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Čugalj Kern B, Kovač J, Šket R, Tesovnik T, Jenko Bizjan B, Galhardo J, Battelino T, Bratina N, Dovč K. Exploring early DNA methylation alterations in type 1 diabetes: implications of glycemic control. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1416433. [PMID: 38904047 PMCID: PMC11188314 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1416433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Prolonged hyperglycemia causes diabetes-related micro- and macrovascular complications, which combined represent a significant burden for individuals living with diabetes. The growing scope of evidence indicates that hyperglycemia affects the development of vascular complications through DNA methylation. Methods A genome-wide differential DNA methylation analysis was performed on pooled peripheral blood DNA samples from individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with direct DNA sequencing. Strict selection criteria were used to ensure two age- and sex-matched groups with no clinical signs of chronic complications according to persistent mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values over 5 years: HbA1c<7% (N=10) and HbA1c>8% (N=10). Results Between the two groups, 8385 differentially methylated CpG sites, annotated to 1802 genes, were identified. Genes annotated to hypomethylated CpG sites were enriched in 48 signaling pathways. Further analysis of key CpG sites revealed four specific regions, two of which were hypermethylated and two hypomethylated, associated with long non-coding RNA and processed pseudogenes. Conclusions Prolonged hyperglycemia in individuals with T1D, who have no clinical manifestation of diabetes-related complications, is associated with multiple differentially methylated CpG sites in crucial genes and pathways known to be linked to chronic complications in T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Čugalj Kern
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Kovač
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Šket
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tine Tesovnik
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Jenko Bizjan
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Julia Galhardo
- Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Hospital de Dona Estefânia - Central Lisbon University Hospital Center, Lisbon, Portugal
- Lisbon Academic and Clinical Center, NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tadej Battelino
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Bratina
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Klemen Dovč
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Jiang X, Cui X, Nie R, You H, Tang Z, Liu W. Network pharmacology-based analysis on the key mechanisms of Yiguanjian acting on chronic hepatitis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29977. [PMID: 38756592 PMCID: PMC11096846 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis (CH) encompasses a prevalent array of liver conditions that significantly contribute to global morbidity and mortality. Yiguanjian (YGJ) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of medicinal as a treatment for CH. Although it has been reported that YGJ can reduce liver inflammation, the intricate mechanism requires further elucidation. We used network pharmacology approaches in this work, such as gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and network-based analysis of protein-protein interactions (PPIs), to clarify the pharmacological constituents, potential therapeutic targets, and YGJ signaling pathways associated with CH. Employing the random walk restart (RWR) algorithm, we identified GNAS, GNB1, CYP2E1, SFTPC, F2, MAPK3, PLG, SRC, HDAC1, and STAT3 as pivotal targets within the PPI network of YGJ-CH. YGJ attenuated liver inflammation and inhibited GNAS/STAT3 signaling in vivo. In vitro, we overexpressed the GNAS gene further to verify the critical role of GNAS in YGJ treatment. Our findings highlight GNAS/STAT3 as a promising therapeutic target for CH, providing a basis and direction for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Cui
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruifang Nie
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjie You
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zuoqing Tang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlan Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Wu H, Li Z, Yang Y, Zhang L, Yuan Y, Wang Y, Li G, Yang X. Rap1A accelerates homocysteine-induced ANA-1 cells inflammation via synergy of FoxO1 and DNMT3a. Cell Signal 2023; 106:110627. [PMID: 36791985 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal elevation of homocysteine (Hcy) level accelerates atherosclerosis through promote macrophage inflammation, while the precise mechanisms remain to be well elucidated. Previous study revealed that Rap1A is involved in the development of atherosclerosis, but little is known regarding the regulation of macrophage inflammation induced by Hcy and its potential mechanisms. In the present study, we demonstrated that Hcy upregulates Rap1A expression and knockdown of Rap1A inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α levels in ANA-1 cells. Mechanistically, DNMT3a-mediated DNA hypomethylation of Rap1A promoter accelerates Hcy-induced ANA-1 cells inflammation. Furthermore, FoxO1 transcriptionally activate Rap1A by direct binding to its promoter. More importantly, Hcy could enhance FoxO1 interaction with DNMT3a and synergistically promote the expression of Rap1A resulting in accelerate ANA-1 cells inflammation. These data indicate that Rap1A is a novel and important regulator in Hcy-induced ANA-1 cells inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wu
- Heart Centre & Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 75004, China
| | - Zhen Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yali Yang
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750000, China
| | - Yin Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yanjia Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Guizhong Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiaoling Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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Sun Y, Gao C, Liu H, Liu X, Yue T. Exploring the mechanism by which aqueous Gynura divaricata inhibits diabetic foot based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification. Mol Med 2023; 29:11. [PMID: 36670362 PMCID: PMC9862864 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00605-w] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To predict and validate the potential mechanism by which Gynura divaricata (GD) functions in the treatment of diabetic foot (DF). METHODS The main chemical constituents of GD were identified by reviewing the literature, the traditional Chinese medicine database platform (TCMIP) and the BATMAN-TCM platform. DF disease targets were identified with the GeneCards database, and the compound-target network was constructed by using the intersection of drugs and disease. The STRING platform was used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to visualize the results. Moreover, the Metascape database was used for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Molecular docking of the active ingredients of GD and core protein targets of DF was performed using AutoDock software. Finally, the predicted results were preliminarily verified with experiments. RESULTS A total of 140 potential targets of GD were identified and associated with DF. According to the PPI network analysis, GD accelerated DF wound healing, and the mechanism may be related to proteins such as AKT1, TP53, IL6, CASP3, TNF, and VEGFA. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that GD may play a role in the treatment of diabetic foot by affecting various signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that the proteins AKT1, TP53, IL6, CASP3, TNF, and VEGFA were closely associated with the components of GD. The animal experiments showed that GD reduced the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and increased the mRNA and protein expression of VEGFA in rats with DF. CONCLUSIONS GD regulates multiple targets and multiple pathways to promote wound healing in DF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- grid.190737.b0000 0001 0154 0904Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, No. 165 Xincheng Road, Wanzhou District, 404000 Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cailiang Gao
- grid.190737.b0000 0001 0154 0904Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, No. 165 Xincheng Road, Wanzhou District, 404000 Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiting Liu
- grid.190737.b0000 0001 0154 0904Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, No. 165 Xincheng Road, Wanzhou District, 404000 Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Liu
- grid.190737.b0000 0001 0154 0904Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, No. 165 Xincheng Road, Wanzhou District, 404000 Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tun Yue
- grid.190737.b0000 0001 0154 0904Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, No. 165 Xincheng Road, Wanzhou District, 404000 Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
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Kang Q, Dai H, Jiang S, Yu L. Advanced glycation end products in diabetic retinopathy and phytochemical therapy. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1037186. [PMID: 36466410 PMCID: PMC9716030 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1037186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are generated by the nonenzymatic glycation of proteins or lipids. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one common complication in patients with diabetes. The accumulation of AGEs in retinal cells is strongly associated with the development of DR. AGEs can induce the breakdown of redox balance and then cause oxidative stress in retinal cells, exerting cytopathic effects in the progression of DR. The interaction between AGEs and the receptor for AGE (RAGE) is involved in multiple cellular pathological alterations in the retina. This review is to elucidate the pathogenetic roles of AGEs in the progression of DR, including metabolic abnormalities, lipid peroxidation, structural and functional alterations, and neurodegeneration. In addition, disorders associated with AGEs can be used as potential therapeutic targets to explore effective and safe treatments for DR. In this review, we have also introduced antioxidant phytochemicals as potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzheng Kang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haiyu Dai
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Suwei Jiang
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Freindorf M, Delgado AAA, Kraka E. CO bonding in hexa‐ and pentacoordinate carboxy‐neuroglobin: A quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics and local vibrational mode study. J Comput Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marek Freindorf
- Department of Chemistry Southern Methodist University Dallas Texas USA
| | | | - Elfi Kraka
- Department of Chemistry Southern Methodist University Dallas Texas USA
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Liu Y, Liu Y, He W, Mu X, Wu X, Deng J, Nie X. Fibroblasts: Immunomodulatory factors in refractory diabetic wound healing. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918223. [PMID: 35990622 PMCID: PMC9391070 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a systemic disease in which patients with diabetes may develop peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and peripheral vascular disease due to long-term continuous exposure to high glucose. Delayed wound healing in diabetes is one of the major complications of diabetes. Slow wound healing in diabetic patients is associated with high glucose toxicity. When the condition deteriorates, the patient needs to be amputated, which seriously affects the quality of life and even endangers the life of the patient. In general, the delayed healing of diabetes wound is due to the lack of chemokines, abnormal inflammatory response, lack of angiogenesis and epithelial formation, and fibroblast dysfunction. The incidence of several chronic debilitating conditions is increasing in patients with diabetes, such as chronic renal insufficiency, heart failure, and hepatic insufficiency. Fibrosis is an inappropriate deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. It is common in diabetic patients causing organ dysfunction. The fibrotic mechanism of diabetic fibroblasts may involve direct activation of permanent fibroblasts. It may also involve the degeneration of fibers after hyperglycemia stimulates immune cells, vascular cells, or organ-specific parenchymal cells. Numerous studies confirm that fibroblasts play an essential role in treating diabetes and its complications. The primary function of fibroblasts in wound healing is to construct and reshape the ECM. Nowadays, with the widespread use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), an increasing number of studies have found that fibroblasts have become the critical immune sentinel cells, which can detect not only the activation and regulation of immune response but also the molecular pattern related to the injury. By exploring the heterogeneity and functional changes of fibroblasts in diabetes, the manuscript discusses that fibroblasts may be used as immunomodulatory factors in refractory diabetic wound healing, providing new ideas for the treatment of refractory diabetic wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi, China
| | - Yiqiu Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi, China
| | - Wenjie He
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi, China
| | - Xingrui Mu
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi, China
| | - Xingqian Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi, China
| | - Junyu Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi, China
| | - Xuqiang Nie
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Xuqiang Nie,
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da Purificação NRC, Garcia VB, Frez FCV, Sehaber CC, Lima KRDA, de Oliveira Lima MF, de Carvalho Vasconcelos R, de Araujo AA, de Araújo Júnior RF, Lacchini S, de Oliveira F, Perles JVCM, Zanoni JN, de Sousa Lopes MLD, Clebis NK. Combined use of systemic quercetin, glutamine and alpha-tocopherol attenuates myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113131. [PMID: 35643067 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113131] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the effects of the quercetin (100 mg/kg), 1% glutamine and 1% α-tocopherol antioxidants in the myocardium of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Twenty male rats were subdivided into four groups (n = 5): N (normoglycemic); D (diabetic); NT (normoglycemic treated with antioxidants); and DT (diabetic treated with antioxidants) treated for 60 days. Clinical parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, myocardial collagen fibers and immunoexpression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1), glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1-β), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) were evaluated. Results showed reduced body weight, hyperphagia, polydipsia and hyperglycemic state in groups D and DT. The levels of glutathione (GSH) were higher in NT and DT compared to N (p < 0.01) and D (p < 0.001) groups, respectively. Greater GSH levels were found in DT when compared to N animals (p < 0.001). In DT, there was an increase in IL-10 in relation to N, D and NT (p < 0.05), while GPx-1 expression was similar to N and lower compared to D (p < 0.001). TGF-β expression in DT was greater than N (p < 0.001) group, whereas FGF-2 in DT was higher than in the other groups (p < 0.001). A significant reduction in collagen fibers (type I) was found in DT compared to D (p < 0.05). The associated administration of quercetin, glutamine and α-tocopherol increased the levels of circulating interleukin-10 (IL-10) and GSH, and reduced the number of type I collagen fibers. Combined use of systemic quercetin, glutamine and alpha-tocopherol attenuates myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kaio Ramon De Aguiar Lima
- Postgraduate Program in Functional & Structural Biology, Departament of Morphology, UFRN, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | | | - Aurigena Antunes de Araujo
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Dental Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Biophysical, UFRN, Natal, RN, Brazil.
| | - Raimundo Fernandes de Araújo Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Functional & Structural Biology, Departament of Morphology, UFRN, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Silvia Lacchini
- Postgraduate Program in Morphology Science, Departamento of Anatomy, São Paulo University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávia de Oliveira
- Departament of Biocience, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Naianne Kelly Clebis
- Postgraduate Program in Functional & Structural Biology, Departament of Morphology, UFRN, Natal, RN, Brazil
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Burr SD, Dorroh CC, Stewart JA. Rap1a Activity Elevated the Impact of Endogenous AGEs in Diabetic Collagen to Stimulate Increased Myofibroblast Transition and Oxidative Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094480. [PMID: 35562872 PMCID: PMC9101126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094480] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetics have an increased risk for heart failure due to cardiac fibroblast functional changes occurring as a result of AGE/RAGE signaling. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) levels are higher in diabetics and stimulate elevated RAGE (receptor for AGE) signaling. AGE/RAGE signaling can alter the expression of proteins linked to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and oxidative stressors. Our lab has identified a small GTPase, Rap1a, that may overlap the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway. We sought to determine the role Rap1a plays in mediating AGE/RAGE changes and to assess the impact of isolated collagen on further altering these changes. Primary cardiac fibroblasts from non-diabetic and diabetic mice with and without RAGE expression and from mice lacking Rap1a were cultured on tail collagen extracted from non-diabetic or diabetic mice, and in addition, cells were treated with Rap1a activator, EPAC. Protein analyses were performed for changes in RAGE-associated signaling proteins (RAGE, PKC-ζ, ERK1/2) and downstream RAGE signaling outcomes (α-SMA, NF-κB, SOD-2). Increased levels of endogenous AGEs within the diabetic collagen and increased Rap1a activity promoted myofibroblast transition and oxidative stress, suggesting Rap1a activity elevated the impact of AGEs in the diabetic ECM to stimulate myofibroblast transition and oxidative stress.
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Barker CG, Petsalaki E, Giudice G, Sero J, Ekpenyong EN, Bakal C, Petsalaki E. Identification of phenotype-specific networks from paired gene expression-cell shape imaging data. Genome Res 2022; 32:750-765. [PMID: 35197309 PMCID: PMC8997347 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276059.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The morphology of breast cancer cells is often used as an indicator of tumor severity and prognosis. Additionally, morphology can be used to identify more fine-grained, molecular developments within a cancer cell, such as transcriptomic changes and signaling pathway activity. Delineating the interface between morphology and signaling is important to understand the mechanical cues that a cell processes in order to undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and consequently metastasize. However, the exact regulatory systems that define these changes remain poorly characterized. In this study, we used a network-systems approach to integrate imaging data and RNA-seq expression data. Our workflow allowed the discovery of unbiased and context-specific gene expression signatures and cell signaling subnetworks relevant to the regulation of cell shape, rather than focusing on the identification of previously known, but not always representative, pathways. By constructing a cell-shape signaling network from shape-correlated gene expression modules and their upstream regulators, we found central roles for developmental pathways such as WNT and Notch, as well as evidence for the fine control of NF-kB signaling by numerous kinase and transcriptional regulators. Further analysis of our network implicates a gene expression module enriched in the RAP1 signaling pathway as a mediator between the sensing of mechanical stimuli and regulation of NF-kB activity, with specific relevance to cell shape in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie George Barker
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Eirini Petsalaki
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Girolamo Giudice
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Sero
- University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel Nsa Ekpenyong
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Bakal
- Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelia Petsalaki
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
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Rap1a Regulates Cardiac Fibroblast Contraction of 3D Diabetic Collagen Matrices by Increased Activation of the AGE/RAGE Cascade. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061286. [PMID: 34067282 PMCID: PMC8224555 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a common diabetic complication that can arise when cardiac fibroblasts transition into myofibroblasts. Myofibroblast transition can be induced by advanced glycated end products (AGEs) present in the extracellular matrix (ECM) activating RAGE (receptor for advanced glycated end products) to elicit intracellular signaling. The levels of AGEs are higher under diabetic conditions due to the hyperglycemic conditions present in diabetics. AGE/RAGE signaling has been shown to alter protein expression and ROS production in cardiac fibroblasts, resulting in changes in cellular function, such as migration and contraction. Recently, a small GTPase, Rap1a, has been identified to overlap the AGE/RAGE signaling cascade and mediate changes in protein expression. While Rap1a has been shown to impact AGE/RAGE-induced protein expression, there are currently no data examining the impact Rap1a has on AGE/RAGE-induced cardiac fibroblast function. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of Rap1a on AGE/RAGE-mediated cardiac fibroblast contraction, as well as the influence isolated diabetic ECM has on facilitating these effects. In order to address this idea, genetically different cardiac fibroblasts were embedded in 3D collagen matrices consisting of collagen isolated from either non-diabetic of diabetic mice. Fibroblasts were treated with EPAC and/or exogenous AGEs, which was followed by assessment of matrix contraction, protein expression (α-SMA, SOD-1, and SOD-2), and hydrogen peroxide production. The results showed Rap1a overlaps the AGE/RAGE cascade to increase the myofibroblast population and generation of ROS production. The increase in myofibroblasts and oxidative stress appeared to contribute to increased matrix contraction, which was further exacerbated by diabetic conditions. Based off these results, we determined that Rap1a was essential in mediating the response of cardiac fibroblasts to AGEs within diabetic collagen.
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