Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) controls the migratory response of Toll-like receptor (TLR3)-stimulated human mesenchymal stromal cells

Activation of Toll-like receptor 2 promotes mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-mediated immunoregulation and angiostasis through AKR1C1

Background: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) maintain tissue homeostasis in response to microenvironmental perturbations. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key sensors for exogenous and endogenous signals produced during injury. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether TLRs affect the homeostatic functions of MSCs after injury. Methods: We examined the expression of TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 in MSCs, and analyzed the functional significance of TLR2 activation using single-cell RNA sequencing. Additionally, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of TLR2 and its downstream activation in MSCs on the MSCs themselves, on monocytes/macrophages, and in a mouse model of sterile injury-induced inflammatory corneal angiogenesis. Results: MSCs expressed TLR2, which was upregulated by monocytes/macrophages. Activation of TLR2 in MSCs promoted their immunoregulatory and angiostatic functions in monocytes/macrophages and in mice with inflammatory corneal angiogenesis, whereas TLR2 inhibition attenuated these functions. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed AKR1C1, a gene encoding aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1, as the most significantly inducible gene in MSCs upon TLR2 stimulation, though its stimulation did not affect cell compositions. AKR1C1 protected MSCs against ferroptosis, increased secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced their ability to drive monocytes/macrophages towards immunoregulatory phenotypes, leading to the amelioration of inflammatory corneal neovascularization in mice. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that activation of TLR2-AKR1C1 signaling in MSCs serves as an important pathway for the survival and homeostatic activities of MSCs during injury.

BET inhibitor suppresses migration of human hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting SMARCA4

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and poorly responsive cancers worldwide. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors, such as JQ1 and OTX-015, inhibit BET protein binding to acetylated residues in histones. However, the physiological mechanisms and regulatory processes of BET inhibition in HCC remain unclear. To explore BET inhibitors’ potential role in the molecular mechanisms underlying their anticancer effects in HCC, we analyzed BET inhibitor-treated HCC cells’ gene expression profiles with RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis. BET inhibitor treatment significantly downregulated genes related to bromodomain-containing proteins 4 (BRD4), such as ACSL5, SLC38A5, and ICAM2. Importantly, some cell migration-related genes, including AOC3, CCR6, SSTR5, and SCL7A11, were significantly downregulated. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis using Ingenuity Knowledge Base Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed that SMARCA4 regulated migration response molecules. Furthermore, knockdown of SMARCA4 gene expression by siRNA treatment significantly reduced cell migration and the expression of migration-related genes. In summary, our results indicated that BET inhibitor treatment in HCC cell lines reduces cell migration through the downregulation of SMARCA4.

Novel insights for improving the therapeutic safety and efficiency of mesenchymal stromal cells

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have attracted great interest in the field of regenerative medicine. They can home to damaged tissue, where they can exert pro-regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. These therapeutic effects involve the secretion of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Moreover, the functions of MSCs could be mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) that shuttle various signaling messengers. Although preclinical studies and clinical trials have demonstrated promising therapeutic results, the efficiency and the safety of MSCs need to be improved. After transplantation, MSCs face harsh environmental conditions, which likely dampen their therapeutic efficacy. A possible strategy aiming to improve the survival and therapeutic functions of MSCs needs to be developed. The preconditioning of MSCs ex vivo would strength their capacities by preparing them to survive and to better function in this hostile environment. In this review, we will discuss several preconditioning approaches that may improve the therapeutic capacity of MSCs. As stated above, EVs can recapitulate the beneficial effects of MSCs and may help avoid many risks associated with cell transplantation. As a result, this novel type of cell-free therapy may be safer and more efficient than the whole cell product. We will, therefore, also discuss current knowledge regarding the therapeutic properties of MSC-derived EVs.

Epigenetic regulation of IFITM1 expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human mesenchymal stromal cells

Background

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligands such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activate immunomodulatory functions and the migration of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). Here, we study the migration-related gene expression of LPS-stimulated hMSCs and the role and regulation of one of the upregulated genes, encoding the interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1).

Methods

Gene expression profiles were determined by whole-transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatics approaches were used to perform network and pathway analyses. The cell migration-related genes were identified with an in vitro wound healing assay. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to suppress the IFITM1 gene expression. The IFITM1 gene enhancer was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing, ChIP-to-PCR, luciferase reporter assays, and qRT-PCR for enhancer RNAs (eRNAs).

Results

RNA-seq confirmed IFITM1 as an LPS-stimulated gene, and RNAi demonstrated its importance for the LPS-stimulated migration. LPS treatment increased the eRNA expression in enhancer region R2 (2 kb upstream) of the IFITM1 gene and enriched R2 for H3K27ac. Bioinformatics implicated the transcription factors NF-κB and IRF1, ChIP assays revealed their binding to R2, and chemical inhibition of NF-κB and RNAi directed against IRF1 prevented R2 eRNA and IFITM1 gene expression.

Conclusions

Increased expression of the IFITM1 gene is required for LPS-stimulated hMSC migration. We described several underlying changes in the IFITM1 gene enhancer, most notably the NF-κB-mediated activation of enhancer region R2.