1
|
Jin Y, Pan Z, Zhou J, Wang K, Zhu P, Wang Y, Xu X, Zhang J, Hao C. Hedgehog signaling pathway regulates Th17 cell differentiation in asthma via IL-6/STAT3 signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112771. [PMID: 39074418 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112771] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Asthma is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in children. The most prevalent phenotype of asthma is eosinophilic asthma, which is driven by a Th2 immune response and can be effectively managed by inhaled corticosteroid therapy. However, there are phenotypes of asthma with Th17 immune response that are insensitive to corticosteroid therapy and manifest a more severe phenotype. The treatment of this corticosteroid-insensitive asthma is currently immature and requires further attention. The objective of this study is to elucidate the regulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in Th17 cell differentiation in asthma. The study demonstrated that both Smo and Gli3, key components of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, were upregulated in Th17 polarization in vitro and in a Th17-dominant asthma model in vivo. Inhibiting Smo with a small molecule inhibitor or genetically knocking down Gli3 was found to suppress Th17 polarization. Smo was found to increase in Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg polarization, while Gli3 specifically increased in Th17 polarization. ChIP-qPCR analyses indicated that Gli3 can directly interact with IL-6 in T cells, inducing STAT3 phosphorylation and promoting Th17 cell differentiation. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a correlation between elevated Gli3 expression and IL-17A and IL-6 expression in children with asthma. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the Hedgehog signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma, as it regulates the differentiation of Th17 cells through the IL-6/STAT3 signaling. This may provide a potential therapeutic target for corticosteroid-insensitive asthma driven by Th17 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Jin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenzhen Pan
- Department of Respiration, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Ji Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Peijie Zhu
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xuena Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinping Zhang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Chuangli Hao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lau CI, Yánez DC, Papaioannou E, Ross S, Crompton T. Sonic Hedgehog signalling in the regulation of barrier tissue homeostasis and inflammation. FEBS J 2022; 289:8050-8061. [PMID: 34614300 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial barrier tissues such as the skin and airway form an essential interface between the mammalian host and its external environment. These physical barriers are crucial to prevent damage and disease from environmental insults and allergens. Failure to maintain barrier function against such risks can lead to severe inflammatory disorders, including atopic dermatitis and asthma. Here, we discuss the role of the morphogen Sonic Hedgehog in postnatal skin and lung and the impact of Shh signalling on repair, inflammation, and atopic disease in these tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-In Lau
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Diana C Yánez
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,School of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador
| | - Eleftheria Papaioannou
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susan Ross
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Solanki A, Yánez DC, Lau CI, Rowell J, Barbarulo A, Ross S, Sahni H, Crompton T. The transcriptional repressor Bcl6 promotes pre-TCR-induced thymocyte differentiation and attenuates Notch1 activation. Development 2020; 147:dev.192203. [PMID: 32907850 DOI: 10.1242/dev.192203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pre-T-cell receptor (TCR) signal transduction is required for developing thymocytes to differentiate from CD4-CD8- double-negative (DN) cell to CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) cell. Notch signalling is required for T-cell fate specification and must be maintained throughout β-selection, but inappropriate Notch activation in DN4 and DP cells is oncogenic. Here, we show that pre-TCR signalling leads to increased expression of the transcriptional repressor Bcl6 and that Bcl6 is required for differentiation to DP. Conditional deletion of Bcl6 from thymocytes reduced pre-TCR-induced differentiation to DP cells, disrupted expansion and enrichment of intracellular TCRβ+ cells within the DN population and increased DN4 cell death. Deletion also increased Notch1 activation and Notch-mediated transcription in the DP population. Thus, Bcl6 is required in thymocyte development for efficient differentiation from DN3 to DP and to attenuate Notch1 activation in DP cells. Given the importance of inappropriate NOTCH1 signalling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL), and the involvement of BCL6 in other types of leukaemia, this study is important to our understanding of T-ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Solanki
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Diana C Yánez
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ching-In Lau
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Jasmine Rowell
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Alessandro Barbarulo
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Susan Ross
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Hemant Sahni
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Elliott KH, Chen X, Salomone J, Chaturvedi P, Schultz PA, Balchand SK, Servetas JD, Zuniga A, Zeller R, Gebelein B, Weirauch MT, Peterson KA, Brugmann SA. Gli3 utilizes Hand2 to synergistically regulate tissue-specific transcriptional networks. eLife 2020; 9:e56450. [PMID: 33006313 PMCID: PMC7556880 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a common understanding that Gli TFs are utilized to convey a Hh morphogen gradient, genetic analyses suggest craniofacial development does not completely fit this paradigm. Using the mouse model (Mus musculus), we demonstrated that rather than being driven by a Hh threshold, robust Gli3 transcriptional activity during skeletal and glossal development required interaction with the basic helix-loop-helix TF Hand2. Not only did genetic and expression data support a co-factorial relationship, but genomic analysis revealed that Gli3 and Hand2 were enriched at regulatory elements for genes essential for mandibular patterning and development. Interestingly, motif analysis at sites co-occupied by Gli3 and Hand2 uncovered mandibular-specific, low-affinity, 'divergent' Gli-binding motifs (dGBMs). Functional validation revealed these dGBMs conveyed synergistic activation of Gli targets essential for mandibular patterning and development. In summary, this work elucidates a novel, sequence-dependent mechanism for Gli transcriptional activity within the craniofacial complex that is independent of a graded Hh signal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey H Elliott
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research FoundationCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Joseph Salomone
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research FoundationCincinnatiUnited States
- Medical-Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Praneet Chaturvedi
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Preston A Schultz
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Sai K Balchand
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
| | | | - Aimée Zuniga
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Rolf Zeller
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Brian Gebelein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
| | | | - Samantha A Brugmann
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Shriners Children’s HospitalCincinnatiUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mengrelis K, Lau CI, Rowell J, Solanki A, Norris S, Ross S, Ono M, Outram S, Crompton T. Sonic Hedgehog Is a Determinant of γδ T-Cell Differentiation in the Thymus. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1629. [PMID: 31379834 PMCID: PMC6658896 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we investigate the function of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in thymic γδ T-cell maturation and subset differentiation. Analysis of Hh mutants showed that Hh signaling promotes γδ T-cell development in the thymus and influences γδ T-cell effector subset distribution. Hh-mediated transcription in thymic γδ cells increased γδ T-cell number, and promoted their maturation and increased the γδNKT subset, whereas inhibition of Hh-mediated transcription reduced the thymic γδ T-cell population and increased expression of many genes that are normally down-regulated during γδ T-cell maturation. These changes were also evident in spleen, where increased Hh signaling increased γδNKT cells, but reduced CD27-CD44+ and Vγ2+ populations. Systemic in vivo pharmacological Smoothened-inhibition reduced γδ T-cell and γδNKT cells in the thymus, and also reduced splenic γδ T-cell and γδNKT populations, indicating that Hh signaling also influences homeostasis of peripheral γδ T-cell populations. Taken together our data indicate that Sonic Hedgehog is an important determinant of γδ T-cell effector subset differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ching-In Lau
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmine Rowell
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anisha Solanki
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia Norris
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Ross
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Masahiro Ono
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Outram
- Department of Natural Sciences, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tessa Crompton
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Papaioannou E, Yánez DC, Ross S, Lau CI, Solanki A, Chawda MM, Virasami A, Ranz I, Ono M, O'Shaughnessy RFL, Crompton T. Sonic Hedgehog signaling limits atopic dermatitis via Gli2-driven immune regulation. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:3153-3170. [PMID: 31264977 PMCID: PMC6668675 DOI: 10.1172/jci125170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) proteins regulate development and tissue homeostasis, but their role in atopic dermatitis (AD) remains unknown. We found that on induction of mouse AD, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) expression in skin and Hh pathway action in skin T cells were increased. Shh signaling reduced AD pathology and the levels of Shh expression determined disease severity. Hh-mediated transcription in skin T cells in AD-induced mice increased Treg populations and their suppressive function through increased active transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β) in Treg signaling to skin T effector populations to reduce disease progression and pathology. RNA sequencing of skin CD4+ T cells from AD-induced mice demonstrated that Hh signaling increased expression of immunoregulatory genes and reduced expression of inflammatory and chemokine genes. Addition of recombinant Shh to cultures of naive human CD4+ T cells in iTreg culture conditions increased FOXP3 expression. Our findings establish an important role for Shh upregulation in preventing AD, by increased Gli-driven, Treg cell–mediated immune suppression, paving the way for a potential new therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Papaioannou
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diana C Yánez
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,School of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Susan Ross
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ching-In Lau
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anisha Solanki
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mira Manilal Chawda
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Virasami
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ismael Ranz
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Masahiro Ono
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan F L O'Shaughnessy
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tessa Crompton
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lau CI, Yánez DC, Solanki A, Papaioannou E, Saldaña JI, Crompton T. Foxa1 and Foxa2 in thymic epithelial cells (TEC) regulate medullary TEC and regulatory T-cell maturation. J Autoimmun 2018; 93:131-138. [PMID: 30061015 PMCID: PMC6119767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Foxa1 and Foxa2 transcription factors are essential for mouse development. Here we show that they are expressed in thymic epithelial cells (TEC) where they regulate TEC development and function, with important consequences for T-cell development. TEC are essential for T-cell differentiation, lineage decisions and repertoire selection. Conditional deletion of Foxa1 and Foxa2 from murine TEC led to a smaller thymus with a greater proportion of TEC and a greater ratio of medullary to cortical TEC. Cell-surface MHCI expression was increased on cortical TEC in the conditional Foxa1Foxa2 knockout thymus, and MHCII expression was reduced on both cortical and medullary TEC populations. These changes in TEC differentiation and MHC expression led to a significant reduction in thymocyte numbers, reduced positive selection of CD4+CD8+ cells to the CD4 lineage, and increased CD8 cell differentiation. Conditional deletion of Foxa1 and Foxa2 from TEC also caused an increase in the medullary TEC population, and increased expression of Aire, but lower cell surface MHCII expression on Aire-expressing mTEC, and increased production of regulatory T-cells. Thus, Foxa1 and Foxa2 in TEC promote positive selection of CD4SP T-cells and modulate regulatory T-cell production and activity, of importance to autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-In Lau
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Diana C Yánez
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anisha Solanki
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Eleftheria Papaioannou
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - José Ignacio Saldaña
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sabol M, Trnski D, Musani V, Ozretić P, Levanat S. Role of GLI Transcription Factors in Pathogenesis and Their Potential as New Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2562. [PMID: 30158435 PMCID: PMC6163343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
GLI transcription factors have important roles in intracellular signaling cascade, acting as the main mediators of the HH-GLI signaling pathway. This is one of the major developmental pathways, regulated both canonically and non-canonically. Deregulation of the pathway during development leads to a number of developmental malformations, depending on the deregulated pathway component. The HH-GLI pathway is mostly inactive in the adult organism but retains its function in stem cells. Aberrant activation in adult cells leads to carcinogenesis through overactivation of several tightly regulated cellular processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, EMT. Targeting GLI transcription factors has recently become a major focus of potential therapeutic protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Diana Trnski
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Vesna Musani
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sonja Levanat
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li Q, Alsaidan OA, Rai S, Wu M, Shen H, Beharry Z, Almada LL, Fernandez-Zapico ME, Wang L, Cai H. Stromal Gli signaling regulates the activity and differentiation of prostate stem and progenitor cells. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:10547-10560. [PMID: 29773652 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between cells in the stroma and epithelium facilitate prostate stem cell activity and tissue regeneration capacity. Numerous molecular signal transduction pathways, including the induction of sonic hedgehog (Shh) to activate the Gli transcription factors, are known to mediate the cross-talk of these two cellular compartments. However, the details of how these signaling pathways regulate prostate stem and progenitor cell activity remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that, although cell-autonomous epithelial Shh-Gli signaling is essential to determine the expression levels of basal cell markers and the renewal potential of epithelial stem and progenitor cells, stromal Gli signaling regulates prostate stem and progenitor cell activity by increasing the number and size of prostate spheroids in vitro Blockade of stromal Gli signaling also inhibited prostate tissue regeneration in vivo The inhibition of stromal Gli signaling suppressed the differentiation of basal and progenitor cells to luminal cells and limited prostate tubule secretory capability. Additionally, stromal cells were able to compensate for the deficiency of epithelial Shh signaling in prostate tissue regeneration. Mechanistically, suppression of Gli signaling increased the signaling factor transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in stromal cells. Elevation of exogenous TGFβ1 levels inhibited prostate spheroid formation, suggesting that a stromal Gli-TGFβ signaling axis regulates the activity of epithelial progenitor cells. Our study illustrates that Gli signaling regulates epithelial stem cell activity and renewal potential in both epithelial and stromal compartments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianjin Li
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Omar A Alsaidan
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Sumit Rai
- the Carbohydrate Research Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Meng Wu
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Huifeng Shen
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Zanna Beharry
- the Department of Chemistry and Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida 33965, and
| | - Luciana L Almada
- the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Martin E Fernandez-Zapico
- the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Lianchun Wang
- the Carbohydrate Research Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Houjian Cai
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lau CI, Barbarulo A, Solanki A, Saldaña JI, Crompton T. The kinesin motor protein Kif7 is required for T-cell development and normal MHC expression on thymic epithelial cells (TEC) in the thymus. Oncotarget 2018; 8:24163-24176. [PMID: 28445929 PMCID: PMC5421836 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Kif7 is a ciliary kinesin motor protein that regulates mammalian Hedgehog pathway activation through influencing structure of the primary cilium. Here we show that Kif7 is required for normal T-cell development, despite the fact that T-cells lack primary cilia. Analysis of Kif7-deficient thymus showed that Kif7-deficiency increases the early CD44+CD25+CD4-CD8- thymocyte progenitor population but reduces differentiation to CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) cell. At the transition from DP to mature T-cell, Kif7-deficiency selectively delayed maturation to the CD8 lineage. Expression of CD5, which correlates with TCR signal strength, was reduced on DP and mature CD4 and CD8 cells, as a result of thymocyte-intrinsic Kif7-deficiency, and Kif7-deficient T-cells from radiation chimeras activated less efficiently when stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 in vitro. Kif7-deficient thymocytes showed higher expression of the Hedgehog target gene Ptch1 than WT, but were less sensitive to treatment with recombinant Shh, and Kif7-deficient T-cell development was refractory to neutralisation of endogenous Hh proteins, indicating that Kif7-deficient thymocytes were unable to interpret changes in the Hedgehog signal. In addition, Kif7-deficiency reduced cell-surface MHCII expression on thymic epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-In Lau
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Barbarulo
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Anisha Solanki
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - José Ignacio Saldaña
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ross S, Cheung M, Lau CI, Sebire N, Burch M, Kilbride P, Fuller B, Morris GJ, Davies EG, Crompton T. Transplanted human thymus slices induce and support T-cell development in mice after cryopreservation. Eur J Immunol 2018; 48:716-719. [PMID: 29318612 PMCID: PMC5947170 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nude mouse human thymus transplant model: Fresh or cryopreserved and thawed human thymus slices were transplanted subcutaneously into recipient nude mice. Nude mice subsequently produced mouse CD3+ CD4+ T-cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Ross
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Melissa Cheung
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Ching-In Lau
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | | | - Peter Kilbride
- Asymptote Ltd, Sovereign House, Vision Park, Cambridge, UK
| | - Barry Fuller
- UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Royal Free Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - G John Morris
- Asymptote Ltd, Sovereign House, Vision Park, Cambridge, UK
| | - E Graham Davies
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Solanki A, Yanez DC, Ross S, Lau CI, Papaioannou E, Li J, Saldaña JI, Crompton T. Gli3 in fetal thymic epithelial cells promotes thymocyte positive selection and differentiation by repression of Shh. Development 2018; 145:dev.146910. [PMID: 29361554 PMCID: PMC5817998 DOI: 10.1242/dev.146910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gli3 is a Hedgehog (Hh)-responsive transcription factor that can function as a transcriptional repressor or activator. We show that Gli3 activity in mouse thymic epithelial cells (TECs) promotes positive selection and differentiation from CD4+ CD8+ to CD4+ CD8- single-positive (SP4) cells in the fetal thymus and that Gli3 represses Shh Constitutive deletion of Gli3, and conditional deletion of Gli3 from TECs, reduced differentiation to SP4, whereas conditional deletion of Gli3 from thymocytes did not. Conditional deletion of Shh from TECs increased differentiation to SP4, and expression of Shh was upregulated in the Gli3-deficient thymus. Use of a transgenic Hh reporter showed that the Hh pathway was active in thymocytes, and increased in the Gli3-deficient fetal thymus. Neutralisation of endogenous Hh proteins in the Gli3-/- thymus restored SP4 differentiation, indicating that Gli3 in TECs promotes SP4 differentiation by repression of Shh Transcriptome analysis showed that Hh-mediated transcription was increased whereas TCR-mediated transcription was decreased in Gli3-/- thymocytes compared with wild type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Solanki
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Diana C Yanez
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Susan Ross
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ching-In Lau
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Jiawei Li
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - José Ignacio Saldaña
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.,School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Solanki A, Lau CI, Saldaña JI, Ross S, Crompton T. The transcription factor Gli3 promotes B cell development in fetal liver through repression of Shh. J Exp Med 2017; 214:2041-2058. [PMID: 28533268 PMCID: PMC5502423 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Solanki et al. show that stromal activity of the transcription factor Gli3 is required for B cell development in the fetal liver. Gli3 functions to repress Shh expression, and Shh signals to developing B cells to regulate their development at multiple developmental stages. Before birth, B cells develop in the fetal liver (FL). In this study, we show that Gli3 activity in the FL stroma is required for B cell development. In the Gli3-deficient FL, B cell development was reduced at multiple stages, whereas the Sonic hedgehog (Hh [Shh])–deficient FL showed increased B cell development, and Gli3 functioned to repress Shh transcription. Use of a transgenic Hh-reporter mouse showed that Shh signals directly to developing B cells and that Hh pathway activation was increased in developing B cells from Gli3-deficient FLs. RNA sequencing confirmed that Hh-mediated transcription is increased in B-lineage cells from Gli3-deficient FL and showed that these cells expressed reduced levels of B-lineage transcription factors and B cell receptor (BCR)/pre-BCR–signaling genes. Expression of the master regulators of B cell development Ebf1 and Pax5 was reduced in developing B cells from Gli3-deficient FL but increased in Shh-deficient FL, and in vitro Shh treatment or neutralization reduced or increased their expression, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Solanki
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Ching-In Lau
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - José Ignacio Saldaña
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, UK.,School of Health, Sport, and Bioscience, University of East London, London, England, UK
| | - Susan Ross
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Passaro D, Quang CT, Ghysdael J. Microenvironmental cues for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia development. Immunol Rev 2016; 271:156-72. [PMID: 27088913 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Intensive chemotherapy regimens have led to a substantial improvement in the cure rate of patients suffering from T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Despite this progress, about 15% and 50% of pediatric and adult cases, respectively, show resistance to treatment or relapse with dismal prognosis, calling for further therapeutic investigations. T-ALL is an heterogeneous disease, which presents intrinsic alterations leading to aberrant expression of transcription factors normally involved in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell development and mutations in genes implicated in the regulation of cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and T-cell development. Gene expression profiling allowed the classification of T-ALL into defined molecular subgroups that mostly reflects the stage of their differentiation arrest. So far this knowledge has not translated into novel, targeted therapy. Recent evidence points to the importance of extrinsic signaling cues in controlling the ability of T-ALL to home, survive, and proliferate, thus offering the perspective of new therapeutic options. This review summarizes the present understanding of the interactions between hematopoietic cells and bone marrow/thymic niches during normal hematopoiesis, describes the main signaling pathways implicated in this dialog, and finally highlights how malignant T cells rely on specific niches to maintain their ability to sustain and propagate leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Passaro
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, Lincoln's Inn Fields Laboratories, London, UK
| | - Christine Tran Quang
- Institut Curie, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
| | - Jacques Ghysdael
- Institut Curie, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Barbarulo A, Lau CI, Mengrelis K, Ross S, Solanki A, Saldaña JI, Crompton T, Roelink H, Conway SJ. Hedgehog Signalling in the Embryonic Mouse Thymus. J Dev Biol 2016; 4:22. [PMID: 27504268 PMCID: PMC4975939 DOI: 10.3390/jdb4030022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells develop in the thymus, which provides an essential environment for T cell fate specification, and for the differentiation of multipotent progenitor cells into major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted, non-autoreactive T cells. Here we review the role of the Hedgehog signalling pathway in T cell development, thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development, and thymocyte-TEC cross-talk in the embryonic mouse thymus during the last week of gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tessa Crompton
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK; (A.B.); (C.-I.L.); (K.M.); (S.R.); (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Saldaña JI, Solanki A, Lau CI, Sahni H, Ross S, Furmanski AL, Ono M, Holländer G, Crompton T. Sonic Hedgehog regulates thymic epithelial cell differentiation. J Autoimmun 2016; 68:86-97. [PMID: 26778835 PMCID: PMC4803023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is expressed in the thymus, where it regulates T cell development. Here we investigated the influence of Shh on thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development. Components of the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway were expressed by TEC, and use of a Gli Binding Site-green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic reporter mouse demonstrated active Hh-dependent transcription in TEC in the foetal and adult thymus. Analysis of Shh-deficient foetal thymus organ cultures (FTOC) showed that Shh is required for normal TEC differentiation. Shh-deficient foetal thymus contained fewer TEC than wild type (WT), the proportion of medullary TEC was reduced relative to cortical TEC, and cell surface expression of MHC Class II molecules was increased on both cortical and medullary TEC populations. In contrast, the Gli3-deficient thymus, which shows increased Hh-dependent transcription in thymic stroma, had increased numbers of TEC, but decreased cell surface expression of MHC Class II molecules on both cortical and medullary TEC. Neutralisation of endogenous Hh proteins in WT FTOC led to a reduction in TEC numbers, and in the proportion of mature Aire-expressing medullary TEC, but an increase in cell surface expression of MHC Class II molecules on medullary TEC. Likewise, conditional deletion of Shh from TEC in the adult thymus resulted in alterations in TEC differentiation and consequent changes in T cell development. TEC numbers, and the proportion of mature Aire-expressing medullary TEC were reduced, and cell surface expression of MHC Class II molecules on medullary TEC was increased. Differentiation of mature CD4 and CD8 single positive thymocytes was increased, demonstrating the regulatory role of Shh production by TEC on T cell development. Treatment of human thymus explants with recombinant Shh or neutralising anti-Shh antibody indicated that the Hedgehog pathway is also involved in regulation of differentiation from DP to mature SP T cells in the human thymus. TEC express components of the Hedgehog signalling pathway and transduce it's signals. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is required for normal TEC development. Sonic hedgehog particularly influences differentiation to the medullary TEC lineage. Shh regulates cell surface MHCII expression on both cortical and medullary TEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Saldaña
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anisha Solanki
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ching-In Lau
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Hemant Sahni
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Susan Ross
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anna L Furmanski
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Masahiro Ono
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Georg Holländer
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, and Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- Immunobiology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street London WC1N 1EH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yan R, He L, Li Z, Han X, Liang J, Si W, Chen Z, Li L, Xie G, Li W, Wang P, Lei L, Zhang H, Pei F, Cao D, Sun L, Shang Y. SCF(JFK) is a bona fide E3 ligase for ING4 and a potent promoter of the angiogenesis and metastasis of breast cancer. Genes Dev 2015; 29:672-85. [PMID: 25792601 PMCID: PMC4378198 DOI: 10.1101/gad.254292.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor ING4 (inhibitor of growth protein 4) is involved in various cellular processes by virtue of its epigenetic regulatory capability and through its positive regulation of p53 and negative regulation of NFκB. Yan et al. find that the F-box protein JFK targets ING4 for ubiquitination and degradation through assembly of an Skp1-Cul1-F-box (SCF) complex. JFK-mediated ING4 destabilization leads to the hyperactivation of the canonical NFκB pathway and promotes angiogenesis and metastasis of breast cancer. Loss of function/dysregulation of inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4) and hyperactivation of NF-κB are frequent events in many types of human malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these remarkable aberrations are not understood. Here, we report that ING4 is physically associated with JFK. We demonstrated that JFK targets ING4 for ubiquitination and degradation through assembly of an Skp1–Cul1–F-box (SCF) complex. We showed that JFK-mediated ING4 destabilization leads to the hyperactivation of the canonical NF-κB pathway and promotes angiogenesis and metastasis of breast cancer. Significantly, the expression of JFK is markedly up-regulated in breast cancer, and the level of JFK is negatively correlated with that of ING4 and positively correlated with an aggressive clinical behavior of breast carcinomas. Our study identified SCFJFK as a bona fide E3 ligase for ING4 and unraveled the JFK–ING4–NF-κB axis as an important player in the development and progression of breast cancer, supporting the pursuit of JFK as a potential target for breast cancer intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruorong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lin He
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhongwu Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wenzhe Si
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guojia Xie
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wanjin Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Peiyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liandi Lei
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hongquan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Fei Pei
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dengfeng Cao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Luyang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China;
| | - Yongfeng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Tianjin for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sacilotto N, Castillo J, Riffo-Campos ÁL, Flores JM, Hibbitt O, Wade-Martins R, López C, Rodrigo MI, Franco L, López-Rodas G. Growth Arrest Specific 1 (Gas1) Gene Overexpression in Liver Reduces the In Vivo Progression of Murine Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Partially Restores Gene Expression Levels. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132477. [PMID: 26161998 PMCID: PMC4498802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients is usually poor, the size of tumors being a limiting factor for surgical treatments. Present results suggest that the overexpression of Gas1 (growth arrest specific 1) gene reduces the size, proliferating activity and malignancy of liver tumors. Mice developing diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma were subjected to hydrodynamic gene delivery to overexpress Gas1 in liver. This treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the number of large tumors, while the difference in the total number of lesions was not significant. Moreover, the number of carcinoma foci in the liver and the number of lung metastases were reduced. These results are related with the finding that overexpression of Gas1 in Hepa 1-6 cells arrests cell cycle before S phase, with a significant (p < 0.01) and concomitant reduction in the expression of cyclin E2 gene. In addition, a triangular analysis of microarray data shows that Gas1 overexpression restores the transcription levels of 150 genes whose expression was affected in the diethylnitrosamine-induced tumors, thirteen of which are involved in the hedgehog signaling pathway. Since the in vivo Gas1 gene delivery to livers of mice carrying hepatocellular carcinoma reduces the size and proliferating activity of tumors, partially restoring the transcriptional profile of the liver, the present study opens promising insights towards a therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sacilotto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Josefa Castillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ángela L. Riffo-Campos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juana M. Flores
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Olivia Hibbitt
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos López
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - M. Isabel Rodrigo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis Franco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Gerardo López-Rodas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Furmanski AL, Barbarulo A, Solanki A, Lau CI, Sahni H, Saldana JI, D'Acquisto F, Crompton T. The transcriptional activator Gli2 modulates T-cell receptor signalling through attenuation of AP-1 and NFκB activity. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:2085-95. [PMID: 25908851 PMCID: PMC4450292 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.165803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Different tissues contain diverse and dynamic cellular niches, providing distinct signals to tissue-resident or migratory infiltrating immune cells. Hedgehog (Hh) proteins are secreted inter-cellular signalling molecules, which are essential during development and are important in cancer, post-natal tissue homeostasis and repair. Hh signalling mediated by the Hh-responsive transcription factor Gli2 also has multiple roles in T-lymphocyte development and differentiation. Here, we investigate the function of Gli2 in T-cell signalling and activation. Gene transcription driven by the Gli2 transcriptional activator isoform (Gli2A) attenuated T-cell activation and proliferation following T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation. Expression of Gli2A in T-cells altered gene expression profiles, impaired the TCR-induced Ca2+ flux and nuclear expression of NFAT2, suppressed upregulation of molecules essential for activation, and attenuated signalling pathways upstream of the AP-1 and NFκB complexes, leading to reduced activation of these important transcription factors. Inhibition of physiological Hh-dependent transcription increased NFκB activity upon TCR ligation. These data are important for understanding the molecular mechanisms of immunomodulation, particularly in tissues where Hh proteins or other Gli-activating ligands such as TGFβ are upregulated, including during inflammation, tissue damage and repair, and in tumour microenvironments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Furmanski
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Alessandro Barbarulo
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anisha Solanki
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ching-In Lau
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Hemant Sahni
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Jose Ignacio Saldana
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Fulvio D'Acquisto
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, QMUL, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is well established as being evolutionarily conserved across vertebrates, and is involved in organogenesis, hematopoiesis, embryogenesis and homeostasis of adult tissues. At a microscopic level, the Hh signaling pathway controls the proliferation, apoptosis, cell-cycle and differentiation programs of stem and progenitor cells. Increasing evidence suggests that aberrant activation of the Hh signaling pathway is related to neoplasm, including solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Currently the Hh signaling pathway has become one of the most studied potential therapeutic targets in hematological malignancies. In this review, we focus on findings related to Hh signaling in the initiation, maintenance, progression and chemoresistance of hematological malignancies, looking forward to better targeted treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Geng
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong , P. R. China
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shah DK, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. An overview of the intrathymic intricacies of T cell development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:4017-23. [PMID: 24748636 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The generation of a functional and diverse repertoire of T cells occurs in the thymus from precursors arriving from the bone marrow. In this article, we introduce the various stages of mouse thymocyte development and highlight recent work using various in vivo, and, where appropriate, in vitro models of T cell development that led to discoveries in the regulation afforded by transcription factors and receptor-ligand signaling pathways in specifying, maintaining, and promoting the T cell lineage and the production of T cells. This review also discusses the role of the thymic microenvironment in providing a niche for the successful development of T cells. In particular, we focus on advances in Notch signaling and developments in Notch ligand interactions in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya K Shah
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hager-Theodorides AL, Ross SE, Sahni H, Mishina Y, Furmanski AL, Crompton T. Direct BMP2/4 signaling through BMP receptor IA regulates fetal thymocyte progenitor homeostasis and differentiation to CD4+CD8+ double-positive cell. Cell Cycle 2013; 13:324-33. [PMID: 24240189 PMCID: PMC3906248 DOI: 10.4161/cc.27118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BMP2/4 signaling is required for embryogenesis and involved in thymus morphogenesis and T-lineage differentiation. In vitro experiments have shown that treatment of thymus explants with exogenous BMP4 negatively regulated differentiation of early thymocyte progenitors and the transition from CD4−CD8− (DN) to CD4+CD8+ (DP). Here we show that in vivo BMP2/4 signaling is required for fetal thymocyte progenitor homeostasis and expansion, but negatively regulates differentiation from DN to DP cell. Unexpectedly, conditional deletion of BMPRIA from fetal thymocytes (using the Cre-loxP system and directing excision to hematopoietic lineage cells with the Vav promoter) demonstrated that physiological levels of BMP2/4 signaling directly to thymocytes through BMPRIA are required for normal differentiation and expansion of early fetal DN thymocytes. In contrast, the arrest in early thymocyte progenitor differentiation caused by exogenous BMP4 treatment of thymus explants is induced in part by direct signaling to thymocytes through BMPRIA, and in part by indirect signaling through non-hematopoietic cells. Analysis of the transition from fetal DN to DP cell, both by ex vivo analysis of conditional BMPRIA-deficient thymocytes and by treatment of thymus explants with the BMP4-inhibitor Noggin demonstrated that BMP2/4 signaling is a negative regulator at this stage. We showed that at this stage of fetal T-cell development BMP2/4 signals directly to thymocytes through BMPRIA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariadne L Hager-Theodorides
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture; Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Husbandry; Agricultural University of Athens; Athens, Greece
| | - Susan E Ross
- Immunobiology Unit; UCL Institute of Child Health; London, UK
| | - Hemant Sahni
- Immunobiology Unit; UCL Institute of Child Health; London, UK
| | - Yuji Mishina
- University of Michigan; School of Dentistry; Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences; Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | | | - Tessa Crompton
- Immunobiology Unit; UCL Institute of Child Health; London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Michel KD, Uhmann A, Dressel R, van den Brandt J, Hahn H, Reichardt HM. The hedgehog receptor patched1 in T cells is dispensable for adaptive immunity in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61034. [PMID: 23577186 PMCID: PMC3620050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling modulates T cell development and function but its exact role remains a matter of debate. To further address this issue we made use of conditional knock-out mice in which the Hh receptor Patched1 (Ptch) is inactivated in the T cell lineage. Thymocyte development was moderately compromised by the deletion of Ptch as characterized by reduced numbers of CD4 and CD8 single-positive cells. In contrast, peripheral T cells were not affected. Proliferation and IFNγ secretion by Ptch-deficient T cells were indistinguishable from controls irrespectively of whether we used strong or suboptimal conditions for stimulation. Analysis of CTL and Treg cell functions did not reveal any differences between both genotypes, and T cell apoptosis induced by glucocorticoids or γ-irradiation was also similar. Surprisingly, absence of Ptch did not lead to an activation of canonic Hh signaling in peripheral T cells as indicated by unaltered expression levels of Gli1 and Gli2. To test whether we could uncover any role of Ptch in T cells in vivo we subjected the mutant mice to three different disease models, namely allogeneic bone marrow transplantation mimicking graft-versus-host disease, allergic airway inflammation as a model of asthma and growth of adoptively transferred melanoma cells as a means to test tumor surveillance by the immune system. Nonetheless, we were neither able to demonstrate any difference in the disease courses nor in any pathogenic parameter in these three models of adaptive immunity. We therefore conclude that the Hh receptor Ptch is dispensable for T cell function in vitro as well as in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai D. Michel
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anja Uhmann
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens van den Brandt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Heidi Hahn
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Holger M. Reichardt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Furmanski AL, Saldana JI, Ono M, Sahni H, Paschalidis N, D'Acquisto F, Crompton T. Tissue-derived hedgehog proteins modulate Th differentiation and disease. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:2641-9. [PMID: 23408837 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies of complex immune-mediated diseases have indicated that many genetic factors, each with individual low risk, contribute to overall disease. It is therefore timely and important to characterize how immune responses may be subtly modified by tissue context. In this article, we explore the role of tissue-derived molecules in influencing the function of T cells, which, owing to their migratory nature, come into contact with many different microenvironments through their lifespan. Hedgehog (Hh) proteins act as secreted morphogens, providing concentration-dependent positional and temporal cell-fate specification in solid tissues. Hh signaling is required for embryogenesis and is important in postnatal tissue renewal and in malignancy. However, the function of Hh in dynamic, fluid systems, such as in mammalian immunity, is largely unknown. In this article, we show that Hh-dependent transcription in T cells promoted Th2 transcriptional programs and differentiation, exacerbating allergic disease. Of interest, expression of Sonic Hh increased in lung epithelial cells following the induction of allergic disease, and lung T cells upregulated Hh target gene expression, indicating that T cells respond to locally secreted Hh ligands in vivo. We show that Il4, the key Th2 cytokine, is a novel transcriptional target of Hh signals in T cells, providing one mechanism for the role of Hh in Th differentiation. We propose that Hh, secreted from inflamed, remodeling, or malignant tissue, can modulate local T cell function. Our data present an unexpected and novel role for tissue-derived morphogens in the regulation of fluid immune responses, with implications for allergy and tumor responses, suggesting new uses for anti-Hh therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Furmanski
- Immunobiology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ma D, Wei Y, Liu F. Regulatory mechanisms of thymus and T cell development. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 39:91-102. [PMID: 22227346 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2011.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a central hematopoietic organ which produces mature T lymphocytes with diverse antigen specificity. During development, the thymus primordium is derived from the third pharyngeal endodermal pouch, and then differentiates into cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs). TECs represent the primary functional cell type that forms the unique thymic epithelial microenvironment which is essential for intrathymic T-cell development, including positive selection, negative selection and emigration out of the thymus. Our understanding of thymopoiesis has been greatly advanced by using several important animal models. This review will describe progress on the molecular mechanisms involved in thymus and T cell development with particular focus on the signaling and transcription factors involved in this process in mouse and zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cohen O, Ish-Shalom E, Kfir-Erenfeld S, Herr I, Yefenof E. Nitric oxide and glucocorticoids synergize in inducing apoptosis of CD4⁺8⁺ thymocytes: implications for 'Death by Neglect' and T-cell function. Int Immunol 2012; 24:783-91. [PMID: 22949567 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxs083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a central role in T-cell development by presenting self-antigens on MHC proteins. Double-positive (DP) thymocytes that fail to interact with TEC via their TCR die by 'Death by Neglect'. We demonstrated a role for TEC-derived glucocorticoids (GCs) in this process. In a previous study, we used an in vitro system recapitulating Death by Neglect, to demonstrate the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in this process. In this study, we show that NO synergizes with GCs to induce apoptosis of DP thymocytes in a fetal thymic organ culture. Also, DP thymocytes from iNOS⁻/⁻ mice are less sensitive to GC-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the number of DP thymocytes in iNOS⁻/⁻ mice is higher than in wild-type mice, suggesting a role for NO in Death by Neglect. This phenomenon effects T-cell function profoundly: iNOS⁻/⁻ T cells do not respond to TCR-mediated activation signals, measured by up-regulation of CD69, IL-2R and IFNγ secretion. This failure to activate is a result of TCR incompetence because iNO⁻/⁻ T cells respond to TCR-independent stimuli (phorbol myristate acetate and calcium ionophore). This study suggests that NO and GCs synergize to execute TEC-induced death of DP thymocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orly Cohen
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Haddad-Tóvolli R, Heide M, Zhou X, Blaess S, Alvarez-Bolado G. Mouse thalamic differentiation: gli-dependent pattern and gli-independent prepattern. Front Neurosci 2012; 6:27. [PMID: 22371696 PMCID: PMC3283895 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2012.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is essential for thalamic development. The Gli transcription factors act downstream of Shh – while Gli2 is the major activator (GliA), Gli3 acts primarily as a repressor (GliR). The thalamus is remarkable among dorsal structures because of its proximity to the mid-diencephalic organizer, a unique dorsal Shh source. This lends complexity to the interactions between Shh, Gli2, and Gli3, suggesting the presence of a dorsal Gli activator which elsewhere is found only ventrally, and making the dissection of thalamic Gli functions particularly interesting. A current model based on mutant phenotypes in telencephalon and midbrain postulates a degree of reciprocal antagonism of Shh and Gli3 in dorsal brain regions. To approach the role of Gli factors in thalamic specification we first analyzed mice deficient in Gli2 or Gli3. In Gli2 mutants, the thalamus is small and poorly differentiated with the exception of the medial and intralaminar nuclei which, in contrast, are specifically and severely affected by Gli3 inactivation. Gbx2 expression is very reduced in the Gli3 mutant. Most thalamic nuclei are present in both mutants, although incompletely differentiated, as reflected by the loss of specific markers. The ventral posterior group, revealed by novel specific marker Hes1, is present in both mutants and extends axons to the telencephalon. To test the Gli3/Shh interaction we generated a novel mutant deficient in Gli3 and neuroepithelial Shh. The thalamus of the n-Shh/Gli3 double mutants is very large and very poorly differentiated except for a broad domain of Gbx2, Lhx2, and Calb2 expression. In utero electroporation experiments on wild type embryos suggest that a stage-specific factor acting early is responsible for this prepattern. We show that, in the thalamus, GliA acts downstream of Shh to specify pattern and size of the thalamic nuclei to the exception of the medial and intralaminar groups. Gli3A can partially substitute for Gli2A in the Gli2 mutant. GliR is essential for specification and growth of the medial and intralaminar nuclei, contributes to the specification of other thalamic nuclei and reduces thalamic size. GliA (from neuroepithelial Shh signaling) and GliR do not show reciprocal antagonism in the thalamus, and their joint abolition does not rescue the wild type phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Haddad-Tóvolli
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Furmanski AL, Saldana JI, Rowbotham NJ, Ross SE, Crompton T. Role of Hedgehog signalling at the transition from double-positive to single-positive thymocyte. Eur J Immunol 2011; 42:489-99. [PMID: 22101858 PMCID: PMC3378705 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201141758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In the thymus, developing T cells receive signals that determine lineage choice, specificity, MHC restriction and tolerance to self-antigen. One way in which thymocytes receive instruction is by secretion of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) from thymic epithelial cells. We have previously shown that Hedgehog (Hh) signalling in the thymus decreases the CD4:CD8 single-positive (SP) thymocyte ratio. Here, we present data indicating that double-positive (DP) thymocytes are Hh-responsive and that thymocyte-intrinsic Hh signalling plays a role in modulating the production of CD4(+) (SP4), CD8(+) (SP8) and unconventional T-cell subsets. Repression of physiological Hh signalling in thymocytes altered the proportions of DP and SP4 cells. Thymocyte-intrinsic Hh-dependent transcription also attenuated both the production of mature SP4 and SP8 cells, and the establishment of peripheral T-cell compartments in TCR-transgenic mice. Additionally, stimulation or withdrawal of Hh signals in the WT foetal thymus impaired or enhanced upregulation of the CD4 lineage-specific transcription factor Gata3 respectively. These data together suggest that Hh signalling may play a role in influencing the later stages of thymocyte development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Furmanski
- Immunobiology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ok CY, Singh RR, Vega F. Aberrant activation of the hedgehog signaling pathway in malignant hematological neoplasms. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 180:2-11. [PMID: 22056910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is a highly regulated signaling pathway that is important not only for embryonic development, tissue patterning, and organogenesis but also for tissue repair and the maintenance of stem cells in adult tissues. In the adult hematopoietic system, HH signaling regulates intrathymic T-cell development, and it is one of the survival signals provided by follicular dendritic cells to prevent apoptosis in germinal center B cells. HH signaling is required for primitive hematopoiesis; however, conflicting data have been reported regarding the role of the HH pathway in adult hematopoiesis. Inappropriate activation of the HH signaling pathway occurs in several human cancers, including hematological neoplasms. Emerging data demonstrate abnormal HH pathway activation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, plasma cell myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and acute leukemias. In these neoplasms, HH signaling promotes proliferation and survival, contributes to the maintenance of cancer stem cells, and enhances tolerance or resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we review current understanding of HH signaling, its role in the pathobiology of hematological malignancies, and its potential as a therapeutic target to treat malignant hematological neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Young Ok
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Harris LG, Samant RS, Shevde LA. Hedgehog signaling: networking to nurture a promalignant tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer Res 2011; 9:1165-74. [PMID: 21775419 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-11-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In addition to its role in embryonic development, the Hedgehog pathway has been shown to be an active participant in cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Although this pathway is activated by autocrine signaling by Hedgehog ligands, it can also initiate paracrine signaling with cells in the microenvironment. This creates a network of Hedgehog signaling that determines the malignant behavior of the tumor cells. As a result of paracrine signal transmission, the effects of Hedgehog signaling most profoundly influence the stromal cells that constitute the tumor microenvironment. The stromal cells in turn produce factors that nurture the tumor. Thus, such a resonating cross-talk can amplify Hedgehog signaling, resulting in molecular chatter that overall promotes tumor progression. Inhibitors of Hedgehog signaling have been the subject of intense research. Several of these inhibitors are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Here, we review the role of the Hedgehog pathway in the signature characteristics of cancer cells that determine tumor development, progression, and metastasis. This review condenses the latest findings on the signaling pathways that are activated and/or regulated by molecules generated from Hedgehog signaling in cancer and cites promising clinical interventions. Finally, we discuss future directions for identifying the appropriate patients for therapy, developing reliable markers of efficacy of treatment, and combating resistance to Hedgehog pathway inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lillianne G Harris
- University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, Alabama 36604, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
CD3+CD4-CD8- (double negative) T cells: saviours or villains of the immune response? Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 82:333-40. [PMID: 21640713 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that T cells are not just the latecomers in inflammation but might also play a key role in the early phase of this response. In this context, a number of T cell subsets including NKT cells, mucosal-associated invariant T cells and γ/δ T cells have been shown, together with classical innate immune cells, to contribute significantly to the development and establishment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. In this commentary we will focus our attention on a somewhat neglected class of T cells called CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) double negative T cells and on their role in inflammation and autoimmunity. We will summarize the most recent views on their origin at the thymic and peripheral levels as well as their tissue localization in immune and non-lymphoid organs. We will then outline their potential pathogenic role in autoimmunity as well as their homeostatic role in suppressing excessive immune responses deleterious to the host. Finally, we will discuss the potential therapeutic benefits or disadvantages of targeting CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) double negative T cells for the treatment of autoimmune disease. We hope that this overview will shed some light on the function of these immune cells and attract the interest of investigators aiming at the design of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Collapse
|
32
|
Glioma-associated oncogene homologue 3, a hedgehog transcription factor, is highly expressed in Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells of classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Hum Pathol 2011; 42:1643-52. [PMID: 21531006 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2010.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog signaling pathway has been shown to play a pathogenic role in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, but has not been assessed in classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Glioma-associated oncogene homologues 1, 2, and 3 are transcriptional effectors of the hedgehog pathway. In this study, we first used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to investigate the expressions of GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 in 3 classical Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines. GLI1 and GLI2 were variably expressed, but GLI3 was highly expressed in all cell lines. We then used immunohistochemistry to assess glioma-associated oncogene homologues 1, 2, and 3 in 39 classical Hodgkin lymphoma patient samples. Glioma-associated oncogene homologues 1 and 2 were weakly to variably expressed in a subset of classical Hodgkin lymphoma patient samples. In contrast, glioma-associated oncogene homologue 3 showed strong, uniform nuclear expression in virtually all Hodgkin/Reed-Stenberg cells. We then performed an immunohistochemical survey of glioma-associated oncogene homologue 3 expression in 13 cases of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma and 218 non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Most other lymphoma types showed variable or no expression of glioma-associated oncogene homologue 3, with a minor subset of cases of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, ALK-positive and ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and classical Hodgkin lymphoma showing a glioma-associated oncogene homologue 3 staining pattern indistinguishable from classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Our data provide a rationale to further investigate the biologic significance of glioma-associated oncogene homologue 3 in classical Hodgkin lymphoma biology.
Collapse
|
33
|
Uhmann A, van den Brandt J, Dittmann K, Heß I, Dressel R, Binder C, Lühder F, Christiansen H, Fassnacht M, Bhandoola A, Wienands J, Reichardt HM, Hahn H. T Cell Development Critically Depends on Prethymic Stromal Patched Expression. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:3383-91. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1001939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
34
|
|
35
|
Drakopoulou E, Outram SV, Rowbotham NJ, Ross SE, Furmanski AL, Saldana JI, Hager-Theodorides AL, Crompton T. Non-redundant role for the transcription factor Gli1 at multiple stages of thymocyte development. Cell Cycle 2010; 9:4144-52. [PMID: 20935514 DOI: 10.4161/cc.9.20.13453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway influences multiple stages of murine T-cell development. Hh signaling mediates transcriptional changes by the activity of the Gli family of transcription factors, Gli1, Gli2 and Gli3. Both Gli2 and Gli3 are essential for mouse development and can be processed to function as transcriptional repressors or transcriptional activators, whereas Gli1, itself a transcriptional target of Hh pathway activation, can only function as a transcriptional activator and is not essential for mouse development. Gli1-deficient mice are healthy and appear normal and nonredundant functions for Gli1 have been difficult to identify. Here we show that Gli1 is non-redundant in the regulation of T-cell development in the thymus, at multiple developmental stages. Analysis of Gli1-deficient embryonic mouse thymus shows a role for Gli1 to promote the differentiation of CD4⁻CD8⁻ double negative (DN) thymocytes before pre- TCR signal transduction, and a negative regulatory function after pre-TCR signaling. In addition, introduction of a Class I-restricted transgenic TCR into the adult Gli1-deficient and embryonic Gli2-deficient thymus showed that both Gli1 and Gli2 influence its selection to the CD8 lineage.
Collapse
|