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Fuchs CD, Claudel T, Mlitz V, Riva A, Menz M, Brusilovskaya K, Haller F, Baumgartner M, Königshofer P, Unger LW, Sjöland W, Scharnagl H, Stojakovic T, Busslinger G, Reiberger T, Marschall HU, Trauner M. GLP-2 Improves Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mdr2 -/- Mice Via Activation of NR4a1/Nur77 in Hepatic Stellate Cells and Intestinal FXR Signaling. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:847-856. [PMID: 37572734 PMCID: PMC10522987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.08.003] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-2 may exert antifibrotic effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Thus, we aimed to test whether application of the GLP-2 analogue teduglutide has hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects in the Mdr2/Abcb4-/- mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis displaying hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. METHODS Mdr2-/- mice were injected daily for 4 weeks with teduglutide followed by gene expression profiling (bulk liver; isolated HSCs) and immunohistochemistry. Activated HSCs (LX2 cells) and immortalized human hepatocytes and human intestinal organoids were treated with GLP-2. mRNA profiling by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and electrophoretic mobility shift assay using cytosolic and nuclear protein extracts was performed. RESULTS Hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and reactive cholangiocyte phenotype were improved in GLP-2-treated Mdr2-/- mice. Primary HSCs isolated from Mdr2-/- mice and LX2 cells exposed to GLP-2 in vitro displayed significantly increased mRNA expression levels of NR4a1/Nur77 (P < .05). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed an increased nuclear NR4a1 binding after GLP-2 treatment in LX2 cells. Moreover, GLP-2 alleviated the Tgfβ-mediated reduction of NR4a1 nuclear binding activity. In vivo, GLP-2 treatment of Mdr2-/- mice resulted in increased intrahepatic levels of muricholic acids (accordingly Cyp2c70 mRNA expression was significantly increased), and in reduced mRNA levels of Cyp7a1 and FXR. Serum Fgf15 levels were increased in Mdr2-/- mice treated with GLP-2. Accordingly, GLP-2 treatment of human intestinal organoids activated their FXR-FGF19 signaling axis. CONCLUSIONS GLP-2 treatment increased NR4a1/Nur77 activation in HSCs, subsequently attenuating their activation. GLP-2 promoted intestinal Fxr-Fgf15/19 signaling resulting in reduced Cyp7a1 and increased Cyp2c70 expression in the liver, contributing to hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of GLP-2 in the Mdr2-/- mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia D Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thierry Claudel
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Riva
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Moritz Menz
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ksenia Brusilovskaya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Haller
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Baumgartner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas W Unger
- Division of Visceral Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilhelm Sjöland
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hubert Scharnagl
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Georg Busslinger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Fuchs CD, Dixon ED, Hendrikx T, Mlitz V, Wahlström A, Ståhlman M, Scharnagl H, Stojakovic T, Binder CJ, Marschall H, Trauner M. Tetrahydroxylated bile acids improve cholestatic liver and bile duct injury in the Mdr2 -/- mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis via immunomodulatory effects. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:2368-2378. [PMID: 35691019 PMCID: PMC9426398 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bile salt export pump (Bsep) (Abcb11)-/- mice are protected from acquired cholestatic injury due to metabolic preconditioning with a hydrophilic bile acid (BA) pool with formation of tetrahydroxylated bile acids (THBAs). We aimed to explore whether loss of Bsep and subsequent elevation of THBA levels may have immunomodulatory effects, thus improving liver injury in the multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mdr2) (Abcb4)-/- mouse. Cholestatic liver injury in Mdr2-/- Bsep-/- double knockout (DKO), Mdr2-/- , Bsep-/- , and wild-type mice was studied for comparison. Mdr2-/- mice were treated with a THBA (3α,6α,7α,12α-Tetrahydroxycholanoic acid). RNA/protein expression of inflammatory/fibrotic markers were investigated. Serum BA-profiling was assessed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Hepatic immune cell profile was quantified by flow cytometric analysis (FACS). In vitro, the THBA effect on chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA)-induced inflammatory signaling in hepatocyte and cholangiocytes as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced macrophage activation was analyzed. In contrast to Mdr2-/- , DKO mice showed no features of sclerosing cholangitis. Sixty-seven percent of serum BAs in DKO mice were polyhydroxylated (mostly THBAs), whereas Mdr2-/- mice did not have these BAs. Compared with Mdr2-/- , DKO animals were protected from hepatic inflammation/fibrosis. THBA feeding in Mdr2-/- mice improved liver injury. FACS analysis in DKO and Mdr2-/- THBA-fed mice showed changes of the hepatic immune cell profile towards an anti-inflammatory pattern. Early growth response 1 (EGR1) protein expression was reduced in DKO and in Mdr2-/- THBA-fed mice compared with Mdr2-/- control mice. In vitro, THBA-reduced CDCA induced EGR1 protein and mRNA expression of inflammatory markers in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. LPS/IFN-γ-induced macrophage activation was ameliorated by THBA. THBAs repress EGR1-related key pro-inflammatory pathways. Conclusion: THBA and their downstream targets may represent a potential treatment strategy for cholestatic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia D. Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Emmanuel D. Dixon
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Tim Hendrikx
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of Molecular GeneticsMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Annika Wahlström
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Hubert Scharnagl
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory DiagnosticsMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory DiagnosticsUniversity Hospital GrazGrazAustria
| | | | - Hanns‐Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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3
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Remetic J, Ghallab A, Hobloss Z, Brackhagen L, Hassan R, Myllys M, Radun R, Mlitz V, Zhu C, Baumgartner M, Schrottmaier WC, Mussbacher M, Timelthaler G, Scharnagl H, Stojakovic T, Assinger A, Fuchs CD, Hengstler JG, Trauner M. Loss of bile salt export pump aggravates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in mice due to impaired hepatic endotoxin clearance. Hepatology 2022; 75:1095-1109. [PMID: 34927748 PMCID: PMC9306629 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) clearance is delayed in cholestatic liver diseases. While compromised clearance by Kupffer cells (KCs) is involved, the role of LPS uptake into hepatocytes and canalicular excretion remains unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS Wild-type (WT) and bile salt export pump (Bsep) knockout (KO) mice were challenged i.p. with LPS. Liver injury was assessed by serum biochemistry, histology, molecular inflammation markers, and immune cell infiltration. LPS concentrations were determined in liver tissue and bile. Subcellular kinetics of fluorescently labeled LPS was visualized by intravital two-photon microscopy, and the findings in Bsep KO mice were compared to common bile duct-ligated (BDL) and multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mdr2) KO mice. Changes in gut microbiota composition were evaluated by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis. Bsep KO mice developed more pronounced LPS-induced liver injury and inflammatory signaling, with subsequently enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines and aggravated hepatic immune cell infiltration. After LPS administration, its concentrations were higher in liver but lower in bile of Bsep KO compared to WT mice. Intravital imaging of LPS showed a delayed clearance from sinusoidal blood with a basolateral uptake block into hepatocytes and reduced canalicular secretion. Moreover, LPS uptake into KCs was reduced. Similar findings with respect to hepatic LPS clearance were obtained in BDL and Mdr2 KO mice. Pretreatment with the microtubule inhibitor colchicine inhibited biliary excretion of LPS in WT mice, indicating that LPS clearance is microtubule-dependent. Microbiota analysis showed no change of the gut microbiome between WT and Bsep KO mice at baseline but major changes upon LPS challenge in WT mice. CONCLUSIONS Absence of Bsep and cholestasis in general impair LPS clearance by a basolateral uptake block into hepatocytes and consequently less secretion into canaliculi. Impaired LPS removal aggravates hepatic inflammation in cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Remetic
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ahmed Ghallab
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo)DortmundGermany.,Department of Forensic Medicine and ToxicologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineSouth Valley UniversityQenaEgypt
| | - Zaynab Hobloss
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo)DortmundGermany
| | - Lisa Brackhagen
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo)DortmundGermany
| | - Reham Hassan
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo)DortmundGermany.,Department of Forensic Medicine and ToxicologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineSouth Valley UniversityQenaEgypt
| | - Maiju Myllys
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo)DortmundGermany
| | - Richard Radun
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ci Zhu
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Maximilian Baumgartner
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Waltraud C Schrottmaier
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis ResearchCentre of Physiology and PharmacologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Marion Mussbacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesDepartment of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Gerald Timelthaler
- The Institute of Cancer ResearchDepartment of Medicine IMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Hubert Scharnagl
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory DiagnosticsMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory DiagnosticsUniversity Hospital GrazGrazAustria
| | - Alice Assinger
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis ResearchCentre of Physiology and PharmacologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Claudia D Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo)DortmundGermany
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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4
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Fuchs CD, Radun R, Dixon ED, Mlitz V, Timelthaler G, Halilbasic E, Herac M, Jonker JW, Ronda OAHO, Tardelli M, Haemmerle G, Zimmermann R, Scharnagl H, Stojakovic T, Verkade HJ, Trauner M. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of adipose triglyceride lipase (adipose triglyceride lipase/patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 2) ameliorates dietary induced steatohepatitis in mice. Hepatology 2022; 75:125-139. [PMID: 34387896 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Increased fatty acid (FA) flux from adipose tissue to the liver contributes to the development of NAFLD. Because free FAs are key lipotoxic triggers accelerating disease progression, inhibiting adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL)/patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 2 (PNPLA2), the main enzyme driving lipolysis, may attenuate steatohepatitis. APPROACH AND RESULTS Hepatocyte-specific ATGL knockout (ATGL LKO) mice were challenged with methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) or high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet. Serum biochemistry, hepatic lipid content and liver histology were assessed. Mechanistically, hepatic gene and protein expression of lipid metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers were investigated. DNA binding activity for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α and PPARδ was measured. After short hairpin RNA-mediated ATGL knockdown, HepG2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or oleic acid:palmitic acid 2:1 (OP21) to explore the direct role of ATGL in inflammation in vitro. On MCD and HFHC challenge, ATGL LKO mice showed reduced PPARα and increased PPARδ DNA binding activity when compared with challenged wild-type (WT) mice. Despite histologically and biochemically pronounced hepatic steatosis, dietary-challenged ATGL LKO mice showed lower hepatic inflammation, reflected by the reduced number of Galectin3/MAC-2 and myeloperoxidase-positive cells and low mRNA expression levels of inflammatory markers (such as IL-1β and F4/80) when compared with WT mice. In line with this, protein levels of the ER stress markers protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase and inositol-requiring enzyme 1α were reduced in ATGL LKO mice fed with MCD diet. Accordingly, pretreatment of LPS-treated HepG2 cells with the PPARδ agonist GW0742 suppressed mRNA expression of inflammatory markers. Additionally, ATGL knockdown in HepG2 cells attenuated LPS/OP21-induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 5, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (Ccl) 2, and Ccl5. CONCLUSIONS Low hepatic lipolysis and increased PPARδ activity in ATGL/PNPLA2 deficiency may counteract hepatic inflammation and ER stress despite increased steatosis. Therefore, lowering hepatocyte lipolysis through ATGL inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of steatohepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia D Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Radun
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emmanuel D Dixon
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Timelthaler
- Institute for Cancer Research, Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emina Halilbasic
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Merima Herac
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johan W Jonker
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Onne A H O Ronda
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Matteo Tardelli
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Guenter Haemmerle
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.,Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Robert Zimmermann
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.,Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hubert Scharnagl
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Henkjan J Verkade
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Rossiter H, Copic D, Direder M, Gruber F, Zoratto S, Marchetti-Deschmann M, Kremslehner C, Sochorová M, Nagelreiter IM, Mlitz V, Buchberger M, Lengauer B, Golabi B, Sukseree S, Mildner M, Eckhart L, Tschachler E. Autophagy protects murine preputial glands against premature aging, and controls their sebum phospholipid and pheromone profile. Autophagy 2021; 18:1005-1019. [PMID: 34491140 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1966716] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Preputial glands are large lipid and hormone secreting sebaceous organs of mice, and present a convenient model for the investigation of biological processes in sebocytes. Suppression of ATG7-dependent macroautophagy/autophagy in epithelial cells of murine skin causes enlargement of hair follicle-associated sebaceous glands and alters the lipid profile of sebum. We have now extended these studies to the preputial glands and find that autophagy significantly delays the onset of age-related ductal ectasia, influences lipid droplet morphology and contributes to the complete dissolution of the mature sebocytes during holocrine secretion. Single cell RNA sequencing showed that many genes involved in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress response were downregulated in immature and mature epithelial cells of ATG7-deficient glands. When analyzing the lipid composition of control and mutant glands, we found that levels of all phospholipid classes, except choline plasmalogen, were decreased in the mutant glands, with a concomitant accumulation of diacyl glycerides. Mass spectrometric imaging (MSI) demonstrated that phospholipid species, specifically the dominant phosphatidylcholine (PC 34:1), were decreased in immature and mature sebocytes. In addition, we found a strong reduction in the amounts of the pheromone, palmityl acetate. Thus, autophagy in the preputial gland is not only important for homeostasis of the gland as a whole and an orderly breakdown of cells during holocrine secretion, but also regulates phospholipid and fatty acid metabolism, as well as pheromone production.AbbreviationsATG7: autophagy related 7; BODIPY: boron dipyrromethene; DAG: diacyl glycerides; DBI: diazepam binding inhibitor; GFP: green fluorescent protein; KRT14: keratin 14; HPLC-MS: high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; LD: lipid droplet; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MSI: mass spectrometric imaging; ORO: Oil Red O; PC: phosphatidylcholine; PE: phosphatidylethanolamine; PG: preputial gland; PLIN2: perilipin 2; PtdIns: phosphatidylinositol; PL: phospholipids; POPC: 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-PC; PS: phosphatidylserine; qRT-PCR: quantitative reverse transcribed PCR; SG: sebaceous gland; scRNAseq: single-cell RNA sequencing; TAG: triacylglycerides; TLC: thin layer chromatography.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dragan Copic
- Laboratory for Cardiac and Thoracic Diagnosis, Regeneration and Applied Immunology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Direder
- Laboratory for Cardiac and Thoracic Diagnosis, Regeneration and Applied Immunology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Gruber
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Samuele Zoratto
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Technical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Michaela Sochorová
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ionela-Mariana Nagelreiter
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Buchberger
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Lengauer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bahar Golabi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Supawadee Sukseree
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Mildner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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6
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Lachner J, Derdak S, Mlitz V, Wagner T, Holthaus KB, Ehrlich F, Mildner M, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. An In Vitro Model of Avian Skin Reveals Evolutionarily Conserved Transcriptional Regulation of Epidermal Barrier Formation. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:2829-2837. [PMID: 34116064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The function of the skin as a barrier against a dry environment evolved in a common ancestor of terrestrial vertebrates such as mammals and birds. However, it is unknown which elements of the genetic program of skin barrier formation are evolutionarily ancient and conserved. In this study, we determined the transcriptomes of chicken keratinocytes (KCs) grown in monolayer culture and in an organotypic model of avian skin. The differentiation-associated changes in global gene expression were compared with previously published transcriptome changes of human KCs cultured under equivalent conditions. We found that specific keratins and genes of the epidermal differentiation complex were upregulated during the differentiation of both chicken and human KCs. Likewise, the transcriptional upregulation of genes that control the synthesis and transport of lipids, anti-inflammatory cytokines of the IL-1 family, protease inhibitors, and other regulators of tissue homeostasis was conserved in the KCs of both species. However, some avian KC differentiation-associated transcripts lack homologs in mammals and vice versa, indicating a genetic basis for taxon-specific skin features. The results of this study reveal an evolutionarily ancient program in which dynamic gene transcription controls the metabolism and transport of lipids as well as other core processes during terrestrial skin barrier formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lachner
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophia Derdak
- Core Facilities, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Wagner
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Brigit Holthaus
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Ehrlich
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Mildner
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Mlitz V, Hermann M, Buchberger M, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. The Trichohyalin-Like Protein Scaffoldin Is Expressed in the Multilayered Periderm during Development of Avian Beak and Egg Tooth. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020248. [PMID: 33578693 PMCID: PMC7916365 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Scaffoldin, an S100 fused-type protein (SFTP) with high amino acid sequence similarity to the mammalian hair follicle protein trichohyalin, has been identified in reptiles and birds, but its functions are not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated the expression pattern of scaffoldin and cornulin, a related SFTP, in the developing beaks of birds. We determined the mRNA levels of both SFTPs by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the beak and other ectodermal tissues of chicken (Gallus gallus) and quail (Coturnix japonica) embryos. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to localize scaffoldin in tissues. Scaffoldin and cornulin were expressed in the beak and, at lower levels, in other embryonic tissues of both chickens and quails. Immunohistochemistry revealed scaffoldin in the peridermal compartment of the egg tooth, a transitory cornified protuberance (caruncle) on the upper beak which breaks the eggshell during hatching. Furthermore, scaffoldin marked a multilayered peridermal structure on the lower beak. The results of this study suggest that scaffoldin plays an evolutionarily conserved role in the development of the avian beak with a particular function in the morphogenesis of the egg tooth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Mlitz
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.M.); (M.B.); (E.T.)
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Maria Buchberger
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.M.); (M.B.); (E.T.)
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.M.); (M.B.); (E.T.)
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.M.); (M.B.); (E.T.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Fuchs CD, Krivanec S, Steinacher D, Mlitz V, Wahlström A, Stahlman M, Claudel T, Scharnagl H, Stojakovic T, Marschall H, Trauner M. Absence of Bsep/Abcb11 attenuates MCD diet-induced hepatic steatosis but aggravates inflammation in mice. Liver Int 2020; 40:1366-1377. [PMID: 32141703 PMCID: PMC7317533 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bile acids (BAs) regulate hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammation. Bile salt export pump (BSEP) KO mice are metabolically preconditioned with a hydrophilic BA composition protecting them from cholestasis. We hypothesize that changes in hepatic BA profile and subsequent changes in BA signalling may critically determine the susceptibility to steatohepatitis. METHODS Wild-type (WT) and BSEP KO mice were challenged with methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet to induce steatohepatitis. Serum biochemistry, lipid profiling as well as intestinal lipid absorption were assessed. Markers of inflammation, fibrosis, lipid and BA metabolism were analysed. Hepatic and faecal BA profile as well as serum levels of the BA synthesis intermediate 7-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) were also investigated. RESULTS Bile salt export pump KO MCD-fed mice developed less steatosis but more inflammation than WT mice. Intestinal neutral lipid levels were reduced in BSEP KO mice at baseline and under MCD conditions. Faecal non-esterified fatty acid concentrations at baseline and under MCD diet were markedly elevated in BSEP KO compared to WT mice. Serum liver enzymes and hepatic expression of inflammatory markers were increased in MCD-fed BSEP KO animals. PPARα protein levels were reduced in BSEP KO mice. Accordingly, PPARα downstream targets Fabp1 and Fatp5 were repressed, while NFκB subunits were increased in MCD-fed BSEP KO mice. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein levels were reduced in MCD-fed BSEP KO vs WT mice. Hepatic BA profile revealed elevated levels of TβMCA, exerting FXR antagonistic action, while concentrations of TCA (FXR agonistic function) were reduced. CONCLUSION Presence of hydroxylated BAs result in increased faecal FA excretion and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation. This aggravates development of MCD diet-induced hepatitis potentially by decreasing FXR and PPARα signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia D. Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Sebastian Krivanec
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Daniel Steinacher
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Annika Wahlström
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineWallenberg LaboratoryInstitute of MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Marcus Stahlman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineWallenberg LaboratoryInstitute of MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Thierry Claudel
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Hubert Scharnagl
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory DiagnosticsMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory DiagnosticsUniversity Hospital GrazGrazAustria
| | - Hanns‐Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical MedicineWallenberg LaboratoryInstitute of MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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9
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Jaeger K, Sukseree S, Zhong S, Phinney BS, Mlitz V, Buchberger M, Narzt MS, Gruber F, Tschachler E, Rice RH, Eckhart L. Cornification of nail keratinocytes requires autophagy for bulk degradation of intracellular proteins while sparing components of the cytoskeleton. Apoptosis 2020; 24:62-73. [PMID: 30552537 PMCID: PMC6373260 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-018-1505-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal keratinocytes undergo cornification to form the cellular building blocks of hard skin appendages such as nails and the protective layer on the surface of the skin. Cornification requires the cross-linking of structural proteins and the removal of other cellular components to form mechanically rigid and inert corneocytes. Autophagy has been proposed to contribute to this intracellular remodelling process, but its molecular targets in keratinocytes, if any, have remained elusive. Here, we deleted the essential autophagy factor Atg7 in K14-positive epithelia of mice and determined by proteomics the impact of this deletion on the abundance of individual proteins in cornified nails. The genetic suppression of autophagy in keratinocytes resulted in a significant increase in the number of proteins that survived cornification and in alterations of their abundance in the nail proteome. A broad range of enzymes and other non-structural proteins were elevated whereas the amounts of cytoskeletal proteins of the keratin and keratin-associated protein families, cytolinker proteins and desmosomal proteins were either unaltered or decreased in nails of mice lacking epithelial autophagy. Among the various types of non-cytoskeletal proteins, the subunits of the proteasome and of the TRiC/CCT chaperonin were most strongly elevated in mutant nails, indicating a particularly important role of autophagy in removing these large protein complexes during normal cornification. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that autophagy is active during nail keratinocyte cornification and its substrate specificity depends on the accessibility of proteins outside of the cytoskeleton and their presence in large complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Jaeger
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Supawadee Sukseree
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shaomin Zhong
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Brett S Phinney
- Proteomics Core Facility, UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Buchberger
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie Sophie Narzt
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory on Biotechnology of Skin Aging, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Gruber
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory on Biotechnology of Skin Aging, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert H Rice
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616-8588, USA.
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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10
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Lachner J, Ehrlich F, Mlitz V, Hermann M, Alibardi L, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Immunolocalization and phylogenetic profiling of the feather protein with the highest cysteine content. Protoplasma 2019; 256:1257-1265. [PMID: 31037447 PMCID: PMC6713690 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-019-01381-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Feathers are the most complex skin appendages of vertebrates. Mature feathers consist of interconnected dead keratinocytes that are filled with heavily cross-linked proteins. Although the molecular architecture determines essential functions of feathers, only few feather proteins have been characterized with regard to their amino acid sequences and evolution. Here, we identify Epidermal Differentiation protein containing DPCC Motifs (EDDM) as a cysteine-rich protein that has co-evolved with other feather proteins. The EDDM gene is located within the avian epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), a cluster of genes that has originated and diversified in amniotes. EDDM shares the exon-intron organization with EDC genes of other amniotes, including humans, and a gene encoding an EDDM-like protein is present in crocodilians, suggesting that avian EDDM arose by sequence modification of an epidermal differentiation gene present in a common ancestor of archosaurs. The EDDM protein contains multiple sequence repeats and a higher number of cysteine residues than any other protein encoded in the EDC. Immunohistochemical analysis of chicken skin and skin appendages showed expression of EDDM in barb and barbules of feathers as well as in the subperiderm on embryonic scutate scales. These results suggest that the diversification and differential expression of EDDM, besides other EDC genes, was instrumental in facilitating the evolution of the most complex molecular architecture of feathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lachner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Ehrlich
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Fuchs CD, Paumgartner G, Mlitz V, Kunczer V, Halilbasic E, Leditznig N, Wahlström A, Ståhlman M, Thüringer A, Kashofer K, Stojakovic T, Marschall HU, Trauner M. Colesevelam attenuates cholestatic liver and bile duct injury in Mdr2-/- mice by modulating composition, signalling and excretion of faecal bile acids. Gut 2018; 67:1683-1691. [PMID: 29636383 PMCID: PMC6109278 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-314553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids (BAs) may protect against BA-mediated cholestatic liver and bile duct injury. BA sequestrants are established to treat cholestatic pruritus, but their impact on the underlying cholestasis is still unclear. We aimed to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of the BA sequestrant colesevelam in a mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis. METHODS Mdr2-/- mice received colesevelam for 8 weeks. Gene expression profiles of BA homeostasis, inflammation and fibrosis were explored in liver, intestine and colon. Hepatic and faecal BA profiles and gut microbiome were analysed. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels in portal blood were measured by ELISA. Furthermore, Mdr2-/- mice as well as wild-type 3,5-diethoxy-carbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine-fed mice were treated with GLP-1-receptor agonist exendin-4 for 2 weeks prior to analysis. RESULTS Colesevelam reduced serum liver enzymes, BAs and expression of proinflammatory and profibrogenic markers. Faecal BA profiling revealed increased levels of secondary BAs after resin treatment, while hepatic and biliary BA composition showed a shift towards more hydrophilic BAs. Colonic GLP-1 secretion, portal venous GLP-1 levels and intestinal messenger RNA expression of gut hormone Proglucagon were increased, while ileal Fgf15 expression was abolished by colesevelam. Exendin-4 treatment increased bile duct mass without promoting a reactive cholangiocyte phenotype in mouse models of sclerosing cholangitis. Microbiota analysis showed an increase of the phylum δ-Proteobacteria after colesevelam treatment and a shift within the phyla Firmicutes from Clostridiales to Lactobacillus. CONCLUSION Colesevelam increases faecal BA excretion and enhances BA conversion towards secondary BAs, thereby stimulating secretion of GLP-1 from enteroendocrine L-cells and attenuates liver and bile duct injury in Mdr2-/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Daniela Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gustav Paumgartner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Victoria Kunczer
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emina Halilbasic
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadja Leditznig
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annika Wahlström
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andrea Thüringer
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Karl Kashofer
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Rossiter H, Stübiger G, Gröger M, König U, Gruber F, Sukseree S, Mlitz V, Buchberger M, Oskolkova O, Bochkov V, Eckhart L, Tschachler E. Inactivation of autophagy leads to changes in sebaceous gland morphology and function. Exp Dermatol 2018; 27:1142-1151. [PMID: 30033522 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have reported recently that inactivation of the essential autophagy-related gene 7 (Atg7) in keratinocytes has little or no impact on morphology and function of the epidermal barrier in experimental animals. When these mice aged, mutant males, (Atg7 ΔKC), developed an oily coat. As the keratin 14 promoter driven cre/LoxP system inactivates floxed Atg7 in all keratin 14 (K14) expressing cells, including sebocytes, we investigated whether the oily hair phenotype was the consequence of changes in function of the skin sebaceous glands. Using an antibody to the GFP-LC3 fusion protein, autophagosomes were detected at the border of sebocyte disintegration in control but not in mutant animals, suggesting that autophagy was (a) active in normal sebaceous glands and (b) was inactivated in the mutant mice. Detailed analysis established that dorsal sebaceous glands were about twice as large in all Atg7 ΔKC mice compared to those of controls (Atg7 F/F), and their rate of sebocyte proliferation was increased. In addition, male mutant mice yielded twice as much lipid per unit hair as age-matched controls. Analysis of sebum lipids by thin layer chromatography revealed a 40% reduction in the proportion of free fatty acids (FFA) and cholesterol, and a 5-fold increase in the proportion of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). In addition, the most common diester wax species (58-60 carbon atoms) were increased, while shorter species (54-55 carbon atoms) were under-represented in mutant sebum. Our data show that autophagy contributes to sebaceous gland function and to the control of sebum composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidemarie Rossiter
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Stübiger
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Gröger
- Core Facility Imaging, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich König
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Gruber
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Supawadee Sukseree
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Buchberger
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Olga Oskolkova
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Valery Bochkov
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiolgy of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Jaeger K, Sukseree S, Zhong S, Mlitz V, Tschachler E, Rice R, Eckhart L. 1344 Keratinocyte cornification requires autophagy for efficient degradation of non-cytoskeletal proteins. J Invest Dermatol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.03.1361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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14
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Abbas Zadeh S, Lachner J, Mlitz V, Mildner M, Pammer J, Eckhart L, Tschachler E. 708 PSORS1C2 is expressed in Hassall's bodies of the thymus and in terminally differentiated epidermal keratinocytes. J Invest Dermatol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.03.717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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15
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Lachner J, Mlitz V, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. 111 Cornification of normal epidermal keratinocytes is preceded by the expression of specific interleukin-1 family members. J Invest Dermatol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.07.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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Mlitz V, Hussain T, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Filaggrin has evolved from an "S100 fused-type protein" (SFTP) gene present in a common ancestor of amphibians and mammals. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:955-957. [PMID: 28191671 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The expression of filaggrin in differentiated keratinocytes and the association of filaggrin mutations with ichthyosis vulgaris and atopic dermatitis suggest that this prototypical member of the S100 fused-type protein (SFTP) family plays a key role in the epidermal barrier to the environment. Here, we report that SFTP genes are present not only in amniotes but also in amphibians. Four SFTPs are expressed in the skin of the frog Xenopus laevis. The results of this study indicate that filaggrin has evolved from an ancestral SFTP that may have contributed to skin modifications during the evolutionary transition to terrestrial life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tajamul Hussain
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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17
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Qin H, Jin J, Fischer H, Mildner M, Gschwandtner M, Mlitz V, Eckhart L, Tschachler E. The caspase-1 inhibitor CARD18 is specifically expressed during late differentiation of keratinocytes and its expression is lost in lichen planus. J Dermatol Sci 2017; 87:176-182. [PMID: 28506683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CARD18 contains a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) via which it binds to caspase-1 and thereby inhibits caspase-1-mediated activation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β. OBJECTIVES To determine the expression profile and the role of CARD18 during differentiation of keratinocytes and to compare the expression of CARD18 in normal skin and in inflammatory skin diseases. METHODS Human keratinocytes were induced to differentiate in monolayer and in 3D skin equivalent cultures. In some experiments, CARD18-specific siRNAs were used to knock down expression of CARD18. CARD18 mRNA levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR, and CARD18 protein was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. In situ expression was analyzed in skin biopsies obtained from healthy donors and patients with psoriasis and lichen planus. RESULTS CARD18 mRNA was expressed in the epidermis at more than 100-fold higher levels than in any other human tissue. Within the epidermis, CARD18 was specifically expressed in the granular layer. In vitro CARD18 was strongly upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels in keratinocytes undergoing terminal differentiation. In skin equivalent cultures the expression of CARD18 was efficiently suppressed by siRNAs without impairing stratum corneum formation. Epidermal expression of CARD18 was increased after ultraviolet (UV)B irradiation of skin explants. In skin biopsies of patients with psoriasis no consistent regulation of CARD18 expression was observed, however, in lesional epidermis of patients with lichen planus, CARD18 expression was either greatly diminished or entirely absent whereas in non-lesional areas expression was comparable to normal skin. CONCLUSIONS Our results identify CARD18 as a differentiation-associated keratinocyte protein that is altered in abundance by UV stress. Its downregulation in lichen planus indicates a potential role in inflammatory reactions of the epidermis in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihong Qin
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Dermatology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Heinz Fischer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Mildner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Gschwandtner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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18
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Abbas Zadeh S, Mlitz V, Lachner J, Golabi B, Mildner M, Pammer J, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Phylogenetic profiling and gene expression studies implicate a primary role of PSORS1C2 in terminal differentiation of keratinocytes. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:352-358. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.13272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Salman Abbas Zadeh
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin; Department of Dermatology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin; Department of Dermatology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Julia Lachner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin; Department of Dermatology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Bahar Golabi
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin; Department of Dermatology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Michael Mildner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin; Department of Dermatology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Johannes Pammer
- Department of Pathology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin; Department of Dermatology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin; Department of Dermatology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
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19
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Mlitz V, Gendronneau G, Berlin I, Buchberger M, Eckhart L, Tschachler E. The Expression of the Endogenous mTORC1 Inhibitor Sestrin 2 Is Induced by UVB and Balanced with the Expression Level of Sestrin 1. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166832. [PMID: 27861561 PMCID: PMC5115827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sestrin 2 (SESN2) is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) which controls central cellular processes such as protein translation and autophagy. Previous studies have suggested that SESN2 itself is subjected to regulation at multiple levels. Here, we investigated the expression of SESN2 in the skin and in isolated skin cells. SESN2 was detected by immunofluorescence analysis in fibroblasts and keratinocytes of human skin. Differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes was not associated with altered SESN2 expression and siRNA-mediated knockdown of SESN2 did not impair stratum corneum formation in vitro. However, SESN2 was increased in both cell types when the expression of its paralog SESN1 was blocked by siRNA-mediated knock down, indicating a compensatory mechanism for the control of expression. Irradiation with UVB but not with UVA significantly increased SESN2 expression in both keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Upregulation of SESN2 expression could be completely blocked by suppression of p53. These results suggest that SESN2 is dispensable for normal epidermal keratinization but involved in the UVB stress response of skin cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Irina Berlin
- Department of Biology and Women Beauty, Chanel R&T, Pantin, France
| | - Maria Buchberger
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail: (ET); (LE)
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail: (ET); (LE)
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20
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Mildner M, Bauer R, Mlitz V, Ballaun C, Tschachler E. Matriptase-1 expression is lost in psoriatic skin lesions and is downregulated by TNFα in vitro. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2016; 13:1165-74. [PMID: 26513078 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Matriptase-1 participates in terminal keratinocyte (KC) differentiation. Knockdown of matriptase-1 in skin equivalent cultures leads to impaired KC differentiation and retention of nuclei in the stratum corneum. Here, we investigated the expression and regulation of matriptase-1 in psoriatic skin and in KC in vitro. PATIENTS AND METHODS Matriptase-1 expression in healthy and psoriatic skin and its regulation in skin equivalents were analyzed by Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR, and activity assays. Involvement of the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling pathway was investigated by adenoviral overexpression of a dominant-negative form of IKK2. RESULTS Matriptase-1 expression was detected in the stratum granulosum of healthy human skin and in skin equivalent cultures. Its expression and activity was strongly reduced in lesional skin of patients with psoriasis. Addition of TNFα to skin equivalent cultures resulted in complete loss of matriptase-1 expression accompanied by disturbed KC differentiation. Mechanistically, we were able to show that TNFα-induced downregulation of matriptase-1 was inhibited by blocking the IKK2/NFκB signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Given that matriptase-1 participates in terminal KC differentiation, its absence in psoriatic skin lesions indicates that this contributes to the barrier disturbances in this disease. Our data suggests that blocking the IKK2/NFκB-pathway represents a potential target for the treatment of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mildner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Ballaun
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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21
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Strasser B, Mlitz V, Fischer H, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Comparative genomics reveals conservation of filaggrin and loss of caspase-14 in dolphins. Exp Dermatol 2016; 24:365-9. [PMID: 25739514 PMCID: PMC4437054 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The expression of filaggrin and its stepwise proteolytic degradation are critical events in the terminal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and in the formation of the skin barrier to the environment. Here, we investigated whether the evolutionary transition from a terrestrial to a fully aquatic lifestyle of cetaceans, that is dolphins and whales, has been associated with changes in genes encoding filaggrin and proteins involved in the processing of filaggrin. We used comparative genomics, PCRs and re-sequencing of gene segments to screen for the presence and integrity of genes coding for filaggrin and proteases implicated in the maturation of (pro)filaggrin. Filaggrin has been conserved in dolphins (bottlenose dolphin, orca and baiji) but has been lost in whales (sperm whale and minke whale). All other S100 fused-type genes have been lost in cetaceans. Among filaggrin-processing proteases, aspartic peptidase retroviral-like 1 (ASPRV1), also known as saspase, has been conserved, whereas caspase-14 has been lost in all cetaceans investigated. In conclusion, our results suggest that filaggrin is dispensable for the acquisition of fully aquatic lifestyles of whales, whereas it appears to confer an evolutionary advantage to dolphins. The discordant evolution of filaggrin, saspase and caspase-14 in cetaceans indicates that the biological roles of these proteins are not strictly interdependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Strasser
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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22
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Holthaus KB, Strasser B, Sipos W, Schmidt HA, Mlitz V, Sukseree S, Weissenbacher A, Tschachler E, Alibardi L, Eckhart L. Comparative Genomics Identifies Epidermal Proteins Associated with the Evolution of the Turtle Shell. Mol Biol Evol 2015; 33:726-37. [PMID: 26601937 PMCID: PMC4760078 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of reptiles, birds, and mammals was associated with the origin of unique integumentary structures. Studies on lizards, chicken, and humans have suggested that the evolution of major structural proteins of the outermost, cornified layers of the epidermis was driven by the diversification of a gene cluster called Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC). Turtles have evolved unique defense mechanisms that depend on mechanically resilient modifications of the epidermis. To investigate whether the evolution of the integument in these reptiles was associated with specific adaptations of the sequences and expression patterns of EDC-related genes, we utilized newly available genome sequences to determine the epidermal differentiation gene complement of turtles. The EDC of the western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii) comprises more than 100 genes, including at least 48 genes that encode proteins referred to as beta-keratins or corneous beta-proteins. Several EDC proteins have evolved cysteine/proline contents beyond 50% of total amino acid residues. Comparative genomics suggests that distinct subfamilies of EDC genes have been expanded and partly translocated to loci outside of the EDC in turtles. Gene expression analysis in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) showed that EDC genes are differentially expressed in the skin of the various body sites and that a subset of beta-keratin genes within the EDC as well as those located outside of the EDC are expressed predominantly in the shell. Our findings give strong support to the hypothesis that the evolutionary innovation of the turtle shell involved specific molecular adaptations of epidermal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Brigit Holthaus
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Bettina Strasser
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Sipos
- Clinical Department for Farm Animals and Herd Management, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heiko A Schmidt
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Supawadee Sukseree
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenzo Alibardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Mildner M, Bauer R, Mlitz V, Ballaun C, Tschachler E. Matriptase-1-Expression ist in psoriatischen Hautläsionen reduziert und wird in vitro durch TNFα herabreguliert. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ddg.80_12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mildner
- Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie; Medizinische Universität Wien; Wien Österreich
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie; Medizinische Universität Wien; Wien Österreich
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie; Medizinische Universität Wien; Wien Österreich
| | - Claudia Ballaun
- Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie; Medizinische Universität Wien; Wien Österreich
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie; Medizinische Universität Wien; Wien Österreich
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24
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Beer L, Mlitz V, Gschwandtner M, Berger T, Narzt MS, Gruber F, Brunner PM, Tschachler E, Mildner M. Bioinformatics approach for choosing the correct reference genes when studying gene expression in human keratinocytes. Exp Dermatol 2015; 24:742-7. [PMID: 25980460 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) has become a mainstay in many areas of skin research. To enable quantitative analysis, it is necessary to analyse expression of reference genes (RGs) for normalization of target gene expression. The selection of reliable RGs therefore has an important impact on the experimental outcome. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate the best suited RGs for qRT-PCR in human primary keratinocytes (KCs) over a broad range of experimental conditions using the novel bioinformatics tool 'RefGenes', which is based on a manually curated database of published microarray data. Expression of 6 RGs identified by RefGenes software and 12 commonly used RGs were validated by qRT-PCR. We assessed whether these 18 markers fulfilled the requirements for a valid RG by the comprehensive ranking of four bioinformatics tools and the coefficient of variation (CV). In an overall ranking, we found GUSB to be the most stably expressed RG, whereas the expression values of the commonly used RGs, GAPDH and B2M were significantly affected by varying experimental conditions. Our results identify RefGenes as a powerful tool for the identification of valid RGs and suggest GUSB as the most reliable RG for KCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucian Beer
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Gschwandtner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Berger
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie-Sophie Narzt
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Biotechnology of Skin Aging, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Gruber
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Biotechnology of Skin Aging, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick M Brunner
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Mildner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Strasser B, Mlitz V, Hermann M, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Convergent evolution of cysteine-rich proteins in feathers and hair. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:82. [PMID: 25947341 PMCID: PMC4423139 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0360-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Feathers and hair consist of cornified epidermal keratinocytes in which proteins are crosslinked via disulfide bonds between cysteine residues of structural proteins to establish mechanical resilience. Cysteine-rich keratin-associated proteins (KRTAPs) are important components of hair whereas the molecular components of feathers have remained incompletely known. Recently, we have identified a chicken gene, named epidermal differentiation cysteine-rich protein (EDCRP), that encodes a protein with a cysteine content of 36%. Here we have investigated the putative role of EDCRP in the molecular architecture and evolution of feathers. Results Comparative genomics showed that the presence of an EDCRP gene and the high cysteine content of the encoded proteins are conserved among birds. Avian EDCRPs contain a species-specific number of sequence repeats with the consensus sequence CCDPCQ(K/Q)(S/P)V, thus resembling mammalian cysteine-rich KRTAPs which also contain sequence repeats of similar sequence. However, differences in gene loci and exon-intron structures suggest that EDCRP and KRTAPs have not evolved from a common gene ancestor but represent the products of convergent sequence evolution. mRNA in situ hybridization demonstrated that chicken EDCRP is expressed in the subperiderm layer of the embryonic epidermis and in the barbule cells of growing feathers. This expression pattern supports the hypothesis that feathers are evolutionarily derived from the subperiderm. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that convergent sequence evolution of avian EDCRP and mammalian KRTAPs has contributed to independent evolution of feathers and hair, respectively. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0360-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Strasser
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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26
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Strasser B, Mlitz V, Hermann M, Rice RH, Eigenheer RA, Alibardi L, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Evolutionary origin and diversification of epidermal barrier proteins in amniotes. Mol Biol Evol 2014; 31:3194-205. [PMID: 25169930 PMCID: PMC4245816 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of amniotes has involved major molecular innovations in the epidermis. In particular, distinct structural proteins that undergo covalent cross-linking during cornification of keratinocytes facilitate the formation of mechanically resilient superficial cell layers and help to limit water loss to the environment. Special modes of cornification generate amniote-specific skin appendages such as claws, feathers, and hair. In mammals, many protein substrates of cornification are encoded by a cluster of genes, termed the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). To provide a basis for hypotheses about the evolution of cornification proteins, we screened for homologs of the EDC in non-mammalian vertebrates. By comparative genomics, de novo gene prediction and gene expression analyses, we show that, in contrast to fish and amphibians, the chicken and the green anole lizard have EDC homologs comprising genes that are specifically expressed in the epidermis and in skin appendages. Our data suggest that an important component of the cornified protein envelope of mammalian keratinocytes, that is, loricrin, has originated in a common ancestor of modern amniotes, perhaps during the acquisition of a fully terrestrial lifestyle. Moreover, we provide evidence that the sauropsid-specific beta-keratins have evolved as a subclass of EDC genes. Based on the comprehensive characterization of the arrangement, exon-intron structures and conserved sequence elements of EDC genes, we propose new scenarios for the evolutionary origin of epidermal barrier proteins via fusion of neighboring S100A and peptidoglycan recognition protein genes, subsequent loss of exons and highly divergent sequence evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Strasser
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert H Rice
- Department of Environmental Toxicology and Forensic Science Graduate Program, University of California-Davis
| | | | - Lorenzo Alibardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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27
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Mlitz V, Strasser B, Jaeger K, Hermann M, Ghannadan M, Buchberger M, Alibardi L, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Trichohyalin-like proteins have evolutionarily conserved roles in the morphogenesis of skin appendages. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:2685-2692. [PMID: 24780931 PMCID: PMC4260798 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
S100 fused-type proteins (SFTPs) such as filaggrin, trichohyalin, and cornulin are differentially expressed in cornifying keratinocytes of the epidermis and various skin appendages. To determine evolutionarily conserved, and thus presumably important, features of SFTPs, we characterized nonmammalian SFTPs and compared their amino acid sequences and expression patterns with those of mammalian SFTPs. We identified an ortholog of cornulin and a previously unknown SFTP, termed scaffoldin, in reptiles and birds, whereas filaggrin was confined to mammals. In contrast to mammalian SFTPs, both cornulin and scaffoldin of the chicken are expressed in the embryonic periderm. However, scaffoldin resembles mammalian trichohyalin with regard to its expression in the filiform papillae of the tongue and in the epithelium underneath the forming tips of the claws. Furthermore, scaffoldin is expressed in the epithelial sheath around growing feathers, reminiscent of trichohyalin expression in the inner root sheath of hair. The results of this study show that SFTP-positive epithelia function as scaffolds for the growth of diverse skin appendages such as claws, nails, hair, and feathers, indicating a common evolutionary origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Mlitz
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bettina Strasser
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Jaeger
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Minoo Ghannadan
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Buchberger
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenzo Alibardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Alibardi L, Mlitz V, Eckhart L. Immunolocalization of Scaffoldin, a Trichohyalin-Like Protein, in the Epidermis of the Chicken Embryo. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 298:479-87. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab and Department of Biological; Geological and Environmental Sciences (Bigea), University of Bologna; Italy
| | - V. Mlitz
- Department of Dermatology; Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - L. Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology; Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
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29
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Strasser B, Mlitz V, Hermann M, Rice RH, Eigenheer RA, Alibardi L, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Evolutionary origin and diversification of epidermal barrier proteins in amniotes. Mol Biol Evol 2014. [PMID: 25169930 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu251.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of amniotes has involved major molecular innovations in the epidermis. In particular, distinct structural proteins that undergo covalent cross-linking during cornification of keratinocytes facilitate the formation of mechanically resilient superficial cell layers and help to limit water loss to the environment. Special modes of cornification generate amniote-specific skin appendages such as claws, feathers, and hair. In mammals, many protein substrates of cornification are encoded by a cluster of genes, termed the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). To provide a basis for hypotheses about the evolution of cornification proteins, we screened for homologs of the EDC in non-mammalian vertebrates. By comparative genomics, de novo gene prediction and gene expression analyses, we show that, in contrast to fish and amphibians, the chicken and the green anole lizard have EDC homologs comprising genes that are specifically expressed in the epidermis and in skin appendages. Our data suggest that an important component of the cornified protein envelope of mammalian keratinocytes, that is, loricrin, has originated in a common ancestor of modern amniotes, perhaps during the acquisition of a fully terrestrial lifestyle. Moreover, we provide evidence that the sauropsid-specific beta-keratins have evolved as a subclass of EDC genes. Based on the comprehensive characterization of the arrangement, exon-intron structures and conserved sequence elements of EDC genes, we propose new scenarios for the evolutionary origin of epidermal barrier proteins via fusion of neighboring S100A and peptidoglycan recognition protein genes, subsequent loss of exons and highly divergent sequence evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Strasser
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert H Rice
- Department of Environmental Toxicology and Forensic Science Graduate Program, University of California-Davis
| | | | - Lorenzo Alibardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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30
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Gschwandtner M, Zhong S, Tschachler A, Mlitz V, Karner S, Elbe-Bürger A, Mildner M. Fetal human keratinocytes produce large amounts of antimicrobial peptides: involvement of histone-methylation processes. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:2192-2201. [PMID: 24694903 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), an important part of the innate immune system, are crucial for defense against invading microorganisms. Whereas AMPs have been extensively studied in adult skin, little is known about the impact of AMPs in the developing human skin. We therefore compared the expression and regulation of AMPs in fetal, neonatal, and adult keratinocytes (KCs) in vitro. The constitutive expression of human β-defensin-2 (HBD-2), HBD-3, S100 protein family members, and cathelicidin was significantly higher in KCs from fetal skin than in KCs from postnatal skin. The capacity to further increase AMP production was comparable between prenatal and postnatal KCs. Analysis of skin equivalents (SEs) revealed a strong constitutive expression of S100 proteins in fetal but not in neonatal and adult SEs. The elevated AMP levels correlated with reduced H3K27me3 (tri-methyl-lysine 27 on histone H3) levels and increased expression of the histone demethylase JMJD3. Knockdown of JMJD3 in fetal KCs elevated H3K27me3 levels and significantly downregulated the expression of HBD-3, S100A7, S100A8, S100A9, and cathelicidin. Our data indicate a crucial contribution of histone modifications in the regulation of AMP expression in the skin during ontogeny. The elevated AMP expression in prenatal skin might represent an essential defense strategy of the unborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gschwandtner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shaomin Zhong
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Antonia Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Karner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelheid Elbe-Bürger
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunobiology of the Skin, Division of Immunology, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Mildner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Rossiter H, König U, Barresi C, Buchberger M, Ghannadan M, Zhang CF, Mlitz V, Gmeiner R, Sukseree S, Födinger D, Eckhart L, Tschachler E. Epidermal keratinocytes form a functional skin barrier in the absence of Atg7 dependent autophagy. J Dermatol Sci 2013; 71:67-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2013.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Gschwandtner M, Mildner M, Mlitz V, Gruber F, Eckhart L, Werfel T, Gutzmer R, Elias PM, Tschachler E. Histamine suppresses epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and impairs skin barrier function in a human skin model. Allergy 2013; 68:37-47. [PMID: 23157658 PMCID: PMC3555427 DOI: 10.1111/all.12051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Defects in keratinocyte differentiation and skin barrier are important features of inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis. Mast cells and their main mediator histamine are abundant in inflamed skin and thus may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Methods Human primary keratinocytes were cultured under differentiation-promoting conditions in the presence and absence of histamine, histamine receptor agonists and antagonists. The expression of differentiation-associated genes and epidermal junction proteins was quantified by real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence labeling. The barrier function of human skin models was tested by the application of biotin as tracer molecule. Results The addition of histamine to human keratinocyte cultures and organotypic skin models reduced the expression of the differentiation-associated proteins keratin 1/10, filaggrin, and loricrin by 80–95%. Moreover, the addition of histamine to skin models resulted in the loss of the granular layer and thinning of the epidermis and stratum corneum by 50%. The histamine receptor H1R agonist, 2-pyridylethylamine, suppressed keratinocyte differentiation to the same extent as did histamine. Correspondingly, cetirizine, an antagonist of H1R, virtually abrogated the effect of histamine. The expression of tight junction proteins zona occludens-1, occludin, claudin-1, and claudin-4, as well as that of desmosomal junction proteins corneodesmosin and desmoglein-1, was down-regulated by histamine. The tracer molecule biotin readily penetrated the tight junction barrier of skin cultures grown in the presence of histamine, while their diffusion was completely blocked in nontreated controls. Conclusions Our findings suggest a new mechanism by which mast cell activation and histamine release contribute to skin barrier defects in inflammatory skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Gschwandtner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin Department of Dermatology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Division of Immunodermatology and Allergy Research Department of Dermatology and Allergy Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - M. Mildner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin Department of Dermatology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - V. Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin Department of Dermatology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - F. Gruber
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin Department of Dermatology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - L. Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin Department of Dermatology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - T. Werfel
- Division of Immunodermatology and Allergy Research Department of Dermatology and Allergy Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - R. Gutzmer
- Division of Immunodermatology and Allergy Research Department of Dermatology and Allergy Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - P. M. Elias
- Dermatology Service Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Dermatology UCSF San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - E. Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin Department of Dermatology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- CE.R.I.E.S. Neuilly France
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Mlitz V, Latreille J, Gardinier S, Jdid R, Drouault Y, Hufnagl P, Eckhart L, Guinot C, Tschachler E. Impact of filaggrin mutations on Raman spectra and biophysical properties of the stratum corneum in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011; 26:983-90. [PMID: 21812836 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04198.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with null mutations in the filaggrin (FLG) gene. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of FLG null mutations on biophysical properties and the molecular composition of the stratum corneum (SC) in healthy individuals and AD patients. METHODS A total of 196 French adults, including 97 with a history of mild to moderate AD, were genotyped for the three major European FLG mutations. Components of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF), lipids and water content in the SC were determined using Raman spectroscopy. In addition, trans-epidermal water loss, capacitance and pH of the SC were measured. RESULTS Stratum corneum concentrations of total NMF, water, ornithine and urocanic acid (UCA) were significantly lower in AD patients than in healthy controls. Null mutations of FLG were detected in 4% of controls and 10% of AD patients. FLG mutations were associated with increased SC levels of lactate, reduced concentrations of most other NMF components and higher disease severity in AD patients. In AD patients without FLG mutations, the content of NMF constituents decreased with increasing disease severity. The concomittant presence of low concentrations of histidine, alanine and either glycine or pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid (PCA) in the SC was associated with FLG mutations with 92% specificity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a low prevalence of FLG mutations in mild AD and support an important role for filaggrin in determining the physicochemical parameters of the SC. The combined measurement of several filaggrin breakdown products in the SC may be useful to specifically predict the presence of FLG mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Mlitz
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Mildner M, Stichenwirth M, Abtin A, Eckhart L, Sam C, Gläser R, Schröder JM, Gmeiner R, Mlitz V, Pammer J, Geusau A, Tschachler E. Psoriasin (S100A7) is a major Escherichia coli-cidal factor of the female genital tract. Mucosal Immunol 2010; 3:602-9. [PMID: 20571488 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2010.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The female urogenital tract requires an efficient defense against bacteria, potentially derived from the adjacent intestinal tract. We have thus sought to identify the factors that protect against Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the female genital tract. Vaginal fluid from healthy human donors consistently killed E. coli in vitro and vaginal epithelium strongly expressed and secreted psoriasin. Psoriasin was constitutively produced in an organotypic vaginal epithelium model, and exposure of these cells to supernatants of E. coli cultures led to an enhanced psoriasin expression. Secreted psoriasin in vaginal fluids accounted for approximately 2.5-3% of total protein. Fractionation of vaginal fluids by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that psoriasin co-eluted with a peak of E. coli killing activity. Our data show that normal vaginal fluid contains a powerful intrinsic antimicrobial defense against E. coli and that psoriasin contributes to the innate immune response of the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mildner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Barresi C, Stremnitzer C, Mlitz V, Kezic S, Kammeyer A, Ghannadan M, Posa-Markaryan K, Selden C, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Increased sensitivity of histidinemic mice to UVB radiation suggests a crucial role of endogenous urocanic acid in photoprotection. J Invest Dermatol 2010; 131:188-94. [PMID: 20686493 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2010.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Urocanic acid (UCA) is produced by the enzyme histidase and accumulates in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. In this study, we investigated the photoprotective role of endogenous UCA in the murine skin using histidinemic mice, in which the gene encoding histidase is mutated. Histidase was detected by immunohistochemistry in the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum of the normal murine skin but not in the histidinemic skin. The UCA content of the stratum corneum and the UVB absorption capacity of aqueous extracts from the stratum corneum were significantly reduced in histidinemic mice as compared with wild-type mice. When the shaved back skin of adult mice was irradiated with 250 mJ cm(-2) UVB, histidinemic mice accumulated significantly more DNA damage in the form of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers than did wild-type mice. Furthermore, UVB irradiation induced significantly higher levels of markers of apoptosis in the epidermis of histidinemic mice. Topical application of UCA reversed the UVB-photosensitive phenotype of histidinemic mice and increased UVB photoprotection of wild-type mice. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence for an important contribution of endogenous UCA to the protection of the epidermis against the damaging effects of UVB radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Barresi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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36
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Gruber F, Mayer H, Lengauer B, Mlitz V, Sanders JM, Kadl A, Bilban M, Martin R, Wagner O, Kensler TW, Yamamoto M, Leitinger N, Tschachler E. NF‐E2‐related factor 2 regulates the stress response to UVA‐1‐oxidized phospholipids in skin cells. FASEB J 2009; 24:39-48. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-133520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Gruber
- Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Cardiovascular Research CenterUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Herbert Mayer
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis ResearchMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Barbara Lengauer
- Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - John M. Sanders
- Cardiovascular Research CenterUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Alexandra Kadl
- Cardiovascular Research CenterUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Martin Bilban
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Rainer Martin
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis ResearchMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Oswald Wagner
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thomas W. Kensler
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesJohns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Norbert Leitinger
- Cardiovascular Research CenterUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Centre de Recherches et d'Investigations Epidermiques et SensoriellesNeuillyFrance
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Eckhart L, Schmidt M, Mildner M, Mlitz V, Abtin A, Ballaun C, Fischer H, Mrass P, Tschachler E. Histidase expression in human epidermal keratinocytes: regulation by differentiation status and all-trans retinoic acid. J Dermatol Sci 2008; 50:209-15. [PMID: 18280705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2007.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2007] [Revised: 12/17/2007] [Accepted: 12/18/2007] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histidase (histidine ammonia lyase) converts histidine into urocanic acid, the main ultraviolet (UV) light absorption factor of the stratum corneum. It is unknown if and how histidase is regulated in the epidermis. OBJECTIVE We have investigated the transcriptional regulation of histidase expression in epidermal keratinocytes. METHODS Human epidermal keratinocytes were cultured in vitro and exposed to UV irradiation, a number of cytokines and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) (1 microM). Keratinocyte differentiation was triggered by maintaining confluent cells in monolayer culture and by establishing three-dimensional skin equivalents. The mRNA expression level of histidase in keratinoytes as well as in the epidermis and other tissues was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS Human epidermis contained higher levels of histidase transcripts than all other tissues investigated. Expression of histidase strongly increased at the mRNA and protein levels during differentiation of primary keratinocytes in vitro. Treatment of keratinocytes with UVA and UVB did not significantly change the expression level of histidase. By contrast, ATRA suppressed histidase expression almost completely. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that histidase is upregulated during keratinocyte differentiation and that ATRA but not UV irradiation modulates the expression level of histidase. Suppression of histidase-mediated production of urocanic acid may contribute to the increase in UV sensitivity that is caused by treatment with retinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Mildner M, Mlitz V, Gruber F, Wojta J, Tschachler E. Hepatocyte Growth Factor Establishes Autocrine and Paracrine Feedback Loops for the Protection of Skin Cells after UV Irradiation. J Invest Dermatol 2007; 127:2637-44. [PMID: 17597814 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional cytokine, which, among various other activities, acts as a growth factor for melanocytes and has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of malignant melanoma. In the skin, the main source for HGF is dermal fibroblasts (FB). Here, we have investigated the regulation of HGF production and secretion by cytokines derived from UV-irradiated keratinocytes (KC) and by direct UV irradiation. We demonstrate that supernatants of ultraviolet (UV)B-irradiated KC strongly induce HGF production in FB, and that this effect was mediated primarily by IL-1alpha. Direct irradiation of FB with UVB had no effect on HGF expression. In contrast, irradiation with UVA1 strongly upregulated HGF mRNA production and secretion of the functional protein. Addition of neutralizing anti-HGF antibodies after UVA1 irradiation, as well as transfection of FB with HGF small-interfering RNA (siRNA); which completely abrogated HGF secretion led to a dramatic rise of FB apoptosis demonstrating that autocrine HGF efficiently protected FB from UVA1-induced apoptosis. Our data suggest that upregulation of HGF plays a role in skin homeostasis after UV irradiation. However, a negative side effect of UV-induced HGF secretion by dermal FB might represent a decisive factor for induction and/or progression of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mildner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Gruber F, Oskolkova O, Leitner A, Mildner M, Mlitz V, Lengauer B, Kadl A, Mrass P, Krönke G, Binder BR, Bochkov VN, Leitinger N, Tschachler E. Photooxidation generates biologically active phospholipids that induce heme oxygenase-1 in skin cells. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:16934-41. [PMID: 17449870 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m702523200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a key enzyme in the cellular response to tissue injury and oxidative stress. HO-1 enzymatic activity results in the formation of the cytoprotective metabolites CO and biliverdin. In the skin, HO-1 is strongly induced after long wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA-1). Here we show that UVA-1 irradiation generates oxidized phospholipids derived from 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (PAPC) that mediate the expression of HO-1 in skin cells. Using EO6 antibodies that recognize oxidized phospholipids, we show that UVA-1 irradiation of dermal fibroblasts generates oxidation-specific epitopes. Irradiation of arachidonate-containing phospholipids with UVA-1 led to formation of defined lipid oxidation products including epoxyisoprostane-phosphatidylcholine that induced HO-1 expression in dermal fibroblasts, in keratinocytes, and in a three-dimensional epidermal equivalent model. In addition, we demonstrate that the oxidation of PAPC by UVA-1 is a singlet oxygen-dependent mechanism. Together, we present a novel mechanism of UVA-1-induced HO-1 expression that is mediated by the generation of biologically active phospholipid oxidation products. Because UVA-1 irradiation is a mainstay treatment of several inflammatory skin diseases, structural identification of UVA-1-generated biomolecules with HO-1-inducing capacity should lead to the development of drugs that could substitute for irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Gruber
- Deparment of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
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Mildner M, Ballaun C, Stichenwirth M, Bauer R, Gmeiner R, Buchberger M, Mlitz V, Tschachler E. Gene silencing in a human organotypic skin model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 348:76-82. [PMID: 16875670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2006] [Accepted: 07/05/2006] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Here we present a simple and highly reproducible method which allows the study of the effects of a single gene knockdown in an organotypic skin model. Human keratinocytes (KC) were transfected with backbone-modified short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) specific for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matriptase-1. Twenty-four hours later the transfected cells were seeded onto fibroblast collagen suspensions and allowed to build up a multilayered epidermis by culture at the air/medium interface for 7 days. Protein expression of both targeted genes remained down-regulated by more than 80% up to 8 days after transfection. As expected, VEGF knockdown by siRNA did not alter epidermis formation in our organotypic skin model. By contrast ablation of matriptase-1 led to aberrant KC differentiation and impaired filaggrin processing and resulted in an epidermal phenotype closely resembling that of matriptase-1 deficient mouse skin. Our results suggest that siRNA-mediated gene silencing is highly efficient in an organotypic skin model and readily allows the assessment of the roles of individual genes during terminal KC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mildner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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