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Vaiasicca S, Melone G, James DW, Quintela M, Xiao J, Yao S, Finnell RH, Conlan RS, Francis LW, Corradetti B. Transcriptomic analysis reveals the anti-cancer effect of gestational mesenchymal stem cell secretome. Stem Cells Transl Med 2024:szae024. [PMID: 38584493 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The environment created during embryogenesis contributes to reducing aberrations that drive structural malformations and tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigate the anti-cancer effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from 2 different gestational tissues, the amniotic fluid (AF) and the chorionic villi (CV), with emphasis on their secretome. Transcriptomic analysis was performed on patient-derived AF- and CV-MSCs collected during prenatal diagnosis and identified both mRNAs and lncRNAs, involved in tissue homeostasis and inhibiting biological processes associated with the etiology of aggressive cancers while regulating immune pathways shown to be important in chronic disorders. Secretome enrichment analysis also identified soluble moieties involved in target cell regulation, tissue homeostasis, and cancer cell inhibition through the highlighted Wnt, TNF, and TGF-β signaling pathways. Transcriptomic data were experimentally confirmed through in vitro assays, by evaluating the anti-cancer effect of the media conditioned by AF- and CV-MSCs and the exosomes derived from them on ovarian cancer cells, revealing inhibitory effects in 2D (by reducing cell viability and inducing apoptosis) and in 3D conditions (by negatively interfering with spheroid formation). These data provide molecular insights into the potential role of gestational tissues-derived MSCs as source of anti-cancer factors, paving the way for the development of therapeutics to create a pro-regenerative environment for tissue restoration following injury, disease, or against degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Vaiasicca
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research, IRCCS INRCA, 60124, Ancona, Italy
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Melone
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, SA2 8QA, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - David W James
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, SA2 8QA, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Marcos Quintela
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, SA2 8QA, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Jing Xiao
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, 77030, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Seydou Yao
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, SA2 8QA, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, 77030, Houston, TX, United States
- Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics Molecular & Cellular Biology and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 77030, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert S Conlan
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, SA2 8QA, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 77030, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, SA2 8QA, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Bruna Corradetti
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, SA2 8QA, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, 77030, Houston, TX, United States
- Departments of Medicine, Section Oncology, Hematology, Baylor College of Medicine, 77030, Houston, TX, United States
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2
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Vaiasicca S, Melone G, James DW, Quintela M, Preziuso A, Finnell RH, Conlan RS, Francis LW, Corradetti B. Transcriptomic analysis of stem cells from chorionic villi uncovers the impact of chromosomes 2, 6 and 22 in the clinical manifestations of Down syndrome. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:265. [PMID: 37740230 PMCID: PMC10517537 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03503-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Down syndrome (DS) clinical multisystem condition is generally considered the result of a genetic imbalance generated by the extra copy of chromosome 21. Recent discoveries, however, demonstrate that the molecular mechanisms activated in DS compared to euploid individuals are more complex than previously thought. Here, we utilize mesenchymal stem cells from chorionic villi (CV) to uncover the role of comprehensive functional genomics-based understanding of DS complexity. METHODS Next-generation sequencing coupled with bioinformatic analysis was performed on CV obtained from women carrying fetuses with DS (DS-CV) to reveal specific genome-wide transcriptional changes compared to their euploid counterparts. Functional assays were carried out to confirm the biological processes identified as enriched in DS-CV compared to CV (i.e., cell cycle, proliferation features, immunosuppression and ROS production). RESULTS Genes located on chromosomes other than the canonical 21 (Ch. 2, 6 and 22) are responsible for the impairment of life-essential pathways, including cell cycle regulation, innate immune response and reaction to external stimuli were found to be differentially expressed in DS-CV. Experimental validation confirmed the key role of the biological pathways regulated by those genes in the etiology of such a multisystem condition. CONCLUSIONS NGS dataset generated in this study highlights the compromised functionality in the proliferative rate and in the innate response of DS-associated clinical conditions and identifies DS-CV as suitable tools for the development of specifically tailored, personalized intervention modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Vaiasicca
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Melone
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - David W James
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Marcos Quintela
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Alessandra Preziuso
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert Steven Conlan
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, UK
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Bruna Corradetti
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, UK.
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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3
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Toubhans B, Alkafri N, Quintela M, James DW, Bissardon C, Gazze S, Knodel F, Proux O, Gourlan AT, Rathert P, Bohic S, Gonzalez D, Francis LW, Charlet L, Conlan RS. Selenium nanoparticles modulate histone methylation via lysine methyltransferase activity and S-adenosylhomocysteine depletion. Redox Biol 2023; 61:102641. [PMID: 36842241 PMCID: PMC9988660 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
At physiological levels, the trace element selenium plays a key role in redox reactions through the incorporation of selenocysteine in antioxidant enzymes. Selenium has also been evaluated as a potential anti-cancer agent, where selenium nanoparticles have proven effective, and are well tolerated in vivo at doses that are toxic as soluble Se. The use of such nanoparticles, coated with either serum albumin or the naturally occurring alkaline polysaccharide chitosan, also serves to enhance biocompatibility and bioavailability. Here we demonstrate a novel role for selenium in regulating histone methylation in ovarian cancer cell models treated with inorganic selenium nanoparticles coated with serum albumin or chitosan. As well as inducing thioredoxin reductase expression, ROS activity and cancer cell cytotoxicity, coated nanoparticles caused significant increases in histone methylation. Specifically, selenium nanoparticles triggered an increase in the methylation of histone 3 at lysines K9 and K27, histone marks involved in both the activation and repression of gene expression, thus suggesting a fundamental role for selenium in these epigenetic processes. This direct function was confirmed using chemical inhibitors of the histone lysine methyltransferases EZH2 (H3K27) and G9a/EHMT2 (H3K9), both of which blocked the effect of selenium on histone methylation. This novel role for selenium supports a distinct function in histone methylation that occurs due to a decrease in S-adenosylhomocysteine, an endogenous inhibitor of lysine methyltransferases, the metabolic product of methyl-group transfer from S-adenosylmethionine in the one-carbon metabolism pathway. These observations provide important new insights into the action of selenium nanoparticles. It is now important to consider both the classic antioxidant and novel histone methylation effects of this key redox element in its development in cancer therapy and other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Toubhans
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Université Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Nour Alkafri
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Marcos Quintela
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - David W James
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Caroline Bissardon
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, UA7 STROBE, Synchrotron Radiation for Biomedicine, Grenoble, France
| | - Salvatore Gazze
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Franziska Knodel
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, D-70550, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Olivier Proux
- OSUG, UAR 832 CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38041, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Philipp Rathert
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, D-70550, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sylvain Bohic
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, UA7 STROBE, Synchrotron Radiation for Biomedicine, Grenoble, France; ESRF, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, CS, 40220, 38043, Grenoble, Cedex 9, France
| | - Deyarina Gonzalez
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | | | - R Steven Conlan
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
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Quintela M, James DW, Garcia J, Edwards K, Margarit L, Das N, Lutchman-Singh K, Beynon AL, Rioja I, Prinjha RK, Harker NR, Gonzalez D, Steven Conlan R, Francis LW. In silico enhancer mining reveals SNS-032 and EHMT2 inhibitors as therapeutic candidates in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Br J Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41416-023-02274-2. [PMID: 37120667 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02274-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenomic dysregulation has been linked to solid tumour malignancies, including ovarian cancers. Profiling of re-programmed enhancer locations associated with disease has the potential to improve stratification and thus therapeutic choices. Ovarian cancers are subdivided into histological subtypes that have significant molecular and clinical differences, with high-grade serous carcinoma representing the most common and aggressive subtype. METHODS We interrogated the enhancer landscape(s) of normal ovary and subtype-specific ovarian cancer states using publicly available data. With an initial focus on H3K27ac histone mark, we developed a computational pipeline to predict drug compound activity based on epigenomic stratification. Lastly, we substantiated our predictions in vitro using patient-derived clinical samples and cell lines. RESULTS Using our in silico approach, we highlighted recurrent and privative enhancer landscapes and identified the differential enrichment of a total of 164 transcription factors involved in 201 protein complexes across the subtypes. We pinpointed SNS-032 and EHMT2 inhibitors BIX-01294 and UNC0646 as therapeutic candidates in high-grade serous carcinoma, as well as probed the efficacy of specific inhibitors in vitro. CONCLUSION Here, we report the first attempt to exploit ovarian cancer epigenomic landscapes for drug discovery. This computational pipeline holds enormous potential for translating epigenomic profiling into therapeutic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Quintela
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - David W James
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Jetzabel Garcia
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Kadie Edwards
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lavinia Margarit
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | - Nagindra Das
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, SA12 7BR, UK
| | | | | | - Inmaculada Rioja
- Immunology Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- Immunology Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Nicola R Harker
- Immunology Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Deyarina Gonzalez
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - R Steven Conlan
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
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5
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Quintela M, James DW, Pociute A, Powell L, Edwards K, Coombes Z, Garcia J, Garton N, Das N, Lutchman-Singh K, Margarit L, Beynon AL, Rioja I, Prinjha RK, Harker NR, Gonzalez D, Conlan RS, Francis LW. Bromodomain inhibitor i-BET858 triggers a unique transcriptional response coupled to enhanced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in high-grade ovarian carcinoma cells. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:63. [PMID: 37060086 PMCID: PMC10105475 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01477-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer has a specific unmet clinical need, with a persistently poor 5-year survival rate observed in women with advanced stage disease warranting continued efforts to develop new treatment options. The amplification of BRD4 in a significant subset of high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSC) has led to the development of BET inhibitors (BETi) as promising antitumour agents that have subsequently been evaluated in phase I/II clinical trials. Here, we describe the molecular effects and ex vivo preclinical activities of i-BET858, a bivalent pan-BET inhibitor with proven in vivo BRD inhibitory activity. RESULTS i-BET858 demonstrates enhanced cytotoxic activity compared with earlier generation BETis both in cell lines and primary cells derived from clinical samples of HGSC. At molecular level, i-BET858 triggered a bipartite transcriptional response, comprised of a 'core' network of genes commonly associated with BET inhibition in solid tumours, together with a unique i-BET858 gene signature. Mechanistically, i-BET858 elicited enhanced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death compared to its predecessor i-BET151. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our ex vivo and in vitro studies indicate that i-BET858 represents an optimal candidate to pursue further clinical validation for the treatment of HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Quintela
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - David W James
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Agne Pociute
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lydia Powell
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Kadie Edwards
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Zoe Coombes
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Jetzabel Garcia
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Neil Garton
- Immunology Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Nagindra Das
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, SA12 7BR, UK
| | | | - Lavinia Margarit
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | | | - Inmaculada Rioja
- Immunology Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- Immunology Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Nicola R Harker
- Immunology Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Deyarina Gonzalez
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - R Steven Conlan
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
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Powell LC, Adams JYM, Quoraishi S, Py C, Oger A, Gazze SA, Francis LW, von Ruhland C, Owens D, Rye PD, Hill KE, Pritchard MF, Thomas DW. Alginate oligosaccharides enhance the antifungal activity of nystatin against candidal biofilms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1122340. [PMID: 36798083 PMCID: PMC9927220 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1122340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The increasing prevalence of invasive fungal infections in immuno-compromised patients is a considerable cause of morbidity and mortality. With the rapid emergence of antifungal resistance and an inadequate pipeline of new therapies, novel treatment strategies are now urgently required. Methods The antifungal activity of the alginate oligosaccharide OligoG in conjunction with nystatin was tested against a range of Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. auris, C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis), in both planktonic and biofilm assays, to determine its potential clinical utility to enhance the treatment of candidal infections. The effect of OligoG (0-6%) ± nystatin on Candida spp. was examined in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and growth curve assays. Antifungal effects of OligoG and nystatin treatment on biofilm formation and disruption were characterized using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ATP cellular viability assays. Effects on the cell membrane were determined using permeability assays and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results MIC and growth curve assays demonstrated the synergistic effects of OligoG (0-6%) with nystatin, resulting in an up to 32-fold reduction in MIC, and a significant reduction in the growth of C. parapsilosis and C. auris (minimum significant difference = 0.2 and 0.12 respectively). CLSM and SEM imaging demonstrated that the combination treatment of OligoG (4%) with nystatin (1 µg/ml) resulted in significant inhibition of candidal biofilm formation on glass and clinical grade silicone surfaces (p < 0.001), with increased cell death (p < 0.0001). The ATP biofilm disruption assay demonstrated a significant reduction in cell viability with OligoG (4%) alone and the combined OligoG/nystatin (MIC value) treatment (p < 0.04) for all Candida strains tested. TEM studies revealed the combined OligoG/nystatin treatment induced structural reorganization of the Candida cell membrane, with increased permeability when compared to the untreated control (p < 0.001). Conclusions Antimicrobial synergy between OligoG and nystatin against Candida spp. highlights the potential utility of this combination therapy in the prevention and topical treatment of candidal biofilm infections, to overcome the inherent tolerance of biofilm structures to antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia C. Powell
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Microbiology and Infectious Disease group, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Lydia C. Powell,
| | - Jennifer Y. M. Adams
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sadik Quoraishi
- Otolaryngology Department, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Charlène Py
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- School of Engineering, University of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Anaϊs Oger
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- School of Engineering, University of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Salvatore A. Gazze
- Centre for Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis W. Francis
- Centre for Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher von Ruhland
- Central Biotechnology Services, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - David Owens
- Head and Neck Directorate, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Katja E. Hill
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Manon F. Pritchard
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Thomas
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Powell LC, Cullen JK, Boyle GM, De Ridder T, Yap PY, Xue W, Pierce CJ, Pritchard MF, Menzies GE, Abdulkarim M, Adams JYM, Stokniene J, Francis LW, Gumbleton M, Johns J, Hill KE, Jones AV, Parsons PG, Reddell P, Thomas DW. Topical, immunomodulatory epoxy-tiglianes induce biofilm disruption and healing in acute and chronic skin wounds. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabn3758. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn3758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The management of antibiotic-resistant, bacterial biofilm infections in chronic skin wounds is an increasing clinical challenge. Despite advances in diagnosis, many patients do not derive benefit from current anti-infective/antibiotic therapies. Here, we report a novel class of naturally occurring and semisynthetic epoxy-tiglianes, derived from the Queensland blushwood tree (
Fontainea picrosperma)
, and demonstrate their antimicrobial activity (modifying bacterial growth and inducing biofilm disruption), with structure/activity relationships established against important human pathogens. In vitro, the lead candidate EBC-1013 stimulated protein kinase C (PKC)–dependent neutrophil reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction and NETosis and increased expression of wound healing–associated cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. In vivo, topical EBC-1013 induced rapid resolution of infection with increased matrix remodeling in acute thermal injuries in calves. In chronically infected diabetic mouse wounds, treatment induced cytokine/chemokine production, inflammatory cell recruitment, and complete healing (in six of seven wounds) with ordered keratinocyte differentiation. These results highlight a nonantibiotic approach involving contrasting, orthogonal mechanisms of action combining targeted biofilm disruption and innate immune induction in the treatment of chronic wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia C. Powell
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK
- Centre for Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Jason K. Cullen
- Drug Discovery Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Glen M. Boyle
- Drug Discovery Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Tom De Ridder
- QBiotics Group Limited Yungaburra, Queensland 4884, Australia
| | - Pei-Yi Yap
- Drug Discovery Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Wenya Xue
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK
| | - Carly J. Pierce
- Drug Discovery Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Manon F. Pritchard
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK
| | | | - Muthanna Abdulkarim
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Jennifer Y. M. Adams
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK
| | - Joana Stokniene
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK
| | - Lewis W. Francis
- Centre for Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Mark Gumbleton
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Jenny Johns
- Drug Discovery Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Katja E. Hill
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK
| | - Adam V. Jones
- Oral Pathology, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board , Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK
| | - Peter G. Parsons
- Drug Discovery Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Paul Reddell
- QBiotics Group Limited Yungaburra, Queensland 4884, Australia
| | - David W. Thomas
- Advanced Therapies Group, Cardiff University School of Dentistry, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK
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8
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Bauza‐Mayol G, Quintela M, Brozovich A, Hopson M, Shaikh S, Cabrera F, Shi A, Niclot FB, Paradiso F, Combellack E, Jovic T, Rees P, Tasciotti E, Francis LW, Mcculloch P, Taraballi F. Biomimetic Scaffolds Modulate the Posttraumatic Inflammatory Response in Articular Cartilage Contributing to Enhanced Neoformation of Cartilaginous Tissue In Vivo. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101127. [PMID: 34662505 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Focal chondral lesions of the knee are the most frequent type of trauma in younger patients and are associated with a high risk of developing early posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The only current clinical solutions include microfracture, osteochondral grafting, and autologous chondrocyte implantation. Cartilage tissue engineering based on biomimetic scaffolds has become an appealing strategy to repair cartilage defects. Here, a chondrogenic collagen-chondroitin sulfate scaffold is tested in an orthotopic Lapine in vivo model to understand the beneficial effects of the immunomodulatory biomaterial on the full chondral defect. Using a combination of noninvasive imaging techniques, histological and whole transcriptome analysis, the scaffolds are shown to enhance the formation of cartilaginous tissue and suppression of host cartilage degeneration, while also supporting tissue integration and increased tissue regeneration over a 12 weeks recovery period. The results presented suggest that biomimetic materials could be a clinical solution for cartilage tissue repair, due to their ability to modulate the immune environment in favor of regenerative processes and suppression of cartilage degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Bauza‐Mayol
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Ave. Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 6550 Fannin St. Houston TX 77030 USA
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group Swansea University Medical School Singleton Park Swansea SA2 8PP UK
| | - Marcos Quintela
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group Swansea University Medical School Singleton Park Swansea SA2 8PP UK
| | - Ava Brozovich
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Ave. Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 6550 Fannin St. Houston TX 77030 USA
- Texas A&M College of Medicine Bryan TX 77807 USA
| | - Michael Hopson
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 6550 Fannin St. Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Shazad Shaikh
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 6550 Fannin St. Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Fernando Cabrera
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Ave. Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 6550 Fannin St. Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Aaron Shi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Ave. Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 6550 Fannin St. Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Federica Banche Niclot
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Ave. Houston TX 77030 USA
- Polytechnic of Turin Department of Applied Science and Technology Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24 Torino 10129 Italy
| | - Francesca Paradiso
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Ave. Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 6550 Fannin St. Houston TX 77030 USA
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group Swansea University Medical School Singleton Park Swansea SA2 8PP UK
| | - Emman Combellack
- Reconstructive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Research Group Swansea University Medical School Singleton Park Swansea SA2 8PP UK
| | - Tom Jovic
- Reconstructive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Research Group Swansea University Medical School Singleton Park Swansea SA2 8PP UK
| | - Paul Rees
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 6550 Fannin St. Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Ennio Tasciotti
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana Via della Pisana 235 Rome 00163 Italy
| | - Lewis W. Francis
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Ave. Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Patrick Mcculloch
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 6550 Fannin St. Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Research Institute 6670 Bertner Ave. Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 6550 Fannin St. Houston TX 77030 USA
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9
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Howard D, James D, Garcia-Parra J, Pan-Castillo B, Worthington J, Williams N, Coombes Z, Rees SC, Lutchman-Singh K, Francis LW, Rees P, Margarit L, Conlan RS, Gonzalez D. Dinaciclib as an effective pan-cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor in platinum resistant ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1014280. [PMID: 36505806 PMCID: PMC9732436 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1014280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is amongst the most lethal of common cancers in women. Lacking in specific symptoms in the early stages, OC is predominantly diagnosed late when the disease has undergone metastatic spread and chemotherapy is relied on to prolong life. Platinum-based therapies are preferred and although many tumors respond initially, the emergence of platinum-resistance occurs in the majority of cases after which prognosis is very poor. Upregulation of DNA damage pathways is a common feature of platinum resistance in OC with cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) serving as key regulators of this process and suggesting that CDK inhibitors (CDKis) could be effective tools in the treatment of platinum resistant and refractory OC. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of CDKis in platinum resistant OC models and serve as a predictor of potential clinical utility. Methods The efficacy of CDKi, dinaciclib, was determined in wildtype and platinum resistant cell line pairs representing different OC subtypes. In addition, dinaciclib was evaluated in primary cells isolated from platinum-sensitive and platinum-refractory tumors to increase the clinical relevance of the study. Results and conclusions Dinaciclib proved highly efficacious in OC cell lines and primary cells, which were over a thousand-fold more sensitive to the CDKi than to cisplatin. Furthermore, cisplatin resistance in these cells did not influence sensitivity to dinaciclib and the two drugs combined additively in both platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant OC cells suggesting a potential role for pan-CDKis (CDKis targeting multiple CDKs), such as dinaciclib, in the treatment of advanced and platinum-resistant OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Howard
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecology (RBGO) Group, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - David James
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecology (RBGO) Group, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Jezabel Garcia-Parra
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecology (RBGO) Group, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Belen Pan-Castillo
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecology (RBGO) Group, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Zoe Coombes
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecology (RBGO) Group, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Colleen Rees
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess of Wales Hospital, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend, United Kingdom
| | - Kerryn Lutchman-Singh
- Department of Gynaecology Oncology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecology (RBGO) Group, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Rees
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Lavinia Margarit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess of Wales Hospital, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend, United Kingdom
| | - R Steven Conlan
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecology (RBGO) Group, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Deyarina Gonzalez
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecology (RBGO) Group, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
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10
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James DW, Filby A, Brown MR, Summers HD, Francis LW, Rees P. Data Driven Cell Cycle Model to Quantify the Efficacy of Cancer Therapeutics Targeting Specific Cell-Cycle Phases From Flow Cytometry Results. Front Bioinform 2021; 1:662210. [PMID: 36303763 PMCID: PMC9581040 DOI: 10.3389/fbinf.2021.662210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Many chemotherapeutic drugs target cell processes in specific cell cycle phases. Determining the specific phases targeted is key to understanding drug mechanism of action and efficacy against specific cancer types. Flow cytometry experiments, combined with cell cycle phase and division round specific staining, can be used to quantify the current cell cycle phase and number of mitotic events of each cell within a population. However, quantification of cell interphase times and the efficacy of cytotoxic drugs targeting specific cell cycle phases cannot be determined directly. We present a data driven computational cell population model for interpreting experimental results, where in-silico populations are initialized to match observable results from experimental populations. A two-stage approach is used to determine the efficacy of cytotoxic drugs in blocking cell-cycle phase transitions. In the first stage, our model is fitted to experimental multi-parameter flow cytometry results from untreated cell populations to identify parameters defining probability density functions for phase transitions. In the second stage, we introduce a blocking routine to the model which blocks a percentage of attempted transitions between cell-cycle phases due to therapeutic treatment. The resulting model closely matches the percentage of cells from experiment in each cell-cycle phase and division round. From untreated cell populations, interphase and intermitotic times can be inferred. We then identify the specific cell-cycle phases that cytotoxic compounds target and quantify the percentages of cell transitions that are blocked compared with the untreated population, which will lead to improved understanding of drug efficacy and mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. James
- Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: David W. James, ; Paul Rees,
| | - Andrew Filby
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility and Innovation, Methodology and Application Research Theme, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - M. Rowan Brown
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Huw D. Summers
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul Rees
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: David W. James, ; Paul Rees,
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11
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Gazze SA, Thomas SJ, Garcia-Parra J, James DW, Rees P, Marsh-Durban V, Corteling R, Gonzalez D, Conlan RS, Francis LW. High content, quantitative AFM analysis of the scalable biomechanical properties of extracellular vesicles. Nanoscale 2021; 13:6129-6141. [PMID: 33729236 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr09235e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are studied extensively as natural biomolecular shuttles and for their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. This exponential rise in interest has highlighted the need for highly robust and reproducible approaches for EV characterisation. Here we optimise quantitative nanomechanical tools and demonstrate the advantages of EV population screening by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our high-content informatics analytical tools are made available for use by the EV community for widespread, standardised determination of structural stability. Ultracentrifugation (UC) and sonication, the common mechanical techniques used for EV isolation and loading respectively, are used to demonstrate the utility of optimised PeakForce-Quantitative Nano Mechanics (PF-QNM) analysis. EVs produced at an industrial scale exhibited biochemical and biomechanical alterations after exposure to these common techniques. UC resulted in slight increases in physical dimensions, and decreased EV adhesion concurrent with a decrease in CD63 content. Sonicated EVs exhibited significantly reduced levels of CD81, a decrease in size, increased Young's modulus and decreased adhesive force. These biomechanical and biochemical changes highlight the effect of EV sample preparation techniques on critical properties linked to EV cellular uptake and biological function. PF-QNM offers significant additional information about the structural information of EVs following their purification and downstream processing, and the analytical tools will ensure consistency of analysis of AFM data by the EV community, as this technique continues to become more widely implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Andrea Gazze
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Institute for Life Science 2, Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK.
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12
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Howard D, James D, Murphy K, Garcia-Parra J, Pan-Castillo B, Rex S, Moul A, Jones E, Bilbao-Asensio M, Michue-Seijas S, Lutchman-Singh K, Margarit L, Francis LW, Rees P, Gonzalez D, Conlan RS. Dinaciclib, a Bimodal Agent Effective against Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1135. [PMID: 33800911 PMCID: PMC7962054 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most prevalent female cancer globally and although high rates of success are achieved when diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate for cancers diagnosed at Stages II-IV is below 50%. Improving patient outcomes will necessitate the introduction of novel therapies to the clinic. Pan-cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKis) have been explored as therapies for a range of cancers due to their ability to simultaneously target multiple key cellular processes, such as cell cycle progression, transcription, and DNA repair. Few studies, however, have reported on their potential for the treatment of EC. Herein, we examined the effects of the pan-CDKi dinaciclib in primary cells isolated directly from tumors and EC cell lines. Dinaciclib was shown to elicit a bimodal action in EC cell lines, disrupting both cell cycle progression and phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase carboxy terminal domain, with a concomitant reduction in Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of combining dinaciclib and cisplatin was explored, with the drugs demonstrating synergy at specific doses in Type I and Type II EC cell lines. Together, these results highlight the potential of dinaciclib for use as an effective EC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Howard
- Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (D.H.); (D.J.); (J.G.-P.); (B.P.-C.); (L.W.F.); (D.G.)
| | - David James
- Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (D.H.); (D.J.); (J.G.-P.); (B.P.-C.); (L.W.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Kate Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea SA2 8QA, UK; (K.M.); (S.R.); (A.M.); (E.J.)
| | - Jezabel Garcia-Parra
- Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (D.H.); (D.J.); (J.G.-P.); (B.P.-C.); (L.W.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Belen Pan-Castillo
- Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (D.H.); (D.J.); (J.G.-P.); (B.P.-C.); (L.W.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Stuart Rex
- Department of Pathology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea SA2 8QA, UK; (K.M.); (S.R.); (A.M.); (E.J.)
| | - Annemarie Moul
- Department of Pathology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea SA2 8QA, UK; (K.M.); (S.R.); (A.M.); (E.J.)
| | - Eilir Jones
- Department of Pathology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea SA2 8QA, UK; (K.M.); (S.R.); (A.M.); (E.J.)
| | - Marc Bilbao-Asensio
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (M.B.-A.); (S.M.-S.)
| | - Saul Michue-Seijas
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (M.B.-A.); (S.M.-S.)
| | - Kerryn Lutchman-Singh
- Department of Gynaecology Oncology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea SA2 8QA, UK;
| | - Lavinia Margarit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess of Wales Hospital, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend CF31 1RQ, UK;
| | - Lewis W. Francis
- Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (D.H.); (D.J.); (J.G.-P.); (B.P.-C.); (L.W.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Paul Rees
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK;
| | - Deyarina Gonzalez
- Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (D.H.); (D.J.); (J.G.-P.); (B.P.-C.); (L.W.F.); (D.G.)
| | - R. Steven Conlan
- Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; (D.H.); (D.J.); (J.G.-P.); (B.P.-C.); (L.W.F.); (D.G.)
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13
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Francis LW, Yao SN, Powell LC, Griffiths S, Berquand A, Piasecki T, Howe W, Gazze AS, Farach-Carson MC, Constantinou P, Carson D, Margarit L, Gonzalez D, Conlan RS. Highly glycosylated MUC1 mediates high affinity L-selectin binding at the human endometrial surface. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:50. [PMID: 33596915 PMCID: PMC7890821 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00793-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sialyl-Lewis X/L-selectin high affinity binding interactions between transmembrane O-glycosylated mucins proteins and the embryo have been implicated in implantation processes within the human reproductive system. However, the adhesive properties of these mucins at the endometrial cell surface are difficult to resolve due to known discrepancies between in vivo models and the human reproductive system and a lack of sensitivity in current in vitro models. To overcome these limitations, an in vitro model of the human endometrial epithelial was interrogated with single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) to delineate the molecular configurations of mucin proteins that mediate the high affinity L-selectin binding required for human embryo implantation. Results This study reveals that MUC1 contributes to both the intrinsic and extrinsic adhesive properties of the HEC-1 cellular surface. High expression of MUC1 on the cell surface led to a significantly increased intrinsic adhesion force (148 pN vs. 271 pN, p < 0.001), whereas this adhesion force was significantly reduced (271 pN vs. 118 pN, p < 0.001) following siRNA mediated MUC1 ablation. Whilst high expression of MUC1 displaying elevated glycosylation led to strong extrinsic (> 400 pN) L-selectin binding at the cell surface, low expression of MUC1 with reduced glycosylation resulted in significantly less (≤200 pN) binding events. Conclusions An optimal level of MUC1 together with highly glycosylated decoration of the protein is critical for high affinity L-selectin binding. This study demonstrates that MUC1 contributes to cellular adhesive properties which may function to facilitate trophoblast binding to the endometrial cell surface through the L-selectin/sialyl-Lewis x adhesion system subsequent to implantation.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis W Francis
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Seydou N Yao
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Lydia C Powell
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Sean Griffiths
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | | | - Thomas Piasecki
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - William Howe
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Andrea S Gazze
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Mary C Farach-Carson
- School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, 77054, Texas, USA
| | - Pamela Constantinou
- Department of Biosciences, Wiess School of Natural Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77251, USA
| | - Daniel Carson
- Department of Biosciences, Wiess School of Natural Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77251, USA
| | - Lavinia Margarit
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, CF31 1RQ, UK
| | - Deya Gonzalez
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - R Steven Conlan
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK.
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14
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Toubhans B, Gourlan AT, Telouk P, Lutchman-Singh K, Francis LW, Conlan RS, Margarit L, Gonzalez D, Charlet L. Cu isotope ratios are meaningful in ovarian cancer diagnosis. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2020; 62:126611. [PMID: 32652467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer diagnosis is currently based on imaging and circulating CA-125 concentrations with well-known limits to sensitivity and specificity. New biomarkers are required to complement CA-125 testing to increase effectiveness. Increases in sensitivity of isotopic separation via multi collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry have recently allowed highly accurate measurement of copper (Cu) isotopic variations. Studies in breast cancer patients have revealed changes of serum copper isotopic composition demonstrating the potential for development as a cancer biomarker. Evaluating 65Cu/63Cu ratios (δ65Cu) in serum samples from cancer patients has revealed a strong correlation with cancer development. In this study blood samples from forty-four ovarian cancer patients, and 13 ovarian biopsies were investigated. RESULTS Here we demonstrate that changes in Cu isotopes also occurs in ovarian cancer patients. Copper composition determined by multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry revealed that the copper isotopic ratio δ65Cu in the plasma of 44 ovarian cancer patient cohort was significantly lower than in a group of 48 healthy donors, and indicated that serum was enriched for 63Cu. Further analysis revealed that the isotopic composition of tumour biopsies was enriched for 65Cu compared with adjacent healthy ovarian tissues. CONCLUSIONS We propose that these changes are due to increase lactate and Cu transporter activities in the tumour. These observations demonstrate that, combined with existing strategies, δ65Cu could be developed for use in ovarian cancer early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Toubhans
- Medical School & Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; ISTerre, Université Grenoble Alpes, CS 40700, 38058 Grenoble, France.
| | - A T Gourlan
- ISTerre, Université Grenoble Alpes, CS 40700, 38058 Grenoble, France
| | - P Telouk
- Univ Lyon, ENSL, Univ Lyon 1, CNRS, LGL-TPE, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - K Lutchman-Singh
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Department of Gynaecology Oncology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea SA2 8QA, UK
| | - L W Francis
- Medical School & Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - R S Conlan
- Medical School & Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - L Margarit
- Cwm Taf Morannwg University Health Board, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend CF31 1RQ, UK
| | - D Gonzalez
- Medical School & Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - L Charlet
- ISTerre, Université Grenoble Alpes, CS 40700, 38058 Grenoble, France
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15
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Paravati R, De Mello N, Onyido EK, Francis LW, Brüsehafer K, Younas K, Spencer-Harty S, Conlan RS, Gonzalez D, Margarit L. Differential regulation of osteopontin and CD44 correlates with infertility status in PCOS patients. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1713-1725. [PMID: 33047155 PMCID: PMC7679339 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01985-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is mediated by adhesion molecules at the endometrium-trophoblast interface where osteopontin (OPN) and CD44 form a protein complex that plays an important role in embryo recognition. Here, we undertook a prospective study investigating the expression and regulation of OPN and CD44 in 50 fertile and 31 infertile ovulatory polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients in the proliferative and secretory phases of the natural menstrual cycle and in 12 infertile anovulatory PCOS patients. Endometrial biopsies and blood samples were evaluated for expression of OPN and CD44 using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA analysis to determine circulating levels of OPN, CD44, TNF-α, IFN-γ and OPN and CD44 levels in biopsy media. Our findings highlighted an increased level of circulating OPN and CD44 in serum from infertile patients that inversely correlated with expression levels in endometrial tissue and positively correlated with levels secreted into biopsy media. OPN and CD44 levels positively correlated to each other in serum and media from fertile and PCOS patients, as well as to circulating TNF-α and IFN-γ. In vitro analysis revealed that hormone treatment induced recruitment of ERα to the OPN and CD44 promoters with a concomitant increase in the expression of these genes. In infertile patients, inflammatory cytokines led to recruitment of NF-κB and STAT1 proteins to the OPN and CD44 promoters, resulting in their overexpression. These observations suggest that the endometrial epithelial OPN-CD44 adhesion complex is deficient in ovulatory PCOS patients and displays an altered stoichiometry in anovulatory patients, which in both cases may perturb apposition. This, together with elevated circulating and local secreted levels of these proteins, may hinder endometrium-trophoblast interactions by saturating OPN and CD44 receptors on the surface of the blastocyst, thereby contributing to the infertility associated with ovulating PCOS patients. KEY MESSAGES: • Endometrial epithelial OPN-CD44 adhesion complex levels are deficient in ovulatory PCOS patients contributing to the endometrial infertility associated with ovulating PCOS patients. • Circulating levels of OPN, CD44 and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ are altered in infertile PCOS patients. • Increased levels of both OPN and CD44 in biopsy media and serum inversely correlate with endometrial expression of these markers in endometrial tissue. • In infertile PCOS patients, high levels of oestrogens and inflammatory cytokines stimulate the recruitment of transcription factors to the OPN and CD44 promoters to enhance gene transcription. • Our study identifies a novel crosstalk between the CD44-OPN adhesion complex, ERα, STAT1 and NF-κB pathways modulating endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Paravati
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Institute for Life Science 2, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - N De Mello
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Institute for Life Science 2, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - E K Onyido
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Institute for Life Science 2, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - L W Francis
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Institute for Life Science 2, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - K Brüsehafer
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Institute for Life Science 2, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - K Younas
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Obstetrics Gynaecology Department, Singleton Hospital, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | - S Spencer-Harty
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Cellular Pathology Department, Singleton Hospital, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | - R S Conlan
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Institute for Life Science 2, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - D Gonzalez
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Institute for Life Science 2, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lavinia Margarit
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology Group, Institute for Life Science 2, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Obstetrics Gynaecology Department, Princess of Wales Hospital, Coity Road, Bridgend, CF31 1RQ, UK.
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Bauza G, Pasto A, Mcculloch P, Lintner D, Brozovich A, Niclot FB, Khan I, Francis LW, Tasciotti E, Taraballi F. Improving the immunosuppressive potential of articular chondroprogenitors in a three-dimensional culture setting. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16610. [PMID: 33024130 PMCID: PMC7538570 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73188-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cartilage repair in osteoarthritic patients remains a challenge. Identifying resident or donor stem/progenitor cell populations is crucial for augmenting the low intrinsic repair potential of hyaline cartilage. Furthermore, mediating the interaction between these cells and the local immunogenic environment is thought to be critical for long term repair and regeneration. In this study we propose articular cartilage progenitor/stem cells (CPSC) as a valid alternative to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) for cartilage repair strategies after trauma. Similar to BMMSC, CPSC isolated from osteoarthritic patients express stem cell markers and have chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation ability. In an in vitro 2D setting, CPSC show higher expression of SPP1 and LEP, markers of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, respectively. CPSC also display a higher commitment toward chondrogenesis as demonstrated by a higher expression of ACAN. BMMSC and CPSC were cultured in vitro using a previously established collagen-chondroitin sulfate 3D scaffold. The scaffold mimics the cartilage niche, allowing both cell populations to maintain their stem cell features and improve their immunosuppressive potential, demonstrated by the inhibition of activated PBMC proliferation in a co-culture setting. As a result, this study suggests articular cartilage derived-CPSC can be used as a novel tool for cellular and acellular regenerative medicine approaches for osteoarthritis (OA). In addition, the benefit of utilizing a biomimetic acellular scaffold as an advanced 3D culture system to more accurately mimic the physiological environment is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Bauza
- Center for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Bay, Singleton Park, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anna Pasto
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Patrick Mcculloch
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David Lintner
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ava Brozovich
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, 8447 Highway 47, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Federica Banche Niclot
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic of Turin, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilyas Khan
- Center for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Bay, Singleton Park, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Center for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Bay, Singleton Park, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Ennio Tasciotti
- Center for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Bay, Singleton Park, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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17
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Friguglietti J, Das S, Le P, Fraga D, Quintela M, Gazze SA, McPhail D, Gu J, Sabek O, Gaber AO, Francis LW, Zagozdzon-Wosik W, Merchant FA. Novel Silicon Titanium Diboride Micropatterned Substrates for Cellular Patterning. Biomaterials 2020; 244:119927. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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18
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Morgan BJ, Bauza-Mayol G, Gardner OFW, Zhang Y, Levato R, Archer CW, van Weeren R, Malda J, Conlan RS, Francis LW, Khan IM. Bone Morphogenetic Protein-9 Is a Potent Chondrogenic and Morphogenic Factor for Articular Cartilage Chondroprogenitors. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:882-894. [PMID: 32364057 PMCID: PMC7374587 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Articular cartilage contains a subpopulation of tissue-specific progenitors that are an ideal cell type for cell therapies and generating neocartilage for tissue engineering applications. However, it is unclear whether the standard chondrogenic medium using transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) isoforms is optimal to differentiate these cells. We therefore used pellet culture to screen progenitors from immature bovine articular cartilage with a number of chondrogenic factors and discovered that bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP9) precociously induces their differentiation. This difference was apparent with toluidine blue staining and confirmed by biochemical and transcriptional analyses with BMP9-treated progenitors exhibiting 11-fold and 5-fold greater aggrecan and collagen type II (COL2A1) gene expression than TGFβ1-treated progenitors. Quantitative gene expression analysis over 14 days highlighted the rapid and phased nature of BMP9-induced chondrogenesis with sequential activation of aggrecan then collagen type II, and negligible collagen type X gene expression. The extracellular matrix of TGFβ1-treated progenitors analyzed using atomic force microscopy was fibrillar and stiff whist BMP9-induced matrix of cells more compliant and correspondingly less fibrillar. Polarized light microscopy revealed an annular pattern of collagen fibril deposition typified by TGFβ1-treated pellets, whereas BMP9-treated pellets displayed a birefringence pattern that was more anisotropic. Remarkably, differentiated immature chondrocytes incubated as high-density cultures in vitro with BMP9 generated a pronounced anisotropic organization of collagen fibrils indistinguishable from mature adult articular cartilage, with cells in deeper zones arranged in columnar manner. This contrasted with cells grown with TGFβ1, where a concentric pattern of collagen fibrils was visualized within tissue pellets. In summary, BMP9 is a potent chondrogenic factor for articular cartilage progenitors and is also capable of inducing morphogenesis of adult-like cartilage, a highly desirable attribute for in vitro tissue-engineered cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Morgan
- Centre of Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | | | - Oliver F W Gardner
- Centre of Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom.,Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yadan Zhang
- Centre of Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Riccardo Levato
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Charles W Archer
- Centre of Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Rene van Weeren
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Steven Conlan
- Centre of Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Centre of Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Ilyas M Khan
- Centre of Nanohealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
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19
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Abreu CM, Thomas V, Knaggs P, Bunkheila A, Cruz A, Teixeira SR, Alpuim P, Francis LW, Gebril A, Ibrahim A, Margarit L, Gonzalez D, Freitas PP, Conlan RS, Mendes Pinto I. Non-invasive molecular assessment of human embryo development and implantation potential. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 157:112144. [PMID: 32250927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common assisted reproductive technology used to treat infertility. Embryo selection for transfer in IVF cycles relies on the morphological evaluation by embryologists, either by conventional microscopic assessment or more recently by time-lapse imaging systems. Despite the introduction of time-lapse imaging improvements in IVF success rates have failed to materialize, therefore alternative approaches are needed. Recent studies have shown that embryos resulting in successful pregnancy differ in their secretome and metabolism compared to embryos that fail to implant, suggesting that molecular analysis of embryo culture medium could assist in non-invasive single embryo selection. However, this approach has yet to be adopted clinically due to the lack of appropriate highly sensitive screening technologies needed to assess volume-limited samples. Here we report the detection of hCGβ, IL-8 and TNFα from conditioned culture media of single human embryos using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The impedimetric immunosensors revealed that morphologically non-viable embryos produce higher levels of IL-8 and TNFα, associated with abnormal cell division and cell death, respectively. More importantly, hCGβ detection was able to discriminate apparently morphologically identical viable embryos. This work brings an objective dimension to embryo selection, which could overcome the major limitations of morphology-based embryo selection for implantation. Future work should include the validation of these biomarkers in a large patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina M Abreu
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal; Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Victoria Thomas
- Wales Fertility Institute Neath, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX, UK
| | - Paul Knaggs
- Wales Fertility Institute Neath, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX, UK
| | - Adnan Bunkheila
- Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | - Andrea Cruz
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sofia R Teixeira
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal; Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Pedro Alpuim
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Amr Gebril
- Wales Fertility Institute Neath, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX, UK
| | - Ahmed Ibrahim
- Wales Fertility Institute Neath, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX, UK
| | - Lavinia Margarit
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Princess of Wales Hospital, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Coity Road, Bridgend, CF31 1RQ, UK
| | - Deyarina Gonzalez
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Paulo P Freitas
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - R Steven Conlan
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Inês Mendes Pinto
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal.
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20
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Younas K, Quintela M, Thomas S, Garcia-Parra J, Blake L, Whiteland H, Bunkheila A, Francis LW, Margarit L, Gonzalez D, Conlan RS. Delayed endometrial decidualisation in polycystic ovary syndrome; the role of AR-MAGEA11. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:1315-1327. [PMID: 31256208 PMCID: PMC6713698 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01809-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynaecological disorder, with a prevalence of up to 12% of women of reproductive age, and is in part characterised by elevated circulating androgens and aberrant expression of androgen receptor (AR) in the endometrium. A high percentage of PCOS patients suffer from infertility, a condition that appears to be linked to mistimed and incomplete decidualisation critically affecting events surrounding embryo implantation. The aim of this study was to examine the involvement of MAGEA11, and the genome-wide role of AR in PCOS. We determined that elevated androgen levels on PCOS cells had an impact on the delayed and incomplete decidual transformation of endometrial cells. The AR co-regulator MAGEA11, a known enhancer of AR function, was constitutively overexpressed throughout the menstrual cycle of PCOS patients, co-localised in the nucleus of PCOS stromal tissue and cells and formed a molecular complex with AR. Genome-wide AR analysis in PCOS stromal cells revealed that AR targets included genes involved in cell death and apoptosis, as well as genes commonly dysregulated in endometrial cancer. Enhanced MAGEA11 and AR-mediated transcriptional regulation may impact on a correct endometrial decidualisation response, subsequently affecting endometrial receptivity in these infertile women. Key messages MAGEA11 and AR are overexpressed in hyperandrogenic PCOS patients. MAGEA11-AR overexpression in PCOS correlates with delayed decidualisation. AR and MAGEA11 associate in a molecular complex. AR directly regulates a unique set of genes controlling gene differentiation.
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00109-019-01809-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinza Younas
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.,Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | - Marcos Quintela
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Jetzabel Garcia-Parra
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lauren Blake
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Helen Whiteland
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Adnan Bunkheila
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.,Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lavinia Margarit
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.,Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | - Deyarina Gonzalez
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - R Steven Conlan
- Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
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21
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Teixeira SR, Abreu CM, Parkes L, Davies J, Yao S, Sawhney MA, Margarit L, Gonzalez D, Pinto IM, Francis LW, Conlan RS. Direct monitoring of breast and endometrial cancer cell epigenetic response to DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 141:111386. [PMID: 31220725 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation and histone deacetylation are key epigenetic processes involved in normal cellular function and tumorigenesis. Therapeutic strategies based on DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are currently in use and under development for the treatment of cancers. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling has been proposed for use in disease diagnosis, and histone modification profiling for disease stratification will follow suit. However, whether epigenome sequencing technologies will be feasible for rapid clinic diagnosis and patient treatment monitoring remains to be seen, and alternative detection technologies will almost certainly be needed. Here we used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) employing a graphene-based screen-printed electrode system to directly measure global DNA methylation and histone H3 acetylation to compare non-cancer and breast cancer cell lines. We demonstrated that whilst global methylation was not useful as a differential marker in the cellular systems tested, histone H3 acetylation was effective at higher chromatin levels. Using breast and endometrial cancer cell models, EIS was then used to monitor cellular responses to the DNMT and HDAC inhibitors 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid in vitro, and proved very effective at detecting global cellular responses to either treatment, indicating that this approach could be useful in following treatment response to epigenetic drugs. Moreover, this work reports the first combined analysis of two epigenetic markers using a unified graphene-based biosensor platform, demonstrating the potential for multiplex analysis of both methylation and acetylation on the same sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Teixeira
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, SA1 8QQ, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - C M Abreu
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Portugal
| | - L Parkes
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - J Davies
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - S Yao
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - M A Sawhney
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - L Margarit
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Abertawe Bro Morganwg University Health Board, Princess of Wales Hospital Bridgend, UK
| | - D Gonzalez
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - I Mendes Pinto
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Portugal
| | - L W Francis
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - R S Conlan
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
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22
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Terra L, Dyson PJ, Hitchings MD, Thomas L, Abdelhameed A, Banat IM, Gazze SA, Vujaklija D, Facey PD, Francis LW, Quinn GA. A Novel Alkaliphilic Streptomyces Inhibits ESKAPE Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2458. [PMID: 30459722 PMCID: PMC6232825 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In an effort to stem the rising tide of multi-resistant bacteria, researchers have turned to niche environments in the hope of discovering new varieties of antibiotics. We investigated an ethnopharmacological (cure) from an alkaline/radon soil in the area of Boho, in the Fermanagh Scarplands (N. Ireland) for the presence of Streptomyces, a well-known producer of antibiotics. From this soil we isolated a novel (closest relative 57% of genome relatedness) Streptomyces sp. capable of growth at high alkaline pH (10.5) and tolerant of gamma radiation to 4 kGy. Genomic sequencing identified many alkaline tolerance (antiporter/multi-resistance) genes compared to S. coelicolor M145 (at 3:1), hence we designated the strain Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1, from the Greek, myro (fragrance) and phorea (porter/carrier). In vitro tests demonstrated the ability of the Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1 to inhibit the growth of many strains of ESKAPE pathogens; most notably carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (a critical pathogen on the WHO priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (both listed as high priority pathogens). Further in silico prediction of antimicrobial potential of Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1 by anti-SMASH and RAST software identified many secondary metabolite and toxicity resistance gene clusters (45 and 27, respectively) as well as many antibiotic resistance genes potentially related to antibiotic production. Follow-up in vitro tests show that the Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1 was resistant to 28 out of 36 clinical antibiotics. Although not a comprehensive analysis, we think that some of the Boho soils' reputed curative properties may be linked to the ability of Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, isolate McG1 to inhibit ESKAPE pathogens. More importantly, further analysis may elucidate other key components that could alleviate the tide of multi-resistant nosocomial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Terra
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J Dyson
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew D Hitchings
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Liam Thomas
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Alyaa Abdelhameed
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim M Banat
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | - Salvatore A Gazze
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Dušica Vujaklija
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Paul D Facey
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Gerry A Quinn
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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Pan-Castillo B, Gazze SA, Thomas S, Lucas C, Margarit L, Gonzalez D, Francis LW, Conlan RS. Morphophysical dynamics of human endometrial cells during decidualization. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine 2018; 14:2235-2245. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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24
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Kyle S, Jessop ZM, Al-Sabah A, Hawkins K, Lewis A, Maffeis T, Charbonneau C, Gazze A, Francis LW, Iakovlev M, Nelson K, Eichhorn SJ, Whitaker IS. Characterization of pulp derived nanocellulose hydrogels using AVAP® technology. Carbohydr Polym 2018; 198:270-280. [PMID: 30093000 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.06.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Bioinspiration from hierarchical structures found in natural environments has heralded a new age of advanced functional materials. Nanocellulose has received significant attention due to the demand for high-performance materials with tailored mechanical, physical and biological properties. In this study, nanocellulose fibrils, nanocrystals and a novel mixture of fibrils and nanocrystals (blend) were prepared from softwood biomass using the AVAP® biorefinery technology. These materials were characterized using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. This analysis revealed a nano- and microarchitecture with extensive porosity. Notable differences included the nanocrystals exhibiting a compact packing of nanorods with reduced porosity. The NC blend exhibited porous fibrillar networks with interconnecting compact nanorods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed a pure cellulose I structure. Thermal studies highlighted the excellent stability of all three NC materials with the nanocrystals having the highest decomposition temperature. Surface charge analysis revealed stable colloid suspensions. Rheological studies highlighted a dominance of elasticity in all variants, with the NC blend being more rigid than the NC fibrils and nanocrystals, indicating a double network hydrogel structure. Given these properties, it is thought that these materials show great potential in (bio)nanomaterial applications where careful control of microarchitecture, surface topography and porosity are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Kyle
- Reconstructive Surgery & Regenerative Medicine Group (ReconRegen), Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, SA6 6NL, UK.
| | - Zita M Jessop
- Reconstructive Surgery & Regenerative Medicine Group (ReconRegen), Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, SA6 6NL, UK.
| | - Ayesha Al-Sabah
- Reconstructive Surgery & Regenerative Medicine Group (ReconRegen), Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | - Karl Hawkins
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | - Aled Lewis
- Systems and Process Engineering Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK.
| | - Thierry Maffeis
- Systems and Process Engineering Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK.
| | - Cecile Charbonneau
- SPECIFIC, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Baglan Bay Innovation and Knowledge Centre, Port Talbot, SA12 7AQ, UK.
| | - Andrea Gazze
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | | | - Kim Nelson
- American Process Inc, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA.
| | - Stephen J Eichhorn
- Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), University of Bristol, Queen's Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK.
| | - Iain S Whitaker
- Reconstructive Surgery & Regenerative Medicine Group (ReconRegen), Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, SA6 6NL, UK.
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Gazze SA, Hallin I, Quinn G, Dudley E, Matthews GP, Rees P, van Keulen G, Doerr SH, Francis LW. Organic matter identifies the nano-mechanical properties of native soil aggregates. Nanoscale 2018; 10:520-525. [PMID: 29239448 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr07070e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Localized variations at the nanoscale in soil aggregates and in the spatial organisation of soil organic matter (SOM) are critical to understanding the factors involved in soil composition and turnover. However soil nanoscience has been hampered by the lack of suitable methods to determine soil biophysical properties at nanometre spatial resolution with minimal sample preparation. Here we introduce for the first time an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-based Quantitative Nano-Mechanical mapping (QNM) approach that allows the characterisation of the role of SOM in controlling surface nano-mechanical properties of soil aggregates. SOM coverage resulted in an increased roughness and surface variability of soil, as well as in decreased stiffness and adhesive properties. The latter also correlates with nano- to macro-wettability features as determined by contact angle measurements and Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) testing. AFM thus represents an ideal quantitative tool to complement existing techniques within the emerging field of soil nanoscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Gazze
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK.
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Howard D, Garcia-Parra J, Healey GD, Amakiri C, Margarit L, Francis LW, Gonzalez D, Conlan RS. Antibody-drug conjugates and other nanomedicines: the frontier of gynaecological cancer treatment. Interface Focus 2016; 6:20160054. [PMID: 27920893 PMCID: PMC5071815 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2016.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynaecological cancers: malignancies of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina and vulva, are responsible for over 1.1 million new cancer cases and almost half a million deaths annually. Ovarian cancer in particular is difficult to treat due to often being diagnosed at a late stage, and the incidence of uterine and vulvar malignancies are both on the rise. The field of nanomedicine is beginning to introduce drugs into the clinic for oncological applications exemplified by the liposomal drugs, Doxil and Myocet, the nanoparticle, Abraxane and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), Kadcyla and Adcetris. With many more agents currently undergoing clinical trials, the field of nanomedicine promises to have a significant impact on cancer therapy. This review considers the state of the art for nanomedicines currently on the market and those being clinically evaluated for the treatment of gynaecological cancers. In particular, it focuses on ADCs and presents a methodology for their rational design and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Howard
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | | | | | | | - Lavinia Margarit
- Abertawe Bro Morannwg University Health Board, Obstetrics & Gynecology Department Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, CF31 1RQ, UK
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Corradetti B, Taraballi F, Minardi S, Van Eps J, Cabrera F, Francis LW, Gazze SA, Ferrari M, Weiner BK, Tasciotti E. Chondroitin Sulfate Immobilized on a Biomimetic Scaffold Modulates Inflammation While Driving Chondrogenesis. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:670-82. [PMID: 27013739 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Costs associated with degenerative inflammatory conditions of articular cartilage are exponentially increasing in the aging population, and evidence shows a strong clinical need for innovative therapies. Stem cell-based therapies represent a promising strategy for the treatment of innumerable diseases. Their regenerative potential is undeniable, and it has been widely exploited in many tissue-engineering approaches, especially for bone and cartilage repair. Their immune-modulatory capacities in particular make stem cell-based therapeutics an attractive option for treating inflammatory diseases. However, because of their great plasticity, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are susceptible to different external factors. Biomaterials capable of concurrently providing physical support to cells while acting as synthetic extracellular matrix have been established as a valuable strategy in cartilage repair. Here we propose a chondroitin sulfate-based biomimetic scaffold that recapitulates the physicochemical features of the chondrogenic niche and retains MSC immunosuppressive potential in vitro, either in response to a proinflammatory cytokine or in the presence of stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In both cases, a significant increase in the production of molecules associated with immunosuppression (nitric oxide and prostaglandins), as well as in the expression of their inducible enzymes (iNos, Pges, Cox-2, and Tgf-β). When implanted subcutaneously in rats, our scaffold revealed a reduced infiltration of leukocytes at 24 hours, which correlated with a greater upregulation of genes involved in inflammatory cell apoptotic processes. In support of its effective use in tissue-engineering applications of cartilage repair, the potential of the proposed platform to drive chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSC was also proven. SIGNIFICANCE Recently, increasing clinical evidence has highlighted the important role of proinflammatory mediators and infiltrating inflammatory cell populations inducing chronic inflammation and diseases in damaged cartilage. This work should be of broad interest because it proposes an implantable biomimetic material, which holds the promise for a variety of medical conditions that necessitate the functional restoration of damaged cartilage tissue (such as trauma, diseases, deformities, or cancer).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Corradetti
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Silvia Minardi
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy, Faenza, Italy
| | - Jeffrey Van Eps
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fernando Cabrera
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Bay, Singleton Park, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Salvatore A Gazze
- Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University Bay, Singleton Park, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Mauro Ferrari
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bradley K Weiner
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA Department of Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ennio Tasciotti
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
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