgAN lesions were identified using STEM analysis. A ceRNA network associated with IgAN progression which contained 8 miRNAs, 14 lncRNAs, and 3 mRNAs was established. A higher macrophage ratio and lower CD4+ T cell ratio in IgAN compared to controls were observed, and the correlation between macrophages and monocytes in the glomeruli of IgAN patients was inverse compared to controls. Conclusion This study reveals the diagnostic and predictive significance of DIRGs in IgAN and finds that the imbalance between macrophages and CD4+ immune cells may be an important pathomechanism of IgAN. These results provide potential directions for the treatment and prevention of IgAN.
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Lousa I, Reis F, Santos-Silva A, Belo L. The Signaling Pathway of TNF Receptors: Linking Animal Models of Renal Disease to Human CKD. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3284. [PMID: 35328704 PMCID: PMC8950598 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized as a global public health problem. Despite the current advances in medicine, CKD-associated morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high. Several studies have highlighted the contribution of inflammation and inflammatory mediators to the development and/or progression of CKD, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related biomarkers. The inflammation pathway driven by TNF-α, through TNF receptors 1 (TNFR1) and 2 (TNFR2), involves important mediators in the pathogenesis of CKD. Circulating levels of TNFRs were associated with changes in other biomarkers of kidney function and injury, and were described as predictors of disease progression, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality in several cohorts of patients. Experimental studies describe the possible downstream signaling pathways induced upon TNFR activation and the resulting biological responses. This review will focus on the available data on TNFR1 and TNFR2, and illustrates their contributions to the pathophysiology of kidney diseases, their cellular and molecular roles, as well as their potential as CKD biomarkers. The emerging evidence shows that TNF receptors could act as biomarkers of renal damage and as mediators of the disease. Furthermore, it has been suggested that these biomarkers could significantly improve the discrimination of clinical CKD prognostic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Lousa
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.); (A.S.-S.)
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Flávio Reis
- Institute of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics & Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alice Santos-Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.); (A.S.-S.)
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Belo
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.); (A.S.-S.)
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Abstract
The field of single-cell genomics and spatial technologies is rapidly evolving and has already provided unprecedented insights into complex tissues. Major advances have been made in dissecting the cellular composition and spatiotemporal interactions that mediate developmental processes in the fetal kidney. Single-cell technologies have also provided detailed insights into the heterogeneity of cell types within the healthy adult and shed light on the complex cellular mechanisms that contribute to kidney disease. The in-depth characterization of specific cell types associated with acute kidney injury and glomerular diseases has potential for the development of prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutics. Analyses of pathway activity in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma can predict the sensitivity of tumour cells to specific inhibitors. The identification of the cell of origin of renal cell carcinoma and of new cell types within the tumour microenvironment also has implications for the development of targeted therapeutics. Similarly, single-cell sequencing has provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying kidney fibrosis, specifically our understanding of myofibroblast origins and the contribution of cell crosstalk within the fibrotic niche to disease progression. These and future studies will enable the creation of a map to aid our understanding of the cellular processes and interactions in the developing, healthy and diseased kidney.
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31
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Gong E, Perin L, Da Sacco S, Sedrakyan S. Emerging Technologies to Study the Glomerular Filtration Barrier. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:772883. [PMID: 34901088 PMCID: PMC8655839 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.772883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney disease is characterized by loss of glomerular function with clinical manifestation of proteinuria. Identifying the cellular and molecular changes that lead to loss of protein in the urine is challenging due to the complexity of the filtration barrier, constituted by podocytes, glomerular endothelial cells, and glomerular basement membrane. In this review, we will discuss how technologies like single cell RNA sequencing and bioinformatics-based spatial transcriptomics, as well as in vitro systems like kidney organoids and the glomerulus-on-a-chip, have contributed to our understanding of glomerular pathophysiology. Knowledge gained from these studies will contribute toward the development of personalized therapeutic approaches for patients affected by proteinuric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Gong
- Division of Urology, GOFARR Laboratory for Organ Regenerative Research and Cell Therapeutics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Laura Perin
- Division of Urology, GOFARR Laboratory for Organ Regenerative Research and Cell Therapeutics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stefano Da Sacco
- Division of Urology, GOFARR Laboratory for Organ Regenerative Research and Cell Therapeutics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sargis Sedrakyan
- Division of Urology, GOFARR Laboratory for Organ Regenerative Research and Cell Therapeutics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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The molecular mechanisms of inflammation and scarring in the kidneys of immunoglobulin A nephropathy : Gene involvement in the mechanisms of inflammation and scarring in kidney biopsy of IgAN patients. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:691-705. [PMID: 34674036 PMCID: PMC8551145 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00891-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Kidney biopsy is the cornerstone for the diagnosis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). The immunofluorescence technique evidences the IgA deposits in the glomeruli; the routine histology shows degree of active and chronic renal lesions. The spectrum of renal lesions is highly variable, ranging from minor or no detectable lesions to diffuse proliferative or crescentic lesions. Over the past three decades, renal transcriptomic studies have been performed on fresh or frozen renal tissue, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kidney tissue specimens obtained from archival histological repositories. This paper aims to describe (1) the transcriptomic profiles of the kidney biopsy and (2) the potential urinary biomarkers that can be used to monitor the follow-up of IgAN patients. The use of quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), microarrays and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) techniques on renal tissue and separated compartments of the nephron such as glomeruli and tubule-interstitium has clarified many aspects of the renal damage in IgAN. Recently, the introduction of the single-cell RNA-seq techniques has overcome the limitations of the previous methods, making that it is possible to study the whole renal tissue without the dissection of the nephron segments; it also allows better analysis of the cell-specific gene expression involved in cell differentiation. These gene products could represent effective candidates for urinary biomarkers for clinical decision making. Finally, some of these molecules may be the targets of old drugs, such as corticosteroids, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockers, and new drugs such as monoclonal antibodies. In the era of personalized medicine and precision therapy, high-throughput technologies may better characterize different renal patterns of IgAN and deliver targeted treatments to individual patients.
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Zeng H, Yang X, Luo S, Zhou Y. The Advances of Single-Cell RNA-Seq in Kidney Immunology. Front Physiol 2021; 12:752679. [PMID: 34721077 PMCID: PMC8548579 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.752679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney diseases are highly prevalent and treatment is costly. Immune cells play important roles in kidney diseases; however, it has been challenging to investigate the contribution of each cell type in kidney pathophysiology. Recently, the development of single-cell sequencing technology has allowed the extensive study of immune cells in blood, secondary lymphoid tissues, kidney biopsy and urine samples, helping researchers generate a comprehensive immune cell atlas for various kidney diseases. Here, we discuss several recent studies using scRNA-seq technology to explore the immune-related kidney diseases, including lupus nephritis, diabetic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis. Application of scRNA-seq successfully defined the transcriptome profiles of resident and infiltrating immune cells, as well as the intracellular communication networks between immune and adjacent cells. In addition, the discovery of similar immune cells in blood and urine suggests the possibility of examining kidney immunity without biopsy. In conclusion, these immune cell atlases will increase our understanding of kidney immunology and contribute to novel therapeutics for patients with kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghui Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siweier Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiming Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Boesen EI, Kakalij RM. Autoimmune-mediated renal disease and hypertension. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:2165-2196. [PMID: 34533582 PMCID: PMC8477620 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and mortality. Troublingly, hypertension is highly prevalent in patients with autoimmune renal disease and hastens renal functional decline. Although progress has been made over the past two decades in understanding the inflammatory contributions to essential hypertension more broadly, the mechanisms active in autoimmune-mediated renal diseases remain grossly understudied. This Review provides an overview of the pathogenesis of each of the major autoimmune diseases affecting the kidney that are associated with hypertension, and describes the current state of knowledge regarding hypertension in these diseases and their management. Specifically, discussion focuses on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Lupus Nephritis (LN), Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy, Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (IMN), Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis, and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP). A summary of disease-specific animal models found to exhibit hypertension is also included to highlight opportunities for much needed further investigation of underlying mechanisms and novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika I Boesen
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, U.S.A
| | - Rahul M Kakalij
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, U.S.A
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