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Córdova-Casanova A, Cruz-Soca M, Gallardo FS, Faundez-Contreras J, Bock-Pereda A, Chun J, Vio CP, Casar JC, Brandan E. LPA-induced expression of CCN2 in muscular fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs): Unraveling cellular communication networks. Matrix Biol 2024; 130:36-46. [PMID: 38723870 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.05.001] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Cellular Communication Network Factor 2, CCN2, is a profibrotic cytokine implicated in physiological and pathological processes in mammals. The expression of CCN2 is markedly increased in dystrophic muscles. Interestingly, diminishing CCN2 genetically or inhibiting its function improves the phenotypes of chronic muscular fibrosis in rodent models. Elucidating the cell-specific mechanisms behind the induction of CCN2 is a fundamental step in understanding its relevance in muscular dystrophies. Here, we show that the small lipids LPA and 2S-OMPT induce CCN2 expression in fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) through the activation of the LPA1 receptor and, to a lower extent, by also the LPA6 receptor. These cells show a stronger induction than myoblasts or myotubes. We show that the LPA/LPARs axis requires ROCK kinase activity and organized actin cytoskeleton upstream of YAP/TAZ signaling effectors to upregulate CCN2 levels, suggesting that mechanical signals are part of the mechanism behind this process. In conclusion, we explored the role of the LPA/LPAR axis on CCN2 expression, showing a strong cytoskeletal-dependent response in muscular FAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Córdova-Casanova
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile; P Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Meilyn Cruz-Soca
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile; P Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Alexia Bock-Pereda
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile; P Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jerold Chun
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Carlos P Vio
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Casar
- Departamento de Neurología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile; Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.
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2
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Sammarco A, Beffagna G, Sacchetto R, Vettori A, Bonsembiante F, Scarin G, Gelain ME, Cavicchioli L, Ferro S, Geroni C, Lombardi P, Zappulli V. Antitumor Effect of Berberine Analogs in a Canine Mammary Tumor Cell Line and in Zebrafish Reporters via Wnt/β-Catenin and Hippo Pathways. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3317. [PMID: 38137538 PMCID: PMC10741123 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123317] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneous nature of human breast cancer (HBC) can still lead to therapy inefficacy and high lethality, and new therapeutics as well as new spontaneous animal models are needed to benefit translational HBC research. Dogs are primarily investigated since they spontaneously develop tumors that share many features with human cancers. In recent years, different natural phytochemicals including berberine, a plant alkaloid, have been reported to have antiproliferative activity in vitro in human cancers and rodent animal models. In this study, we report the antiproliferative activity and mechanism of action of berberine, its active metabolite berberrubine, and eight analogs, on a canine mammary carcinoma cell line and in transgenic zebrafish models. We demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo the significant effects of specific analogs on cell viability via the induction of apoptosis, also identifying their role in inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and activating the Hippo signals with a downstream reduction in CTGF expression. In particular, the berberine analogs NAX035 and NAX057 show the highest therapeutic efficacy, deserving further analyses to elucidate their mechanism of action more in detail, and in vivo studies on spontaneous neoplastic diseases are needed, aiming at improving veterinary treatments of cancer as well as translational cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Sammarco
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
- Department of Urology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Giorgia Beffagna
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Roberta Sacchetto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Andrea Vettori
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Federico Bonsembiante
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Giulia Scarin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Maria Elena Gelain
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Laura Cavicchioli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Silvia Ferro
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Cristina Geroni
- Naxospharma Srl, 20026 Novate Milanese, Italy; (C.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma Srl, 20026 Novate Milanese, Italy; (C.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Valentina Zappulli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
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3
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Yeger H. CCN proteins: opportunities for clinical studies-a personal perspective. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00761-y. [PMID: 37195381 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00761-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The diverse members of the CCN family now designated as CCN1(CYR61), CCN2 (CTGF), CCN3(NOV), CCN4(WISP1), CCN5(WISP2), CCN6(WISP3) are a conserved matricellular family of proteins exhibiting a spectrum of functional properties throughout all organs in the body. Interaction with cell membrane receptors such as integrins trigger intracellular signaling pathways. Proteolytically cleaved fragments (constituting the active domains) can be transported to the nucleus and perform transcriptional relevant functional activities. Notably, as also found in other protein families some members act opposite to others creating a system of functionally relevant checks and balances. It has become apparent that these proteins are secreted into the circulation, are quantifiable, and can serve as disease biomarkers. How they might also serve as homeostatic regulators is just becoming appreciated. In this review I have attempted to highlight the most recent evidence under the subcategories of cancer and non-cancer relevant that could lead to potential therapeutic approaches or ideas that can be factored into clinical advances. I have added my own personal perspective on feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Yeger
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, SickKids, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Cáceres-Ayala C, Mira RG, Acuña MJ, Brandan E, Cerpa W, Rebolledo DL. Episodic Binge-like Ethanol Reduces Skeletal Muscle Strength Associated with Atrophy, Fibrosis, and Inflammation in Young Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021655. [PMID: 36675170 PMCID: PMC9861047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021655] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Binge Drinking (BD) corresponds to episodes of ingestion of large amounts of ethanol in a short time, typically ≤2 h. BD occurs across all populations, but young and sports-related people are especially vulnerable. However, the short- and long-term effects of episodic BD on skeletal muscle function have been poorly explored. Young rats were randomized into two groups: control and episodic Binge-Like ethanol protocol (BEP) (ethanol 3 g/kg IP, 4 episodes of 2-days ON-2-days OFF paradigm). Muscle function was evaluated two weeks after the last BEP episode. We found that rats exposed to BEP presented decreased muscle strength and increased fatigability, compared with control animals. Furthermore, we observed that skeletal muscle from rats exposed to BEP presented muscle atrophy, evidenced by reduced fiber size and increased expression of atrophic genes. We also observed that BEP induced fibrotic and inflammation markers, accompanied by mislocalization of nNOSµ and high levels of protein nitration. Our findings suggest that episodic binge-like ethanol exposure alters contractile capacity and increases fatigue by mechanisms involving atrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation, which remain for at least two weeks after ethanol clearance. These pathological features are common to several neuromuscular diseases and might affect muscle performance and health in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Cáceres-Ayala
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6213515, Chile
- Laboratorio de Función y Patología Neuronal, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Rodrigo G. Mira
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6213515, Chile
- Laboratorio de Función y Patología Neuronal, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - María José Acuña
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 8370854, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7780272, Chile
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7780272, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7510157, Chile
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Waldo Cerpa
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6213515, Chile
- Laboratorio de Función y Patología Neuronal, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (D.L.R.)
| | - Daniela L. Rebolledo
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6213515, Chile
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (D.L.R.)
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5
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Single-cell transcriptome atlas of the human corpus cavernosum. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4302. [PMID: 35879305 PMCID: PMC9314400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31950-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The corpus cavernosum is the most important structure for penile erection, and its dysfunction causes many physiological and psychological problems. However, its cellular heterogeneity and signalling networks at the molecular level are poorly understood because of limited access to samples. Here, we profile 64,993 human cavernosal single-cell transcriptomes from three males with normal erection and five organic erectile dysfunction patients. Cell communication analysis reveals that cavernosal fibroblasts are central to the paracrine signalling network and regulate microenvironmental homeostasis. Combining with immunohistochemical staining, we reveal the cellular heterogeneity and describe a detailed spatial distribution map for each fibroblast, smooth muscle and endothelial subcluster in the corpus cavernosum. Furthermore, comparative analysis and related functional experiments identify candidate regulatory signalling pathways in the pathological process. Our study provides an insight into the human corpus cavernosum microenvironment and a reference for potential erectile dysfunction therapies. The corpus cavernosum is the most important structure for penile erection, and its dysfunction causes physiological and psychological problems. Here the authors perform single-cell RNA-sequencing on corpus cavernosum samples from males with normal erection and erectile dysfunction patients, providing insights into this pathology.
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Activation of the ATX/LPA/LPARs axis induces a fibrotic response in skeletal muscle. Matrix Biol 2022; 109:121-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Petrosino JM, Longenecker JZ, Angell CD, Hinger SA, Martens CR, Accornero F. CCN2 participates in overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Matrix Biol 2022; 106:1-11. [PMID: 35045313 PMCID: PMC8854352 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of skeletal muscle growth following pro-hypertrophic stimuli requires a coordinated response by different cell types that leads to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and increases in muscle cross-sectional area. Indeed, matricellular proteins serve a key role as communication vehicles that facilitate the propagation of signaling stimuli required for muscle adaptation to environmental challenges. We found that the matricellular protein cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2), also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), is induced during a time course of overload-driven skeletal muscle hypertrophy in mice. To elucidate the role of CCN2 in mediating the hypertrophic response, we utilized genetically engineered mouse models for myofiber-specific CCN2 gain- and loss-of-function and then examined their response to mechanical stimuli through muscle overload. Interestingly, myofiber-specific deletion of CCN2 blunted muscle's hypertrophic response to overload without interfering with ECM deposition. On the other hand, when in excess through transgenic CCN2 overexpression, CCN2 was efficient in promoting overload-induced aberrant ECM accumulation without affecting myofiber growth. Altogether, our genetic approaches highlighted independent ECM and myofiber stress adaptation responses, and positioned CCN2 as a central mediator of both. Mechanistically, CCN2 acts by regulating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) mediated transduction of overload-induced extracellular signals, including interleukin 6 (IL6), and their regulatory impact on global protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. Overall, our study highlights the contribution of muscle-derived extracellular matrix factor CCN2 for proper hypertrophic muscle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Petrosino
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 473 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jacob Z Longenecker
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 473 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Colin D Angell
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 473 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Scott A Hinger
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 473 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Colton R Martens
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 473 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Federica Accornero
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 473 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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CCN proteins in the musculoskeletal system: current understanding and challenges in physiology and pathology. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:545-566. [PMID: 34228239 PMCID: PMC8642527 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00631-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The acronym for the CCN family was recently revised to represent “cellular communication network”. These six, small, cysteine-enriched and evolutionarily conserved proteins are secreted matricellular proteins, that convey and modulate intercellular communication by interacting with structural proteins, signalling factors and cell surface receptors. Their role in the development and physiology of musculoskeletal system, constituted by connective tissues where cells are interspersed in the cellular matrix, has been broadly studied. Previous research has highlighted a crucial balance of CCN proteins in mesenchymal stem cell commitment and a pivotal role for CCN1, CCN2 and their alter ego CCN3 in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis; CCN4 plays a minor role and the role of CCN5 and CCN6 is still unclear. CCN proteins also participate in osteoclastogenesis and myogenesis. In adult life, CCN proteins serve as mechanosensory proteins in the musculoskeletal system providing a steady response to environmental stimuli and participating in fracture healing. Substantial evidence also supports the involvement of CCN proteins in inflammatory pathologies, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as in cancers affecting the musculoskeletal system and bone metastasis. These matricellular proteins indeed show involvement in inflammation and cancer, thus representing intriguing therapeutic targets. This review discusses the current understanding of CCN proteins in the musculoskeletal system as well as the controversies and challenges associated with their multiple and complex roles, and it aims to link the dispersed knowledge in an effort to stimulate and guide readers to an area that the writers consider to have significant impact and relevant potentialities.
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