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Peng X, Janićijević Ž, Lemm S, Hauser S, Knobel M, Pietzsch J, Bachmann M, Baraban L. Impact of Viscosity on Human Hepatoma Spheroids in Soft Core-Shell Microcapsules. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302609. [PMID: 38227977 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302609] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular environment regulates the structures and functions of cells, from the molecular to the tissue level. However, the underlying mechanisms influencing the organization and adaptation of cancer in three-dimensional (3D) environments are not yet fully understood. In this study, the influence of the viscosity of the environment is investigated on the mechanical adaptability of human hepatoma cell (HepG2) spheroids in vitro, using 3D microcapsule reactors formed with droplet-based microfluidics. To mimic the environment with different mechanical properties, HepG2 cells are encapsulated in alginate core-shell reservoirs (i.e., microcapsules) with different core viscosities tuned by incorporating carboxymethylcellulose. The significant changes in cell and spheroid distribution, proliferation, and cytoskeleton are observed and quantified. Importantly, changes in the expression and distribution of F-actin and keratin 8 indicate the relation between spheroid stiffness and viscosity of the surrounding medium. The increase of F-actin levels in the viscous medium can indicate an enhanced ability of tumor cells to traverse dense tissue. These results demonstrate the ability of cancer cells to dynamically adapt to the changes in extracellular viscosity, which is an important physical cue regulating tumor development, and thus of relevance in cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Peng
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Željko Janićijević
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sandy Lemm
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Sciences, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sandra Hauser
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Knobel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Fluid Dynamics, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Sciences, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Bachmann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 01307, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Larysa Baraban
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328, Dresden, Germany
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Moon HS, Mahzarnia A, Stout J, Anderson RJ, Strain M, Tremblay JT, Han ZY, Niculescu A, MacFarlane A, King J, Ashley-Koch A, Clark D, Lutz MW, Badea A. Multivariate investigation of aging in mouse models expressing the Alzheimer's protective APOE2 allele: integrating cognitive metrics, brain imaging, and blood transcriptomics. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:231-249. [PMID: 38091051 PMCID: PMC11082910 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02731-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
APOE allelic variation is critical in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The APOE2 allele associated with cognitive resilience and neuroprotection against AD remains understudied. We employed a multipronged approach to characterize the transition from middle to old age in mice with APOE2 allele, using behavioral assessments, image-derived morphometry and diffusion metrics, structural connectomics, and blood transcriptomics. We used sparse multiple canonical correlation analyses (SMCCA) for integrative modeling, and graph neural network predictions. Our results revealed brain sub-networks associated with biological traits, cognitive markers, and gene expression. The cingulate cortex emerged as a critical region, demonstrating age-associated atrophy and diffusion changes, with higher fractional anisotropy in males and middle-aged subjects. Somatosensory and olfactory regions were consistently highlighted, indicating age-related atrophy and sex differences. The hippocampus exhibited significant volumetric changes with age, with differences between males and females in CA3 and CA1 regions. SMCCA underscored changes in the cingulate cortex, somatosensory cortex, olfactory regions, and hippocampus in relation to cognition and blood-based gene expression. Our integrative modeling in aging APOE2 carriers revealed a central role for changes in gene pathways involved in localization and the negative regulation of cellular processes. Our results support an important role of the immune system and response to stress. This integrative approach offers novel insights into the complex interplay among brain connectivity, aging, and sex. Our study provides a foundation for understanding the impact of APOE2 allele on brain aging, the potential for detecting associated changes in blood markers, and revealing novel therapeutic intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Sol Moon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Quantitative Imaging and Analysis Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ali Mahzarnia
- Quantitative Imaging and Analysis Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jacques Stout
- Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Robert J Anderson
- Quantitative Imaging and Analysis Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Madison Strain
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jessica T Tremblay
- Quantitative Imaging and Analysis Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zay Yar Han
- Quantitative Imaging and Analysis Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrei Niculescu
- Quantitative Imaging and Analysis Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anna MacFarlane
- Department of Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jasmine King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Allison Ashley-Koch
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Darin Clark
- Quantitative Imaging and Analysis Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael W Lutz
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra Badea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Quantitative Imaging and Analysis Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Shah S, Cook KW, Symonds P, Weißer J, Skinner A, Al Omari A, Paston SJ, Pike I, Durrant LG, Brentville VA. Vaccination with post-translational modified, homocitrullinated peptides induces CD8 T-cell responses that mediate antitumor immunity. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006966. [PMID: 37857526 PMCID: PMC10603355 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006966] [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] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-translational modification of proteins has the potential to alter the ability of T cells to recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class -I and class-II restricted antigens, thereby resulting in altered immune responses. One such modification is carbamylation (homocitrullination) that results in the formation of homocitrulline (Hcit) residues in a non-enzymatic reaction of cyanate with the lysine residues in the polypeptide chain. Homocitrullination occurs in the tumor microenvironment and CD4-mediated immune responses to Hcit epitopes can target stressed tumor cells and provide a potent antitumor response in mouse models. METHODS Homocitrullinated peptides were identified and assessed in vitro for HLA-A2 binding and in vivo in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) transgenic mouse models for immunogenicity. CD8 responses were assessed in vitro for cytotoxicity and in vivo tumor therapy. Human tumor samples were analyzed by targeted mass spectrometry for presence of homocitrullinated peptides. RESULTS Homocitrullinated peptides from aldolase and cytokeratin were identified, that stimulated CD8-mediated responses in vivo. Modified peptides showed enhanced binding to HLA-A2 compared with the native sequences and immunization of HLA-A2 transgenic mice generated high avidity modification specific CD8 responses that killed peptide expressing target cells. Importantly, in vivo the homocitrullinated aldolase specific response was associated with efficient CD8 dependent antitumor therapy of the aggressive murine B16 tumor model indicating that this epitope is naturally presented in the tumor. In addition, the homocitrullinated aldolase epitope was also detected in human tumor samples. CONCLUSION This is the first evidence that homocitrullinated peptides can be processed and presented via MHC-I and targeted for tumor therapy. Thus, Hcit-specific CD8 T-cell responses have potential in the development of future anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Juliane Weißer
- Proteome Science R&D GmbH und Co, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ian Pike
- Proteome Science R&D GmbH und Co, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | - Lindy G Durrant
- Scancell Ltd, Nottingham, UK
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Zhang C, Yu N, Qin Q, Wu X, Gu Y, Liu T, Zhang Q, Liu X, Chen M, Wang K. Keratin8 Deficiency Aggravates Retinal Ganglion Cell Damage Under Acute Ocular Hypertension. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:1. [PMID: 37656477 PMCID: PMC10479409 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.12.1] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Keratin 8/18 (KRT8/18), paired members of the intermediate filament family, have shown vital functions in regulating physiological activities more than supporting the mechanic strength for cells and organelles. However, the KRT8/18 presence in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and functions on neuroprotection in a mouse model of acute ocular hypertension (AOH) are unknown and worthy of exploration. Methods We identified the existence of KRT8/18 in normal human and mouse retinas and primary RGCs. KRT8/18 levels were detected after AOH modeling. The adeno-associated virus (AAV) system was intravitreally used for selective KRT8 knockdown in RGCs. The histological changes, the loss and dysfunction of RGCs, and the gliosis in retinas were detected. The markers of cell apoptosis and MAPK pathways were investigated. Results KRT8/18 existed in all retinal layers and was highly expressed in RGCs, and they increased after AOH induction. The KRT8 knockdown in RGCs caused no histopathological changes and RGC loss in retinas without AOH modeling. However, after the KRT8 deficiency, AOH significantly promoted the loss of whole retina and inner retina thickness, the reduction, apoptosis, and dysfunction of RGCs, and the glial activation. Besides, downregulated Bcl-2 and upregulated cleaved-Caspase 3 were found in the AOH retinas with KRT8 knockdown, which may be caused by the increased phosphorylation level of MAPK pathways (JNK, p38, and ERK). Conclusions The KRT8 deficiency promoted RGC apoptosis and neurodegeneration by abnormal activation of MAPK pathways in AOH retinas. Targeting KRT8 may serve as a novel treatment for saving RCGs from glaucomatous injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengshou Zhang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Naiji Yu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiyu Qin
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingdi Wu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuxiang Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Chen
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaijun Wang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Goralska J, Razny U, Gruca A, Zdzienicka A, Micek A, Dembinska-Kiec A, Solnica B, Malczewska-Malec M. Plasma Cytokeratin-18 Fragment Level Reflects the Metabolic Phenotype in Obesity. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040675. [PMID: 37189422 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040675] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in the non-invasive identification and monitoring of the outcome of liver damage in obese patients. Plasma cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) fragment levels correlate with the magnitude of hepatocyte apoptosis and have recently been proposed to independently predict the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of the study was to analyze the associations of CK-18 with obesity and related complications: insulin resistance, impaired lipid metabolism and the secretion of hepatokines, adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The study involved 151 overweight and obese patients (BMI 25-40), without diabetes, dyslipidemia or apparent liver disease. Liver function was assessed based on alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and the fatty liver index (FLI). CK-18 M30 plasma levels, FGF-21, FGF-19 and cytokines were determined by ELISA. CK-18 values >150 U/l were accompanied by high ALT, GGT and FLI, insulin resistance, postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, elevated FGF-21 and MCP-1 and decreased adiponectin. ALT activity was the strongest independent factor influencing high CK-18 plasma levels, even after an adjustment for age, sex and BMI [β coefficient (95%CI): 0.40 (0.19-0.61)]. In conclusion, the applied CK-18 cut-off point at 150 U/l allows to distinguish between two metabolic phenotypes in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Goralska
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawinska 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland
| | - Urszula Razny
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawinska 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Gruca
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawinska 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Zdzienicka
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawinska 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Micek
- Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Jagiellonian University Medical College; Michałowskiego 12, 31-126 Krakow, Poland
| | - Aldona Dembinska-Kiec
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawinska 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bogdan Solnica
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawinska 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Malczewska-Malec
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawinska 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland
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Mechanical detection of interactions between proteins related to intermediate filament and transcriptional regulation in living cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 216:114603. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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