Prion protein alters viral control and enhances pathology after perinatal cytomegalovirus infection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection poses risks to newborns, necessitating effective therapies. Given that the damage includes both viral infection of brain cells and immune system-related damage, here we investigate the involvement of cellular prion protein (PrP), which plays vital roles in neuroprotection and immune regulation. Using a murine model, we show the role of PrP in tempering neonatal T cell immunity during CMV infection. PrP-null mice exhibit enhanced viral control through elevated virus-specific CD8 T cell responses, leading to reduced viral titers and pathology. We further unravel the molecular mechanisms by showing CMV-induced upregulation followed by release of PrP via the metalloproteinase ADAM10, impairing CD8 T cell response specifically in neonates. Additionally, we confirm PrP downregulation in human CMV (HCMV)-infected fibroblasts, underscoring the broader relevance of our observations beyond the murine model. Furthermore, our study highlights how PrP, under the stress of viral pathogenesis, reveals its impact on neonatal immune modulation.

Analytical approaches to assess metabolic changes in psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the most common human skin diseases, although its development is not limited to one tissue, but is associated with autoimmune reactions throughout the body. Overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors systemically stimulates the proliferation of skin cells, which manifests as excessive exfoliation of the epidermis, and/or arthritis, as well as other comorbidities such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and depression. Thus, there is a great need for a thorough analysis of the pathophysiology of psoriatic patients, including classical methods, such as spectrophotometry, chromatography, or Western blot, and also novel omics approaches such as lipidomics and proteomics. Moreover, the extensive pathophysiology forces increased research examining biological changes in both skin cells, and systemically. A wide range of techniques involved in lipidomic research based on a combination of mass spectrometry and different types of chromatography (RP-LC-QTOF-MS/MS, HILIC-QTOF-MS/MS or RP-LC-QTRAP-MS/MS), have allowed comprehensive assessment of lipid modification in psoriatic skin and provided new insight into the role of lipids and their mechanism of action in psoriasis. Moreover, proteomic analysis using gel-nanoLC-OrbiTrap-MS/MS, as well as MALDI-TOF/TOF techniques facilitates the description of panels of enzymes involved in lipidome modifications, and the response of the endocannabinoid system to metabolic changes. Psoriasis is known to alter the expression of proteins that are involved in the inflammatory and antioxidant response, as well as protein biosynthesis, degradation, as well as cell proliferation and apoptosis. Knowledge of changes in the lipidomic and proteomic profile will not only allow the understanding of psoriasis pathophysiology, but also facilitate proper and early diagnosis and effective pharmacotherapy.

Distinct contributions of meprins to skin regeneration after injury - Meprin α a physiological processer of pro-collagen VII

•

Meprins subtly support epidermal and dermal skin wound healing.

•

Loss of both meprins reduces re-epithelialization and wound macrophage abundance.

•

Meprin α is a physiological maturing proteinase of collagen VII.

•

Meprins are reduced in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa skin.

Astacin-like proteinases (ALPs) are regulators of tissue and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. They convey this property through their ability to convert ECM protein pro-forms to functional mature proteins and by regulating the bioavailability of growth factors that stimulate ECM synthesis. The most studied ALPs in this context are the BMP-1/tolloid-like proteinases. The other subclass of ALPs in vertebrates – the meprins, comprised of meprin α and meprin β – are emerging as regulators of tissue and ECM homeostasis but have so far been only limitedly investigated. Here, we functionally assessed the roles of meprins in skin wound healing using mice genetically deficient in one or both meprins. Meprin deficiency did not change the course of macroscopic wound closure. However, subtle but distinct contributions of meprins to the healing process and dermal homeostasis were observed. Loss of both meprins delayed re-epithelialization and reduced macrophage infiltration. Abnormal dermal healing and ECM regeneration was observed in meprin deficient wounds. Our analyses also revealed meprin α as one proteinase responsible for maturation of pro-collagen VII to anchoring fibril-forming-competent collagen VII in vivo. Collectively, our study identifies meprins as subtle players in skin wound healing.

hTERT-Driven Immortalization of RDEB Fibroblast and Keratinocyte Cell Lines Followed by Cre-Mediated Transgene Elimination

The recessive form of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a crippling disease caused by impairments in the junctions of the dermis and the basement membrane of the epidermis. Using ectopic expression of hTERT/hTERT + BMI-1 in primary cells, we developed expansible cultures of RDEB fibroblasts and keratinocytes. We showed that they display the properties of their founders, including morphology, contraction ability and expression of the respective specific markers including reduced secretion of type VII collagen (C7). The immortalized keratinocytes retained normal stratification in 3D skin equivalents. The comparison of secreted protein patterns from immortalized RDEB and healthy keratinocytes revealed the differences in the contents of the extracellular matrix that were earlier observed specifically for RDEB. We demonstrated the possibility to reverse the genotype of immortalized cells to the state closer to the progenitors by the Cre-dependent hTERT switch off. Increased β-galactosidase activity and reduced proliferation of fibroblasts were shown after splitting out of transgenes. We anticipate our cell lines to be tractable models for studying RDEB from the level of single-cell changes to the evaluation of 3D skin equivalents. Our approach permits the creation of standardized and expandable models of RDEB that can be compared with the models based on primary cell cultures.

The Effect of Herbal Medicinal Products on Psoriasis-Like Keratinocytes

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the epidermis. New biological drugs were developed for the systemic treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. However, products for the topical treatment of mild psoriasis are still required. Here, we examined the effect of natural compounds on psoriasis-like keratinocytes in vitro and ex vivo. Psoriasis-like keratinocytes were generated by treating human primary keratinocytes with the psoriasis-associated cytokines IL-17A, TNF-α and IL-22. Initially, 10 botanical extracts from Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Northern American traditional medicine and Occidental Monastic Medicine were investigated using BrdU assays and IL-6 and IL-8 ELISAs. Curcuma amada, Humulus lupulus and Hypericum perforatum turned out to be the most effective plant extracts. In vitro, the plant extracts inhibited the expression of anti-microbial peptides (β-defensin 2), the hyperproliferation marker keratin 17, the glucose transporter 1 and downregulated the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and pSTAT3. In an ex vivo psoriasis model, Humulus lupulus displayed the most prominent anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effect. In conclusion, among the plant extracts investigated, Humulus lupulus showed the most promising anti-psoriatic effect. It is an interesting candidate for topical psoriasis treatment that should be further studied in clinical trials.

Diversity of Mechanisms Underlying Latent TGF-β Activation in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Injury- and inflammation-driven progressive dermal fibrosis is a severe manifestation of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa-a genetic skin blistering disease caused by mutations in COL7A1. TGF-β activation plays a prominent part in progressing dermal fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. TGF-β is secreted in a latent form, which has to be activated for its biological functions. In this study, we determined that recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa fibroblasts have an enhanced capacity to activate the latent form. Mechanistic and functional assessment demonstrated that this process depends on multiple latent TGF-β activators, including TSP-1, RGD-binding integrins, matrix metalloproteinases, and ROS, which act in concert, in a self-perpetuating feedback loop to progress fibrosis. Importantly, our study also disclosed keratinocytes as prominent facilitators of fibrosis in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. They stimulate microenvironmental latent TGF-β activation through enhanced production of the above mediators. Collectively, our study provides data on the molecular mechanism behind dysregulated TGF-β signaling in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, which are much needed for the development of evidence-based fibrosis-delaying treatments.

Skin proteomics - analysis of the extracellular matrix in health and disease

INTRODUCTION

The skin protects the human body from external insults and regulates water and temperature homeostasis. A highly developed extracellular matrix (ECM) supports the skin and instructs its cell functions. Reduced functionality of the ECM is often associated with skin diseases that cause physical impairment and also have implications on social interactions and quality of life of affected individuals.

AREAS COVERED

With a focus on the skin ECM we discuss how mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic approaches first contributed to establishing skin protein inventories and then facilitated elucidation of molecular functions and disease mechanisms.

EXPERT OPINION

MS-based proteomic approaches have significantly contributed to our understanding of skin pathophysiology, but also revealed the challenges in assessing the skin ECM. The numerous posttranslational modifications of ECM proteins, like glycosylation, crosslinking, oxidation, and proteolytic maturation in disease settings can be difficult to tackle and remain understudied. Increased ease of handling of LC-MS/MS systems and automated/streamlined data analysis pipelines together with the accompanying increased usage of LC-MS/MS approaches will ensure that in the coming years MS-based proteomic approaches will continue to play a vital part in skin disease research. They will facilitate the elucidation of molecular disease mechanisms and, ultimately, identification of new druggable targets.

Proteomic characterization of HaCaT keratinocytes provides new insights into changes associated with SDS exposure

Background

Using human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line model, we screened for proteins that changed their content due to SDS exposure in non-toxic dose (25 μg/ml, as determined by the MTT assay and microscopic examination) during 48 h.

Methods

The altered level of proteins from HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to SDS was analyzed by LC-MS/MS approach and quantified using Progenesis LC software.

Results

The Pathview map of 131 upregulated proteins was built, and enhancement of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis was found.

Conclusions

The results of our study admit the possibility of promotion of the cutaneous neoplasia and/or the peculiarity of the response of immortalized keratinocytes to the SDS treatment and provide new insights into possible role of SDS as integrator of diverse signaling that influence cell fate decisions.

Injury- and inflammation-driven skin fibrosis: The paradigm of epidermolysis bullosa

Genetic or acquired destabilization of the dermal extracellular matrix evokes injury- and inflammation-driven progressive soft tissue fibrosis. Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), a heritable human skin fragility disorder, is a paradigmatic disease to investigate these processes. Studies of DEB have generated abundant new information on cellular and molecular mechanisms at play in skin fibrosis which are not only limited to intractable diseases, but also applicable to some of the most common acquired conditions. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the biological and mechanical mechanisms driving the dermal fibrosis in DEB. Much of this progress is owed to the implementation of cell and tissue omics studies, which we pay special attention to. Based on the novel findings and increased understanding of the disease mechanisms in DEB, translational aspects and future therapeutic perspectives are emerging.

UV-B-induced cutaneous inflammation and prospects for antioxidant treatment in Kindler syndrome

Kindler syndrome (KS), a rare, autosomal recessive disorder comprises mechanical skin fragility and photosensitivity, which manifest early in life. The progression of the disorder is irreversible and results in tissue damage in form of cutaneous and mucosal atrophy and scarring and epithelial cancers. Here, we unravel molecular mechanisms of increased UV-B sensitivity of keratinocytes derived from KS patients. We show that the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, are upregulated in KS skin and in UV-B irradiated KS keratinocytes. These cytokines are dependent on p38 activation, which is increased in the absence of kindlin-1 and induced by higher ROS levels. Other dysregulated cytokines and growth factors were identified in this study and might be involved in paracrine interactions contributing to KS pathology. We show a direct relationship between kindlin-1 abundance and UV-B induced apoptosis in keratinocytes, whereas kindlin-2 overexpression has no compensatory effect. Importantly, low levels of kindlin-1 are sufficient to relieve or rescue this feature. Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and of UV-B induced apoptosis is a valid therapeutic goal to influence long term complications of KS. Here, we demonstrate that antioxidants and the plant flavonoid luteolin represent feasible topical therapeutic approaches decreasing UV-B induced apoptosis in two-dimensional and organotypic KS cultures. We provide evidence for potential new therapeutic approaches to mitigate the progressive course of KS, for which no cure is available to date. Furthermore, we established organotypic KS models, a valuable in vitro tool for research with a morphology similar to the skin of patients in situ.

Methods to Study the BECN1 Interactome in the Course of Autophagic Responses

Autophagy is an extremely dynamic process that mediates the rapid degradation of intracellular components in response to different stress conditions. The autophagic response is executed by specific protein complexes, whose function is regulated by posttranslational modifications and interactions with positive and negative regulators. A comprehensive analysis of how autophagy complexes are temporally modified upon stress stimuli is therefore particularly relevant to understand how this pathway is regulated. Here, we describe a method to define the protein-protein interaction network of a central complex involved in autophagy induction, the Beclin 1 complex. This method is based on the quantitative comparison of protein complexes immunopurified at different time points using a stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture approach. Understanding how the Beclin 1 complex dynamically changes in response to different stress stimuli may provide useful insights to disclose novel molecular mechanisms responsible for the dysregulation of autophagy in pathological conditions, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and infections.

Activation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity by a Recombinant Human Cytomegalovirus Strain Expressing an NKG2D Ligand

Development of an effective vaccine against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a need of utmost medical importance. Generally, it is believed that a live attenuated vaccine would best provide protective immunity against this tenacious pathogen. Here, we propose a strategy for an HCMV vaccine that aims at the simultaneous activation of innate and adaptive immune responses. An HCMV strain expressing the host ligand ULBP2 for the NKG2D receptor was found to be susceptible to control by natural killer (NK) cells, and preserved the ability to stimulate HCMV-specific T cells. Infection with the ULBP2-expressing HCMV strain caused diminished cell surface levels of MHC class I molecules. While expression of the NKG2D ligand increased the cytolytic activity of NK cells, NKG2D engagement in CD8+ T cells provided co-stimulation and compensated for lower MHC class I expression. Altogether, our data indicate that triggering of both arms of the immune system is a promising approach applicable to the generation of a live attenuated HCMV vaccine.

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in congenitally infected newborns and immunocompromised individuals, indicating an utmost need for a vaccine to protect these vulnerable groups. Recent experimental studies in animal models, including non-human primates, have shown that attenuated CMVs trigger a potent immune response and are attractive vaccine candidates. However, an effective CMV vaccine is still not available. Here, we demonstrate that rational engineering of a live attenuated human CMV vaccine candidate is feasible. We equipped a CMV strain with an immunostimulatory molecule that is a ligand for an activating receptor present on both Natural Killer cells and CD8+ T cells. Moreover, we deleted several immunoevasins involved in downregulation of MHC class I molecules and of a ligand for Natural Killer cells in order to elicit stronger immune responses. In vitro assays using human immune cells and a first assessment in a humanized mouse model in vivo suggest that the generated CMV strain is attenuated and has the ability to induce a virus-specific immune response. Our study proposes this novel approach for the development of a rationally engineered CMV vaccine.

Human dermal fibroblasts in psychiatry research

In order to decipher the disease etiology, progression and treatment of multifactorial human brain diseases we utilize a host of different experimental models. Recently, patient-derived human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cultures have re-emerged as promising in vitro functional system for examining various cellular, molecular, metabolic and (patho)physiological states and traits of psychiatric disorders. HDF studies serve as a powerful complement to postmortem and animal studies, and often appear to be informative about the altered homeostasis in neural tissue. Studies of HDFs from patients with schizophrenia (SZ), depression, bipolar disorder (BD), autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric disorders have significantly advanced our understanding of these devastating diseases. These reports unequivocally prove that signal transduction, redox homeostasis, circadian rhythms and gene*environment (G*E) interactions are all amenable for assessment by the HDF model. Furthermore, the reported findings suggest that this underutilized patient biomaterial, combined with modern molecular biology techniques, may have both diagnostic and prognostic value, including prediction of response to therapeutic agents.

Crucial role of posttranslational modifications of integrin α3 in interstitial lung disease and nephrotic syndrome

Interstitial lung disease, nephrotic syndrome and junctional epidermolysis bullosa is an autosomal recessive multiorgan disorder caused by mutations in the gene for the integrin α3 subunit (ITGA3). The full spectrum of manifestations and genotype-phenotype correlations is still poorly characterized. Here, we uncovered the disease-causing role and the molecular mechanisms underlying a homozygous ITGA3 mutation leading to the single amino acid substitution, p.R463W. The patient suffered from respiratory distress and episodes of cyanosis with onset in the first week of life and had a nephrotic syndrome. Although there was no clinical evidence for cutaneous fragility, the analysis of a skin sample and of skin epithelial cells enabled the direct assessment of the authentic mutant protein. We show that the mutation altered the conformation of the extracellular β-propeller domain of the integrin α3 subunit preventing correct processing of N-linked oligosaccharides, heterodimerization with β1 integrin and maturation through cleavage into heavy and light chains in the Golgi. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that the mutant protein accumulated intracellularly, but it was not present in focal adhesions or on the cell membrane as shown by flow cytometry. These findings highlight that single amino acid changes in the integrin α3 subunit may crucially alter the structure and complex processing of this integrin, completely preventing its functionality. The present report also underscores that ITGA3 mutations may account for atypical cases solely with early onset respiratory and renal involvement.

RhoA activation by CNFy restores cell-cell adhesion in kindlin-2-deficient keratinocytes

Kindlins are a family of integrin adapter and cell-matrix adhesion proteins causally linked to human genetic disorders. Kindlin-2 is a ubiquitously expressed protein with manifold functions and interactions. The contribution of kindlin-2 to integrin-based cell-matrix adhesions has been extensively explored, while other integrin-independent roles emerge. Because of the early involvement of kindlin-2 in development, no viable animal models with its constitutional knockout are available to study its physiological functions in adult skin. Here, we uncovered a critical physiological role of kindlin-2 in the epidermis by using a skin-equivalent model with shRNA-mediated knock-down of kindlin-2 in keratinocytes. Kindlin-2-deficient keratinocytes built stratified epidermal layers, but displayed impaired dermal-epidermal and intra-epidermal adhesion and barrier function. Co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that kindlin-2 interacts with both integrin- and cadherin-based adhesions. In kindlin-2-deficient keratinocytes, reduced cell-cell adhesion was associated with abnormal cytoplasmic distribution of adherens junctions and desmosomal proteins, which was dependent on RhoA activation. Direct activation of RhoA with recombinant bacterial cytotoxic necrotizing factor y (CNFy) reverted the abnormal phenotype and barrier function of kindlin-2-deficient keratinocytes and skin equivalents. These findings have physiological and pathological significance, since kindlin-2 expression modulates the phenotype in Kindler syndrome, a skin fragility disorder caused by kindlin-1 deficiency. Our results suggest that pharmacological regulation of RhoGTPase activity may represent a therapeutic option for skin fragility.

Tissue-engineered kidney disease models

Renal disease represents a major health problem that often results in end-stage renal failure necessitating dialysis and eventually transplantation. Historically these diseases have been studied with patient observation and screening, animal models, and two-dimensional cell culture. In this review, we focus on recent advances in tissue engineered kidney disease models that have the capacity to compensate for the limitations of traditional modalities. The cells and materials utilized to develop these models are discussed and tissue engineered models of polycystic kidney disease, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, and the glomerulus are examined in detail. The application of these models has the potential to direct future disease treatments and preclinical drug development.

The hallmarks of fibroblast ageing

Ageing is influenced by the intrinsic disposition delineating what is maximally possible and extrinsic factors determining how that frame is individually exploited. Intrinsic and extrinsic ageing processes act on the dermis, a post-mitotic skin compartment mainly consisting of extracellular matrix and fibroblasts. Dermal fibroblasts are long-lived cells constantly undergoing damage accumulation and (mal-)adaptation, thus constituting a powerful indicator system for human ageing. Here, we use the systematic of ubiquitous hallmarks of ageing (Lopez-Otin et al., 2013, Cell 153) to categorise the available knowledge regarding dermal fibroblast ageing. We discriminate processes inducible in culture from phenomena apparent in skin biopsies or primary cells from old donors, coming to the following conclusions: (i) Fibroblasts aged in culture exhibit most of the established, ubiquitous hallmarks of ageing. (ii) Not all of these hallmarks have been detected or investigated in fibroblasts aged in situ (in the skin). (iii) Dermal fibroblasts aged in vitro and in vivo exhibit additional features currently not considered ubiquitous hallmarks of ageing. (iv) The ageing process of dermal fibroblasts in their physiological tissue environment has only been partially elucidated, although these cells have been a preferred model of cell ageing in vitro for decades.

Altered MCM protein levels and autophagic flux in aged and systemic sclerosis dermal fibroblasts

Aging is a common risk factor of many disorders. With age, the level of insoluble extracellular matrix increases leading to increased stiffness of a number of tissues. Matrix accumulation can also be observed in fibrotic disorders, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although the intrinsic aging process in skin is phenotypically distinct from SSc, here we demonstrate similar behavior of aged and SSc skin fibroblasts in culture. We have used quantitative proteomics to characterize the phenotype of dermal fibroblasts from healthy subjects of various ages and from patients with SSc. Our results demonstrate that proteins involved in DNA and RNA processing decrease with age and in SSc, while those involved in mitochondrial and other metabolic processes behave the opposite. Specifically, mini-chromosome maintenance (MCM) helicase proteins are less abundant with age and SSc, and they exhibit an altered subcellular distribution. We observed that lower levels of MCM7 correlate with reduced cell proliferation, lower autophagic capacity and higher intracellular protein expression phenotypes of aged and SSc cells. Additionally, we show that SSc fibroblasts exhibit higher levels of senescence than their healthy counterparts, suggesting further similarities between the fibrotic disorder and the aging process. Hence, at the molecular level, SSc fibroblasts exhibit intrinsic characteristics of fibroblasts from aged skin.

Consistency of the proteome in primary human keratinocytes with respect to gender, age, and skin localization

Keratinocytes account for 95% of all cells of the epidermis, the stratified squamous epithelium forming the outer layer of the skin, in which a significant number of skin diseases takes root. Immortalized keratinocyte cell lines are often used as research model systems providing standardized, reproducible, and homogenous biological material. Apart from that, primary human keratinocytes are frequently used for medical studies because the skin provides an important route for drug administration and is readily accessible for biopsies. However, comparability of these cell systems is not known. Cell lines may undergo phenotypic shifts and may differ from the in vivo situation in important aspects. Primary cells, on the other hand, may vary in biological functions depending on gender and age of the donor and localization of the biopsy specimen. Here we employed metabolic labeling in combination with quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to assess A431 and HaCaT cell lines for their suitability as model systems. Compared with cell lines, comprehensive profiling of the primary human keratinocyte proteome with respect to gender, age, and skin localization identified an unexpected high proteomic consistency. The data were analyzed by an improved ontology enrichment analysis workflow designed for the study of global proteomics experiments. It enables a quick, comprehensive and unbiased overview of altered biological phenomena and links experimental data to literature. We guide through our workflow, point out its advantages compared with other methods and apply it to visualize differences of cell lines compared with primary human keratinocytes.

Global remodelling of cellular microenvironment due to loss of collagen VII

Loss of collagen VII causes recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Quantitative proteomics analysis of the extracellular matrix and secretome of human fibroblasts derived from pathologically altered skin reveals a global remodelling of the cellular microenvironment.

A global analysis of the microenvironment of human skin fibroblasts was carried out to reveal disease-related alterations in the extracellular proteome.

The loss of collagen VII causes a deregulation of the basement membrane and dermal matrix proteome.

Post-translational modifications of secreted proteins were altered in fibroblasts from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa samples.

Metalloproteases displayed reduced activity and turnover in collagen VII-deficient cells.

The mammalian cellular microenvironment is shaped by soluble factors and structural components, the extracellular matrix, providing physical support, regulating adhesion and signalling. A global, quantitative mass spectrometry strategy, combined with bioinformatics data processing, was developed to assess proteome differences in the microenvironment of primary human fibroblasts. We studied secreted proteins of fibroblasts from normal and pathologically altered skin and their post-translational modifications. The influence of collagen VII, an important structural component, which is lost in genetic skin fragility, was used as model. Loss of collagen VII had a global impact on the cellular microenvironment and was associated with proteome alterations highly relevant for disease pathogenesis including decrease in basement membrane components, increase in dermal matrix proteins, TGF-β and metalloproteases, but not higher protease activity. The definition of the proteome of fibroblast microenvironment and its plasticity in health and disease identified novel disease mechanisms and potential targets of intervention.

[New developments in hereditary blistering skin diseases]

Hereditary blistering skin diseases were described more than hundred years ago, but only the rapid scientific developments in molecular genetics in the last years have revealed the full spectrum of these diseases, delineated disease mechanisms and pointed to novel therapeutic strategies. Not only the classic forms of epidermolysis bullosa, but also new syndromic forms with multiorgan involvement, or skin fragility disorders that manifest with erosive, crusty lesions and pigment anomalies, instead of marked skin blistering belong to the group of hereditary blistering diseases. Understanding the biological functions of skin structures that provide intraepidermal and dermo-epidermal adhesion has furthered development of novel cell- and molecule-based therapies that are currently being tested in preclinical and clinical pilot trial settings.

Primary skin fibroblasts as a model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disorder. While most cases occur sporadic mutations in a growing number of genes including Parkin (PARK2) and PINK1 (PARK6) have been associated with the disease. Different animal models and cell models like patient skin fibroblasts and recombinant cell lines can be used as model systems for Parkinson's disease. Skin fibroblasts present a system with defined mutations and the cumulative cellular damage of the patients. PINK1 and Parkin genes show relevant expression levels in human fibroblasts and since both genes participate in stress response pathways, we believe fibroblasts advantageous in order to assess, e.g. the effect of stressors. Furthermore, since a bioenergetic deficit underlies early stage Parkinson's disease, while atrophy underlies later stages, the use of primary cells seems preferable over the use of tumor cell lines. The new option to use fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells redifferentiated into dopaminergic neurons is an additional benefit. However, the use of fibroblast has also some drawbacks. We have investigated PARK6 fibroblasts and they mirror closely the respiratory alterations, the expression profiles, the mitochondrial dynamics pathology and the vulnerability to proteasomal stress that has been documented in other model systems. Fibroblasts from patients with PARK2, PARK6, idiopathic Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 demonstrated a distinct and unique mRNA expression pattern of key genes in neurodegeneration. Thus, primary skin fibroblasts are a useful Parkinson's disease model, able to serve as a complement to animal mutants, transformed cell lines and patient tissues.

Kindlin-1 and -2 have overlapping functions in epithelial cells implications for phenotype modification

Kindlins are a novel family of intracellular adaptor proteins in integrin-containing focal adhesions. Kindlin-1 and -2 are expressed in the skin, but whether and how they cooperate in adult epithelial cells have remained elusive. We uncovered the overlapping roles of kindlin-1 and -2 in maintaining epithelial integrity and show that the phenotype of kindlin-1-deficient cells can be modulated by regulating kindlin-2 gene expression and vice versa. The experimental evidence is provided by use of human keratinocyte cell lines that express both kindlins, just kindlin-1 or kindlin-2, or none of them. Double deficiency of kindlin-1 and -2 had significant negative effects on focal adhesion formation and actin cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion, survival, directional migration, and activation of β(1) integrin, whereas deficiency of one kindlin only showed variable perturbation of these functions. Cell motility and formation of cell-cell contacts were particularly affected by lack of kindlin-2. These results predict that kindlin-1 and -2 can functionally compensate for each other, at least in part. The high physiologic and pathologic significance of the compensation was emphasized by the discovery of environmental regulation of kindlin-2 expression. UV-B irradiation induced loss of kindlin-2 in keratinocytes. This first example of environmental regulation of kindlin expression has implications for phenotype modulation in Kindler syndrome, a skin disorder caused by kindlin-1 deficiency.