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Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. New aspects of activin biology in epididymal function and immunopathology. Andrology 2024; 12:964-972. [PMID: 37644728 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The activins (A and B) and their binding protein, follistatin, play crucial roles in development, immunoregulation and inflammation throughout the body. In the male reproductive tract of the mouse, activin A and B production is largely confined to the initial segment and proximal caput of the epididymis and the efferent ducts, under normal conditions, with very low expression in the corpus, cauda and vas deferens. However, activin A protein is present throughout the epididymis and vas deferens and is largely associated with the epithelium and interstitial macrophages. Conversely, the activin-binding protein follistatin is produced in the distal epididymis, with very high expression in the vas deferens. Activin activity in the distal tract is inhibited by follistatin, and the activin-follistatin balance is important for regulating coiling of the duct during epididymal development. In further experiments, as described in this report, in situ hybridisation was used to localise activin A mRNA principally to cells in the periductal zone and interstitium in the efferent ducts and proximal caput. Activin B mRNA, on the other hand, was localised to periductal cells in the efferent ducts and proximal epididymis and, most notably, to epithelial cells in the initial segment. Activin A is implicated in the regulation of mononuclear phagocyte function and immune responses in the caput and stimulates the expression of the key immunoregulatory protein, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in this region. Activin A production in the corpus and cauda increases dramatically during bacterial epididymitis in mice, promoting inflammation and fibrosis and causing damage to the epithelium and obstruction of the epididymal duct. Consequently, it appears that the activin-follistatin axis is crucial for maintaining normal epididymal structure and function, but disruption of this balance during inflammation has deleterious effects on male fertility. Follistatin has therapeutic potential in ameliorating the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of activins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Hu Y, Recouvreux MS, Haro M, Taylan E, Taylor-Harding B, Walts AE, Karlan BY, Orsulic S. INHBA(+) cancer-associated fibroblasts generate an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:35. [PMID: 38360876 PMCID: PMC10869703 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00523-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is hindered by the lack of specific biomarkers and a poor understanding of the mechanisms by which different populations of CAFs contribute to cancer progression. While the role of TGFβ in CAFs is well-studied, less attention has been focused on a structurally and functionally similar protein, Activin A (encoded by INHBA). Here, we identified INHBA(+) CAFs as key players in tumor promotion and immunosuppression. Spatiotemporal analyses of patient-matched primary, metastatic, and recurrent ovarian carcinomas revealed that aggressive metastatic tumors enriched in INHBA(+) CAFs were also enriched in regulatory T cells (Tregs). In ovarian cancer mouse models, intraperitoneal injection of the Activin A neutralizing antibody attenuated tumor progression and infiltration with pro-tumorigenic subsets of myofibroblasts and macrophages. Downregulation of INHBA in human ovarian CAFs inhibited pro-tumorigenic CAF functions. Co-culture of human ovarian CAFs and T cells revealed the dependence of Treg differentiation on direct contact with INHBA(+) CAFs. Mechanistically, INHBA/recombinant Activin A in CAFs induced the autocrine expression of PD-L1 through SMAD2-dependent signaling, which promoted Treg differentiation. Collectively, our study identified an INHBA(+) subset of immunomodulatory pro-tumoral CAFs as a potential therapeutic target in advanced ovarian cancers which typically show a poor response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Maria Sol Recouvreux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Marcela Haro
- Women's Cancer Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Enes Taylan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Barbie Taylor-Harding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ann E Walts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Beth Y Karlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA.
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3
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Liu F, Liu J, Shi X, Hu X, Wei L, Huo B, Chang L, Han Y, Liu G, Yang L. Identification of INHBA as a potential biomarker for gastric cancer through a comprehensive analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12494. [PMID: 37528145 PMCID: PMC10394090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39784-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibin subunit beta A (INHBA) is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily that plays a fundamental role in various cancers. However, a systematic analysis of the exact role of INHBA in patients with gastric cancer (GC) has not yet been conducted. We evaluated the expression levels of INHBA and the correlation between INHBA and GC prognosis in GC. The relationship between INHBA expression, immune infiltration levels, and type markers of immune cells in GC was also explored. In addition, we studied INHBA mutations, promoter methylation, and functional enrichment analysis. Besides, high expression levels of INHBA in GC were significantly related to unfavorable prognosis. INHBA was negatively correlated with B cell infiltration, but positively correlated with macrophage and most anticancer immunity steps. INHBA expression was positively correlated with the type markers of CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. INHBA has a weak significant methylation level change between tumor and normal tissues and mainly enriched in cancer-related signaling pathways. The present study implies that INHBA may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients with GC. INHBA is a promising predictor of immunotherapy response, with higher levels of INHBA indicating greater sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hebei Medical University Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050001, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinrui Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Provincial People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050055, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hebei Medical University Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050001, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingjie Huo
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hebei Medical University Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050001, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Chang
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050001, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqing Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hebei Medical University Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050001, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangjie Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hebei Medical University Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050001, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Hatamzade Esfahani N, Day AS. The Role of TGF-β, Activin and Follistatin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS 2023; 5:167-186. [DOI: 10.3390/gidisord5020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An increasing prevalence of IBD has been observed globally. The pathogenesis of IBD includes a complex interplay between the intestinal microbiome, diet, genetic factors and immune responses. The consequent imbalance of inflammatory mediators ultimately leads to intestinal mucosal damage and defective repair. Growth factors, given their specific roles in maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of the intestinal epithelium, are of particular interest in the setting of IBD. Furthermore, direct targeting of growth factor signalling pathways involved in the regeneration of the damaged epithelium and the regulation of inflammation could be considered as therapeutic options for individuals with IBD. Several members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, particularly TGF-β, activin and follistatin, are key candidates as they exhibit various roles in inflammatory processes and contribute to maintenance and homeostasis in the GI tract. This article aimed firstly to review the events involved in the pathogenesis of IBD with particular emphasis on TGF-β, activin and follistatin and secondly to outline the potential role of therapeutic manipulation of these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew S. Day
- Paediatric Department, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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5
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Wang S, Fang L, Cong L, Chung JPW, Li TC, Chan DYL. Myostatin: a multifunctional role in human female reproduction and fertility - a short review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:96. [PMID: 35780124 PMCID: PMC9250276 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00969-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Myostatin (MSTN) is member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily and was originally identified in the musculoskeletal system as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. The functional roles of MSTN outside of the musculoskeletal system have aroused researchers' interest in recent years, with an increasing number of studies being conducted in this area. Notably, the expression of MSTN and its potential activities in various reproductive organs, including the ovary, placenta, and uterus, have recently been examined. Numerous studies published in the last few years demonstrate that MSTN plays a critical role in human reproduction and fertility, including the regulation of follicular development, ovarian steroidogenesis, granule-cell proliferation, and oocyte maturation regulation. Furthermore, findings from clinical samples suggest that MSTN may play a key role in the pathogenesis of several reproductive disorders such as uterine myoma, preeclampsia (PE), ovary hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). There is no comprehensive review regarding to MSTN related to the female reproductive system in the literature. This review serves as a summary of the genes in reproductive medicine and their potential influence. We summarized MSTN expression in different compartments of the female reproductive system. Subsequently, we discuss the role of MSTN in both physiological and several pathological conditions related to the female fertility and reproduction-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Wang
- Assisted reproductive technologies unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, SAR, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Luping Cong
- Assisted reproductive technologies unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, SAR, China
| | - Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung
- Assisted reproductive technologies unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, SAR, China
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Assisted reproductive technologies unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, SAR, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Assisted reproductive technologies unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, SAR, China.
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6
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Li F, Long Y, Yu X, Tong Y, Gong L. Different Immunoregulation Roles of Activin A Compared With TGF-β. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921366. [PMID: 35774793 PMCID: PMC9237220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a critical member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, is a pluripotent factor involved in allergies, autoimmune diseases, cancers and other diseases with immune disorder. Similar to its family member, TGF-β, activin A also transmits signals through SMAD2/SMAD3, however, they bind to distinct receptors. Recent studies have uncovered that activin A plays a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immune systems. Here we mainly focus its effects on activation, differentiation, proliferation and function of cells which are indispensable in the immune system and meanwhile make some comparisons with those of TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiru Long
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongliang Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Likun Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
- *Correspondence: Likun Gong,
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7
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Gabisonia K, Burjanadze G, Woitek F, Keles A, Seki M, Gorgodze N, Carlucci L, Ilchenko S, Kurishima C, Walsh K, Piontkivska H, Recchia FA, Kasumov T. Proteome dynasmics and bioinformatics reveal major alterations in the turnover rate of functionally related cardiac and plasma proteins in a dog model of congestive heart failure. J Card Fail 2021; 28:588-600. [PMID: 34785403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Protein pool turnover is a critically important cellular homeostatic component, yet it has been little explored in the context of heart failure (HF) pathophysiology. We employed in vivo 2H labeling/ proteome dynamics for non-biased discovery of turnover alterations involving functionally linked cardiac and plasma proteins in canine tachypacing-induced HF, an established preclinical model of dilated cardiomyopathy. Compared to control, dogs with congestive HF displayed bidirectional turnover changes of 28 cardiac proteins, i.e. reduced half-life of several key enzymes involved in glycolysis, homocysteine metabolism and glycogenesis, and increased half-life of proteins involved in proteolysis. Changes in plasma proteins were more modest: only 5 proteins, involved in various functions including proteolysis inhibition, hemoglobin, calcium and ferric-iron binding, displayed increased or decreased turnover rates. In other dogs undergoing cardiac tachypacing, we infused for 2 weeks the myokine Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), known for its ameliorative effects on HF-induced alterations. Proteome dynamics proved very sensitive in detecting the partial or complete prevention, by FSTL1, of cardiac and plasma protein turnover alterations. In conclusion, our study unveiled, for the first time in a large mammal, numerous HF-related alterations that may serve as the basis for future mechanistic research and/or as conceptually new molecular markers.
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Key Words
- ATIC, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase /IMP cyclohydrolase
- BNP, brain natriuretic peptide
- CLTC, Clathrin heavy chain
- CRP, Pentraxin
- CYB5R3, NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase
- DPYSL2, Dihydropyrimidinase Like 2
- FDR, false discovery rate
- FSTL1, Follistatin-like protein 1
- GAPDHS, Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- GYS1, Glycogen synthase
- HF, Heart failure
- HSP90, Heat shock protein 90
- HSP90AB1, Heat shock protein 90 alpha family class B member 1
- HSPA1A, Heat Shock Protein A1
- LC-MS, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
- LFQ, Label-free quantification
- LOC479668, Haptoglobin
- LTAH4, Leukotriene A (4) hydrolase
- LV, Left ventricle
- PCA, Principal Component Analysis
- PDHA1, Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 component subunit alpha
- PDHB, Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 component subunit beta
- PGM, Phosphoglucomutase 1
- PSMD2, Proteasome 26S subunit, non-ATPase 2
- STIP1, Stress induced phosphoprotein
- TF, Transferrin
- proteome dynamics, bioinformatics, cardiac disease, heart failure, List of abbreviations: ANP, atrial natriuretic peptide
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Affiliation(s)
- Khatia Gabisonia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa; Fondazione Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gia Burjanadze
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa; Fondazione Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Felix Woitek
- Heart Center Dresden-University Clinic, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ayse Keles
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Mitsuru Seki
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Nikoloz Gorgodze
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa; Fondazione Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Carlucci
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa; Fondazione Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Serguei Ilchenko
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Clara Kurishima
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Kenneth Walsh
- Hematovascular Biology Center, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Helen Piontkivska
- Department of Biological Sciences and Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Fabio A Recchia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa; Fondazione Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy; Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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8
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Esposito P, Verzola D, Picciotto D, Cipriani L, Viazzi F, Garibotto G. Myostatin/Activin-A Signaling in the Vessel Wall and Vascular Calcification. Cells 2021; 10:2070. [PMID: 34440838 PMCID: PMC8393536 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A current hypothesis is that transforming growth factor-β signaling ligands, such as activin-A and myostatin, play a role in vascular damage in atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Myostatin and activin-A bind with different affinity the activin receptors (type I or II), activating distinct intracellular signaling pathways and finally leading to modulation of gene expression. Myostatin and activin-A are expressed by different cell types and tissues, including muscle, kidney, reproductive system, immune cells, heart, and vessels, where they exert pleiotropic effects. In arterial vessels, experimental evidence indicates that myostatin may mostly promote vascular inflammation and premature aging, while activin-A is involved in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification and CKD-related mineral bone disorders. In this review, we discuss novel insights into the biology and physiology of the role played by myostatin and activin in the vascular wall, focusing on the experimental and clinical data, which suggest the involvement of these molecules in vascular remodeling and calcification processes. Moreover, we describe the strategies that have been used to modulate the activin downward signal. Understanding the role of myostatin/activin signaling in vascular disease and bone metabolism may provide novel therapeutic opportunities to improve the treatment of conditions still associated with high morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.E.); (D.V.); (L.C.); (F.V.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Clinica Nefrologica, Dialisi, Trapianto, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Daniela Verzola
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.E.); (D.V.); (L.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Daniela Picciotto
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Clinica Nefrologica, Dialisi, Trapianto, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Leda Cipriani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.E.); (D.V.); (L.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Francesca Viazzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.E.); (D.V.); (L.C.); (F.V.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Clinica Nefrologica, Dialisi, Trapianto, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Garibotto
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.E.); (D.V.); (L.C.); (F.V.)
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9
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Atashgah RB, Ghasemi A, Raoufi M, Abdollahifar MA, Zanganeh S, Nejadnik H, Abdollahi A, Sharifi S, Lea B, Cuerva M, Akbarzadeh M, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Ostad SN, Theus AS, LaRock DL, LaRock CN, Serpooshan V, Sarrafi R, Lee KB, Vali H, Schönherr H, Gould L, Taboada P, Mahmoudi M. Restoring Endogenous Repair Mechanisms to Heal Chronic Wounds with a Multifunctional Wound Dressing. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3171-3180. [PMID: 34279974 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment of chronic wounds has been critically limited by various factors, including bacterial infection, biofilm formation, impaired angiogenesis, and prolonged inflammation. Addressing these challenges, we developed a multifunctional wound dressing-based three-pronged approach for accelerating wound healing. The multifunctional wound dressing, composed of nanofibers, functional nanoparticles, natural biopolymers, and selected protein and peptide, can target multiple endogenous repair mechanisms and represents a promising alternative to current wound healing products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahimeh B Atashgah
- Colloids and Polymers Physics Group, Particle Physics Department, Faculty of Physics and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials and Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14167-53955, Iran
| | - Amir Ghasemi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 13169-43551, Iran
| | - Mohammad Raoufi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 13169-43551, Iran.,Physical Chemistry I, Department of Chemistry and Biology & Research Center of Micro and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ), University of Siegen, Siegen 57076, Germany
| | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 19395-4719, Iran
| | - Steven Zanganeh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - Hossein Nejadnik
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philladelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Alieh Abdollahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials and Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14167-53955, Iran
| | - Shahriar Sharifi
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Baltazar Lea
- Colloids and Polymers Physics Group, Particle Physics Department, Faculty of Physics and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Miguel Cuerva
- NANOMAG Group, Technological Research Institute (IIT), Physical Chemistry Department, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Mehdi Akbarzadeh
- Sadra Wound, Ostomy and Osteomyelitis Specialist Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
- R+D Pharma Group, Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Seyed Nasser Ostad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials and Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14167-53955, Iran
| | - Andrea S Theus
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Doris L LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Christopher N LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Vahid Serpooshan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | | | - Ki-Bum Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Hojatollah Vali
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Facility for Electron Microscopy Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Holger Schönherr
- Physical Chemistry I, Department of Chemistry and Biology & Research Center of Micro and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ), University of Siegen, Siegen 57076, Germany
| | - Lisa Gould
- Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, United States.,South Shore Health System Center for Wound Healing, Weymouth, Massachusetts 02189, United States
| | - Pablo Taboada
- Colloids and Polymers Physics Group, Particle Physics Department, Faculty of Physics and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Morteza Mahmoudi
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States.,Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women's Health & Gender Biology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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10
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Qiu W, Kuo CY, Tian Y, Su GH. Dual Roles of the Activin Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070821. [PMID: 34356885 PMCID: PMC8301451 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is involved in many physiological processes, such as embryonic development and follicle development, as well as in multiple human diseases including cancer. Genetic mutations in the activin signaling pathway have been reported in many cancer types, indicating that activin signaling plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. Recent evidence reveals that activin signaling may function as a tumor-suppressor in tumor initiation, and a promoter in the later progression and metastasis of tumors. This article reviews many aspects of activin, including the signaling cascade of activin, activin-related proteins, and its role in tumorigenesis, particularly in pancreatic cancer development. The mechanisms regulating its dual roles in tumorigenesis remain to be elucidated. Further understanding of the activin signaling pathway may identify potential therapeutic targets for human cancers and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanglong Qiu
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chia-Yu Kuo
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yu Tian
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gloria H. Su
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Correspondence:
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11
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Matheus Bremm J, Michels M, Duarte Rengel B, Gomes FG, Fraga LR, Sanseverino MTV. Genetic and in silico analysis show a role of SMAD3 on recurrent pregnancy loss. HUM FERTIL 2021; 25:754-763. [PMID: 34030553 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1922764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is one of the most common reproductive failures affecting 1-5% of couples. Smad3 is an effector of signalling of the Transforming Growth Factors-β superfamily (TGF-β), regulating the transcription of several target genes of these cytokines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of a variant on SMAD3 (rs17293443) in RPL. A case-control study was carried out with 149 women who experienced RPL and 159 controls, as well as bioinformatics tools to determine the role of this variant in this condition. Our study showed an allelic (p = 0.023) and genotypic (p < 0.01) association of this variant with the RPL. Our functional in silico predictions suggest that this variant causes a change in SMAD3 expression levels. Alterations in the expression of this gene can directly compromise the Smad3-dependent signalling pathway that is fundamental for key processes for gestation such as steroid hormone regulation and implantation, as demonstrated by ontologies analyses performed and the literature. Our findings regarding the involvement of Smad3 on RPL are a novelty in this field, and they seem to be promising to the clinical management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Matheus Bremm
- Departament of Genetics, Biosciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcus Michels
- Departament of Genetics, Biosciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bruna Duarte Rengel
- Departament of Genetics, Biosciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Flavia Gobetti Gomes
- Departament of Genetics, Biosciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Rosa Fraga
- Departament of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Vieira Sanseverino
- Departament of Genetics, Biosciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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12
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Korkmaz-Icöz S, Sun X, Li S, Brlecic P, Loganathan S, Ruppert M, Sayour AA, Radovits T, Karck M, Szabó G. Conditioned Medium from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviates Endothelial Dysfunction of Vascular Grafts Submitted to Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in 15-Month-Old Rats. Cells 2021; 10:1231. [PMID: 34067928 PMCID: PMC8155879 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is the main contributor to organ dysfunction. Aging-induced vascular damage may be further aggravated during CABG. Favorable effects of conditioned medium (CM) from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested against IRI. We hypothesized that adding CM to saline protects vascular grafts from IRI in rats. We found that CM contains 28 factors involved in apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Thoracic aortic rings from 15-month-old rats were explanted and immediately mounted in organ bath chambers (aged group) or underwent 24 h of cold ischemic preservation in saline-supplemented either with vehicle (aged-IR group) or CM (aged-IR+CM group), prior to mounting. Three-month-old rats were used as referent young animals. Aging was associated with an increase in intima-to-media thickness, an increase in collagen content, higher caspase-12 mRNA levels, and immunoreactivity compared to young rats. Impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to acetylcholine in the aged-IR group compared to the aged-aorta was improved by CM (aged 61 ± 2% vs. aged-IR 38 ± 2% vs. aged-IR+CM 50 ± 3%, p < 0.05). In the aged-IR group, the already high mRNA levels of caspase-12 were decreased by CM. CM alleviates endothelial dysfunction following IRI in 15-month-old rats. The protective effect may be related to the inhibition of caspase-12 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevil Korkmaz-Icöz
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (X.S.); (S.L.); (P.B.); (S.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.S.); (M.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Xiaoxin Sun
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (X.S.); (S.L.); (P.B.); (S.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.S.); (M.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Shiliang Li
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (X.S.); (S.L.); (P.B.); (S.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.S.); (M.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Paige Brlecic
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (X.S.); (S.L.); (P.B.); (S.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.S.); (M.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Sivakkanan Loganathan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (X.S.); (S.L.); (P.B.); (S.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.S.); (M.K.); (G.S.)
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Mihály Ruppert
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (X.S.); (S.L.); (P.B.); (S.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.S.); (M.K.); (G.S.)
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Alex Ali Sayour
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (X.S.); (S.L.); (P.B.); (S.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.S.); (M.K.); (G.S.)
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Tamás Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Matthias Karck
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (X.S.); (S.L.); (P.B.); (S.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.S.); (M.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Gábor Szabó
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (X.S.); (S.L.); (P.B.); (S.L.); (M.R.); (A.A.S.); (M.K.); (G.S.)
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), 06120 Halle, Germany
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13
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Liu S, Liu B, Zhao Q, Shi J, Gu Y, Guo Y, Li Y, Liu Y, Cheng Y, Qiao Y, Liu Y. Down-regulated FST expression is involved in the poor prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:267. [PMID: 34001106 PMCID: PMC8130405 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01977-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is more commonly associated with young patients, featuring high histological grade, visceral metastasis, and distant recurrence. Follistatin (FST) is a secreted extracellular regulatory protein that antagonizes TGF-β superfamily such as activin and TGF-β related superfamily such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). The implication of FST in the proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of solid tumors documents good or poor outcome of patients with BC. However, the role of FST in TNBC remains unclear. Methods Data of 935 patients with breast cancer (BC) were extracted from TCGA. Case–control study, Kaplan–Meier, uni-multivariate COX, and ROC curve were utilized to investigate the relationship between FST expression and the clinical characteristics and prognosis of BC. Functional studies were used to analyze the effect of FST expression on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of TNBC cell lines. Bioinformatic methods such as volcanoplot, GO annd KEGG enrichment, and protein–protein interactions (PPI) analyses were conducted to further confirm the different roles of FST in the apoptotic pathways among mesenchymal and mesenchymal stem-like cells of TNBC. Results Data from TCGA showed that low FST expression correlated with poor prognosis (for univariate analysis, HR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27–0.82, p = 0.008; for multivariate analysis, HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.21–0.75, p = 0.004). Low FST expression provided high predicted value of poor prognosis in TNBC amongst BCs. FST knockdown promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of BT549 and HS578T cell lines. FST inhibited the apoptosis of mesenchymal cells by targeting BMP7. Conclusions Low FST expression is associated with poor prognosis of patients with TNBC. FST expressions exhibit the anisotropic roles of apoptosis between mesenchymal and mesenchymal stem-like cells but promote the proliferation, migration, invasion in both of two subtypes of TNBC in vitro. FST may be a subtype-heterogeneous biomarker for monitoring the progress of TNBC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01977-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sainan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jikang Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yulu Gu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yanbo Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yunkai Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yichun Qiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Yawen Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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14
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Wu B, Zhang S, Guo Z, Bi Y, Zhou M, Li P, Seyedsadr M, Xu X, Li JL, Markovic-Plese S, Wan YY. The TGF-β superfamily cytokine Activin-A is induced during autoimmune neuroinflammation and drives pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation. Immunity 2021; 54:308-323.e6. [PMID: 33421362 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Th17 cells are known to exert pathogenic and non-pathogenic functions. Although the cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is instrumental for Th17 cell differentiation, it is dispensable for generation of pathogenic Th17 cells. Here, we examined the T cell-intrinsic role of Activin-A, a TGF-β superfamily member closely related to TGF-β1, in pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation. Activin-A expression was increased in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Stimulation with interleukin-6 and Activin-A induced a molecular program that mirrored that of pathogenic Th17 cells and was inhibited by blocking Activin-A signaling. Genetic disruption of Activin-A and its receptor ALK4 in T cells impaired pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, which was essential for pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation, was suppressed by TGF-β1-ALK5 but not Activin-A-ALK4 signaling. Thus, Activin-A drives pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation, implicating the Activin-A-ALK4-ERK axis as a therapeutic target for Th17 cell-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Song Zhang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Zengli Guo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yanmin Bi
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mingxia Zhou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jian-Liang Li
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Silva Markovic-Plese
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Yisong Y Wan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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15
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Ham S, Harrison C, de Kretser D, Wallace EM, Southwick G, Temple-Smith P. Potential treatment of keloid pathogenesis with follistatin 288 by blocking the activin molecular pathway. Exp Dermatol 2020; 30:402-408. [PMID: 33119185 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Keloids are benign tumours caused by abnormal wound healing driven by increased expression of cytokines, including activin A. This study compared effects of activins on normal and keloid-derived human dermal fibroblasts and investigated a novel treatment for keloids using follistatin. Normal skin and keloid tissue samples from 11 patients were used to develop primary fibroblast cultures, which were compared in terms of their histology and relevant gene (qRT-PCR and RNAseq) and protein (ELISA) expression. Activin A (INHBA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene expression were significantly upregulated in keloid fibroblasts, as was activin A protein expression in cell lysates and culture medium. Activator protein 1 inhibitor (SR11302) significantly decreased INHBA and CTGF expression in keloid fibroblasts and a single treatment of follistatin over 5 days significantly inhibited activin and various matrix-related genes in keloid fibroblasts when compared to controls. Follistatin, by binding activin A, suppressed CTGF expression suggesting a novel therapeutic role in managing keloids and perhaps other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungmin Ham
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig Harrison
- Departments of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David de Kretser
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Departments of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Euan M Wallace
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graeme Southwick
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery, Malvern, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Temple-Smith
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Matos AM, Gonçalves AI, Rodrigues MT, Miranda MS, Haj AJE, Reis RL, Gomes ME. Remote triggering of TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling in human adipose stem cells laden on magnetic scaffolds synergistically promotes tenogenic commitment. Acta Biomater 2020; 113:488-500. [PMID: 32652226 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Injuries affecting load bearing tendon tissues are a significant clinical burden and efficient treatments are still unmet. Tackling tendon regeneration, tissue engineering strategies aim to develop functional substitutes that recreate native tendon milieu. Tendon mimetic scaffolds capable of remote magnetic responsiveness and functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) targeting cellular mechanosensitive receptors are potential instructive tools to mediate mechanotransduction in guiding tenogenic responses. In this work, we combine magnetically responsive scaffolds and targeted Activin A type II receptor in human adipose stem cells (hASCs), under alternating magnetic field (AMF), to synergistically facilitate external control over signal transduction. The combination of remote triggering TGF-β/Smad2/3 using MNPs tagged hASCs, through magnetically actuated scaffolds, stimulates overall expression of tendon related genes and the deposition of tendon related proteins, in comparison to non-stimulated conditions. Moreover, the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 proteins and their nuclear co-localization was also more evident. Overall, biophysical stimuli resulting from magnetic scaffolds and magnetically triggered cells under AMF stimulation modulate the mechanosensing response of hASCs towards tenogenesis, holding therapeutic promise. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The concept of magnetically-assisted tissue engineering may assist the development of innovative solutions to treat tendon disorders upon remote control of biological processes as cell migration or differentiation. Herein, we originally combine a fibrous aligned superparamagnetic scaffold, based on a biodegradable polymeric blend of starch and poly-ɛ-caprolactone incorporating magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and human adipose stem cells (hASCs) labelled with MNPs functionalized with anti-activin receptor type IIA (ActRIIA). Constructs were stimulated using alternating magnetic field (AMF), to activate the ActRIIA and subsequent induction of TGF-β signaling, through Smad2/3 phosphorylation cascade, enhancing the expression of tendon-related markers. Altogether, these findings contribute with powerful bio-magnetic approaches to activate key tenogenic pathways, envisioning future translation of magnetic biomaterials into regenerative platforms for tendon repair.
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17
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Wound Repair, Scar Formation, and Cancer: Converging on Activin. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:1107-1117. [PMID: 32878730 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Wound repair is a highly regulated process that requires the interaction of various cell types. It has been shown that cancers use the mechanisms of wound healing to promote their own growth. Therefore, it is of importance to identify common regulators of wound repair and tumor formation and to unravel their functions and mechanisms of action. An exciting example is activin, which acts on multiple cell types in wounds and tumors, thereby promoting healing, but also scar formation and tumorigenesis. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the role of activin in these processes and highlight the therapeutic potential of activin or activin antagonists for the treatment of impaired healing or excessive scarring and cancer, respectively.
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18
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Targeting INHBA in Ovarian Cancer Cells Suppresses Cancer Xenograft Growth by Attenuating Stromal Fibroblast Activation. DISEASE MARKERS 2019; 2019:7275289. [PMID: 31827640 PMCID: PMC6885285 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7275289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INHBA-encoded inhibin β A is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. INHBA has been reported to be implicated in the progression of multiple types of cancer including ovarian cancer (OC). However, the mechanisms by which INHBA affects OC progression are not well-characterized. The aim of our study was to explore the prognostic value of INHBA for different stages and grades of OC and to identify the possible mechanisms by which INHBA promotes OC progression. Our results demonstrated that INHBA was specifically expressed in OC epithelium, and higher expression was associated with higher risk of mortality in patients with advanced and higher-grade serous OC (SOC). In addition, knockdown of INHBA in cancer cells impaired cancer xenograft growth through reducing OC stromal fibroblast activation in vivo. Further results confirmed that Smad2 signaling pathway was involved in INHBA-induced stromal fibroblast activation, and inhibiting this pathway could effectively reverse activation of stromal fibroblasts. In summary, our results showed that blocking INHBA in cancer cells may be a potential therapeutic strategy to inhibit SOC progression.
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19
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Baroncelli M, Drabek K, Eijken M, van der Eerden BCJ, van de Peppel J, van Leeuwen JPTM. Two-day-treatment of Activin-A leads to transient change in SV-HFO osteoblast gene expression and reduction in matrix mineralization. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:4865-4877. [PMID: 31667867 PMCID: PMC7028110 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Activins regulate bone formation by controlling osteoclasts and osteoblasts. We investigated Activin‐A mechanism of action on human osteoblast mineralization, RNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profile. A single 2‐day treatment of Activin‐A at Day 5 of osteoblast differentiation significantly reduced matrix mineralization. Activin A‐treated osteoblasts responded with transient change in gene expression, in a 2‐wave‐fashion. The 38 genes differentially regulated during the first wave (within 8 hr after Activin A start) were involved in transcription regulation. In the second wave (1–2 days after Activin A start), 65 genes were differentially regulated and related to extracellular matrix. Differentially expressed genes in both waves were associated to transforming growth factor beta signaling. We identified which microRNAs modulating osteoblast differentiation were regulated by Activin‐A. In summary, 2‐day treatment with Activin‐A in premineralization period of osteoblast cultures influenced miRNAs, gene transcription, and reduced matrix mineralization. Modulation of Activin A signaling might be useful to control bone quality for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Baroncelli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ksenija Drabek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Eijken
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bram C J van der Eerden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van de Peppel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Activin-A in the regulation of immunity in health and disease. J Autoimmun 2019; 104:102314. [PMID: 31416681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The TGF-β superfamily of cytokines plays pivotal roles in the regulation of immune responses protecting against or contributing to diseases, such as, allergy, autoimmunity and cancer. Activin-A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, was initially identified as an inducer of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion. Extensive research over the past decades illuminated fundamental roles for activin-A in essential biologic processes, including embryonic development, stem cell maintenance and differentiation, haematopoiesis, cell proliferation and tissue fibrosis. Activin-A signals through two type I and two type II receptors which, upon ligand binding, activate their kinase activity, phosphorylate the SMAD2 and 3 intracellular signaling mediators that form a complex with SMAD4, translocate to the nucleus and activate or silence gene expression. Most immune cell types, including macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), T and B lymphocytes and natural killer cells have the capacity to produce and respond to activin-A, although not in a similar manner. In innate immune cells, including macrophages, DCs and neutrophils, activin-A exerts a broad range of pro- or anti-inflammatory functions depending on the cell maturation and activation status and the spatiotemporal context. Activin-A also controls the differentiation and effector functions of Th cell subsets, including Th9 cells, TFH cells, Tr1 Treg cells and Foxp3+ Treg cells. Moreover, activin-A affects B cell responses, enhancing mucosal IgA secretion and inhibiting pathogenic autoantibody production. Interestingly, an array of preclinical and clinical studies has highlighted crucial functions of activin-A in the initiation, propagation and resolution of human diseases, including autoimmune diseases, such as, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, in allergic disorders, including allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis, in cancer and in microbial infections. Here, we provide an overview of the biology of activin-A and its signaling pathways, summarize recent studies pertinent to the role of activin-A in the modulation of inflammation and immunity, and discuss the potential of targeting activin-A as a novel therapeutic approach for the control of inflammatory diseases.
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Bloise E, Ciarmela P, Dela Cruz C, Luisi S, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Activin A in Mammalian Physiology. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:739-780. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are dimeric glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and resulting from the assembly of two beta subunits, which may also be combined with alpha subunits to form inhibins. Activins were discovered in 1986 following the isolation of inhibins from porcine follicular fluid, and were characterized as ovarian hormones that stimulate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release by the pituitary gland. In particular, activin A was shown to be the isoform of greater physiological importance in humans. The current understanding of activin A surpasses the reproductive system and allows its classification as a hormone, a growth factor, and a cytokine. In more than 30 yr of intense research, activin A was localized in female and male reproductive organs but also in other organs and systems as diverse as the brain, liver, lung, bone, and gut. Moreover, its roles include embryonic differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the uterine wall in early pregnancy, and fetal/neonate brain protection in hypoxic conditions. It is now recognized that activin A overexpression may be either cytostatic or mitogenic, depending on the cell type, with important implications for tumor biology. Activin A also regulates bone formation and regeneration, enhances joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and triggers pathogenic mechanisms in the respiratory system. In this 30-yr review, we analyze the evidence for physiological roles of activin A and the potential use of activin agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
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Almehmadi A, Ohyama Y, Kaku M, Alamoudi A, Husein D, Katafuchi M, Mishina Y, Mochida Y. VWC2 Increases Bone Formation Through Inhibiting Activin Signaling. Calcif Tissue Int 2018; 103:663-674. [PMID: 30074079 PMCID: PMC6549224 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-018-0462-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
By a bioinformatics approach, we have identified a novel cysteine knot protein member, VWC2 (von Willebrand factor C domain containing 2) previously known as Brorin. Since Brorin has been proposed to function as a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist, we investigated the binding of Brorin/VWC2 to several BMPs; however, none of the BMPs tested were bound to VWC2. Instead, the βA subunit of activin was found as a binding partner among transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily members. Here, we show that Vwc2 gene expression is temporally upregulated early in osteoblast differentiation, VWC2 protein is present in bone matrix, and localized at osteoblasts/osteocytes. Activin A-induced Smad2 phosphorylation was inhibited in the presence of exogenous VWC2 in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cell line and primary osteoblasts. The effect of VWC2 on ex vivo cranial bone organ cultures treated with activin A was investigated, and bone morphometric parameters decreased by activin A were restored with VWC2. When we further investigated the biological mechanism how VWC2 inhibited the effects of activin A on bone formation, we found that the effects of activin A on osteoblast cell growth, differentiation, and mineralization were reversed by VWC2. Taken together, a novel secretory protein, VWC2 promotes bone formation by inhibiting Activin-Smad2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Almehmadi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yoshio Ohyama
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Departoment of Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Kaku
- Division of Bio-Prosthodontics, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ahmed Alamoudi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina Husein
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michitsuna Katafuchi
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Section of Fixed Prosthodontics, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuji Mishina
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yoshiyuki Mochida
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Follistatin Expression in Human Invasive Breast Tumors: Pathologic and Clinical Associations. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2018; 26:108-112. [PMID: 27389553 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin is a potent native activin antagonist that is expressed in the normal mammary gland and in different breast proliferative diseases. Despite experimental evidence that follistatin can modulate the breast cancer cell cycle, the clinical significance of follistatin expression in these tumors is unknown. The aim of this study was to correlate the intensity of follistatin expression in invasive breast cancer with some of its clinical and pathologic features, such as the disease stage and the hormonal receptor status. Paraffin blocks of tumor samples that had been fixed in buffered formalin were obtained from 154 women subjected to surgery for breast cancer between 2008 and 2012. Sections from all paraffin blocks were cut and processed together by immunohistochemistry using a commercial monoclonal antibody to human follistatin. The intensity of follistatin staining was unrelated to the menopausal status, the disease stage, the grade, progesterone receptor expression, and local or systemic recurrence. However, follistatin immunoreactivity was significantly stronger in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative tumors than in ER-positive tumors. These findings suggest that follistatin expression in invasive breast cancer is unrelated to the disease severity and the risk of recurrence, but is more intense in ER-negative tumors.
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24
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Liu J, Zhang C, Hu W, Feng Z. Parkinson's disease-associated protein Parkin: an unusual player in cancer. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2018; 38:40. [PMID: 29941042 PMCID: PMC6020249 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-018-0314-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mutation of the Parkin gene is a cause of familial Parkinson’s disease. A growing body of evidence suggests that Parkin also functions as a tumor suppressor. Parkin is an ubiquitin E3 ligase, and plays important roles in a variety of cellular processes implicated in tumorigenesis, including cell cycle, cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, mitophagy and metabolic reprogramming. Here we review the role and mechanism of Parkin in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Cen Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Wenwei Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.
| | - Zhaohui Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.
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25
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Grafe I, Alexander S, Peterson JR, Snider TN, Levi B, Lee B, Mishina Y. TGF-β Family Signaling in Mesenchymal Differentiation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:a022202. [PMID: 28507020 PMCID: PMC5932590 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into several lineages during development and also contribute to tissue homeostasis and regeneration, although the requirements for both may be distinct. MSC lineage commitment and progression in differentiation are regulated by members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family. This review focuses on the roles of TGF-β family signaling in mesenchymal lineage commitment and differentiation into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myoblasts, adipocytes, and tenocytes. We summarize the reported findings of cell culture studies, animal models, and interactions with other signaling pathways and highlight how aberrations in TGF-β family signaling can drive human disease by affecting mesenchymal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Grafe
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Stefanie Alexander
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jonathan R Peterson
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Taylor Nicholas Snider
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Benjamin Levi
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Brendan Lee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Yuji Mishina
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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Couto HL, Buzelin MA, Toppa NH, Bloise E, Wainstein AJ, Reis FM. Prognostic value of follistatin-like 3 in human invasive breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:42189-42197. [PMID: 28178680 PMCID: PMC5522059 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) binds and inactivates activin, a growth factor involved with cell growth and differentiation. We have previously shown FSTL3 overexpression in invasive breast cancers, but its clinical relevance remained unexplored. Here we evaluate FSTL3 as a prognostic tool and its relation with clinical and pathological features of breast cancer. A cohort of 154 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2008 and 2012 was followed up for 5 years. Tumor samples were processed by immunohistochemistry to detect FSTL3 expression in tumor epithelium. FSTL3 expression was classified semiquantitatively and tested for possible correlation with age, menopause status, stage, tumor histological type and grade, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 expression. Survival plots with Kaplan-Mayer statistics were used to assess whether FSTL3 expression predicted disease-free survival. Our findings show that FSTL3 staining was unrelated to menopausal status, histological type, disease stage, or receptor profile. However, the intensity of FSTL3 immunostaining correlated inversely with tumor size (r = -0.366, p<0.001) and with nuclear grade (p<0.01). The intensity of FSTL3 expression in the tumoral epithelium was not predictive of the disease-free survival (p = 0.991, log-rank test), even though the follow-up length and the study size were sufficient to detect a significant reduction in disease-free survival among women with stage III-IV compared to stage I-II disease (p<0.001). FSTL3 expression in invasive breast cancer is inversely associated with tumor size and nuclear grade but it does not predict disease relapse in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique L Couto
- Division of Human Reproduction and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Department of Oncology, Hospital Alberto Cavalcanti, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Nivaldo H Toppa
- Laboratório Analys Patologia, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alberto J Wainstein
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Alberto Cavalcanti, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernando M Reis
- Division of Human Reproduction and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Zabkiewicz C, Resaul J, Hargest R, Jiang WG, Ye L. Increased Expression of Follistatin in Breast Cancer Reduces Invasiveness and Clinically Correlates with Better Survival. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2018. [PMID: 28647698 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Activin and its antagonist follistatin (FST) have been implicated in several solid tumours. This study investigated the role of FST in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS FST expression was examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry in a cohort of breast cancer samples. Expression was correlated to pathological and prognostic parameters in our patient cohort. FST was overexpressed in MCF-7 cells and assays for growth and invasion were performed. RESULTS FST is expressed in breast tissue, in the cytoplasm of mammary epithelial cells. Expression was decreased in breast cancer tissue in comparison to normal mammary tissue. Over-expression of FST in vitro led to significantly increased growth rate and reduced invasion. Higher FST associates with lower-grade tumours and better survival. CONCLUSION Our results suggest a role for FST as a suppressor of invasion and metastasis in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Zabkiewicz
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Jeyna Resaul
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Rachel Hargest
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Wen Guo Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K.
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K.
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Hu J, Wang X, Tang YH, Shan YG, Zou Q, Wang ZQ, Huang CX. Activin A inhibition attenuates sympathetic neural remodeling following myocardial infarction in rats. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:5074-5080. [PMID: 29393433 PMCID: PMC5865969 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation serves a critical role in driving sympathetic neural remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI), and activin A has been implicated as an important mediator of the inflammatory response post-MI. However, whether activin A impacts sympathetic neural remodeling post-MI remains unclear. In the present study, the authors assessed the effects of activin A on sympathetic neural remodeling in a rat model of MI. Rats were randomly divided into sham, MI, and MI + follistatin-300 (FS, activin A inhibitor) groups. Cardiac tissues from the peri-infarct zone were assessed for expression of sympathetic neural remodeling and inflammatory factors in rats 4 weeks post-MI by western blotting and immunohistochemical methods. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography. It is demonstrated that FS administration significantly reduced post-MI upregulation of activin A, nerve growth factor protein lever, and the density of nerve fibers with positive and protein expression of sympathetic neural remodeling markers in nerve fibers, which included growth associated protein 43 and tyrosine hydroxylase. In addition, inhibition of activin A reduced cardiac inflammation post-MI based on the reduction of i) interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α protein expression, ii) numbers and/or proportional area of infiltrating macrophages and myofibroblasts and iii) phosphorylated levels of p65 and IκBα. Furthermore, activin A inhibition lessened heart dysfunction post-MI. These results suggested that activin A inhibition reduced sympathetic neural remodeling post-MI in part through inhibition of the inflammatory response. The current study implicates activin A as a potential therapeutic target to circumvent sympathetic neural remodeling post-MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Hong Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Guang Shan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Zou
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Cong-Xin Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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Florio P, Pinzauti S, Altomare A, Luisi S, Litta P, Petraglia F. Expression and Role of Peptides, Proteins and Growth Factors in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/228402650900100203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence is demonstrating that several peptides (corticotrophin-releasing factor, urocortins, ghrelin), proteins (leptin, adiponectin) and growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor; epidermal growth factor family of growth factors and receptors, fibroblast growth factor, insulin like growth factor and insulin like growth factor-binding proteins, transforming growth factor-β and, activin A and related proteins) are expressed in endometriotic implants, and locally play a relevant role in affecting the biological mechanisms leading to endometriosis. They establish a complex network of interactions by which they are therefore able to stimulate angiogenesis, inflammatory cell recruitment and reaction, the growth of endometriotic tissue and its survival through the modulation of the narrow immune system. This review will evaluate the role played by several regulatory peptides, proteins and growth factors in affecting endometrial physiology and the putative mechanisms advocated to explain endometriosis (angiogenesis, cellular and humoral immunity, inflammatory response, endometrial cell proliferation, activation, motility, adhesion and invasion).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Florio
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena - Italy
| | - Serena Pinzauti
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena - Italy
| | - Aldo Altomare
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena - Italy
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena - Italy
| | - Pietro Litta
- Department of Gynecological Sciences and Human Reproduction, University of Padua, Padua - Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena - Italy
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Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious hypertensive disorder that affects up to 8% of all pregnancies annually. An established risk factor for PE is family history, clearly demonstrating an underlying genetic component to the disorder. To date, numerous genetic studies, using both the candidate gene and genome-wide approach, have been undertaken to tease out the genetic basis of PE and understand its origins. Such studies have identified some promising candidate genes such as STOX1 and ACVR2A. Nevertheless, researchers face ongoing challenges of replicating these genetic associations in different populations and performing the functional validation of identified genetic variants to determine their causality in the disorder. This chapter will review the genetic approaches used in the study of PE, discuss their limitations and possible confounders, and describe current strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E J Yong
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, The University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Shaun P Brennecke
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric K Moses
- Centre for Genetic Origins of Health and Disease, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Lee SH, Oh HJ, Kim MJ, Kim GA, Choi YB, Jo YK, Setyawan EMN, Lee BC. Effect of co-culture canine cumulus and oviduct cells with porcine oocytes during maturation and subsequent embryo development of parthenotes in vitro. Theriogenology 2017; 106:108-116. [PMID: 29049922 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In the estrus stage, canine oocytes are surrounded by cumulus cells and undergo maturation in the oviduct for 2-3 days after ovulation. We hypothesized that canine oviduct cells (cOC) and canine cumulus cells (cCC) during this stage might affect the maturation of oocytes and thereby improve subsequent embryo development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of a cOC and cCC co-culture on oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequent embryo development, and to analyze the gene expressions in a molecular fashion what co-culture actually gives the specific pathways in which the co-culture cells act to improve maturation and embryo development. The effect of co-culture using cOC and cCC on porcine oocyte IVM was investigated. Thereafter, oocytes were activated using electrical stimulation and embryo developmental competence was estimated. The expression of the genes related to oocyte maturation, embryo development and apoptosis were analyzed. Also, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels after IVM was analyzed. The IVM rate and embryo development including cleavage, blastocyst formation rates, and total blastocyst cell numbers from cOC group were significantly higher than other groups (P < 0.05). The expression of SMAD2/3 and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) was significantly increased in cOC and oocytes from the cOC group compared with other groups. Moreover, the levels of GDF9, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), WNT3A and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) were significantly up-regulated in blastocysts from the cOC group. The concentration of ROS was significantly lower in the supernatant of cOC groups compared with other groups. Also, the expression of BCL2 was significantly increased in porcine cumulus cells and oocytes from cOC group. The present study demonstrated that co-culture with cOC improved in vitro porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development competence. Also, co-culture with cOC during IVM induces a suitable environment for oocyte maturation by enhancing the mRNA level of SMAD2/3 and GDF9, and for embryo development by elevating the expression level of PTGS2, WNT3A and MMP2. In addition, the decreased ROS level in cOC co-culture could have a beneficial influence on oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Oh
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon A Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Bin Choi
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kwang Jo
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Erif Maha Nugraha Setyawan
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Activin A stimulates migration of the fallopian tube epithelium, an origin of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, through non-canonical signaling. Cancer Lett 2017; 391:114-124. [PMID: 28115208 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Factors that stimulate the migration of fallopian tube epithelial (FTE)-derived high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) to the ovary are poorly elucidated. This study characterized the effect of the ovarian hormone, activin A, on normal FTE and HGSOC. Activin A and TGFβ1 induced an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in murine oviductal epithelial (MOE) cells, but only activin A increased migration. The migratory effect of activin A was independent of Smad2/3 and required phospho-AKT, phospho-ERK, and Rac1. Exogenous activin A stimulated migration of the HGSOC cell line OVCAR3 through a similar mechanism. Activin A signaling inhibitors, SB431542 and follistatin, reduced migration in OVCAR4 cells, which expressed activin A subunits (encoded by INHBA). Murine superovulation increased phospho-Smad2/3 immunostaining in the FTE. In Oncomine, transcripts for the activin A receptors (ACVR1B and ACVR2A) were higher in serous tumors relative to the normal ovary, while inhibitors of activin A signaling (INHA and TGFB3) were lower. High expression of both INHBA and ACVR2A, but not TGFβ receptors or co-receptors, was associated with shorter disease-free survival in serous cancer patients. These results suggest activin A stimulates migration of FTE-derived tumors to the ovary.
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P. Croxford K, L. Reader K, D. Nicholson H. The potential role of transforming growth factor beta family ligand interactions in prostate cancer. AIMS MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.3934/molsci.2017.1.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Festuccia C. Investigational serine/threonine kinase inhibitors against prostate cancer metastases. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 26:25-34. [PMID: 27892725 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2016.1266337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is used as first therapeutic approach in prostate cancer (PCa) although castration resistant disease (CRPC) develops with high frequency. CRPC is the consequence of lack of apoptotic responses to ADT. Alternative targeting of the androgen axis with abiraterone and enzalutamide, as well as taxane-based chemotherapy were used in CRPC. Serine/threonine protein kinases (STKs) regulate different molecular pathways of normal and neoplastic cells and participate to development of CRPC as well as to the progression towards a bone metastatic disease (mCRPC). Areas covered: The present review provide data on STK expression and activity in the development of CRPC as well as summarize recent reports of different strategies to block STK activity for the control of PCa progression. Expert Opinion: Inhibitors for different STKs have been developed but clinical trials in PCa are comparatively rare and few exhibit satisfactory 'drug-like' properties. It is, however, necessary to intensify, when possible, the number of clinical trials with these drugs in order to insert new therapies or combinations with standard hormone- and chemo-therapies in the treatment guidelines of the mPCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Festuccia
- a Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
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Xue LX, Xu ZH, Wang JQ, Cui Y, Liu HY, Liang WZ, Ji QY, He JT, Shao YK, Mang J, Xu ZX. Activin A/Smads signaling pathway negatively regulates Oxygen Glucose Deprivation-induced autophagy via suppression of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways in neuronal PC12 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 480:355-361. [PMID: 27769861 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Activin A (Act A), a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), reduces neuronal apoptosis during cerebral ischemia through Act A/Smads signaling pathway. However, little is known about the effect of Act A/Smads pathway on autophagy in neurons. Here, we found that oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced autophagy was suppressed by exogenous Act A in a concentration-dependent manner and enhanced by Act A/Smads pathway inhibitor (ActRIIA-Ab) in neuronal PC12 cells. These results indicate that Act A/Smads pathway negatively regulates autophagy in OGD-treated PC12 cells. In addition, we found that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways are involved in the OGD-induced autophagy. The activation of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways in OGD-treated PC12 cells was suppressed by exogenous Act A and enhanced by ActRIIA-Ab. Together, our results suggest that Act A/Smads signaling pathway negatively regulates OGD-induced autophagy via suppression of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways in neuronal PC12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Xing Xue
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Zhong-Hang Xu
- Clinical Medicine of Norman Bethune Medical Department, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jiao-Qi Wang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yang Cui
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Hong-Yu Liu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Wen-Zhao Liang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Qiu-Ye Ji
- Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jin-Ting He
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yan-Kun Shao
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jing Mang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Zhong-Xin Xu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130012, China.
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Yding Andersen C. Inhibin-B secretion and FSH isoform distribution may play an integral part of follicular selection in the natural menstrual cycle. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 23:16-24. [PMID: 27756855 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present paper is to expand the concept on how follicular selection takes place in the follicular phase of the natural menstrual cycle. It is suggested that inhibin-B exerts a more intimate role in this process than previously understood. Inhibin-B shows a peak in the circulation around cycle day 7, simultaneous with selection of the dominant follicle, whereas levels of estradiol and inhibin-A only start to increase a few days later suggesting that inhibin-B is mainly responsible for downregulating pituitary FSH release. New data now demonstrate that the circulatory peak of inhibin-B is reflected by peak production of inhibin-B, in contrast to inhibin-A, in the selected follicle with a diameter of 10-12 mm, where concentrations are one thousand times higher than in the circulation. This high inhibin-B concentration also exerts paracrine effects, stimulating theca cell androgen production in concert with LH. New data now suggest that in the corresponding granulosa cells androgens upregulate FSH receptor (FSHR) and LH receptor (LHR) mRNA expression, which in turn stimulate CYP19a mRNA expression providing the follicles which most effectively undertake these processes with the best chance of becoming selected. Inhibin-B production is stimulated by FSH and it appears that the acidic isoforms of FSH induce inhibin-B secretion most efficiently thereby, for the first time, placing the changing FSH isoform profile during the follicular phase in a physiological context. Collectively, it appears that inhibin-B is an integral part of follicular selection in the normal menstrual cycle, exerting both endocrine and paracrine effects and facilitating continued growth of the selected follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Walton KL, Kelly EK, Johnson KE, Robertson DM, Stanton PG, Harrison CA. A Novel, More Efficient Approach to Generate Bioactive Inhibins. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2799-809. [PMID: 27054553 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal-derived inhibins are essential factors in mammalian reproduction, negatively regulating pituitary production of FSH. Interestingly, declines in inhibin levels across the menopause transition correlate with not only an increase in FSH but also a rapid decrease in bone mass. Therefore, inhibins have been touted as potential therapeutics for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. However, as heterodimeric proteins of α- and β- (βA or βB)-subunits, inhibins are difficult to produce recombinantly, are poorly processed to their mature bioactive forms, and their expression is always accompanied by production of activins (β-subunit homodimers), the proteins they antagonize. In this study, we developed the methodology to circumvent most of these issues. Initially, the cleavage sites between the pro- and mature domains of the α- and βA-subunits were modified to ensure complete processing. These modifications led to a marked increase (9-fold) in the levels of bioactive inhibin A and a striking decrease (12.5-fold) in mature activin A production. Next, a single point mutation (M418A) was incorporated into the βA-subunit, which reduced residual activin activity approximately 100-fold and, in so doing, increased inhibin bioactivity 8-fold. Finally, we showed that inhibin A noncovalently associated with its prodomain was more potent (∼20-fold) than mature inhibin A in specific in vitro bioassays, indicating an important role of the prodomain in inhibin bioactivity. In conclusion, the production of potent inhibin analogs in the virtual absence of activin activity will greatly facilitate the investigation of the therapeutic potential of these gonadal hormones on bone and other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Walton
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Emily K Kelly
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | | | - David M Robertson
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Peter G Stanton
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Craig A Harrison
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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Hardy CL, Rolland JM, O'Hehir RE. The immunoregulatory and fibrotic roles of activin A in allergic asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 45:1510-22. [PMID: 25962695 PMCID: PMC4687413 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily of cytokines, was originally identified as an inducer of follicle stimulating hormone release, but has since been ascribed roles in normal physiological processes, as an immunoregulatory cytokine and as a driver of fibrosis. In the last 10–15 years, it has also become abundantly clear that activin A plays an important role in the regulation of asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling. This review provides a brief introduction to the activin A/TGF-β superfamily, focussing on the regulation of receptors and signalling pathways. We examine the contradictory evidence for generalized pro- vs. anti-inflammatory effects of activin A in inflammation, before appraising its role in asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling specifically by evaluating data from both murine models and clinical studies. We identify key issues to be addressed, paving the way for safe exploitation of modulation of activin A function for treatment of allergic asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Hardy
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
| | - J M Rolland
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
| | - R E O'Hehir
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
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Mangé A, Dimitrakopoulos L, Soosaipillai A, Coopman P, Diamandis EP, Solassol J. An integrated cell line-based discovery strategy identified follistatin and kallikrein 6 as serum biomarker candidates of breast carcinoma. J Proteomics 2016; 142:114-21. [PMID: 27168011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Secreted proteins constitute a relevant source of putative cancer biomarkers. Here, we compared the secretome of a series of four genetically-related breast cancer cell lines as a model of aggressiveness using quantitative mass spectrometry. 537 proteins (59.5% of the total identified proteins) predicted to be released or shed from cells were identified. Using a scoring system based on i) iTRAQ value, ii) breast cancer tissue mRNA expression levels, and iii) immunohistochemical staining (public database), a short list of 10 candidate proteins was selected. Using specific ELISA assays, the expression level of the top five proteins was measured in a verification set of 56 patients. The four significantly differentially expressed proteins were then validated in a second independent set of 353 patients. Finally, follistatin (FST) and kallikrein 6 (KLK6) in serum were significantly higher (p-value < 0.0001) in invasive breast cancer patients compared with non-cancerous controls. Using specific cut-off values, FST distinguished breast cancer samples from healthy controls with a sensitivity of 65% and an accuracy of 68%, whereas KLK6 achieved a sensitivity of 55% and an accuracy of 61%. Therefore, we concluded that FST and KLK6 may have significance in breast cancer detection. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Discovery of new serum biomarkers that exhibit increased sensitivity and specificity compared to current biomarkers appears to be an essential field of research in cancer. Most biological markers show insufficient diagnostic sensitivity for early breast cancer detection and, for the majority of them, their concentrations are elevated only in metastatic forms of the disease. It is therefore essential to identify clinically reliable biomarkers and develop effective approaches for cancer diagnosis. One promising approach in this field is the study of secreted proteins through proteomic analysis of in vitro progression breast cancer models. Here we have shown that FST and KLK6 are elevated in breast cancer patient serum compared to healthy controls. We expect that our discovery strategy will help to identify cancer-specific and body-fluid-accessible biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Mangé
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34090, France; Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
| | - Lampros Dimitrakopoulos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antoninus Soosaipillai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Coopman
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34090, France; Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
| | - Eleftherios P Diamandis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jérôme Solassol
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34090, France; Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France.
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Shi Y, Zhang H, Han Z, Mi X, Zhang W, Lv M. HBx interacted with Smad4 to deprive activin a growth inhibition function in hepatocyte HL7702 on CRM1 manner. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:3405-15. [PMID: 26449823 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4076-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma, which has been found to be associated with TGF-beta signaling. Activin A is a TGF-β family cytokine that exhibits cell proliferation inhibition on normal hepatocyte. How HBV-encoded X oncoprotein play in activin's activity on hepatocyte has not been developed. In this study, a nontumor hepatic cell line HL7702 with HBX ectogenic expression has been established. MTT and BrdU assays showed that HBx promoted growth of HL7702 cells in vitro and downregulated activin signaling. Deregulated activin signaling pathway by HBX failed to activate target gene p21/waf1 and p15 transcription. In addition, mammalian two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed that HBX could directly interact with activin signaling transduction protein Smad4, making activated Smad2/3/4 nucleus translocation suppressed. Furthermore, we detected that leptomycin B, the inhibitor of CRM1 protein, could recover nuclear translocation of endogenous Smads complex in HL7702 with HBX expression, indicating that HBX antagonized Smads nucleus translocation, at least partially, on CRM1-dependent manner. Leptomycin B was found to have antigrowth activity on HBX-expressed HL7702, according to its antitumor function in previous study. Above all, HBX antagonized activin signaling in normal human liver cells by interacting with Smad4 might one of the considerable causes of HBX-induced hepatocyte transformation, which deprived activin's cell growth inhibition function at an early stage of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Haipeng Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhu Han
- Institute of Translational Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuguang Mi
- Tumor Biological Treatment Center of Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyan Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mingyu Lv
- Institute of Translational Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
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Wijayarathna R, de Kretser DM. Activins in reproductive biology and beyond. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:342-57. [PMID: 26884470 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activins are members of the pleiotrophic family of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily of cytokines, initially isolated for their capacity to induce the release of FSH from pituitary extracts. Subsequent research has demonstrated that activins are involved in multiple biological functions including the control of inflammation, fibrosis, developmental biology and tumourigenesis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the roles of activin in reproductive and developmental biology. It also discusses interesting advances in the field of modulating the bioactivity of activins as a therapeutic target, which would undoubtedly be beneficial for patients with reproductive pathology. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify studies in the English language which have contributed to the advancement of the field of activin biology, since its initial isolation in 1987 until July 2015. 'Activin', 'testis', 'ovary', 'embryonic development' and 'therapeutic targets' were used as the keywords in combination with other search phrases relevant to the topic of activin biology. RESULTS Activins, which are dimers of inhibin β subunits, act via a classical TGF-β signalling pathway. The bioactivity of activin is regulated by two endogenous inhibitors, inhibin and follistatin. Activin is a major regulator of testicular and ovarian development. In the ovary, activin A promotes oocyte maturation and regulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis. It is also essential in endometrial repair following menstruation, decidualization and maintaining pregnancy. Dysregulation of the activin-follistatin-inhibin system leads to disorders of female reproduction and pregnancy, including polycystic ovary syndrome, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and pre-term birth. Moreover, a rise in serum activin A, accompanied by elevated FSH, is characteristic of female reproductive aging. In the male, activin A is an autocrine and paracrine modulator of germ cell development and Sertoli cell proliferation. Disruption of normal activin signalling is characteristic of many tumours affecting reproductive organs, including endometrial carcinoma, cervical cancer, testicular and ovarian cancer as well as prostate cancer. While activin A and B aid the progression of many tumours of the reproductive organs, activin C acts as a tumour suppressor. Activins are important in embryonic induction, morphogenesis of branched glandular organs, development of limbs and nervous system, craniofacial and dental development and morphogenesis of the Wolffian duct. CONCLUSIONS The field of activin biology has advanced considerably since its initial discovery as an FSH stimulating agent. Now, activin is well known as a growth factor and cytokine that regulates many aspects of reproductive biology, developmental biology and also inflammation and immunological mechanisms. Current research provides evidence for novel roles of activins in maintaining the structure and function of reproductive and other organ systems. The fact that activin A is elevated both locally as well as systemically in major disorders of the reproductive system makes it an important biomarker. Given the established role of activin A as a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic agent, studies of its involvement in disorders of reproduction resulting from these processes should be examined. Follistatin, as a key regulator of the biological actions of activin, should be evaluated as a therapeutic agent in conditions where activin A overexpression is established as a contributing factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - D M de Kretser
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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Johnson KE, Makanji Y, Temple-Smith P, Kelly EK, Barton PA, Al-Musawi SL, Mueller TD, Walton KL, Harrison CA. Biological activity and in vivo half-life of pro-activin A in male rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 422:84-92. [PMID: 26687063 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mature TGF-β proteins are used in vivo to promote bone growth, combat obesity, reverse fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension, and as potential rejuvenation factors. However, the serum half-life of this family of growth factors is short (∼5 min), limiting their therapeutic potential. Because TGF-β proteins are normally secreted from cells with their prodomains attached, we considered whether these molecules could extend the in vivo half-life and activity of their respective growth factors. Using activin A as a model ligand, we initially modified the cleavage site between the pro- and mature domains to ensure complete processing of the activin A precursor. Co-immunoprecipitation studies confirmed mature activin A is secreted from cells in a non-covalent complex with its prodomain, however, the affinity of this interaction is not sufficient to suppress activin A in vitro biological activity. The plasma clearance profiles of purified pro- and mature activin A were determined over a 4 h period in adult male rats. Both activin forms demonstrated a two-phase decay, with the half-life of pro-activin A (t1/2 fast = 12.5 min, slow = 31.0 min) being greater than that of mature activin A (t1/2 fast = 5.5 min, slow = 20.3 min). Both pro- and mature activin A induced significant increases in serum follicle stimulating hormone levels after 4 h, but no differences were observed in the relative in vivo bioactivities of the two activin isoforms. Increased serum half-life of activin A in the presence of its prodomain identifies a new means to increase the therapeutic effectiveness of TGF-β proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine E Johnson
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | | | - Peter Temple-Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Emily K Kelly
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Peter A Barton
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Sara L Al-Musawi
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Thomas D Mueller
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs Institute of the University Wuerzburg, Julius-von Sachs Platz 2, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Kelly L Walton
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Craig A Harrison
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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Reader KL, Gold E. Activins and activin antagonists in the human ovary and ovarian cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 415:126-32. [PMID: 26277402 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Activins are members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily that play an important role in controlling cell proliferation and differentiation in many organs including the ovary. It is essential that activin signalling be tightly regulated as imbalances can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer. This review describes the expression and function of the activins and their known antagonists in both normal and cancerous human ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Reader
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Elspeth Gold
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Yong HE, Murthi P, Wong MH, Kalionis B, Cartwright JE, Brennecke SP, Keogh RJ. Effects of normal and high circulating concentrations of activin A on vascular endothelial cell functions and vasoactive factor production. Pregnancy Hypertens 2015; 5:346-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Carrarelli P, Yen CF, Arcuri F, Funghi L, Tosti C, Wang TH, Huang JS, Petraglia F. Myostatin, follistatin and activin type II receptors are highly expressed in adenomyosis. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:744-52.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Lau D, Bengtson CP, Buchthal B, Bading H. BDNF Reduces Toxic Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptor Signaling via Synaptic NMDA Receptors and Nuclear-Calcium-Induced Transcription of inhba/Activin A. Cell Rep 2015; 12:1353-66. [PMID: 26279570 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The health of neurons is critically dependent on the relative signaling intensities of survival-promoting synaptic and death-inducing extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. Here, we show that BDNF is a regulator of this balance and promotes neuroprotection by reducing toxic NMDA receptor signaling. BDNF acts by initiating synaptic NMDA-receptor/nuclear-calcium-driven adaptogenomics, leading to increased expression of inhibin β-A (inhba). Inhibin β-A (its homodimer is known as activin A) in turn reduces neurotoxic extrasynaptic NMDA-receptor-mediated calcium influx, thereby shielding neurons against mitochondrial dysfunction, a major cause of excitotoxicity. Thus, BDNF induces acquired neuroprotection by enhancing synaptic activity and lowering extrasynaptic NMDA receptor death signaling through a nuclear calcium-inhibin β-A pathway. This process, which confers protection against ischemic brain damage in a mouse stroke model, may be compromised in Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or aging-related neurodegenerative conditions that are associated with reduced BDNF levels and/or enhanced extrasynaptic NMDA receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lau
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C Peter Bengtson
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bettina Buchthal
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hilmar Bading
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Abstract
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) superfamily comprises over 30 dimeric proteins with conserved structures, which play important roles in the control of cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. These proteins are expressed and finely regulated in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle, which is consistent with their effects on endometrial cell proliferation and tissue remodeling. This review is focused on summarizing the role of key members of the TGFβ superfamily in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Evidence suggests that TGFβ, activins, inhibins, nodal, bone morphogenetic proteins, growth differentiation factors, and anti-Müllerian hormone are produced by endometriotic lesions and could be involved in the establishment and progression of the disease. Their receptors and signaling pathways may also be altered in the presence of endometriosis and may be potential targets to the development of therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Dela Cruz
- a Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Federal University of Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
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Makanji Y, Zhu J, Mishra R, Holmquist C, Wong WPS, Schwartz NB, Mayo KE, Woodruff TK. Inhibin at 90: from discovery to clinical application, a historical review. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:747-94. [PMID: 25051334 PMCID: PMC4167436 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
When it was initially discovered in 1923, inhibin was characterized as a hypophysiotropic hormone that acts on pituitary cells to regulate pituitary hormone secretion. Ninety years later, what we know about inhibin stretches far beyond its well-established capacity to inhibit activin signaling and suppress pituitary FSH production. Inhibin is one of the major reproductive hormones involved in the regulation of folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. Although the physiological role of inhibin as an activin antagonist in other organ systems is not as well defined as it is in the pituitary-gonadal axis, inhibin also modulates biological processes in other organs through paracrine, autocrine, and/or endocrine mechanisms. Inhibin and components of its signaling pathway are expressed in many organs. Diagnostically, inhibin is used for prenatal screening of Down syndrome as part of the quadruple test and as a biochemical marker in the assessment of ovarian reserve. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the biological role of inhibin, its relationship with activin, its signaling mechanisms, and its potential value as a diagnostic marker for reproductive function and pregnancy-associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogeshwar Makanji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.M., J.Z., C.H., W.P.S.W., T.K.W.), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60610; Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery (R.M., C.H.), Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208; and Department of Molecular Biosciences (N.B.S., K.E.M., T.K.W.), Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208
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Cruz CD, Del Puerto HL, Rocha ALL, Cavallo IK, Clarizia AD, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Expression of Nodal, Cripto, SMAD3, phosphorylated SMAD3, and SMAD4 in the proliferative endometrium of women with endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2014; 22:527-33. [PMID: 25228630 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114549855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nodal is a growth factor of the transforming growth factor β superfamily that is expressed in high turnover tissues, such as the human endometrium, and in several malignancies. The effects of Nodal are modulated by the coreceptor Cripto and mediated by SMAD proteins. This study evaluated the gene and protein expression of Nodal, Cripto, total and phosphorylated (p) SMAD3, and SMAD4 in the proliferative endometrium of women with and without endometriosis. METHOD Total RNA was isolated and complementary DNA synthesized from eutopic endometrium of women with (n = 15) and without (n = 12) endometriosis, followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to evaluate the gene expression of Nodal, Cripto, SMAD3, and SMAD4. Western blot was used to evaluate the protein levels of Nodal and Cripto, and immunohistochemistry was performed to localize SMAD3, pSMAD3, and SMAD4. RESULTS Although Nodal expression was unchanged in women with endometriosis, real-time PCR indicated lower gene expression of Cripto (fold change 0.27, P < .05) in the endometriosis group. This difference, however, was not maintained at protein expression level as assessed by Western blot. The immunostaining of total SMAD3 was reduced in the endometriosis group (P < .01), but the localization of pSMAD3 and the nuclear staining of SMAD4 were unchanged. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the Nodal signaling pathway has subtle changes in the endometrium of women with endometriosis, but this imbalance may not cause functional damage as it seems not to affect the nuclear expression of SMAD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Helen L Del Puerto
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza L Rocha
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Inês K Cavallo
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alessandra D Clarizia
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fernando M Reis
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Xu G, He J, Guo H, Mei C, Wang J, Li Z, Chen H, Mang J, Yang H, Xu Z. Activin A prevents neuron-like PC12 cell apoptosis after oxygen-glucose deprivation. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:1016-24. [PMID: 25206395 PMCID: PMC4145885 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, PC12 cells were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells using nerve growth factor, and were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation. Cells were treated with 0, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 ng/mL exogenous Activin A. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and Hoechst 33324 staining showed that the survival percentage of PC12 cells significantly decreased and the rate of apoptosis significantly increased after oxygen-glucose deprivation. Exogenous Activin A significantly increased the survival percentage of PC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Reverse transcription-PCR results revealed a significant increase in Activin receptor IIA, Smad3 and Smad4 mRNA levels, which are key sites in the Activin A/Smads signaling pathway, in neuron-like cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation, while mRNA expression of the apoptosis-regulation gene caspase-3 decreased. Our experimental findings indicate that exogenous Activin A plays an anti-apoptotic role and protects neurons by means of activating the Activin A/Smads signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Xu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China ; Department of Neurology, Changchun Central Hospital, Changchun 130051, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jinting He
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hongliang Guo
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Chunli Mei
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jiaoqi Wang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhongshu Li
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Han Chen
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jing Mang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhongxin Xu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
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