Activin B Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Growth and Regulates Cell Proliferation and Cell Cycle Progression of Hair Matrix Cells through ERK Signaling

In ovo injection of AZD6244 suppresses feather follicle development by the inhibition of ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in goose embryos (Anser cygnoides)

1. Feathers are an important product from poultry, and the state of feather growth and development plays an important role in their economic value.2. In total, 120 eggs were selected for immunoblotting and immunolocalisation experiments of ERK and β-catenin proteins in different developmental stages of goose embryos. The ERK protein was highly expressed in the early stage of goose embryo development, while β-catenin protein was highly expressed in the middle stage of embryo development.3. The 120 eggs were divided into four treatment groups, including an uninjected group (BLANK), a group injected with 100 µl of cosolvent (CK), a group injected with 100 µl of AZD6244 containing cosolvent in a dose of 5 mg/kg AZD6244 containing cosolvent (AZD5) and a group injected with 100 µl of AZD6244 containing cosolvent in a dose of 15 mg/kg AZD6244 containing cosolvent (AZD15). The eggs were injected on the ninth day of embryonic development (E9). Samples were collected at E21.5 to observe feather width, feather follicle diameter, ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathway protein expression.4. The AZD5 and AZD15 doses were within the embryonic safety range compared to the BLANK and CK groups and had no significant effect on the survival rate and weight at the inflection point, but significantly reduced the feather width and feather follicle diameter (p < 0.05). The AZD6244 treatment inhibited ERK protein phosphorylation levels and blocked the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which in turn significantly down-regulated the expression levels of FZD4, β-catenin, TCF4 and LEF1 (p < 0.05), with an inhibitory effect in the AZD15 group being more significant. The immunohistochemical results of β-catenin and p-ERK were consistent with Western blot results.5. The small molecule inhibitor AZD6244 regulated the growth and development of feather follicles in goose embryos by the ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.

Novel Effect of Hyaluronan and Proteoglycan Link Protein 1 (HAPLN1) on Hair Follicle Cells Proliferation and Hair Growth

Hair loss is a common condition that can have a negative impact on an individual's quality of life. The severe side effects and the low efficacy of current hair loss medications create unmet needs in the field of hair loss treatment. Hyaluronan and Proteoglycan Link Protein 1 (HAPLN1), one of the components of the extracellular matrix, has been shown to play a role in maintaining its integrity. HAPLN1 was examined for its ability to impact hair growth with less side effects than existing hair loss treatments. HAPLN1 was predominantly expressed in the anagen phase in three stages of the hair growth cycle in mice and promotes the proliferation of human hair matrix cells. Also, recombinant human HAPLN1 (rhHAPLN1) was shown to selectively increase the levels of transforming growth factor-β receptor II in human hair matrix cells. Furthermore, we observed concomitant activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway following treatment with rhHAPLN1. Our results indicate that rhHAPLN1 elicits its cell proliferation effect via the TGF-β2-induced ERK1/2 pathway. The prompt entering of the hair follicles into the anagen phase was observed in the rhHAPLN1-treated group, compared to the vehicle-treated group. Insights into the mechanism underlying such hair growth effects of HAPLN1 will provide a novel potential strategy for treating hair loss with much lower side effects than the current treatments.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Candidate Ligand-Receptor Pairs and Signaling Networks Mediating Intercellular Communication between Hair Matrix Cells and Dermal Papilla Cells from Cashmere Goats

Hair fiber growth is determined by the spatiotemporally controlled proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of hair matrix cells (HMCs) inside the hair follicle (HF); however, dermal papilla cells (DPCs), the cell population surrounded by HMCs, manipulate the above processes via intercellular crosstalk with HMCs. Therefore, exploring how the mutual commutations between the cells are molecularly achieved is vital to understanding the mechanisms underlying hair growth. Here, based on our previous successes in cultivating HMCs and DPCs from cashmere goats, we combined a series of techniques, including in vitro cell coculture, transcriptome sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis, to uncover ligand-receptor pairs and signaling networks mediating intercellular crosstalk. Firstly, we found that direct cellular interaction significantly alters cell cycle distribution patterns and changes the gene expression profiles of both cells at the global level. Next, we constructed the networks of ligand-receptor pairs mediating intercellular autocrine or paracrine crosstalk between the cells. A few pairs, such as LEP-LEPR, IL6-EGFR, RSPO1-LRP6, and ADM-CALCRL, are found to have known or potential roles in hair growth by acting as bridges linking cells. Further, we inferred the signaling axis connecting the cells from transcriptomic data with the advantage of CCCExplorer. Certain pathways, including INHBA-ACVR2A/ACVR2B-ACVR1/ACVR1B-SMAD3, were predicted as the axis mediating the promotive effect of INHBA on hair growth via paracrine crosstalk between DPCs and HMCs. Finally, we verified that LEP-LEPR and IL1A-IL1R1 are pivotal ligand-receptor pairs involved in autocrine and paracrine communication of DPCs and HMCs to DPCs, respectively. Our study provides a comprehensive landscape of intercellular crosstalk between key cell types inside HF at the molecular level, which is helpful for an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms related to hair growth.

MAPK-ERK Pathway

The name extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was first used for a cell cycle regulating Ser/Thr protein kinase cloned in mammalian cells [...].

Health Benefits and Safety of Red Pigmented Rice (Oryza sativa L.): In Vitro, Cellular, and In Vivo Activities for Hair Growth Promoting Treatment

The hair growth-promoting activities of Thai native red (Sang-Yod-SY and Mun-Poo-MP) and black (Black glutinous-BG and Hom-Nil-HN) pigmented rice (Oryza sativa L.) extracts, including in vitro 5α-reductase inhibition, hair growth-promoting activity on human hair germinal matrix cells, and in vivo hair-cycle-converting activity in C3H/HeMlac mice, were investigated. Moreover, these extracts were determined to be safe via cytotoxicity (HaCaT cell) and in vivo irritation tests. The results showed that SY red rice extract with high contents of proanthocyanidin (1.50 ± 0.16 mgECE/g extract) exhibited significantly higher 5α-reductase inhibitory activity (18.5 ± 9.0 mgFEA/g extract) (p < 0.05). The maximum growth-promoting activity for human matrix cells treated with SY extract reached about 216.2 ± 0.7% (1 mg/mL) relative to control (100%) after 3 days culture (p < 0.05). Moreover, topical application of 1 mg/mL SY red pericarp rice extracts on shaven C3H skin in telogen phase led to significant hair regeneration (97.2 ±1.3%) based on the shaven area, while vehicle application only tended to yield a regeneration of 50.9 ± 11.7%. Red rice extracts were found to be safe, without signs of cytotoxicity and irritation. This research demonstrates the health benefits and safety of SY red pericarp extract when used for hair growing activity and its potential for use as a natural hair growth promoter and 5α-reductase inhibitor.

Understanding Mammalian Hair Follicle Ecosystems by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

Simple Summary

Single-cell sequencing technology can reflect cell population heterogeneity at the single-cell level, leading to a better understanding of the role of individual cells in the microenvironment. Over the past few years, single-cell sequencing technology has not only made more new discoveries in the study of cellular heterogeneity of other rare cells such as stem cells, but has also become the most powerful research method for embryonic development, organ differentiation, cancer occurrence, and cell mapping. In this review, we outline the use of scRNA-seq in hair follicles. In particular, by focusing on landmark studies and the recent discovery of novel subpopulations of hair follicles, we summarize the phenotypic diversity of hair follicle cells and their links to hair follicle morphogenesis. Enhancing our understanding of the progress of hair follicle research will help to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms that determine the fate of different types of cells in the hair follicle, thereby guiding hair loss treatment and hair-producing economic animal breeding research.

Abstract

Single-cell sequencing technology can fully reflect the heterogeneity of cell populations at the single cell level, making it possible for us to re-recognize various tissues and organs. At present, the sequencing study of hair follicles is transiting from the traditional ordinary transcriptome level to the single cell level, which will provide diverse insights into the function of hair follicle cells. This review focuses on research advances in the hair follicle microenvironment obtained from scRNA-seq studies of major cell types in hair follicle development, with a special emphasis on the discovery of new subpopulations of hair follicles by single-cell techniques. We also discuss the problems and current solutions in scRNA-seq observation and look forward to its prospects.

Activin B-activated Cdc42 signaling plays a key role in regulating adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-mediated skin wound healing

BACKGROUND

In our previous study, activin B in combination with ADSCs enhances skin wound healing. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well studied. Cdc42 is recognized to play a critical role in the regulation of stem cells.

METHODS

Pull-down assay was performed to investigate the activity of Cdc42. The dominant-negative mutant of Cdc42 (Cdc42N17) was used to explore the role of Cdc42 in activin B-induced ADSCs migration, proliferation, and secretion in vitro. Cdc42N17-transfected ADSCs were injected into a full-thickness excisional wound model to explore their efficiency in wound healing in vivo. The wound healing efficacy was evaluated by the wound closure rates and histological examination. The neovascularization and wound contraction were detected by immunohistochemistry staining of CD31 and α-SMA. Finally, the underlying mechanisms were explored by RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Cdc42N17 inhibited ADSCs migration, proliferation, and secretion induced by activin B. Furthermore, Cdc42N17-transfected ADSCs inhibited the wound closure rate and suppressed the expression of CD31 and α-SMA induced by activin B in vivo. The RNA sequencing showed that the differentially expressed genes in Cdc42N17-transfected ADSCs versus ADSCs were associated with cell migration, proliferation, and adhesion. Further study revealed that the Cdc42-Erk-Srf pathway was required for activin B-induced proliferation in ADSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that Cdc42 plays a crucial role in ADSCs-mediated skin wound healing induced by activin B.

Whole blood transcriptome profiling identifies candidate genes associated with alopecia in male giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Background

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a threatened species endemic to China. Alopecia, characterized by thinning and broken hair, mostly occurs in breeding males. Alopecia significantly affects the health and public image of the giant panda and the cause of alopecia is unclear.

Results

Here, we researched gene expression profiles of four alopecia giant pandas and seven healthy giant pandas. All pandas were approximately ten years old and their blood samples collected during the breeding season. A total of 458 up-regulated DEGs and 211 down-regulated DEGs were identified. KEGG pathway enrichment identified that upregulated genes were enriched in the Notch signaling pathway and downregulated genes were enriched in ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and thermogenesis pathways. We obtained 28 hair growth-related DEGs, and identified three hub genes NOTCH1, SMAD3, and TGFB1 in PPI analysis. Five hair growth-related signaling pathways were identified with abnormal expression, these were Notch, Wnt, TGF-β, Mapk, and PI3K-Akt. The overexpression of NOTCH1 delays inner root sheath differentiation and results in hair shaft abnormalities. The delayed hair regression was associated with a significant decrease in the expression levels of TGFB1.

Conclusions

Our data confirmed the abnormal expression of several hair-related genes and pathways and identified alopecia candidate genes in the giant panda. Results of this study provide theoretical basis for the establishment of prevention and treatment strategies for giant pandas with alopecia.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08501-z.

Omega-3 fatty acids impair miR-1-3p-dependent Notch3 down-regulation and alleviate sepsis-induced intestinal injury

Background

Sepsis is a troublesome syndrome that can cause intestinal injury and even high mortality rates. Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) are known to protect against intestinal damage. Accordingly, the current study set out to explore if omega-3 FAs could affect sepsis-induced intestinal injury with the involvement of the microRNA (miR)-1-3p/Notch3-Smad axis.

Methods

First, cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) was performed to establish septic mouse models in C57BL/6J mice, and mouse intestinal epithelial MODE-K cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish sepsis cell models. The CLP-induced septic mice or LPS-exposed cells were subjected to treatment with Omega-3 FAs and activin (Smad signaling activator), miR-1-3p inhibitor and over-expressed/short hairpin RNA (oe-/sh)-Notch3 to explore their roles in inflammation, intestinal oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was further performed to verify the regulatory relationship between miR-1-3p and Notch3.

Results

Omega-3 FAs inhibited CLP-induced intestinal injury and ameliorated LPS-induced intestinal epithelial cell injury by down-regulating miR-1-3p, as evidenced by decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6, in addition to diminished levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase activity. Furthermore, miR-1-3p could down-regulate Notch3, which inactivated the Smad pathway.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings indicated that omega-3 FAs elevate the expression of Notch3 by down-regulating miR-1-3p, and then blocking the Smad pathway to alleviate intestinal epithelial inflammation and oxidative stress injury caused by sepsis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-021-00425-w.