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Becker A, Filipp M, Lantz C, Glinton K, Thorp EB. HIF-1α is Required to Differentiate the Neonatal Macrophage Secretome from Adults. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.24.591000. [PMID: 38712137 PMCID: PMC11071477 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.24.591000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The immune response to stress diverges with age, with neonatal macrophages implicated in tissue regeneration versus tissue scarring and maladaptive inflammation in adults. Integral to the macrophage stress response is the recognition of hypoxia and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are often coupled. The age-specific, cell-intrinsic nature of this stress response remains vague. To uncover age-defined divergences in macrophage crosstalk potential after exposure to hypoxia and PAMPs, we interrogated the secreted proteomes of neonatal versus adult macrophages via non-biased mass spectrometry. Through this approach, we newly identified age-specific signatures in the secretomes of neonatal versus adult macrophages in response to hypoxia and the prototypical PAMP, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Neonatal macrophages polarized to an anti-inflammatory, regenerative phenotype protective against apoptosis and oxidative stress, dependent on hypoxia inducible transcription factor-1α ( HIF-1α). In contrast, adult macrophages adopted a pro-inflammatory, glycolytic phenotypic signature consistent with pathogen killing. Taken together, these data uncover fundamental age and HIF-1α dependent macrophage programs that may be targeted to calibrate the innate immune response during stress and inflammation.
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Michalicha A, Belcarz A, Giannakoudakis DA, Staniszewska M, Barczak M. Designing Composite Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Wound Healing Applications: The State-of-the-Art and Recent Discoveries. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:278. [PMID: 38255446 PMCID: PMC10817689 DOI: 10.3390/ma17020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Effective wound treatment has become one of the most important challenges for healthcare as it continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Therefore, wound care technologies significantly evolved in order to provide a holistic approach based on various designs of functional wound dressings. Among them, hydrogels have been widely used for wound treatment due to their biocompatibility and similarity to the extracellular matrix. The hydrogel formula offers the control of an optimal wound moisture level due to its ability to absorb excess fluid from the wound or release moisture as needed. Additionally, hydrogels can be successfully integrated with a plethora of biologically active components (e.g., nanoparticles, pharmaceuticals, natural extracts, peptides), thus enhancing the performance of resulting composite hydrogels in wound healing applications. In this review, the-state-of-the-art discoveries related to stimuli-responsive hydrogel-based dressings have been summarized, taking into account their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hemostatic properties, as well as other effects (e.g., re-epithelialization, vascularization, and restoration of the tissue) resulting from their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Michalicha
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Belcarz
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Staniszewska
- Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1J, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mariusz Barczak
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 20031 Lublin, Poland
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Nguyen MT, Dash R, Jeong K, Lee W. Role of Actin-Binding Proteins in Skeletal Myogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:2523. [PMID: 37947600 PMCID: PMC10650911 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of skeletal muscle quantity and quality is essential to ensure various vital functions of the body. Muscle homeostasis is regulated by multiple cytoskeletal proteins and myogenic transcriptional programs responding to endogenous and exogenous signals influencing cell structure and function. Since actin is an essential component in cytoskeleton dynamics, actin-binding proteins (ABPs) have been recognized as crucial players in skeletal muscle health and diseases. Hence, dysregulation of ABPs leads to muscle atrophy characterized by loss of mass, strength, quality, and capacity for regeneration. This comprehensive review summarizes the recent studies that have unveiled the role of ABPs in actin cytoskeletal dynamics, with a particular focus on skeletal myogenesis and diseases. This provides insight into the molecular mechanisms that regulate skeletal myogenesis via ABPs as well as research avenues to identify potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, this review explores the implications of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) targeting ABPs in skeletal myogenesis and disorders based on recent achievements in ncRNA research. The studies presented here will enhance our understanding of the functional significance of ABPs and mechanotransduction-derived myogenic regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, revealing how ncRNAs regulate ABPs will allow diverse therapeutic approaches for skeletal muscle disorders to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Thi Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Dongguk University College of Medicine, 123 Dongdae-ro, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea; (M.T.N.); (K.J.)
| | - Raju Dash
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, 123 Dongdae-ro, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea;
- Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuho Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, Dongguk University College of Medicine, 123 Dongdae-ro, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea; (M.T.N.); (K.J.)
| | - Wan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Dongguk University College of Medicine, 123 Dongdae-ro, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea; (M.T.N.); (K.J.)
- Channelopathy Research Center, Dongguk University College of Medicine, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsan Dong-gu, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
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Lin C, Qiu L, Wang P, Zhang B, Yan L, Zhao C. Thymosin beta-4 participate in antibacterial immunity and wound healing in black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 141:109065. [PMID: 37689229 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a ubiquitous protein with multiple and diverse intracellular and extracellular functions in vertebrates, which play fundamental roles in innate immune against pathogens and wound healing. In this study, the full-length cDNA of Tβ4 was cloned from Penaeus monodon (designated as PmTβ4), using the technology of rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The cDNA of PmTβ4 was 1361 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 501 bp, which encoding a polypeptide of 166 amino acid. The Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis results showed that PmTβ4 was ubiquitously expressed in all the tested shrimp tissues, with the highest expression level was detected in the hemolymph, while the lowest expression level in the muscle. The expression level of PmTβ4 was significantly up-regulated in hepatopancreas after challenged by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio harveyi and Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro antimicrobial test showed that the recombinant protein of PmTβ4 (rPmTβ4) had broad-spectrum of antimicrobial activity, which could inhibit both the growth of gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria, including Vibrio vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, Streptococcus agalactiae, S. aureus and Aeromonas hydrophila. Moreover, rPmTβ4 had a certain binding ability to different bacteria, and this binding ability exhibits a strong dose-dependent effect. In vivo, PmTβ4 could facilitate external bacterial clearance in shrimp, and have beneficial to shrimp survival post V. parahaemolyticus infection. Furthermore, wound-healing assay was carried out to study the role of PmTβ4 in the process of wound healing. The results showed that the PmTβ4 expression was significantly up-regulated by injury treatment, and exerted positive effects to promote wound healing. In addition, PmTβ4 can significantly increase the expression level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) after injury treatment in shrimp, which would involve in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by the wound. In conclusion, these results indicated that PmTβ4 may play important roles in antibacterial immunity and wound healing in Penaeus monodon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhong Lin
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China; College of Aqua-life Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, PR China; Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Lihua Qiu
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China; Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, PR China; Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China; Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Bo Zhang
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China; Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Lulu Yan
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China; Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chao Zhao
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China; Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Stewart W, Hejl C, Guleria RS, Gupta S. Effect of thymosin β4 on lipopolysaccharide‑stimulated brain microvascular endothelial cell remodeling: A possible role in blood‑brain barrier injury. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:468. [PMID: 37664684 PMCID: PMC10469577 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
War veterans, in particular, are more prone to mental illness as they are more likely to have encountered multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) whilst serving on active duty in war zone areas. A TBI is known to cause mortality or serious neurological disabilities among survivors and elicits a number of pathological processes, including neuroinflammation and blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption, leading to secondary brain damage and subsequent impairment of the neurovascular unit. Although several drugs exhibit promising effects for TBI, the repertoire of currently available therapeutic strategies remains limited. Thymosin 4 (Tβ4) is a 43-amino acid G-acting sequestering peptide that confers neuroprotective potential in TBI models. However, its role in BBB function remains unclear. Further research into the mechanism of BBB disruption induced by TBI and its specific role in neurovascular pathophysiology is necessary. In the present study, the protective effects of Tβ4 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated gene expression of several tight junction proteins, inflammatory genes, apoptotic genes, and adhesion genes in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMVECs), one of the pivotal cell types in the BBB, were reported. The results suggested that pretreatment with Tβ4 reversed the LPS-induced damage of BBB components in hBMVECs. Furthermore, these results identified neuregulin 1 as a possible target for Tβ4. Therefore, it is proposed that Tβ4-mediated cellular signaling in hBMVEC may be vital for understanding the association between the BBB and TBI pathophysiology, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Stewart
- Biomarkers & Genetics Core, VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Waco, TX 76711, USA
| | - Christina Hejl
- Biomarkers & Genetics Core, VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Waco, TX 76711, USA
| | - Rakeshwar S. Guleria
- Biomarkers & Genetics Core, VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Waco, TX 76711, USA
| | - Sudhiranjan Gupta
- Biomarkers & Genetics Core, VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Waco, TX 76711, USA
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Kim J, Lee C, Han J, Jeong H, Wang S, Choi YH, Jung Y. Targeted Deletion of Thymosin Beta 4 in Hepatic Stellate Cells Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis in a Transgenic Mouse Model. Cells 2023; 12:1658. [PMID: 37371128 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the most common feature of liver disease, and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main contributors to liver fibrosis. Thus, finding key targets that modulate HSC activation is important to prevent liver fibrosis. Previously, we showed that thymosin β4 (Tβ4) influenced HSC activation by interacting with the Hedgehog pathway in vitro. Herein, we generated Tβ4 conditional knockout (Tβ4-flox) mice to investigate in vivo functions of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis. To selectively delete Tβ4 in activated HSCs, double-transgenic (DTG) mice were generated by mating Tβ4-flox mice with α-smooth muscle actin (α-Sma)-Cre-ERT2 mice, and these mice were administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or underwent bile duct ligation to induce liver fibrosis. Tβ4 was selectively suppressed in the activated HSCs of DTG mouse liver, and this reduction attenuated liver injury, including fibrosis, in both fibrotic models by repressing Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In addition, the re-expression of Tβ4 by an adeno-associated virus reversed the effect of HSC-specific Tβ4 deletion and led to liver fibrosis with Hh activation in CCl4-exposed mice treated with tamoxifen. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that Tβ4 is a crucial regulator of HSC activation, suggesting it as a novel therapeutic target for curing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Institute of System Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanbin Lee
- Institute of System Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsol Han
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayeong Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sihyung Wang
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, Pusan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
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Sosne G, Berger EA. Thymosin beta 4: A potential novel adjunct treatment for bacterial keratitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:109953. [PMID: 37018981 PMCID: PMC10403815 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109953] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Microbial keratitis is a rapidly progressing, visually debilitating infection of the cornea that can lead to corneal scarring, endophthalmitis, and perforation. Corneal opacification or scarring, a complication of keratitis, is among the leading causes of legal blindness worldwide, second to cataracts.Pseudomonas aeruginosaandStaphylococcus aureusare the two bacteria most commonly associated with this type of infection. Risk factors include patients who are immunocompromised, those who have undergone refractive corneal surgery, and those with prior penetrating keratoplasty, as well as extended wear contact lens users. Current treatment of microbial keratitis primarily addresses the pathogen using antibiotics. Bacterial clearance is of utmost importance yet does not guarantee good visual outcome. Clinicians are often left to rely upon the eye's innate ability to heal itself, as there are limited options beyond antibiotics and corticosteroids for treating patients with corneal infection. Beyond antibiotics, agents in use, such as lubricating ointments, artificial tears, and anti-inflammatory drops, do not fully accommodate clinical needs and have many potential harmful complications. To this end, treatments are needed that both regulate the inflammatory response and promote corneal wound healing to resolve visual disturbances and improve quality of life. Thymosin beta 4 is a small, naturally occurring 43-amino-acid protein that promotes wound healing and reduces corneal inflammation and is currently in Phase 3 human clinical trials for dry eye disease. Our previous work has shown that topical Tβ4 as an adjunct to ciprofloxacin treatment reduces inflammatory mediators and inflammatory cell infiltrates (neutrophils/PMN and macrophages) while enhancing bacterial killing and wound healing pathway activation in an experimental model ofP. aeruginosa-induced keratitis. Adjunctive thymosin beta 4 treatment holds novel therapeutic potential to regulate and, optimally, resolve disease pathogenesis in the cornea and perhaps other infectious and immune-based inflammatory disease. We plan to establish the importance of thymosin beta 4 as a therapeutic agent in conjunction with antibiotics with high impact for immediate clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Sosne
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual & Anatomical Sciences, Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4717 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Berger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual & Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Thymus transplantation regulates blood pressure and alleviates hypertension-associated heart and kidney damage via transcription factors FoxN1 pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109798. [PMID: 36738681 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have found that thymus is involved in the process of hypertension. However, whether thymus transplantation alleviates target organ damage in hypertensive mice remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of thymus transplantation on blood pressure and target organ changes in mice with hypertension. Mice were randomly divided into normal control group (Con), hypertensive group (HTN) and thymus transplantation group (HTN + Trans). Thymus of neonatal mice was transplanted into the renal capsule of the transplantation group. After transplantation, the mouse tail noninvasive pressure was measured and heart function was evaluated weekly. Then mice were euthanized and organs or tissues were harvested at 4 weeks post-transplantation. The blood pressure of HTN + Trans group was lower than that in the HTN group. The expression of FoxN1, Aire, ATRAP, thymosin β4 and the content of sjTREC in thymus of HTN group was decreased and the number of naïve T cells in HTN group was lower compared with other two groups. The ratio of cTEC/mTEC in HTN group was higher than that in Con group and lower than that in HTN + Trans group. Cardiac pathology showed cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in HTN group whereas thymus transplantation improved heart function and structure. Altogether, our findings demonstrated thymus transplantation could improve thymus function of hypertensive mice, which increased the expression of thymus transcription factor FoxN1, affected the proportion of T cell subsets, and increased thymosin β4 thereby reducing blood pressure and reversing the progression of target organ damage.
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Piludu M, Pichiri G, Coni P, Piras M, Congiu T, Faa G, Lachowicz JI. Cell starvation increases uptake of extracellular Thymosin β4 and its complexes with calcium. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109743. [PMID: 36706591 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cell metastasis is the main cause of cancer mortality. Inhibiting early events during cell metastasis and invasion could significantly improve cancer prognosis, but the initial mechanisms of cell transition and migration are barely known. Calcium regulates cell migration, whilst Thymosin β4 is a G-actin and iron binding peptide associated with tumor metastasis and ferroptosis. Under normal cell growth conditions, intracellular free calcium ions and Thymosin β4 concentrations are strictly regulated, and are not influenced by extracellular supplementation. However, cell starvation decreases intracellular Thymosin β4 and increases extracellular peptide uptake above the normal range. Unexpectedly, cell starvation significantly increases internalization of extracellular Ca2+/Thymosin β4 complexes. Elucidating the role of Ca2+/Thymosin β4 in the early events of metastasis will likely be important in the future to develop therapies targeting metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Bako P, Lippai B, Nagy J, Kramer S, Kaszas B, Tornoczki T, Bock-Marquette I. Thymosin beta-4 - A potential tool in healing middle ear lesions in adult mammals. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109830. [PMID: 38706788 PMCID: PMC11068331 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109830] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Acute tympanic membrane perforations primarily occur due to injury or infection in humans. In acute cases, nearly 80-94 % of the perforations heal spontaneously. In chronic cases, non-surgical treatment becomes significantly limited, and the perforation can be restored only by myringoplasty. In addition to classical grafts such as the fascia or cartilage, promising results have been reported with various biological materials including silk or acellular collagen. However, despite of all the efforts, healing remains insufficient. Consequentially, a need for substances which actively promote tympanic cell migration and proliferation is deemed essential. In our study, we utilized Thymosin beta-4 (TB4), a 43aa peptide possessing many regenerative properties in various organ systems. Our aim was to reveal the impact of externally administered TB4 regarding impairments of the middle ear, particularly the tympanic membrane. We harvested tympanic membranes from adult mice and treated these with TB4 or PBS on both collagen gel matrixes and in the form of floating, ex vivo explants. Cell migration and proliferation was measured, while immunocytochemical analyses were performed to determine cell type and the nature of the targeted molecules. We discovered the peptide affects the behavior of epidermal and epithelial cells of the tympanic membrane in vitro. Moreover, as our initial results imply, it is not the differentiated, yet most likely the local epidermal progenitor cells which are the primary targets of the molecule. Our present results unveil a new, thus far undiscovered field regarding clinical utilization for TB4 in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bako
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Balint Lippai
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Jazmin Nagy
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Sofie Kramer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Balint Kaszas
- Department of Pathology, University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Tornoczki
- Department of Pathology, University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Ildiko Bock-Marquette
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
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An approach for identifying in silico peptides against authentic metabolites: in vitro characterization of thymosin β4 metabolites. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-022-00581-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Sarrand J, Baglione L, Parisis D, Soyfoo M. The Involvement of Alarmins in the Pathogenesis of Sjögren's Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105671. [PMID: 35628481 PMCID: PMC9145074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects exocrine glands, primarily the salivary and lachrymal glands. It is characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the glandular tissues, ultimately leading to their dysfunction and destruction. Besides classic dry eyes and dry mouth defined as sicca syndrome, patients affected by the disease also typically display symptoms such as fatigue, pain and in more than 50% of cases, systemic manifestations such as arthritis, interstitial lung involvement, neurological involvement and an increased risk of lymphoma. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying SS still remain elusive. The crucial role of innate immunity has been advocated in recent years regarding the pathogenesis of pSS, especially in the initiation and progression toward autoimmunity. Alarmins are endogenous molecules that belong to the large family of damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP). Alarmins are rapidly released, ensuing cell injury and interacting with pattern recognition receptors (PRR) such as toll-like receptors (TLR) to recruit and activate cells of the innate immune system and to promote adaptive immunity responses. This review highlights the current knowledge of various alarmins and their role in the pathogenesis of pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sarrand
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Laurie Baglione
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Dorian Parisis
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.B.); (D.P.)
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Muhammad Soyfoo
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.B.); (D.P.)
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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Mandale V, Thomas A, Wavhale R, Chitlange S. In-silico Screening of Phytoconstituents on Wound Healing Targets-Approaches and Current Status. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2021; 19:e301121198426. [PMID: 34847843 DOI: 10.2174/1570163819666211130141442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Over recent years, there has been tremendous research focused on the effective utilization of natural products in wound management. Natural or herbal products contain several phytoconstituents that may act on various stages in wound healing and thereby provide a multi-targeted approach especially in the treatment of chronic wounds. Currently, attempts have been made to screen the phytoconstituents present in herbs on various targets involved in wound healing. This review includes a systematic evaluation of scientific reports by various groups of researchers on the herbals evaluated for wound management, their phytochemical profiling, pre-clinical studies, and molecular modeling studies. Various wound targets discussed include Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ-4) that regulate the early inflammatory stage and the novel T cell immune response cDNA 7(TIRC7) that regulates angiogenesis. Also, neuropeptides P and Y act on the inflammatory, migratory, and proliferation phases, and growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor family (VEGF) and placental growth factor family (PGF) are involved in angiogenesis, while the role of Fibroblast growth factor in tissue remodeling is discussed. As many of the natural products include polyherbal systems, this approach can help in the judicious selection of a combination of herbs that will act on multiple targets in the wound healing process and provide a multi-factorial approach in wound management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Mandale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, MS. India
| | - Asha Thomas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, MS. India
| | - Ravindra Wavhale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, MS. India
| | - Sohan Chitlange
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, MS. India
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14
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Gonzalez-Franquesa A, Stocks B, Borg ML, Kuefner M, Dalbram E, Nielsen TS, Agrawal A, Pankratova S, Chibalin AV, Karlsson HKR, Gheibi S, Björnholm M, Jørgensen NR, Clemmensen C, Hostrup M, Treebak JT, Krook A, Zierath JR, Deshmukh AS. Discovery of thymosin β4 as a human exerkine and growth factor. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C770-C778. [PMID: 34495765 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00263.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is an endocrine organ secreting exercise-induced factors (exerkines), which play a pivotal role in interorgan cross talk. Using mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, we characterized the secretome and identified thymosin β4 (TMSB4X) as the most upregulated secreted protein in the media of contracting C2C12 myotubes. TMSB4X was also acutely increased in the plasma of exercising humans irrespective of the insulin resistance condition or exercise mode. Treatment of mice with TMSB4X did not ameliorate the metabolic disruptions associated with diet induced-obesity, nor did it enhance muscle regeneration in vivo. However, TMSB4X increased osteoblast proliferation and neurite outgrowth, consistent with its WADA classification as a prohibited growth factor. Therefore, we report TMSB4X as a human exerkine with a potential role in cellular cross talk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Gonzalez-Franquesa
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ben Stocks
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Melissa L Borg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Kuefner
- Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emilie Dalbram
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas S Nielsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ankita Agrawal
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Stanislava Pankratova
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | | | - Håkan K R Karlsson
- Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sevda Gheibi
- Diabetes - Molecular Metabolism Group, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Marie Björnholm
- Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Christoffer Clemmensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Hostrup
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas T Treebak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Krook
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juleen R Zierath
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Atul S Deshmukh
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Proteomics, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Zhang J, Long M, Sun Z, Yang C, Jiang X, He L, Su L, Peng Z. Association between Thymosin beta-4, acute kidney injury, and mortality in patients with sepsis: An observational cohort study. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108167. [PMID: 34607232 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome, associated with high risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and in-hospital mortality. Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is an actin-sequestering protein that can prevent inflammation in several tissues. Thus, we studied the role of Tβ4 in sepsis. METHODS The Tβ4 concentrations were prospectively measured in 191 patients within 6 h of the intensive care units (ICU) admission with diagnosis of sepsis. The cohort was divided into Tβ4 concentration tertiles: 1.19-7.11 ng/ml (n = 64), 7.12-11.01 ng/ml (n = 64), and 11.02-28.10 ng/ml (n = 63). RESULTS Of 191 patients, 92 patients developed AKI, 24 of whom received continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), 29 patients died within 7 days, and 53 patients died within 28 days. Lower Tβ4 stages were correlated with poor prognosis, including AKI(odds ratio [OR], 2.102 per stage lower; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.448 to 3.050; P < 0.001), CRRT(OR, 2.346 per stage lower; 95% CI, 1.287 to 4.276; P = 0.005), 7-day mortality(OR, 1.755 per stage lower; 95% CI, 1.050 to 2.935; P = 0.032), and 28-day mortality(OR, 1.821 per stage lower; 95% CI, 1.209 to 2.743; P = 0.004). Kaplan-Meier analysis also demonstrated that patients with lower Tβ4 stages had a high risk of AKI and death. In addition, the area under the curve (AUC) of Tβ4 for predicting AKI, CRRT, 7-day mortality, and 28-day mortality were, respectively, 0.702 (95% CI 0.628-0.776), 0.717 (95% CI 0.592-0.842), 0.694 (95% CI 0.579-0.808), and 0.682 (95% CI 0.598-0.767). CONCLUSIONS Lower Tβ4 stages are associated with higher odds of poor prognosis in ICU patients with sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Minghui Long
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhongyi Sun
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaofang Jiang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lianjiu Su
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Zhiyong Peng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; Hubei clinical research center for critical care medicine, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
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16
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Huang M, Gao S, Gao L, Liu D, Liu X, Sun Z, Deng H, Zhao B, Liu B, Li A, Pang Q. β-Thymosin is an essential regulator of stem cell proliferation and neuron regeneration in planarian (Dugesia japonica). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 121:104097. [PMID: 33831480 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
β-Thymosin is a multifunctional peptide ubiquitously expressed in vertebrates and invertebrates. Many studies have found β-thymosin is critical for wound healing, angiogenesis, cardiac repair, hair regrowth, and anti-fibrosis in vertebrates, and plays an important role in antimicrobial immunity in invertebrates. However, whether β-thymosin participates in the regeneration of organisms is still poorly understood. In this study, we identified a β-thymosin gene in Dugesia japonica which played an important role in stem cell proliferation and neuron regeneration during the tissue repair process in D. japonica. Sequencing analysis showed that β-thymosin contained two conserved β-thymosin domains and two actin-binding motifs, and had a high similarity with other β-thymosins of invertebrates. In situ or fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed that Djβ-thymosin was co-localized with DjPiWi in the neoblast cells of intact adult planarians and the blastema of regenerating planarians, suggesting Djβ-thymosin has a potential function of regeneration. Disruption Djβ-thymosin by RNA interference results in a slightly curled up head of planarian and stem cell proliferation defects. Additionally, we found that, upon amputation, Djβ-thymosin RNAi-treated animals had impaired regeneration ability, including impaired blastema formation, delayed eyespot formation, decreased brain area, and disrupted central CNS formation, implying Djβ-thymosin is an essential regulator of stem cell proliferation and neuron regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujie Huang
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Sijia Gao
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Lili Gao
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Dongwu Liu
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Xi Liu
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Zhe Sun
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Hongkuan Deng
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Bosheng Zhao
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China
| | - Baohua Liu
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Shenzhen University of Health Science Center, District Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ao Li
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China.
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China; Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, PR China.
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17
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Yu R, Lin Q, Zhai Y, Mao Y, Li K, Gao Y, Liu Y, Fu L, Fang T, Zhao M, Guan L, Hou L, Xu J, Chen W. Recombinant human thymosin beta-4 (rhTβ4) improved scalp condition and microbiome homeostasis in seborrheic dermatitis. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:2152-2163. [PMID: 34318587 PMCID: PMC8449661 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a recurrent common inflammatory skin disease that affects all ethnic groups in all regions worldwide. However, no specific treatment or preventive measure is yet available. Identifying effective treatments with acceptable safety and tolerability is desirable. In this study, scalp microbiota alterations were measured in SD, showing significantly greater abundance of Malassezia and Staphylococcus and diminished fungal and bacterial diversity compared with healthy controls. We investigated the benefit of a 4‐week treatment with 0.5 mg ml‐1 recombinant human thymosin β4 (rhTβ4) gel or 2% ketoconazole lotion on the scalp condition of 71 patients with SD compared with 21 healthy individuals. Clinical assessment (Adherent Scalp Flaking Score, and the Maximum Erythema Area) and physiological conditions (transepidermal water loss, hydration, and sebum secretion) were evaluated. The rhTβ4 treatment provided significantly greater efficacy than ketoconazole and a sustained effect in the treatment of scalp SD. More importantly, rhTβ4 dramatically improved the microbiome homeostasis and prompted a shift of scalp microflora towards healthy composition, helping symptoms and ameliorating physiological conditions more effectively and durably than ketoconazole. Our research demonstrated the scalp microbe dysbiosis of SD and highlighted rhTβ4 as a promising therapeutic strategy in the prevention and treatment of SD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Qingbin Lin
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfang Zhai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyun Mao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuemei Gao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Fu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Fang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Mengsu Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Guan
- Guangzhou Landproof testing technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Hou
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
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18
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Yoon HJ, Oh YL, Ko EJ, Kang A, Eo WK, Kim KH, Lee JY, Kim A, Chun S, Kim H, Ock MS, Cha HJ. Effects of thymosin β4-derived peptides on migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Genes Genomics 2021; 43:987-993. [PMID: 34170491 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-021-01127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a highly conserved actin binding protein associated with the metastatic potential of tumor cells by stimulating cell migration. The role of Tβ4 and its derived fragment peptides in migration of ovarian cancer cells has not been studied. OBJECTIVE To analyze the effects of Tβ4 and its derived fragment peptides on ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion, we applied Tβ4 and three Tβ4-derived synthetic peptides to SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. METHOD The migration and invasion of SKOV3 cells treated with Tβ4(1-43), Tβ4(1-15), Tβ4(12-26), Tβ4(23-), and untreated control were analyzed by in vitro migration and invasion assay with transwell plate. Cell proliferation assay was conducted to identify the effect of Tβ4 and its derived peptide on SKOV3 cell proliferation. The expression of Tβ4 related proteins related with cell proliferation was analyzed by Western blot after treatment with Tβ4 and its derived peptides. RESULTS Cell migration and invasion were significantly increased in Tβ4 peptide-treated SKOV3 cells compared with untreated control. All three Tβ4-derived fragment peptides including those without an actin binding site significantly stimulated migration and invasion of SKOV3 cells. Tβ4 and its derived peptide significantly stimulated SKOV3 cell proliferation and up-regulated the expression of RACK-1 protein. CONCLUSIONS The Tβ4 peptide and all of its derived fragment peptides including those without an actin binding motif stimulate migration and invasion of SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. All peptides significantly increased RACK-1 expression and cell proliferation of SKOV3 cells. These results suggest that Tβ4 stimulates migration and invasion of SKOV3 cells by stimulation of cell proliferation through up-regulation of RACK-1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Joon Yoon
- Department of Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Young Lim Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Ko
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ahyun Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Wan Kyu Eo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki Hyung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ari Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sungwook Chun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hongbae Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hallym University Medical Center, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mee Sun Ock
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea.
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Thapa K, Grewal AS, Kanojia N, Rani L, Sharma N, Singh S. Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Liver Diseases: Promising Molecular Drug Targets and their Clinical Development. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2021; 18:333-353. [PMID: 31965945 DOI: 10.2174/1570163817666200121143959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases have become a serious concern worldwide. Both these liver diseases have an identical pathology, starting from simple steatosis to cirrhosis and, ultimately to hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment options for alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are still the same as they were 50 years ago which include corticosteroids, pentoxifylline, antioxidants, nutritional support and abstinence; and for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), weight loss, insulin sensitizers, lipid-lowering agents and anti-oxidants are the only treatment options. Despite broad research in understanding the disease pathophysiology, limited treatments are available for clinical use. Some therapeutic strategies based on targeting a specific molecule have been developed to lessen the consequences of disease and are under clinical investigation. Therefore, focus on multiple molecular targets will help develop an efficient therapeutic strategy. This review comprises a brief overview of the pathogenesis of ALD and NAFLD; recent molecular drug targets explored for ALD and NAFLD that may prove to be effective for multiple therapeutic regimens and also the clinical status of these promising drug targets for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Thapa
- Chitkara University School of Basic Sciences, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ajmer Singh Grewal
- Chitkara University School of Basic Sciences, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Kanojia
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Lata Rani
- Chitkara University School of Basic Sciences, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
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20
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Dai B, Sha R, Yuan J, Liu D. Multiple potential roles of thymosin β4 in the growth and development of hair follicles. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1350-1358. [PMID: 33393222 PMCID: PMC7875905 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hair follicle (HF) is an important mini-organ of the skin, composed of many types of cells. Dermal papilla cells are important signalling components that guide the proliferation, upward migration and differentiation of HF stem cell progenitor cells to form other types of HF cells. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is involved in various cellular responses and has recently been shown to play key roles in HF growth and development. Endogenous Tβ4 can activate the mouse HF cycle transition and affect HF growth and development by promoting the migration and differentiation of HF stem cells and their progeny. In addition, exogenous Tβ4 increases the rate of hair growth in mice and promotes cashmere production by increasing the number of secondary HFs (hair follicles) in cashmere goats. However, the molecular mechanisms through which Tβ4 promotes HF growth and development have rarely been reported. Herein, we review the functions and mechanisms of Tβ4 in HF growth and development and describe the endogenous and exogenous actions of Tβ4 in HFs to provide insights into the roles of Tβ4 in HF growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Dai
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Reproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Ri‐Na Sha
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Pathology departmentThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Jian‐Long Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Clinical laboratoryThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Dong‐Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
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21
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Eshac Y, Redfern RL, Aakalu VK. The Role of Endogenous Antimicrobial Peptides in Modulating Innate Immunity of the Ocular Surface in Dry Eye Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020721. [PMID: 33450870 PMCID: PMC7828360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ocular surface has the challenging responsibility of maintaining a clear moist refractive surface while protecting the eye from exogenous pathogens and the environment. Homeostasis of the ocular surface, including its innate immune components, is altered in ocular surface disease states. In this review, we focus on antimicrobial peptides and the role they play in the immune response of the ocular surface during healthy states and dry eye diseases. Antimicrobial peptides are of special interest to the study of the ocular surface because of their various roles that include microbial threat neutralization, wound healing, and immune modulation. This review explores current literature on antimicrobial peptides in ocular surface diseases and discusses their therapeutic potential in ocular surface diseases and dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssof Eshac
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21131, Egypt;
| | - Rachel L. Redfern
- The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
| | - Vinay Kumar Aakalu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-312-996-9120
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22
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Thymosin β4 dynamics during chicken enteroid development. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 476:1303-1312. [PMID: 33301106 PMCID: PMC7873109 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-04008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The sheared avian intestinal villus-crypts exhibit high tendency to self-repair and develop enteroids in culture. Presuming that this transition process involves differential biomolecular changes, we employed matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF–MS) to find whether there were differences in the spectral profiles of sheared villi versus the enteroids, assessed in the mass range of 2–18 kDa. The results showed substantial differences in the intensities of the spectral peaks, one particularly corresponding to the mass of 4963 Da, which was significantly low in the sheared villus-crypts compared with the enteroids. Based on our previous results with other avian tissues and further molecular characterization by LC-ESI-IT-TOF–MS, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), the peak was identified to be thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a ubiquitously occurring regulatory peptide implicated in wound healing process. The identity of the peptide was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry which showed it to be present in a very low levels in the sheared villi but replete in the enteroids. Since Tβ4 sequesters G-actin preventing its polymerization to F-actin, we compared the changes in F-actin by its immunohistochemical localization that showed no significant differences between the sheared villi and enteroids. We propose that depletion of Tβ4 likely precedes villous reparation process. The possible mechanism for the differences in Tβ4 profile in relation to the healing of the villus-crypts to developing enteroids is discussed.
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Peptides from Animal Origin: A Systematic Review on Biological Sources and Effects on Skin Wounds. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:4352761. [PMID: 33149808 PMCID: PMC7603624 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4352761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Skin wounds are closely correlated with opportunistic infections and sepsis risk. Due to the need of more efficient healing drugs, animal peptides are emerging as new molecular platforms to accelerate skin wound closure and to prevent and control bacterial infection. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the preclinical evidence on the impact of animal peptides on skin wound healing. In addition, we carried out a critical analysis of the studies' methodological quality. Main Methods. This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines, using a structured search on the PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science platforms to retrieve studies published until August 25, 2020 at 3 : 00 pm. The studies included were limited to those that used animal models, investigated the effect of animal peptides with no association with other compounds on wound healing, and that were published in English. Bias analysis and methodological quality assessments were examined through the SYRCLE's RoB tool. Results Thirty studies were identified using the PRISMA workflow. In general, animal peptides were effective in accelerating skin wound healing, especially by increasing cellular proliferation, neoangiogenesis, colagenogenesis, and reepithelialization. Considering standardized methodological quality indicators, we identified a marked heterogeneity in research protocols and a high risk of bias associated with limited characterization of the experimental designs. Conclusion Animal peptides show a remarkable healing potential with biotechnological relevance for regenerative medicine. However, rigorous experimental approaches are still required to clearly delimit the mechanisms underlying the healing effects and the risk-benefit ratio attributed to peptide-based treatments.
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Keith AR, Twaroski K, Ebens CL, Tolar J. Leading edge: emerging drug, cell, and gene therapies for junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:911-923. [PMID: 32178539 PMCID: PMC7392816 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1740678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is a rare inherited genetic disorder with limited treatments beyond palliative care. A major hallmark of JEB is skin blistering caused by functional loss or complete absence of major structural proteins of the skin. Impaired wound healing in patients with JEB gives rise to chronic cutaneous ulcers that require daily care. Wound care and infection control are the current standard of care for this patient population. AREAS COVERED This review covers research and clinical implementation of emerging drug, cell, and gene therapies for JEB. Current clinical trials use topical drug delivery to manipulate the inflammation and re-epithelialization phases of wound healing or promote premature stop codon readthrough to accelerate chronic wound closure. Allogeneic cell therapies for JEB have been largely unsuccessful, with autologous skin grafting emerging as a reliable method of resolving the cutaneous manifestations of JEB. Genetic correction and transplant of autologous keratinocytes have demonstrated persistent amelioration of chronic wounds in a subset of patients. EXPERT OPINION Emerging therapies address the cutaneous symptoms of JEB but are unable to attend to systemic manifestations of the disease. Investigations into the molecular mechanism(s) underpinning the failure of systemic allogeneic cell therapies are necessary to expand the range of effective JEB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R. Keith
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kirk Twaroski
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Christen L. Ebens
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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de la Ballina NR, Villalba A, Cao A. Differences in proteomic profile between two haemocyte types, granulocytes and hyalinocytes, of the flat oyster Ostrea edulis. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 100:456-466. [PMID: 32205190 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Haemocytes play a dominant role in shellfish immunity, being considered the main defence effector cells in molluscs. These cells are known to be responsible for many functions, including chemotaxis, cellular recognition, attachment, aggregation, shell repair and nutrient transport and digestion. There are two basic cell types of bivalve haemocytes morphologically distinguishable, hyalinocytes and granulocytes; however, functional differences and specific abilities are poorly understood: granulocytes are believed to be more efficient in killing microorganisms, while hyalinocytes are thought to be more specialised in clotting and wound healing. A proteomic approach was implemented to find qualitative differences in the protein profile between granulocytes and hyalinocytes of the European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis, as a way to evaluate functional differences. Oyster haemolymph cells were differentially separated by Percoll® density gradient centrifugation. Granulocyte and hyalinocyte proteins were separated by 2D-PAGE and their protein profiles were analysed and compared with PD Quest software; the protein spots exclusive for each haemocyte type were excised from gels and analysed by MALDI-TOF/TOF with a combination of mass spectrometry (MS) and MS/MS for sequencing and protein identification. A total of 34 proteins were identified, 20 unique to granulocytes and 14 to hyalinocytes. The results suggested differences between the haemocyte types in signal transduction, apoptosis, oxidation reduction processes, cytoskeleton, phagocytosis and pathogen recognition. These results contribute to identify differential roles of each haemocyte type and to better understand the oyster immunity mechanisms, which should help to fight oyster diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria R de la Ballina
- Centro de Investigacións Mariñas (CIMA), Consellería do Mar, Xunta de Galicia, 36620, Vilanova de Arousa, Spain
| | - Antonio Villalba
- Centro de Investigacións Mariñas (CIMA), Consellería do Mar, Xunta de Galicia, 36620, Vilanova de Arousa, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48620, Plentzia, Spain.
| | - Asunción Cao
- Centro de Investigacións Mariñas (CIMA), Consellería do Mar, Xunta de Galicia, 36620, Vilanova de Arousa, Spain
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Chen C, Li X, Wang L. Thymosinβ4 alleviates cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice through downregulating PDGF/PDGFR and TGFβ/Smad pathways. Dig Liver Dis 2020; 52:324-330. [PMID: 31542221 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an important health problem without adequate and effective therapeutics. In this study, effects of thymosinβ4 (Tβ4) on hepatic fibrogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanisms were explored in bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced mice cholestatic liver fibrosis model. Results showed exogenous Tβ4 significantly reduced the mortality and liver/body weight ratio in BDL mice. Histological examinations and biochemical analyses demonstrated that BDL induced evident portal fibrosis and a significant increase in hepatic collagen contents. However, these changes were significantly attenuated by exogenous Tβ4. Quantitative real-time PCR assays showed that Tβ4 suppressed BDL-induced increases in many fibrotic genes expression including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, III and fibronectin, TGFβ1, TGFβR II, Smad2, Smad3, and PDGFRβ. Results from immunohistochemistry and Western blots also showed that Tβ4 reduced TGFβ1 and PDGFRβ protein levels in the liver tissues of BDL mice. In vitro studies using LX-2 cells demonstrated that Tβ4 could decrease PDGFRβ and TGFβR II levels in hepatic stellate cells. Taken together, findings in our present studies suggested that exogenous Tβ4 alleviated BDL-induced cholestatic liver fibrosis through downregulating PDGF/PDGFR and TGFβ/Smad pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Chen
- Teaching and Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Xinyang Vocational and Technical College, Xinyang, China
| | - Xiankui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Coni P, Piras M, Mateddu A, Piludu M, Orru G, Scano A, Cabras T, Piras V, Lachowicz JI, Jaremko M, Faa G, Castagnola M, Pichiri G. Thymosin β4 cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation as a new marker of cellular stress. A Caco2 case study. RSC Adv 2020; 10:12680-12688. [PMID: 35497634 PMCID: PMC9051466 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra10365a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers of cell stress are important for proper diagnosis, and in studies of how cells respond to drug treatment. Biomarkers that respond early to pharmacological treatment could improve therapy by tailoring the treatment to the needs of the patient. Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) plays a significant role in many aspects of cellular metabolism because of its actin-sequestering properties. Other physiological functions of Tβ4 have been also reported. Among these, Tβ4 may play a crucial role during cellular stress. We addressed the relevance of Tβ4 in cellular stress conditions by using different treatments (serum starvation, DMSO, and butyrate administration) in a colon adenocarcinoma cell line (CaCo2), a cell line frequently used for in vitro experimental studies of Tβ4. In this study, different stress stimuli were analyzed and the obtained results were compared using immunocytochemistry, and molecular and biochemical methods. Taken together, the data clearly indicate that the Tβ4 peptide is involved in adaptive and defensive cellular mechanisms, and that different stress inducers lead to a similar Tβ4 cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation. The translocation of Tβ4 between the cytoplasm and the nucleus of the cell seems characteristic of a possible molecular response to cellular stress exerted by this peptide. Biomarkers of cell stress are important for proper diagnosis, and in studies of how cells respond to drug treatment.![]()
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Aksu U, Yaman OM, Guner I, Guntas G, Sonmez F, Tanriverdi G, Eser M, Cakiris A, Akyol S, Seçkin İ, Uzun H, Yelmen N, Sahin G. The Protective Effects of Thymosin-β-4 in a Rat Model of Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury. J INVEST SURG 2019; 34:601-609. [PMID: 31702404 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2019.1672841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the progress in the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI), current curative approaches fail to provide adequate treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of thymosin-β-4(Tβ4) on an ischemic AKI model in rats. METHODS Rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 8/group): The control group (sham-operated), the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group; renal ischemia (90 min) by infrarenal abdominal aortic occlusion followed by reperfusion (3 h), the Tβ4 + I/R group; treated with Tβ4 before I/R, and the I/Tβ4/R group; treated with Tβ4 just before reperfusion. Besides renal function determination (creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)); histological evaluation was also conducted. Renal tissue caspase-9, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) activities, and hyaluronan levels were measured. Additionally, renal tissue oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxide, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance, ferric reducing antioxidant power, nitric oxide), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, nuclear factor-κβ) were evaluated. RESULTS I/R increased the level of caspase-9, MMP-9 activity, and hyaluronan (p < 0.001) and these were significantly decreased in both Tβ4 groups. Moreover, I/R led to increases in oxidative stress and inflammation parameters (p < 0.001) while the levels of antioxidants were decreased. Nevertheless, Tβ4 in both groups were able to restore oxidative stress and inflammation parameters. Furthermore, Tβ4 attenuated histologic injury caused by I/R (p < 0.01) and diminished serum urea-creatinine levels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION These results suggest that Tβ4 has significant improving effects in ischemic acute kidney injury. This beneficial effect might be a result of the inhibition of extracellular matrix remodeling and apoptosis cascade via modulation in renal redox status and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Aksu
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur M Yaman
- Department of Physiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Guner
- Department of Physiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulcan Guntas
- Department of Nursery, School of Health, University of Kırklareli, Kırklareli, Turkey
| | - Fuat Sonmez
- Department of Physiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gamze Tanriverdi
- Department of Histology and Embriology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mediha Eser
- Department of Histology and Embriology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aris Cakiris
- Institute of Health Sciences, Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sibel Akyol
- Department of Physiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İsmail Seçkin
- Department of Histology and Embriology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hafize Uzun
- Department of Biochemistry, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nermin Yelmen
- Department of Physiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulderen Sahin
- Department of Physiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Cloning, Expression and Effects of P. americana Thymosin on Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194932. [PMID: 31590392 PMCID: PMC6801668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is a medicinal insect. Its extract is used clinically to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration, but the effective medicinal components and mechanisms are not yet clear. It has been reported that human thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) may accelerate skin wound healing, however, the role of P. americana thymosin (Pa-THYs) is still poorly understood. In the present study, we identify and analyze the DNA sequences of Pa-THYs by bioinformatics analysis. Then we clone, express, and purify the Pa-THYs proteins and evaluate the activity of recombinant Pa-THYs proteins by cell migration and proliferation assays in NIH/3T3 cells. To elucidate the role of Pa-THYs in wound healing, a mouse model is established, and we evaluate wound contraction, histopathological parameters, and the expressions of several key growth factors after Pa-THYs treatment. Our results showed that three THY variants were formed by skipping splicing of exons. Pa-THYs could promote fibroblast migration, but have no effect on fibroblast proliferation. In wound repair, Pa-THYs proteins could effectively promote wound healing through stimulating dermal tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. On the molecular mechanism, Pa-THYs also stimulated the expression of several key growth factors to promote wound healing. The data suggest that Pa-THYs could be a potential drug for promoting wound repair.
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Fink K, Boratyński J, Paprocka M, Goszczyński TM. Metallacarboranes as a tool for enhancing the activity of therapeutic peptides. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1457:128-141. [PMID: 31407357 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Metallacarboranes are anionic boron clusters with high affinity to serum albumin, ability to cross biological membranes, and no apparent toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Thus, conjugation with cobalt bis(1,2-dicarbollide), [COSAN]- , ([3,3'-Co(1,2-C2 B9 H11 )2 ]- ) may improve the properties of therapeutic peptides or proteins at both molecular and systemic levels. Here, we conjugated [COSAN]- with the therapeutic peptide thymosin β4 (Tβ4), which has a pleiotropic activity that results in enhanced healing and regeneration of injured tissues. Using fluorescence quenching of human serum albumin and surface plasmon resonance techniques, we showed that the conjugates have a high affinity to human serum albumin. Using an in vitro wound closure assay, we showed that conjugation with [COSAN]- enhances the activity of Tβ4 toward fibroblasts (MSU1.1 cell line). These results indicate an application of metallacarboranes in the development of analogs of various therapeutic peptides/proteins with superior pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Fink
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Janusz Boratyński
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maria Paprocka
- Laboratory of Biology of Stem and Neoplastic Cells, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomasz M Goszczyński
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS, Wrocław, Poland
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Ghosh D, Urie R, Chang A, Nitiyanandan R, Lee JK, Kilbourne J, Rege K. Light-Activated Tissue-Integrating Sutures as Surgical Nanodevices. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1900084. [PMID: 31066511 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Sutures are typically the primary means of soft tissue repair in surgery and trauma. Despite their widespread use, sutures do not result in immediate sealing of approximated tissues, which can result in bacterial infection and leakage. Nonabsorbable sutures and staples can be traumatic to tissue, and the trauma can be exacerbated by their subsequent removal. Use of cyanoacrylate glues is limited because of their brittleness and toxicity. In this work, laser-activated tissue-integrating sutures (LATIS) are described as novel nanodevices for soft tissue approximation and repair. Incorporation of gold nanorods within fibers generated from collagen result in LATIS fibers which demonstrate robust photothermal responses following irradiation with near infrared laser light. Compared to conventional sutures, LATIS fibers result in greater biomechanical recovery of incised skin in a mouse model of skin closure after spine surgeries. Histopathology analyses show improved repair of the epidermal gap in skin, which indicate faster tissue recovery using LATIS. The studies indicate that LATIS-facilitated approximation of skin in live mice synergizes the benefits of conventional suturing and laser-activated tissue integration, resulting in new approaches for faster sealing, tissue repair, and healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepanjan Ghosh
- Biological Design Arizona State University Tempe AZ 85287 USA
| | - Russell Urie
- Chemical Engineering Arizona State University Tempe AZ 85287 USA
| | - Andy Chang
- Chemical Engineering Arizona State University Tempe AZ 85287 USA
| | | | - Jung Keun Lee
- Diagnostic Pathology Center College of Veterinary Medicine Midwestern University Glendale AZ 85308 USA
| | - Jacquelyn Kilbourne
- Department of Animal Care and Technologies (DACT) Arizona State University Tempe AZ 85287 USA
| | - Kaushal Rege
- Biological Design Arizona State University Tempe AZ 85287 USA
- Chemical Engineering Arizona State University Tempe AZ 85287 USA
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Han HJ, Kim S, Kwon J. Thymosin beta 4-Induced Autophagy Increases Cholinergic Signaling in PrP (106-126)-Treated HT22 Cells. Neurotox Res 2018; 36:58-65. [PMID: 30552633 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Prion protein peptide (PrP) has been associated with neurotoxicity in brain cells and progression of prion diseases due to spongiform degeneration and accumulation of the infectious scrapie prion protein (PrPSc). Autophagy has been shown to provide protective functions for neurodegenerative diseases, including prion disease. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) plays a key role in the nervous system, providing a neuronal growth effect that includes motility, neurite outgrowth, and proliferation. However, the effect of Tβ4 on autophagy in prion disease has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of Tβ4, an activator of autophagy, in cholinergic signaling activation in PrP (106-126)-treated HT22 cells. We found that Tβ4-induced autophagy markers, LC3A/B and Beclin1, were protective against PrP-induced neurotoxicity. Interestingly, a balance between autophagy markers and autophagy pathway factors (AKT, p-AKT, mTOR, and p-mTOR) was maintained by Tβ4 competitively against each protein factors reacted to PrP (106-126). The cholinergic signaling markers ChTp and AChE, which play an important role in the brain, were maintained by Tβ4 competitively against each protein factors reacted to PrP (106-126). However, these results were reversed by 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor. Taken together, our results indicate that Tβ4 has cholinergic signaling activities through the induction of autophagy. Thus, Tβ4 may be to a potential therapeutic agent for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Ju Han
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, 79 Gobongro, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Sokho Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, 79 Gobongro, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungkee Kwon
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, 79 Gobongro, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea.
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Saunders V, Dewing JM, Sanchez-Elsner T, Wilson DI. Expression and localisation of thymosin beta-4 in the developing human early fetal heart. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207248. [PMID: 30412598 PMCID: PMC6226193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to investigate the expression and localisation of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) in the developing human heart. Tβ4 is a cardioprotective protein which may have therapeutic potential. While Tβ4 is an endogenously produced protein with known importance during development, its role within the developing human heart is not fully understood. Elucidating the localisation of Tβ4 within the developing heart will help in understanding its role during cardiac development and is crucial for understanding its potential for cardioprotection and repair in the adult heart. METHODS Expression of Tβ4 mRNA in the early fetal human heart was assessed by PCR using both ventricular and atrial tissue. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry was used to assess the localisation of Tβ4 in sections of early fetal human heart. Co-staining with CD31, an endothelial cell marker, and with myosin heavy chain, a cardiomyocyte marker, was used to determine whether Tβ4 is localised to these cell types within the early fetal human heart. RESULTS Tβ4 mRNA was found to be expressed in both the atria and the ventricles of the early fetal human heart. Tβ4 protein was found to be primarily localised to CD31-expressing endothelial cells and the endocardium as well as being present in the epicardium. Tβ4-associated fluorescence was greater in the compact layer of the myocardial wall and the interventricular septum than in the trabecular layer of the myocardium. CONCLUSIONS The data presented illustrates expression of Tβ4 in the developing human heart and demonstrates for the first time that Tβ4 in the human heart is primarily localised to endothelial cells of the cardiac microvasculature and coronary vessels as-well as to the endothelial-like cells of the endocardium and to the epicardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Saunders
- Institute for Developmental Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer M. Dewing
- Institute for Developmental Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Tilman Sanchez-Elsner
- Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - David I. Wilson
- Institute for Developmental Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Plasminogen/thrombomodulin signaling enhances VEGF expression to promote cutaneous wound healing. J Mol Med (Berl) 2018; 96:1333-1344. [PMID: 30341568 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-018-1702-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Plasminogen (Plg) and thrombomodulin (TM) are glycoproteins well known for fibrinolytic and anticoagulant functions, respectively. Both Plg and TM are essential for wound healing. However, their significance during the reparative process was separately demonstrated in previous studies. Here, we investigate the interaction between Plg and epithelial TM and its effect on wound healing. Characterization of the wound margin revealed that Plg and TM were simultaneously upregulated at the early stage of wound healing and the two molecules were bound together. In vitro, TM silencing or knockout in keratinocytes inhibited Plg activation. Plg treatment enhanced keratinocyte proliferation and migration, and these actions were abolished by TM antibody. Keratinocyte-expressed vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which presented a dose-response relationship with Plg treatment, can be suppressed by TM silencing. Moreover, treatment with VEGF antibody inhibited Plg-enhanced keratinocyte proliferation and wound recovery. In vivo, TM antibody treatment and keratinocyte-specific TM knockout can impede Plg-enhanced wound healing in mice. In high-glucose environments, Plg-enhanced VEGF expression and wound healing were suppressed due at least in part to downregulation of keratinocyte-expressed TM. Taken together, our findings suggest that activation of Plg/TM signaling may hold therapeutic potential for chronic wounds in diabetic or non-diabetic individuals. KEY MESSAGES: Plg binds to TM in cutaneous wound healing. TM facilitates the activation of Plg to Plm in keratinocytes. Epithelial TM regulates Plg-enhanced wound healing through VEGF expression.
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Qiu F, Song J, Bi X, Wang M, Zhao Y, Fu G. Thymosin β4 promotes glucose-impaired endothelial progenitor cell function via Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthesis signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:3439-3444. [PMID: 30233693 PMCID: PMC6143828 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a subtype of hematopoietic stem cells, which can differentiate into endothelial cells and restore endothelial function. However, high glucose decreases the number and impairs the function of EPCs. A previous study showed that thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a pleiotropic peptide beneficial for multiple functions of various types of cells, could promote EPC migration and dose-dependently upregulate the phosphorylation of Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthesis signaling (eNOS). In present study, the hypothesis that Tβ4 can improve glucose-suppressed EPC functions via the Akt/eNOS signaling pathway and restores the production of nitric oxide (NO) is investigated. EPCs were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers and formed a cobblestone shape after 3–4 weeks of cultivation. Then, EPCs were treated with high concentrations of glucose (25 mM) for 4 days and administrated with Tβ4 for further study. Transwell migration and tube formation assays were performed to access the migratory and angiogenic ability of EPCs. In addition, the quantity of Akt, eNOS and the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) was investigated. Functional studies showed that high concentrations of glucose significantly suppressed EPC function, while this adverse effect was reversed by the administration of Tβ4. In addition, Akt small interfering (si)RNA and eNOS siRNA were demonstrated to reduce the protective effect of Tβ4 against glucose-impaired EPC functions. These findings suggest that Tβ4 improves glucose-impaired EPC functions via the Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyu Qiu
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Jiale Song
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Xukun Bi
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Meihui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Yanbo Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Guosheng Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
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An Investigation on the Therapeutic Effect of Thymosin β4 and Its Expression Levels in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3421568. [PMID: 30225249 PMCID: PMC6129858 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3421568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) treatment was known to show the potential therapeutic effects on diabetic complications. This study was performed to determine if Tβ4 expression is changed in both serum and tissues under diabetic conditions and can be a serum biomarker. Type 1 diabetic mice were induced in C57/BL6J mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. The mice were sacrificed at 16 weeks after STZ injection. Tissues and plasmas were obtained to determine the expression levels of Tβ4 using ELISA, real time RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. The average serum glucose level was increased to approximately 400 mg/dL beginning 2 weeks after the five injections of STZ and lasting for at least 13 weeks until sacrifice. The plasma and tissue levels of Tβ4 in the age-matched control mice were not significantly different from those of the diabetic mice. In conclusion, the Tβ4 expression level in the plasmas and tissues of diabetic mice was not affected by diabetic conditions. It indirectly suggests that the therapeutic effect of Tβ4 on diabetic complications is due to its regenerative effects on damaged tissue but not to the changed expression level of Tβ4 in plasma and tissues of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Sosne
- Opthalmology and Anatomy/Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Kim CE, Kleinman HK, Sosne G, Ousler GW, Kim K, Kang S, Yang J. RGN-259 (thymosin β4) improves clinically important dry eye efficacies in comparison with prescription drugs in a dry eye model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10500. [PMID: 30002412 PMCID: PMC6043477 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28861-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the clinical activity of RGN-259 (thymosin β4) in comparison with cyclosporine A (CsA), diquafosol (DQS), and lifitegrast (LFA) in a murine model of dry eye. The model was NOD.B10-H2b mice in a 30–40% humidified environment together with daily scopolamine hydrobromide injections for 10 days. After desiccation stress, all drugs were evaluated after 10 treatment days. RGN-259 increased tear production similar to that in the DQS- and LFA-treated mice while CsA was inactive. RGN-259 improved corneal smoothness and decreased fluorescein staining similar to that of LFA group while CsA and DQS were inactive. Corneal epithelial detachment was reduced by RGN-259, and DQS and LFA showed similar activity but the CsA was inactive. RGN-259 increased conjunctival goblet cells and mucin production comparable to that seen with CsA, while DQS and LFA were inactive. RGN-259 reduced the over-expression of inflammatory factors comparable to that with CsA and LFA, while DQS was inactive. RGN-259 increased mucin production comparable to that observed with CsA, while DQS and LFA were inactive. In conclusion, RGN-259 promoted recovery of mucins and goblet cells, improved corneal integrity, and reduced inflammation in a dry eye mouse model and was equal to or more effective than prescription treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae Eun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inje University College of Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, 47392, Korea
| | - Hynda K Kleinman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington D.C, USA.,ReGenTree, LLC, 116 Village Boulevard, Suite 200, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Gabriel Sosne
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy/Cell Biology, Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Kyeongsoon Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea.,ReGenTree, LLC, 116 Village Boulevard, Suite 200, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Sinwook Kang
- ReGenTree, LLC, 116 Village Boulevard, Suite 200, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jaewook Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inje University College of Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, 47392, Korea. .,T2B infrastructure Center for Ocular Disease, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, 47392, Korea.
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Dai X, Hua L, Chen Y, Wang J, Li J, Wu F, Zhang Y, Su J, Wu Z, Liang C. Mechanisms in hypertension and target organ damage: Is the role of the thymus key? (Review). Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:3-12. [PMID: 29620247 PMCID: PMC5979885 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of cells and cytokines have been shown to be involved in the whole process of hypertension. Data from experimental and clinical studies on hypertension have confirmed the key roles of immune cells and inflammation in the process. Dysfunction of the thymus, which modulates the development and maturation of lymphocytes, has been shown to be associated with the severity of hypertension. Furthermore, gradual atrophy, functional decline or loss of the thymus has been revealed to be associated with aging. The restoration or enhancement of thymus function via upregulation in the expression of thymus transcription factors forkhead box N1 or thymus transplantation may provide an option to halt or reverse the pathological process of hypertension. Therefore, the thymus may be key in hypertension and associated target organ damage, and may provide a novel treatment strategy for the clinical management of patients with hypertension in addition to different commercial drugs. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the advances in our understanding of the impact of thymus function on hypertension from data from animal and human studies, and the potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jiamei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Yanda Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Jiyuan Su
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Zonggui Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
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40
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Ziaei M, Greene C, Green CR. Wound healing in the eye: Therapeutic prospects. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 126:162-176. [PMID: 29355667 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In order to maintain a smooth optical surface the corneal epithelium has to continuously renew itself so as to maintain its function as a barrier to fluctuating external surroundings and various environmental insults. After trauma, the cornea typically re-epithelializes promptly thereby minimizing the risk of infection, opacification or perforation. A persistent epithelial defect (PED) is usually referred to as a non-healing epithelial lesion after approximately two weeks of treatment with standard therapies to no avail. They occur following exposure to toxic agents, mechanical injury, and ocular surface infections and are associated with significant clinical morbidity in patients, resulting in discomfort or visual loss. In the case of deeper corneal injury and corneal pathology the wound healing cascade can also extend to the corneal stroma, the layer below the epithelium. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, pharmaco-therapeutic agents that promote corneal healing remain limited. This article serves as a review of current standard therapies, recently introduced alternative therapies gaining in popularity, and a look into the newest developments into ocular wound healing.
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Murciano C, Cazorla-Vázquez S, Gutiérrez J, Hijano JA, Ruiz-Sánchez J, Mesa-Almagro L, Martín-Reyes F, Fernández TD, Marí-Beffa M. Widening control of fin inter-rays in zebrafish and inferences about actinopterygian fins. J Anat 2018; 232:783-805. [PMID: 29441573 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The amputation of a teleost fin rapidly triggers an intricate maze of hierarchically regulated signalling processes which ultimately reconstruct the diverse tissues of the appendage. Whereas the generation of the fin pattern along the proximodistal axis brings with it several well-known developmental regulators, the mechanisms by which the fin widens along its dorsoventral axis remain poorly understood. Utilizing the zebrafish as an experimental model of fin regeneration and studying more than 1000 actinopterygian species, we hypothesized a connection between specific inter-ray regulatory mechanisms and the morphological variability of inter-ray membranes found in nature. To tackle these issues, both cellular and molecular approaches have been adopted and our results suggest the existence of two distinguishable inter-ray areas in the zebrafish caudal fin, a marginal and a central region. The present work associates the activity of the cell membrane potassium channel kcnk5b, the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and the sonic hedgehog pathway to the control of several cell functions involved in inter-ray wound healing or dorsoventral regeneration of the zebrafish caudal fin. This ray-dependent regulation controls cell migration, cell-type patterning and gene expression. The possibility that modifications of these mechanisms are responsible for phenotypic variations found in euteleostean species, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Murciano
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Salvador Cazorla-Vázquez
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Gutiérrez
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Hijano
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Josefa Ruiz-Sánchez
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Laura Mesa-Almagro
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Flores Martín-Reyes
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Manuel Marí-Beffa
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Networking Research Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Málaga, Spain
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42
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Kim KS, Yang HI. Thymosin β4 in rheumatoid arthritis: Friend or foe. Biomed Rep 2017; 7:205-208. [PMID: 28808568 DOI: 10.3892/br.2017.952] [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] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has characteristic pannus tissues, which show tumor-like growth of the synovium through chronic joint inflammation. The synovium is highly penetrated by various immune cells, and the synovial lining becomes hyperplastic due to increased numbers of macrophage-like and fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Thus, a resultant hypoxic condition stimulates the expression of inflammation-related genes in various cells, in particular, vascular endothelial growth factor. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a 5-kDa protein, is known to play a significant role in various biological activities, such as actin sequestering, cell motility, migration, inflammation, and damage repair. Recent studies have provided evidence that Tβ4 may have a role in RA pathogenesis. The Tβ4 level has been shown to increase significantly in the joint fluid and serum of RA patients. However, whether Tβ4 stimulates or inhibits activation of RA immune responses remains to be determined. In the present study, we discuss the logical and clinical justifications for Tβ4 as a potential target for RA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Soo Kim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 134-727, Republic of Korea.,East-West Bone and Joint Disease Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 134-727, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-In Yang
- East-West Bone and Joint Disease Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 134-727, Republic of Korea.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 134-727, Republic of Korea
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Thymosin beta-4 overexpression correlates with high-risk groups in gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A retrospective analysis by immunohistochemistry. Pathol Res Pract 2017; 213:1139-1143. [PMID: 28756979 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a protein that is linked to a number of important biological actions and recently tumor progression and poor prognosis of some tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate Tβ4 expression in gastric GISTs and correlate with some clinicopathological characteristics related with prognosis and clinical outcome in order to add further data to the current literature. METHODS Tβ4 antibody was applied to the 4μm-thick paraffin sections of 57 gastric GISTs by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Tβ4 expression was found to be directly corrrelated with higher risk groups, tumor size, mitotic count, cellularity, and necrosis while it was inversely correlated with overall survival (OS) by univariate analysis (p=0.000, p=0.001, p=0.000, p=0.025, p=0.023, and p=0.042, respectively). The direct association between Tβ4 expression and risk groups were also supported by multivariate analysis (p=0.000, β=0.497, t=4.374). CONCLUSION Overexpression of Tβ4 was found to be related with predictive characteristics for tumor progression and adverse prognosis. Thus, we suggest that overexpression of Tβ4 might play a role in the progression of gastric GISTs and might be used as a potential prognostic tool as well as a target for novel therapies.
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Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of thymosin beta-4 (TB4) involved in regulating hepatic stellate cell (HSC) functions remain unclear. Therefore, we hypothesize that TB4 influences HSC activation through hedgehog (Hh) pathway. HSC functions declined in a TB4 siRNA-treated LX-2. TB4 suppression down-regulated both integrin linked kinase (ILK), an activator of smoothened, and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (pGSK-3B), an inactive form of GSK-3B degrading glioblastoma 2 (GLI2), followed by the decreased expression of both smoothened and GLI2. A TB4 CRISPR also blocked the activation of primary HSCs, with decreased expression of smoothened, GLI2 and ILK compared with cells transfected with nontargeting control CRISPR. Double immunostaining and an immunoprecipitation assay revealed that TB4 interacted with either smoothened at the cytoplasm or GLI2 at the nucleus in LX-2. Smoothened suppression in primary HSCs using a Hh antagonist or adenovirus transduction decreased TB4 expression with the reduced activation of HSCs. Tb4-overexpressing transgenic mice treated with CCl4 were susceptible to the development hepatic fibrosis with higher levels of ILK, pGSK3b, and Hh activity, as compared with wild-type mice. These findings demonstrate that TB4 regulates HSC activation by influencing the activity of Smoothened and GLI2, suggesting TB4 as a novel therapeutic target in liver disease.
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Karbiener M, Darnhofer B, Frisch MT, Rinner B, Birner-Gruenberger R, Gugatschka M. Comparative proteomics of paired vocal fold and oral mucosa fibroblasts. J Proteomics 2017; 155:11-21. [PMID: 28099887 PMCID: PMC5389448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Injuries of the vocal folds frequently heal with scar formation, which can have lifelong detrimental impact on voice quality. Current treatments to prevent or resolve scars of the vocal fold mucosa are highly unsatisfactory. In contrast, the adjacent oral mucosa is mostly resistant to scarring. These differences in healing tendency might relate to distinct properties of the fibroblasts populating oral and vocal fold mucosae. We thus established the in vitro cultivation of paired, near-primary vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) and oral mucosa fibroblasts (OMF) to perform a basic cellular characterization and comparative cellular proteomics. VFF were significantly larger than OMF, proliferated more slowly, and exhibited a sustained TGF-β1-induced elevation of pro-fibrotic interleukin 6. Cluster analysis of the proteomic data revealed distinct protein repertoires specific for VFF and OMF. Further, VFF displayed a broader protein spectrum, particularly a more sophisticated array of factors constituting and modifying the extracellular matrix. Conversely, subsets of OMF-enriched proteins were linked to cellular proliferation, nuclear events, and protection against oxidative stress. Altogether, this study supports the notion that fibroblasts sensitively adapt to the functional peculiarities of their respective anatomical location and presents several molecular targets for further investigation in the context of vocal fold wound healing. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Mammalian vocal folds are a unique but delicate tissue. A considerable fraction of people is affected by voice problems, yet many of the underlying vocal fold pathologies are sparsely understood at the molecular level. One such pathology is vocal fold scarring - the tendency of vocal fold injuries to heal with scar formation -, which represents a clinical problem with highly suboptimal treatment modalities. This study employed proteomics to obtain comprehensive insight into the protein repertoire of vocal fold fibroblasts, which are the cells that predominantly synthesize the extracellular matrix in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Protein profiles were compared to paired fibroblasts from the oral mucosa, a neighboring tissue that is remarkably resistant to scarring. Bioinformatic analyses of the data revealed a number of pathways as well as single proteins (e.g. ECM-remodeling factors, transcription factors, enzymes) that were significantly different between the two fibroblast types. Thereby, this study has revealed novel interesting molecular targets which can be analyzed in the future for their impact on vocal fold wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karbiener
- Department of Phoniatrics, ENT University Hospital, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Barbara Darnhofer
- Research Unit, Functional Proteomics and Metabolic Pathways, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Austria; Omics Center Graz, BioTechMed-Graz, Austria; Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB), Austria
| | - Marie-Therese Frisch
- Core Facility Alternative Biomodels und Preclinical Imaging, Division of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Beate Rinner
- Core Facility Alternative Biomodels und Preclinical Imaging, Division of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Ruth Birner-Gruenberger
- Research Unit, Functional Proteomics and Metabolic Pathways, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Austria; Omics Center Graz, BioTechMed-Graz, Austria; Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB), Austria
| | - Markus Gugatschka
- Department of Phoniatrics, ENT University Hospital, Medical University of Graz, Austria
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Pivotal Cytoprotective Mediators and Promising Therapeutic Strategies for Endothelial Progenitor Cell-Based Cardiovascular Regeneration. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:8340257. [PMID: 28090210 PMCID: PMC5206447 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8340257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including atherosclerosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction, is a major cause of death worldwide. In aspects of cell therapy against CVD, it is generally accepted that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are potent neovascular modulators in ischemic tissues. In response to ischemic injury signals, EPCs located in a bone marrow niche migrate to injury sites and form new vessels by secreting various vasculogenic factors including VEGF, SDF-1, and FGF, as well as by directly differentiating into endothelial cells. Nonetheless, in ischemic tissues, most of engrafted EPCs do not survive under harsh ischemic conditions and nutrient depletion. Therefore, an understanding of diverse EPC-related cytoprotective mediators underlying EPC homeostasis in ischemic tissues may help to overcome current obstacles for EPC-mediated cell therapy for CVDs. Additionally, to enhance EPC's functional capacity at ischemic sites, multiple strategies for cell survival should be considered, that is, preconditioning of EPCs with function-targeting drugs including natural compounds and hormones, virus mediated genetic modification, combined therapy with other stem/progenitor cells, and conglomeration with biomaterials. In this review, we discuss multiple cytoprotective mediators of EPC-based cardiovascular repair and propose promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of CVDs.
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47
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Thymosin β4 overexpression regulates neuron production and spatial distribution in the developing avian optic tectum. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 147:555-564. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Sibaii H, El-Zayat SR, El-Shaheed AA, Mahfouz NN, Sallam SF, El Azma MH. The Hidden Function of Vitamin D. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2016; 4:591-595. [PMID: 28028396 PMCID: PMC5175504 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2016.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: There are no reports regarding the influence of vitamin D on thymosin ß4 and the cluster of differentiation CD4 levels which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Consequently, we aimed to explore this relationship through a study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 35 subjects, screened for 25-hydroxy vitamin D[25 (OH) D] using ELISA method and they were divided into two groups: Group 1 consists of 10 healthy subjects with sufficient vit. D level > 24.8 ng/ml. Group 2 consists of 25 subjects suffering, severely, from vitamin D deficiency at level < 11.325 ng/ml. Also, Thymosin ß4, CD4 and zinc levels were performed. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in the concentration levels of thymosin β4, as the group 1 has shown higher levels (P = 0.005). Whereas, CD4 and zinc levels didn’t show any significant difference between the two groups. At the same time, a significant positive correlation has been observed between vitamin D, thymosin β4, and CD4 at (r = 0.719; P = 0.001), and (r = 0.559, P = 0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION: We concluded that vitamin D may be an essential factor that influence or determine the level of thymosin β4. This study is the first that focused on demonstrating that sufficient level of vitamin D may have the ability to influence the thymic hormone thymosin β4 levels. Further studies on large scale of subjects are needed to explore the positive correlation we had found between vitamin D and thymosin β4 and CD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Sibaii
- Medical Physiology Department, National Research Centre, Medical Division, 33 El-Bohouth Street, Dokki, POB:12311, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salwa Refat El-Zayat
- Medical Physiology Department, National Research Centre, Medical Division, 33 El-Bohouth Street, Dokki, POB:12311, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Azza Abd El-Shaheed
- Child Health Department, National Research Centre, Medical Division, 33 El-Bohouth Street, Dokki, POB:12311, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermine N Mahfouz
- Child Health Department, National Research Centre, Medical Division, 33 El-Bohouth Street, Dokki, POB:12311, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara F Sallam
- Child Health Department, National Research Centre, Medical Division, 33 El-Bohouth Street, Dokki, POB:12311, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa H El Azma
- Medical Physiology Department, National Research Centre, Medical Division, 33 El-Bohouth Street, Dokki, POB:12311, Cairo, Egypt
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49
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Gemoll T, Strohkamp S, Schillo K, Thorns C, Habermann JK. MALDI-imaging reveals thymosin beta-4 as an independent prognostic marker for colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:43869-80. [PMID: 26556858 PMCID: PMC4791273 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA aneuploidy has been identified as a prognostic factor for epithelial malignancies. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is a powerful tool for direct analysis of multiple proteins in tissue sections while maintaining the cellular and molecular integrity. We compared diploid and aneuploid colon cancer tissues against normal mucosa of the colon by means of IMS. DNA image cytometry determined the ploidy status of tissue samples that were subsequently subjected to MALDI-IMS. After obtaining protein profiles through direct analysis of tissue sections, a discovery and independent validation set were used to predict ploidy status by applying proteomic classification algorithms [Supervised Neural Network (SNN) and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC)]. Five peaks (m/z 2,395 and 4,977 for diploid vs. aneuploid comparison as well as m/z 3,376, 6,663, and 8,581 for normal mucosa vs. carcinoma comparison) were significant in both SNN and ROC analysis. Among these, m/z 4,977 was identified as thymosin beta 4 (Tβ-4). Tβ-4 was subsequently validated in clinical samples using a tissue microarray to predict overall survival in colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Gemoll
- Section for Translational Surgical Oncology and Biobanking, Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sarah Strohkamp
- Section for Translational Surgical Oncology and Biobanking, Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katharina Schillo
- Section for Translational Surgical Oncology and Biobanking, Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christoph Thorns
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jens K Habermann
- Section for Translational Surgical Oncology and Biobanking, Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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50
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Janarthini R, Wang X, Chen L, Gao L, Zhao L. A Tobacco-Derived Thymosin β4 Concatemer Promotes Cell Proliferation and Wound Healing in Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:1973413. [PMID: 27493953 PMCID: PMC4963596 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1973413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a peptide that is known to play important roles in protection, regeneration, and remodeling of injured tissues in humans, and that shows great promise in a range of clinical applications. However, current strategies to Tβ4 are insufficient to meet growing demand and have a number of limitations. In this current study we investigated whether expression of recombinant Tβ4 in plants, specifically in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves, represents an effective approach. To address this question, a 168 bp Tβ4 gene optimized for tobacco codon usage bias was constitutively expressed in tobacco as a 4-unit repeat concatemer, fused to a polyhistidine tag. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were used to verify 4×Tβ4 expression in 14 transgenic tobacco lines and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis indicated 4×Tβ4 protein concentrations as high as 3 μg/g of fresh weight in the leaves. We observed that direct administration of tobacco-derived Tβ4 was more effective than Tβ4 either obtained commercially or derived from expression in Escherichia coli at promoting splenocyte proliferation in vitro and wound healing in mice through an endothelial migration assay. This study provides new insights into the development of plant-derived therapeutic proteins and their application by direct administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rylosona Janarthini
- Joint Tomato Research Institute, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Plant Biotechnology Research Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Joint Tomato Research Institute, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Plant Biotechnology Research Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lulu Chen
- Joint Tomato Research Institute, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Plant Biotechnology Research Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Joint Tomato Research Institute, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Plant Biotechnology Research Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lingxia Zhao
- Joint Tomato Research Institute, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Plant Biotechnology Research Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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