1
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M Bader S, Calleja DJ, Devine SM, Kuchel NW, Lu BGC, Wu X, Birkinshaw RW, Bhandari R, Loi K, Volpe R, Khakham Y, Au AE, Blackmore TR, Mackiewicz L, Dayton M, Schaefer J, Scherer L, Stock AT, Cooney JP, Schoffer K, Maluenda A, Kleeman EA, Davidson KC, Allison CC, Ebert G, Chen G, Katneni K, Klemm TA, Nachbur U, Georgy SR, Czabotar PE, Hannan AJ, Putoczki TL, Tanzer M, Pellegrini M, Lechtenberg BC, Charman SA, Call MJ, Mitchell JP, Lowes KN, Lessene G, Doerflinger M, Komander D. A novel PLpro inhibitor improves outcomes in a pre-clinical model of long COVID. Nat Commun 2025; 16:2900. [PMID: 40180914 PMCID: PMC11969009 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57905-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted the vulnerability of a globally connected population to zoonotic viruses. The FDA-approved coronavirus antiviral Paxlovid targets the essential SARS-CoV-2 main protease, Mpro. Whilst effective in the acute phase of a COVID infection, Paxlovid cannot be used by all patients, can lead to viral recurrence, and does not protect against post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), commonly known as long COVID, an emerging significant health burden that remains poorly understood and untreated. Alternative antivirals that are addressing broader patient needs are urgently required. We here report our drug discovery efforts to target PLpro, a further essential coronaviral protease, for which we report a novel chemical scaffold that targets SARS-CoV-2 PLpro with low nanomolar activity, and which exhibits activity against PLpro of other pathogenic coronaviruses. Our lead compound shows excellent in vivo efficacy in a mouse model of severe acute disease. Importantly, our mouse model recapitulates long-term pathologies matching closely those seen in PASC patients. Our lead compound offers protection against a range of PASC symptoms in this model, prevents lung pathology and reduces brain dysfunction. This provides proof-of-principle that PLpro inhibition may have clinical relevance for PASC prevention and treatment going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie M Bader
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dale J Calleja
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shane M Devine
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Nathan W Kuchel
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bernadine G C Lu
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard W Birkinshaw
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Reet Bhandari
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katie Loi
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rohan Volpe
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yelena Khakham
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Amanda E Au
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Timothy R Blackmore
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Liana Mackiewicz
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Merle Dayton
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jan Schaefer
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lena Scherer
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Angus T Stock
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James P Cooney
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kael Schoffer
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ana Maluenda
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Kleeman
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathryn C Davidson
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cody C Allison
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gregor Ebert
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gong Chen
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kasiram Katneni
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Theresa A Klemm
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ueli Nachbur
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Smitha Rose Georgy
- Anatomic Pathology - Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tracy L Putoczki
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maria Tanzer
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marc Pellegrini
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Bernhard C Lechtenberg
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan A Charman
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Melissa J Call
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeffrey P Mitchell
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kym N Lowes
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Marcel Doerflinger
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - David Komander
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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2
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Preaudet A, Fung KY, Putoczki TL. Confocal Endomicroscopy Monitoring of Tumor Formation. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2691:257-262. [PMID: 37355552 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3331-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The utilization of preclinical murine models of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been essential to our understanding of the onset and progression of disease. As the genetic complexity of these models evolves to better recapitulate emerging CRC subtypes, our ability to utilize these models to discover and validate novel therapeutic targets will also improve. This will be aided, in part, by the development of live animal imaging techniques, including confocal endomicroscopy for mice. Here in this chapter, we describe the combined use of standard white light endoscopy and confocal endomicroscopy thereby providing a method to rapidly image and assess changes in the colon of an individual live mouse in real time. These methods permit the generation of high-resolution cross-sectional images of the tumor microenvironment for immediate visualization of cells of interest, avoiding the need for euthanasia and tissue collection across multiple cohorts of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Preaudet
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ka Yee Fung
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tracy L Putoczki
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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3
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Huang Q, Jacquelot N, Preaudet A, Hediyeh-zadeh S, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F, McKenzie ANJ, Hansbro PM, Davis MJ, Mielke LA, Putoczki TL, Belz GT. Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells Protect against Colorectal Cancer Progression and Predict Improved Patient Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:559. [PMID: 33535624 PMCID: PMC7867134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. While the role of adaptive T cells in CRC is now well established, the role of innate immune cells, specifically innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), is not well understood. To define the role of ILCs in CRC we employed complementary heterotopic and chemically-induced CRC mouse models. We discovered that ILCs were abundant in CRC tumours and contributed to anti-tumour immunity. We focused on ILC2 and showed that ILC2-deficient mice developed a higher tumour burden compared with littermate wild-type controls. We generated an ILC2 gene signature and using machine learning models revealed that CRC patients with a high intratumor ILC2 gene signature had a favourable clinical prognosis. Collectively, our results highlight a critical role for ILC2 in CRC, suggesting a potential new avenue to improve clinical outcomes through ILC2-agonist based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiutong Huang
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne 3052, Australia; (Q.H.); (N.J.); (A.P.); (S.H.-z.); (M.J.D.); (L.A.M.); (T.L.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Nicolas Jacquelot
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne 3052, Australia; (Q.H.); (N.J.); (A.P.); (S.H.-z.); (M.J.D.); (L.A.M.); (T.L.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Adele Preaudet
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne 3052, Australia; (Q.H.); (N.J.); (A.P.); (S.H.-z.); (M.J.D.); (L.A.M.); (T.L.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Soroor Hediyeh-zadeh
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne 3052, Australia; (Q.H.); (N.J.); (A.P.); (S.H.-z.); (M.J.D.); (L.A.M.); (T.L.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | | | | | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Center for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and the School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia;
| | - Melissa J. Davis
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne 3052, Australia; (Q.H.); (N.J.); (A.P.); (S.H.-z.); (M.J.D.); (L.A.M.); (T.L.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Lisa A. Mielke
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne 3052, Australia; (Q.H.); (N.J.); (A.P.); (S.H.-z.); (M.J.D.); (L.A.M.); (T.L.P.)
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Tracy L. Putoczki
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne 3052, Australia; (Q.H.); (N.J.); (A.P.); (S.H.-z.); (M.J.D.); (L.A.M.); (T.L.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Gabrielle T. Belz
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne 3052, Australia; (Q.H.); (N.J.); (A.P.); (S.H.-z.); (M.J.D.); (L.A.M.); (T.L.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne 3010, Australia
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane 4102, Australia;
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Necroptosis is dispensable for the development of inflammation-associated or sporadic colon cancer in mice. Cell Death Differ 2020; 28:1466-1476. [PMID: 33230260 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00673-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation of the large intestine is associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Necroptosis has emerged as a form of lytic programmed cell death that, distinct from apoptosis, triggers an inflammatory response. Dysregulation of necroptosis has been linked to multiple chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Here, we used murine models of acute colitis, colitis-associated CRC, sporadic CRC, and spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis to investigate the role of necroptosis in these gastrointestinal pathologies. In the Dextran Sodium Sulfate-induced acute colitis model, in some experiments, mice lacking the terminal necroptosis effector protein, MLKL, or its activator RIPK3, exhibited greater weight loss compared to wild-type mice, consistent with some earlier reports. However, the magnitude of weight loss and accompanying inflammatory pathology upon Mlkl deletion varied substantially between independent repeats. Such variation provides a possible explanation for conflicting literature reports. Furthermore, contrary to earlier reports, we observed that genetic deletion of MLKL had no impact on colon cancer development using several mouse models. Collectively, these data do not support an obligate role for necroptosis in inflammation or cancer within the gastrointestinal tract.
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Integrated Imaging Methodology Detects Claudin-1 Expression in Premalignant Nonpolypoid and Polypoid Colonic Epithelium in Mice. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2020; 11:e00089. [PMID: 31922993 PMCID: PMC7056050 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Conventional colonoscopy with white light illumination detects colonic adenomas based on structural changes alone and is limited by a high miss rate. We aim to demonstrate an integrated imaging strategy that combines wide-field endoscopy and confocal endomicroscopy in real time to visualize molecular expression patterns in vivo to detect premalignant colonic mucosa. METHODS A peptide specific for claudin-1 is labeled with Cy5.5 and administrated intravenously in genetically engineered mice that develop adenomas spontaneously in the distal colon. Wide-field endoscopy is used to identify the presence of nonpolypoid and polypoid adenomas. Anatomic landmarks are used to guide placement of a confocal endomicroscope with side-view optics to visualize claudin-1 expression patterns with subcellular resolution. RESULTS Wide-field fluorescence images show peak uptake in colon adenoma at ∼1 hour after systemic peptide administration, and lesion margins are clearly defined. Further examination of the lesion using a confocal endomicroscope shows dysplastic crypts with large size, elongated shape, distorted architecture, and variable dimension compared with normal. The mean fluorescence intensity is significantly higher for dysplasia than normal. Increased claudin-1 expression in dysplasia vs normal is confirmed ex vivo, and the binding pattern is consistent with the in vivo imaging results. DISCUSSION Wide-field endoscopy can visualize molecular expression of claudin-1 in vivo to localize premalignant colonic mucosa, and confocal endomicroscopy can identify subcellular feature to distinguish dysplasia from normal.
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Etievant A, Monnin J, Lihoreau T, Tamadazte B, Rougeot P, Magnin E, Tavernier L, Pazart L, Haffen E. Comparison of Noninvasive Imagery Methods to Observe Healthy and Degenerated Olfactory Epithelium in Mice for the Early Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:34. [PMID: 32760253 PMCID: PMC7371997 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction could be an early and reliable indicator for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson's diseases. In this paper, we compare the potential of different noninvasive medical imaging modalities (optical coherence tomography, confocal microscopy, and fluorescence endomicroscopy) to distinguish how the olfactory epithelium, both at the cellular and the structural levels, is altered. Investigations were carried out on three experimental groups: two pathological groups (mice models with deliberately altered olfactory epithelium and Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice models) were compared with healthy mice models. As histological staining, the three tested noninvasive imaging tools demonstrated the general tubular organization of the olfactory epithelium on healthy mice. Contrary to OCT, confocal microscopy, and endomicroscopy allowed visualizing the inner structure of olfactory epithelium as well as its morphological or functional changes on pathological models, alterations classically observed with histological assessment. The results could lead to relevant development of imaging tools for noninvasive and early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases through the in situ characterization of the olfactory epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Etievant
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Intégratives et Cliniques, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Julie Monnin
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Intégratives et Cliniques, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.,CHU Besançon, INSERM, CIC 1431, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Besançon, France
| | - Thomas Lihoreau
- CHU Besançon, INSERM, CIC 1431, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Besançon, France
| | - Brahim Tamadazte
- FEMTO-ST, Dép. AS2M, CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 24 rue Savary, Besançon, France.,Institut des Systémes Intelligents et de Robotique, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Rougeot
- FEMTO-ST, Dép. AS2M, CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 24 rue Savary, Besançon, France
| | - Eloi Magnin
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Intégratives et Cliniques, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Laurent Tavernier
- Service d'oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, CHU Besançon, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Lionel Pazart
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Intégratives et Cliniques, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.,CHU Besançon, INSERM, CIC 1431, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Besançon, France
| | - Emmanuel Haffen
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Intégratives et Cliniques, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.,CHU Besançon, INSERM, CIC 1431, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Besançon, France
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7
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Mundo AI, Greening GJ, Fahr MJ, Hale LN, Bullard EA, Rajaram N, Muldoon TJ. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to monitor murine colorectal tumor progression and therapeutic response. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2020; 25:1-16. [PMID: 32141266 PMCID: PMC7058691 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.25.3.035002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Many studies in colorectal cancer (CRC) use murine ectopic tumor models to determine response to treatment. However, these models do not replicate the tumor microenvironment of CRC. Physiological information of treatment response derived via diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) from murine primary CRC tumors provide a better understanding for the development of new drugs and dosing strategies in CRC. AIM Tumor response to chemotherapy in a primary CRC model was quantified via DRS to extract total hemoglobin content (tHb), oxygen saturation (StO2), oxyhemoglobin, and deoxyhemoglobin in tissue. APPROACH A multimodal DRS and imaging probe (0.78 mm outside diameter) was designed and validated to acquire diffuse spectra longitudinally-via endoscopic guidance-in developing colon tumors under 5-fluoruracil (5-FU) maximum-tolerated (MTD) and metronomic regimens. A filtering algorithm was developed to compensate for positional uncertainty in DRS measurements Results: A maximum increase in StO2 was observed in both MTD and metronomic chemotherapy-treated murine primary CRC tumors at week 4 of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with 21 ± 6 % and 17 ± 6 % fold changes, respectively. No significant changes were observed in tHb. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the feasibility of DRS to quantify response to treatment in primary CRC models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel I. Mundo
- University of Arkansas, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
| | - Gage. J. Greening
- University of Arkansas, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
| | - Michael J. Fahr
- University of Arkansas, Department of Computer Science, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
| | - Lawrence N. Hale
- University of Arkansas, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Bullard
- University of Arkansas, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
| | - Narasimhan Rajaram
- University of Arkansas, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
| | - Timothy J. Muldoon
- University of Arkansas, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
- Address all correspondence to Timothy J. Muldoon, E-mail:
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8
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Development of Dual-Scale Fluorescence Endoscopy for In Vivo Bacteria Imaging in an Orthotopic Mouse Colon Tumor Model. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10030844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a representative cancer where early diagnosis and proper treatment monitoring are important. Recently, cancer treatment using bacteria has actively progressed and has been successfully monitored using fluorescence imaging techniques. However, because subcutaneous tumor models are limited in reflecting the actual colorectal cancer situation, new imaging approaches are needed to observe cancers growing in the colon. The fluorescence endoscopic approach is an optimal monitoring modality to evaluate the therapeutic response of bacteria in orthotopic colon cancer. In this study, we developed dual-scaled fluorescence endoscopy (DSFE) by combining wide-field fluorescence endoscopy (WFE) and confocal fluorescence endomicroscopy (CFEM) and demonstrated its usefulness for evaluating bacterial therapy. Firstly, the endoscopic probe of DSFE was developed by integrating the CFEM probe into the guide sheath of WFE. Secondly, colorectal cancer tumor growth and tumors infiltrating the fluorescent bacteria were successfully monitored at the multi-scale using DSFE. Finally, the bacterial distribution of the tumor and organs were imaged and quantitatively analyzed using CFEM. DSFE successfully exhibited fluorescent bacterial signals in an orthotopic mouse colon tumor model. Thus, it can be concluded that the DSFE system is a promising modality to monitor bacterial therapy in vivo.
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9
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Rasti P, Wolf C, Dorez H, Sablong R, Moussata D, Samiei S, Rousseau D. Machine Learning-Based Classification of the Health State of Mice Colon in Cancer Study from Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20010. [PMID: 31882817 PMCID: PMC6934609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56583-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we address the problem of the classification of the health state of the colon's wall of mice, possibly injured by cancer with machine learning approaches. This problem is essential for translational research on cancer and is a priori challenging since the amount of data is usually limited in all preclinical studies for practical and ethical reasons. Three states considered including cancer, health, and inflammatory on tissues. Fully automated machine learning-based methods are proposed, including deep learning, transfer learning, and shallow learning with SVM. These methods addressed different training strategies corresponding to clinical questions such as the automatic clinical state prediction on unseen data using a pre-trained model, or in an alternative setting, real-time estimation of the clinical state of individual tissue samples during the examination. Experimental results show the best performance of 99.93% correct recognition rate obtained for the second strategy as well as the performance of 98.49% which were achieved for the more difficult first case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pejman Rasti
- Laboratoire Angevin de Recherche en Ingénierie des Systèmes (LARIS), UMR INRA IRHS, Université d'Angers, Angers, 49000, France
| | - Christian Wolf
- INSA-Lyon, INRIA, LIRIS, CITI, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Hugo Dorez
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, Lyon, 69621, France
| | - Raphael Sablong
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, Lyon, 69621, France
| | - Driffa Moussata
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, Lyon, 69621, France
| | - Salma Samiei
- Laboratoire Angevin de Recherche en Ingénierie des Systèmes (LARIS), UMR INRA IRHS, Université d'Angers, Angers, 49000, France
| | - David Rousseau
- Laboratoire Angevin de Recherche en Ingénierie des Systèmes (LARIS), UMR INRA IRHS, Université d'Angers, Angers, 49000, France.
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10
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Yang M, Bose S, Lim SK, Kim H. Preventive Effects of Pyungwi-san against Dextran Sulfate Sodium- and Clostridium difficile-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246346. [PMID: 31888274 PMCID: PMC6940993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence indicate that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with Clostridium difficile (CD) infection as a consequence of gut dysbiosis. Currently available treatments of IBD are either not very effective or have adverse effects. Pyungwi-san (PWS), a traditional Chinese herbal formulation, has long been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of PWS against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) + CD-induced IBD in mice. The animals received DSS in drinking water for seven days to produce DSS-induced acute colitis. In the DSS + CD group, the DSS-fed animals were orally administered with CD spores twice during the DSS treatment period. We observed that exposure of DSS + CD-treated animals to PWS significantly decreased the disease activity index; prevented the shortening of colonic length and increases in spleen size and weight; restored colonic histological parameters by significantly increasing mucus thickness, crypt depth, and goblet cell numbers; protected the tight junction proteins; improved the profiles of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines; and normalized the abundance ratio of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in the gut. Thus, PWS exerted a number of protective effects on DSS + CD-induced colitis, which might be mediated via restoration of a balance in gut microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, 814 Siksa-dong, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Korea; (M.Y.); (S.-K.L.)
| | - Shambhunath Bose
- Scientific Consultant Board, BexPharm Korea Healthcare Ltd. 51, Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04781, Korea;
| | - Soo-Kyoung Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, 814 Siksa-dong, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Korea; (M.Y.); (S.-K.L.)
| | - Hojun Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, 814 Siksa-dong, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Korea; (M.Y.); (S.-K.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-961-9111; Fax: +82-31-961-9009
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11
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Shen P, Zhang Z, Zhu K, Cao H, Liu J, Lu X, Li Y, Jing Y, Yuan X, Fu Y, Cao Y, Zhang N. Evodiamine prevents dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine experimental colitis via the regulation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 110:786-795. [PMID: 30554117 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evodiamine (EVO), an extraction from the traditional Chinese medicine Evodia rutaecarpa, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and other pharmacological activities. However, the effectiveness of EVO to relieve dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been evaluated. In this study, the protective effects and mechanisms of EVO on DSS-induced UC mice were investigated. The results indicated that treatment with EVO ameliorated DSS-induced UC mice body weight loss, disease activity index (DAI), colon length shortening, colonic pathological damage, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 was also significantly inhibited by EVO. Further mechanistic results showed that EVO restrained the inflammation by regulating NF-κB signal and NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, results also showed that EVO contributed to the tight junction (TJ) architecture integrity by modulating the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin during colitis. Surprisingly, treatment with EVO reduced the concentration of plasmatic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and re-balanced the levels of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus. These findings suggested that EVO may have a potential protective effect on DSS-induced colitis and may be useful for the prevention and treatment of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Shen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Zecai Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China; Key laboratory for Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunpeng Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyang Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiuxi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Jing
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunhe Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongguo Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Naisheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Li T, Hui H, Hu C, Ma H, Yang X, Tian J. Multiscale imaging of colitis in mice using confocal laser endomicroscopy, light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2019; 24:1-8. [PMID: 30701723 PMCID: PMC6985686 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.24.1.016003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of our study is to develop a multimodality approach by combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging methods to assess acute murine colitis at the macro- and microscopic level. In vivo MRI is used to measure the cross-sectional areas of colons at the macroscopic level. Dual-color confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) allows in vivo examination of the fluorescently labeled epithelial cells and microvessels in the mucosa with a spatial resolution of ∼1.4 μm during ongoing endoscopy. To further validate the structural changes of the colons in three-dimensions, ex vivo light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) is applied for in-toto imaging of cleared colon sections. MRI, LSFM, and CLE findings are significantly correlated with histological scoring (p < 0.01) and the inflammation-associated activity index (p < 0.01). Our multimodality imaging technique permits visualization of mucosa in colitis at different scales, which can enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianmeng Li
- Northeastern University, Sino-Dutch Biomedical and Information Engineering School, Shenyang, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Automation, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, China
- Institute of Automation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Hui
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Automation, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, China
- Institute of Automation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoen Hu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Automation, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, China
- Institute of Automation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, China
| | - He Ma
- Northeastern University, Sino-Dutch Biomedical and Information Engineering School, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Automation, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, China
- Institute of Automation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Automation, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, China
- Institute of Automation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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13
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Cretney E, Leung PS, Trezise S, Newman DM, Rankin LC, Teh CE, Putoczki TL, Gray DH, Belz GT, Mielke LA, Dias S, Nutt SL. Characterization of Blimp-1 function in effector regulatory T cells. J Autoimmun 2018; 91:73-82. [PMID: 29724515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immunological tolerance in steady-state and after immune challenge. Activated Treg cells can undergo further differentiation into an effector state that highly express genes critical for Treg cell function, including ICOS, TIGIT and IL-10, although how this process is controlled is poorly understood. Effector Treg cells also specifically express the transcriptional regulator Blimp-1 whose expression overlaps with many of the canonical markers associated with effector Treg cells, although not all ICOS+TIGIT+ Treg cells express Blimp-1 or IL-10. In this study, we addressed the role of Blimp-1 in effector Treg cell function. Mice lacking Blimp-1 specifically in Treg cells mature normally, but succumb to a multi-organ inflammatory disease later in life. Blimp-1 is not required for Treg cell differentiation, with mutant mice having increased numbers of effector Treg cells, but regulated a suite of genes involved in cell signaling, communication and survival, as well as being essential for the expression of the immune modulatory cytokine IL-10. Thus, Blimp-1 is a marker of effector Treg cells in all contexts examined and is required for the full functionality of these cells during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Cretney
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick Sk Leung
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephanie Trezise
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dane M Newman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucille C Rankin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charis E Teh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracy L Putoczki
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Hd Gray
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gabrielle T Belz
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa A Mielke
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sheila Dias
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen L Nutt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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14
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Liem B, Gupta N. Adenoma detection rate: the perfect colonoscopy quality measure or is there more? Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 3:19. [PMID: 29682626 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2018.03.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Liem
- Division of Gastroenterology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Neil Gupta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
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15
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Zhao HW, Yue YH, Han H, Chen XL, Lu YG, Zheng JM, Hou HT, Lang XM, He LL, Hu QL, Dun ZQ. Effect of toll-like receptor 3 agonist poly I:C on intestinal mucosa and epithelial barrier function in mouse models of acute colitis. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:999-1009. [PMID: 28246473 PMCID: PMC5311109 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i6.999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM
To investigate potential effects of poly I:C on mucosal injury and epithelial barrier disruption in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis.
METHODS
Thirty C57BL/6 mice were given either regular drinking water (control group) or 2% (w/v) DSS drinking water (model and poly I:C groups) ad libitum for 7 d. Poly I:C was administrated subcutaneously (20 μg/mouse) 2 h prior to DSS induction in mice of the poly I:C group. Severity of colitis was evaluated by disease activity index, body weight, colon length, histology and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 17 (IL-17) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Intestinal permeability was analyzed by the fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled-dextran (FITC-D) method. Ultrastructural features of the colon tissue were observed under electron microscopy. Expressions of tight junction (TJ) proteins, including zo-1, occludin and claudin-1, were measured by immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
RESULTS
DSS caused significant damage to the colon tissue in the model group. Administration of poly I:C dramatically protected against DSS-induced colitis, as demonstrated by less body weight loss, lower disease activity index score, longer colon length, colonic MPO activity, and improved macroscopic and histological scores. It also ameliorated DSS-induced ultrastructural changes of the colon epithelium, as observed under scanning electron microscopy, as well as FITC-D permeability. The mRNA and protein expressions of TJ protein, zo-1, occludin and claudin-1 were also found to be significantly enhanced in the poly I:C group, as determined by immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, Western blot and RT-qPCR. By contrast, poly I:C pretreatment markedly reversed the DSS-induced up-regulated expressions of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-17 and IFN-γ.
CONCLUSION
Our study suggested that poly I:C may protect against DSS-induced colitis through maintaining integrity of the epithelial barrier and regulating innate immune responses, which may shed light on the therapeutic potential of poly I:C in human colitis.
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16
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Hodgson A, Wier EM, Fu K, Sun X, Wan F. Ultrasound imaging of splenomegaly as a proxy to monitor colon tumor development in Apc(min716/+) mice. Cancer Med 2016; 5:2469-76. [PMID: 27485505 PMCID: PMC5055147 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of colon cancer are widely used to understand the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis of the disease. These animal models require a substantial investment of time and traditionally necessitate the killing of the animal to measure the tumor progression. Several in vivo imaging techniques are being used in both human clinics and preclinical studies, albeit at high cost and requiring particular expertise. Here, we report that the progression of splenomegaly coincides with and positively correlates to colon tumor development in Apcmin716/+ mice expressing a mutant gene encoding an adenomatous polyposis coli protein truncated at amino acid 716. Ultrasound image‐based spleen size measurement precisely mirrors splenomegaly development in vivo in the tumor‐laden Apcmin716/+ mice. Moreover, the spleen dimensions extracted from the ultrasound sonograms are positively correlated with normalized spleen weight and the number and area of colon tumors. Hence, we propose measuring the spleen size in vivo by ultrasound imaging as a novel approach to estimate splenomegaly development and to indirectly monitor colon tumor development in Apcmin716/+ mice. The widespread use of ultrasound machines in the laboratory setting, coupled with the fact that it is a noninvasive method, make it a straightforward and useful tool for monitoring the experimental progress of colon cancer in mice and determining end points without killing animals strictly for diagnostics purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Hodgson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21025
| | - Eric M Wier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21025
| | - Kai Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21025
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21025
| | - Fengyi Wan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21025. .,Department of Oncology and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287.
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17
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Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F, Krasnova Y, Putoczki T, Miles K, MacDonald KP, Town L, Shi W, Gobe GC, McDade L, Mielke LA, Tye H, Masters SL, Belz GT, Huntington ND, Radford-Smith G, Smyth MJ. Granzyme M has a critical role in providing innate immune protection in ulcerative colitis. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2302. [PMID: 27441655 PMCID: PMC4973354 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immunoregulatory disorder, associated with a chronic and inappropriate mucosal immune response to commensal bacteria, underlying disease states such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in humans. Granzyme M (GrzM) is a serine protease expressed by cytotoxic lymphocytes, in particular natural killer (NK) cells. Granzymes are thought to be involved in triggering cell death in eukaryotic target cells; however, some evidence supports their role in inflammation. The role of GrzM in the innate immune response to mucosal inflammation has never been examined. Here, we discover that patients with UC, unlike patients with CD, display high levels of GrzM mRNA expression in the inflamed colon. By taking advantage of well-established models of experimental UC, we revealed that GrzM-deficient mice have greater levels of inflammatory indicators during dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD, including increased weight loss, greater colon length reduction and more severe intestinal histopathology. The absence of GrzM expression also had effects on gut permeability, tissue cytokine/chemokine dynamics, and neutrophil infiltration during disease. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that GrzM has a critical role during early stages of inflammation in UC, and that in its absence colonic inflammation is enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Y Krasnova
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - T Putoczki
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - K Miles
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - K P MacDonald
- Antigen Presentation and Immunoregulation Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - L Town
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - W Shi
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - G C Gobe
- Centre for Kidney Disease Research, School of Medicine, University of Queensland at Translational Research Institute, St Lucia, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - L McDade
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - L A Mielke
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - H Tye
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - S L Masters
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - G T Belz
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - N D Huntington
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - G Radford-Smith
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - M J Smyth
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4006, Australia
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18
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Vargas G, Vincent KL, Wei J, Bourne N, Motamedi M. Topical injury evaluation of the murine colorectal mucosa using confocal endomicrosopy: a valuable method for assessing mucosal injuries associated with risk of pathogen transmission. J Microsc 2016; 264:227-237. [PMID: 27351717 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concern regarding the effect of epithelial damage to the colorectal surface and possible impact on sexually transmitted infection transmission prompts the need for methods to evaluate the mucosal microscopic surface in preclinical studies examining such injury. This includes determining the effect of topical HIV prevention products on mucosal barrier integrity. In vivo imaging with high-resolution endomicroscopy could reveal defects in the mucosal barrier resulting from injury/surface trauma. METHODS Confocal endomicroscopy was investigated to assess the ability to image surface injury resulting from topical application of a chemical used in lubricants and microbial products. Mice treated with a 50 μL rectal dose of 0.2% benzalkonium chloride solution, 1% benzalkonium chloride or phosphate-buffered saline control for 20 min were imaged in vivo using confocal endomicroscopy for assessment of epithelial disruption. Following imaging, mice were sacrificed and rectal tissue evaluated by histology. Confocal images were graded based on degree of disruption to crypt and epithelial microstructure. Histology was graded based on percent of epithelial disruption observed in stained sections. Confocal image features were confirmed by high-resolution two-photon microscopy. RESULTS Based on quantitative grading of in vivo confocal endomicroscopy images, disruption at the microscopic scale was observed following treatment with benzalkonium chloride, with increased injury occurring with higher dose. Epithelial disruption at the lumen surface, evident between crypts and alteration in crypt structure on the luminal side were observed in confocal endomicroscopy and confirmed by histology. CONCLUSIONS High-resolution imaging by confocal endomicroscopy can be used as a noninvasive tool for rapid visual assessment of rectal epithelial integrity following surface injury, potentially providing valuable indication of epithelial injury or trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracie Vargas
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.. .,Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A..
| | - Kathleen Listiak Vincent
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A
| | - Jingna Wei
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A
| | - Nigel Bourne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.,Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A
| | - Massoud Motamedi
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A
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19
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Newman DM, Leung PS, Putoczki TL, Nutt SL, Cretney E. Th17 cell differentiation proceeds independently of IRF8. Immunol Cell Biol 2016; 94:796-801. [PMID: 27140932 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2016.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The transcriptional repressor/activator interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) modulates the differentiation of a multitude of hematopoietic lineages. However, the role of IRF8 in CD4(+) T-cell development is less well defined, with a recent study implicating IRF8 as an intrinsic repressor of interleukin-17 (IL-17) expressing T helper type 17 (Th17) cell differentiation. Using an IRF8-EGFP reporter strain we have confirmed that IRF8 is expressed in all T helper lineages, including Th17 cells. The loss of IRF8 did not affect Th17 differentiation in vitro, beyond a small increase in IL-22 expression. Moreover, IRF8 deficiency did not enhance the Th17 immune response in experimental T-cell transfer colitis. Together, these results suggest that IRF8 does not play an essential intrinsic role in Th17 cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dane M Newman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick Sk Leung
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracy L Putoczki
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen L Nutt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erika Cretney
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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