1
|
Gao G, Zhou Z. Isthmin-1: A critical regulator of branching morphogenesis and metanephric mesenchyme condensation during early kidney development. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300189. [PMID: 38161234 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300189] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Isthmin-1 (Ism1) was first described to be syn-expressed with Fgf8 in Xenopus. However, its biological role has not been elucidated until recent years. Despite of accumulated evidence that Ism1 participates in angiogenesis, tumor invasion, macrophage apoptosis, and glucose metabolism, the cognate receptors for Ism1 remain largely unknown. Ism1 deficiency in mice results in renal agenesis (RA) with a transient loss of Gdnf transcription and impaired mesenchyme condensation at E11.5. Ism1 binds to and activates Integrin α8β1 to positively regulate Gdnf/Ret signaling, thus promoting mesenchyme condensation and ureteric epithelium branching morphogenesis. Here, we propose the hypothesis underlying the mechanism by which Ism1 regulates branching morphogenesis during early kidney development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Gao
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhongjun Zhou
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Reproductive Medical Center, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Garis M, Meyer MD, Lwigale P. Expression of Nephronectin in the Descemet's membrane of mouse corneas during development and adult homeostasis. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109797. [PMID: 38246333 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109797] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Nephronectin (Npnt) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein with pleiotropic functions during organogenesis, disease, and homeostasis. Although the ECM plays a crucial role during development and homeostasis of the adult cornea, little is known about the expression of Npnt in the mammalian cornea. Here, we investigated the expression of Npnt during early embryonic and postnatal development, and in adult mouse corneas. We combined ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses to study the early formation of the Descemet's membrane and how the expression of Npnt relates to key basement membrane proteins. Our section in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that Npnt mRNA is expressed by the nascent corneal endothelial cells at embryonic day (E) 14.5, whereas the protein is localized in the adjacent extracellular matrix. These expression patterns were maintained in the corneal endothelium and Descemet's membrane throughout development and in adult corneas. Ultrastructural analysis revealed discontinuous electron dense regions of protein aggregates at E18.5 that was separated from the endothelial layer by an electron lucent space. At birth (postnatal day, P0), the Descemet's membrane was a single layer, which continuously thickened throughout P4, P8, P10, and P14. Npnt was localized to the Descemet's membrane by E18.5 and overlapped with Collagens IV and VIII, Laminin, and Perlecan. However, the proteins subsequently shifted and formed distinct layers in the adult cornea, whereby Npnt localized between two Collagen VIII bands and anterior to Collagen IV but overlapped with Laminin and Perlecan. Combined, our results reveal the expression of Npnt in the mouse cornea and define its spatiotemporal localization relative to key basement membrane proteins during the formation of the Descemet's membrane and in the adult cornea. Understanding the spatiotemporal expression of Npnt is important for future studies to elucidate its function in the mammalian cornea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Garis
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77019, USA
| | - Matthew D Meyer
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77019, USA
| | - Peter Lwigale
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77019, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Faralli JA, Filla MS, Yang YF, Sun YY, Johns K, Keller KE, Peters DM. Digital spatial profiling of segmental outflow regions in trabecular meshwork reveals a role for ADAM15. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298802. [PMID: 38394161 PMCID: PMC10889904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study we used a spatial transcriptomics approach to identify genes specifically associated with either high or low outflow regions in the trabecular meshwork (TM) that could potentially affect aqueous humor outflow in vivo. High and low outflow regions were identified and isolated from organ cultured human anterior segments perfused with fluorescently-labeled 200 nm FluoSpheres. The NanoString GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) platform was then used to identified genes in the paraffin embedded tissue sections from within those regions. These transcriptome analyses revealed that 16 genes were statistically upregulated in high outflow regions and 57 genes were statistically downregulated in high outflow regions when compared to low outflow regions. Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that the top three biological categories of these differentially expressed genes were ECM/cell adhesion, signal transduction, and transcription. The ECM/cell adhesion genes that showed the largest differential expression (Log2FC ±1.5) were ADAM15, BGN, LDB3, and CRKL. ADAM15, which is a metalloproteinase that can bind integrins, was upregulated in high outflow regions, while the proteoglycan BGN and two genes associated with integrin signaling (LDB3, and CRKL) were downregulated. Immunolabeling studies supported the differential expression of ADAM15 and showed that it was specifically upregulated in high outflow regions along the inner wall of Schlemm's canal and in the juxtacanalicular (JCT) region of the TM. In addition to these genes, the studies showed that genes for decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, and the α8 integrin subunit were enriched in high outflow regions. These studies identify several novel genes that could be involved in segmental outflow, thus demonstrating that digital spatial profiling could be a useful approach for understanding segmental flow through the TM. Furthermore, this study suggests that changes in the expression of genes involved in regulating the activity and/or organization of the ECM and integrins in the TM are likely to be key players in segmental outflow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Faralli
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mark S. Filla
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Yong-Feng Yang
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Ying Ying Sun
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Kassidy Johns
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kate E. Keller
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Donna M. Peters
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang J, Jiang T, Li J, Qie J, Cheng X, Wang Y, Zhou T, Liu J, Han H, Yao K, Yu L. Biomimetic Corneal Stroma for Scarless Corneal Wound Healing via Structural Restoration and Microenvironment Modulation. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302889. [PMID: 37988231 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302889] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Corneal injury-induced stromal scarring causes the most common subtype of corneal blindness, and there is an unmet need to promote scarless corneal wound healing. Herein, a biomimetic corneal stroma with immunomodulatory properties is bioengineered for scarless corneal defect repair. First, a fully defined serum-free system is established to derive stromal keratocytes (hAESC-SKs) from a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-grade human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs), and RNA-seq is used to validate the phenotypic transition. Moreover, hAESC-SKs are shown to possess robust immunomodulatory properties in addition to the keratocyte phenotype. Inspired by the corneal stromal extracellular matrix (ECM), a photocurable gelatin-based hydrogel is fabricated to serve as a scaffold for hAESC-SKs for bioengineering of a biomimetic corneal stroma. The rabbit corneal defect model is used to confirm that this biomimetic corneal stroma rapidly restores the corneal structure, and effectively reshapes the tissue microenvironment via proteoglycan secretion to promote transparency and inhibition of the inflammatory cascade to alleviate fibrosis, which synergistically reduces scar formation by ≈75% in addition to promoting wound healing. Overall, the strategy proposed here provides a promising solution for scarless corneal defect repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Huang
- 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, 310009, P. R. China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Tuoying Jiang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Jinying Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Industry, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, P. R. China
| | - Jiqiao Qie
- 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, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Cheng
- 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, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Yiyao 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, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Tinglian Zhou
- 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, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Jia Liu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Haijie Han
- 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, 310009, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Ke Yao
- 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, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Luyang Yu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Z, Tan S, Qi L, Chen Y, Liu H, Liu X, Sha Z. Genome-wide characterization of integrin (ITG) gene family and their expression profiling in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) upon Vibrio anguillarum infection. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2023; 47:101099. [PMID: 37327728 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Integrins (ITGs) are transmembrane heterodimer receptors with ITGα subunit and ITGβ subunit, participating in various physiological processes, including immunity. At present, systematic research on ITGs in teleost is scarce, especially in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). In this study, a set of 28 ITG genes in half-smooth tongue sole have been identified and characterized. The phylogenetic analysis showed that ITGα and ITGβ subunits were respectively classified into five and two clusters, consistent with previous studies. The selection pressure analysis indicated that most of ITG genes were under purifying selection, except for ITGα11b and ITGαL with positive selection. The expression profiles of eight selected ITG genes, including ITGα1, ITGα5, ITGα8, ITGα11, ITGβ1, ITGβ2, ITGβ3, and ITGβ8, were analyzed in healthy tissues and after infection with Vibrio anguillarum, revealed their implications in immune response. The study provided a comprehensive characterization and expression analysis of ITG genes in half-smooth tongue sole, setting a solid foundation for further functional studies and promising potential in disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhujun Li
- Institute of Aquatic Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Suxu Tan
- Institute of Aquatic Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Longjiang Qi
- Institute of Aquatic Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yadong Chen
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hongning Liu
- Institute of Aquatic Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xinbao Liu
- Institute of Aquatic Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhenxia Sha
- Institute of Aquatic Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Howard AGA, Uribe RA. Hox proteins as regulators of extracellular matrix interactions during neural crest migration. Differentiation 2022; 128:26-32. [PMID: 36228422 PMCID: PMC10802151 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.09.003] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Emerging during embryogenesis, the neural crest are a migratory, transient population of multipotent stem cell that differentiates into various cell types in vertebrates. Neural crest cells arise along the anterior-posterior extent of the neural tube, delaminate and migrate along routes to their final destinations. The factors that orchestrate how neural crest cells undergo delamination and their subsequent sustained migration is not fully understood. This review provides a primer about neural crest epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), with a special emphasis on the role of the Extracellular matrix (ECM), cellular effector proteins of EMT, and subsequent migration. We also summarize published findings that link the expression of Hox transcription factors to EMT and ECM modification, thereby implicating Hox factors in regulation of EMT and ECM remodeling during neural crest cell ontogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey G A Howard
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA; Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Rosa A Uribe
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA; Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
| |
Collapse
|