Targeted Inhibition of PAI-1 Activity Impairs Epithelial Migration and Wound Closure Following Cutaneous Injury

Differential Cellular Responses to Class I and II Sphingomyelinase D: Unraveling the Mechanisms of Loxosceles Venom-Induced Dermonecrosis and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Dermonecrosis resulting from Loxosceles spider envenomation, primarily driven by the enzyme sphingomyelinase D (SMase D), is characterized by severe inflammation and nonhealing wounds. SMases can be classified as Class I or II based on their structural characteristics. Class I exhibits greater dermonecrotic activity than Class II; however, the intracellular mechanisms responsible for this difference remain poorly understood. The differential transcriptomics analysis of human keratinocytes treated with each toxin revealed that Class I primarily activates pathways associated with proteolytic activity and apoptosis. In contrast, Class II uniquely upregulates key genes, including PIM-1, MCL-1, PAI-1, p21, and c-FOS, which support cell survival and inhibit apoptosis. These pathways also facilitate tissue repair and keratinocyte proliferation during wound healing, particularly through signaling mechanisms involving Substance P and VEGF-A. RT-qPCR confirmed these findings, with protein level evaluations indicating the sustained upregulation of VEGF-A exclusively in keratinocytes treated with Class II. We identified Substance P and VEGF-A as potential therapeutic targets for managing cutaneous loxoscelism, providing valuable insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying the distinct toxic effects of the two SMase D isoforms. By elucidating these pathways, this study enhances our understanding of loxoscelism's pathophysiology and highlights strategies for therapeutic intervention in dermonecrotic injuries caused by spider venom.

Platelet endocytosis and α-granule cargo packaging are essential for normal skin wound healing

The high prevalence of chronic wounds, i.e., 2.5-3% of the US population, causes a large social and financial burden. Physiological wound healing is a multi-step process that involves different cell types and growth factors. Platelet-rich plasma or platelet-derived factors have been used to accelerate wound repair, but their use has been controversial with mixed results. Thus, a detailed functional understanding of platelet functions in wound healing beyond hemostasis is needed. This study investigated the importance of platelet α-granule cargo packaging and endocytosis in a dorsal full-thickness excisional skin wound model using mice with defects in α-granule cargo packaging (Nbeal2 -/- mice) and endocytosis (platelet-specific Arf6 -/- and VAMP2/3 Δ mice). We found that proper kinetic and morphological healing of dorsal skin wounds in mice requires both de novo as well as endocytosed platelet α-granule cargo. Histological and morphometric analyses of cross-sectional wound sections illustrated that mice with defects in α-granule cargo packaging or platelet endocytosis had delayed (epi)dermal regeneration in both earlier and advanced healing. This was reflected by reductions in wound collagen and muscle/keratin content, delayed scab formation and/or resolution, re-epithelialization, and cell migration and proliferation. Molecular profiling analysis of wound extracts showed that the impact of platelet function extends beyond hemostasis to the inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling phases via altered expression of several bioactive molecules, including IL-1β, VEGF, MMP-9, and TIMP-1. These findings provide a basis for advances in clinical wound care through a better understanding of key mechanistic processes and cellular interactions in (patho)physiological wound healing.

Key points

De novo and endocytosed platelet α-granule cargo support physiological skin wound healing Platelet function in wound healing extends to the inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling phases.

Novel therapeutic activities of dragon blood from palm tree Daemonorops draco for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds

BACKGROUND

The clinical efficacy of Jinchuang Ointment, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in treating chronic non-healing diabetic wounds has been demonstrated over the past decades. Both in vitro and in vivo angiogenic activities have been reported for its herbal ingredients, including dragon blood from the palm tree Daemonorops draco and catechu from Uncaria gambir Roxb. Additionally, crude extracts of dragon blood have exhibited hypoglycemic effects not only in animal studies but also in cell-based in vitro assays.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that crude dragon blood extract promotes the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes. Partially purified fractions of dragon blood crude extract significantly enhance the expression of muscle cell differentiation-related genes such as myoG, myoD, and myoHC. Our results also demonstrate that crude extracts of dragon blood can inhibit platelet-derived growth factor-induced PAI-1 expression in primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells, thereby favoring changes in hemostasis towards fibrinolysis. Consistent with previous reports, reduced expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) accelerates wound healing. However, further separation resulted in a significant loss of both activities, indicating the involvement of more than one compound in these processes. Stem cells play a crucial role in muscle injury repair. Neither dragon blood nor catechu alone stimulated the proliferation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-immortalized and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Interestingly, the proliferation of both types of stem cells was observed when crude extracts of dragon blood and catechu were present together in the stem cell growth medium.

CONCLUSIONS

Dragon blood from D. draco offers multifaceted therapeutic benefits for treating chronic nonhealing diabetic wounds from various perspectives. Most drugs in Western medicine consist of small molecules with defined ingredients. However, this is not the case in TCM, as the activities of dragon blood reported in this study. Surprisingly, the activities documented here align with descriptions in ancient Chinese medical texts dating back to A.D. 1625.

SERPINE1: Role in Cholangiocarcinoma Progression and a Therapeutic Target in the Desmoplastic Microenvironment

A heterogenous population of inflammatory elements, other immune and nonimmune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are evident in solid malignancies where they coexist with the growing tumor mass. In highly desmoplastic malignancies, CAFs are the prominent mesenchymal cell type in the tumor microenvironment (TME), where their presence and abundance signal a poor prognosis. CAFs play a major role in the progression of various cancers by remodeling the supporting stroma into a dense, fibrotic matrix while secreting factors that promote the maintenance of cancer stem-like characteristics, tumor cell survival, aggressive growth and metastasis and reduced sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. Tumors with high stromal fibrotic signatures are more likely to be associated with drug resistance and eventual relapse. Identifying the molecular underpinnings for such multidirectional crosstalk among the various normal and neoplastic cell types in the TME may provide new targets and novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This review highlights recent concepts regarding the complexity of CAF biology in cholangiocarcinoma, a highly desmoplastic cancer. The discussion focuses on CAF heterogeneity, functionality in drug resistance, contributions to a progressively fibrotic tumor stroma, the involved signaling pathways and the participating genes.

Bioinformatics-integrated screening of systemic sclerosis-specific expressed markers to identify therapeutic targets

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by extensive skin fibrosis. There are no effective treatments due to the severity, multiorgan presentation, and variable outcomes of the disease. Here, integrated bioinformatics was employed to discover tissue-specific expressed hub genes associated with SSc, determine potential competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) regulatory networks, and identify potential targeted drugs.

METHODS

In this study, four datasets of SSc were acquired. To identify the genes specific to tissues or organs, the BioGPS web database was used. For differentially expressed genes (DEGs), functional and enrichment analyses were carried out, and hub genes were screened and shown in a network of protein-protein interactions (PPI). The potential lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed using the online databases. The specifically expressed hub genes and ceRNA network were validated in the SSc mouse and in normal mice. We also used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine the diagnostic values of effective biomarkers in SSc. Finally, the Drug-Gene Interaction Database (DGIdb) identified specific medicines linked to hub genes.

RESULTS

The pooled datasets identified a total of 254 DEGs. The tissue/organ-specifically expressed genes involved in this analysis are commonly found in the hematologic/immune system and bone/muscle tissue. The enrichment analysis of DEGs revealed the significant terms such as regulation of actin cytoskeleton, immune-related processes, the VEGF signaling pathway, and metabolism. Cytoscape identified six gene cluster modules and 23 hub genes. And 4 hub genes were identified, including Serpine1, CCL2, IL6, and ISG15. Consistently, the expression of Serpine1, CCL2, IL6, and ISG15 was significantly higher in the SSc mouse model than in normal mice. Eventually, we found that MALAT1-miR-206-CCL2, let-7a-5p-IL6, and miR-196a-5p-SERPINE1 may be promising RNA regulatory pathways in SSc. Besides, ten potential therapeutic drugs associated with the hub gene were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed tissue-specific expressed genes, SERPINE1, CCL2, IL6, and ISG15, as effective biomarkers and provided new insight into the mechanisms of SSc. Potential RNA regulatory pathways, including MALAT1-miR-206-CCL2, let-7a-5p-IL6, and miR-196a-5p-SERPINE1, contribute to our knowledge of SSc. Furthermore, the analysis of drug-hub gene interactions predicted TIPLASININ, CARLUMAB and BINDARIT as candidate drugs for SSc.

Extensive and Persistent Extravascular Dermal Fibrin Deposition Characterizes Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive multiorgan fibrosis. While the cause of SSc remains unknown, a perturbed vasculature is considered a critical early step in the pathogenesis. Using fibrinogen as a marker of vascular leakage, we found extensive extravascular fibrinogen deposition in the dermis of both limited and diffuse systemic sclerosis disease, and it was present in both early and late-stage patients. Based on a timed series of excision wounds, retention on the fibrin deposit of the splice variant domain, fibrinogen αEC, indicated a recent event, while fibrin networks lacking the αEC domain were older. Application of this timing tool to SSc revealed considerable heterogeneity in αEC domain distribution providing unique insight into disease activity. Intriguingly, the fibrinogen-αEC domain also accumulated in macrophages. These observations indicate that systemic sclerosis is characterized by ongoing vascular leakage resulting in extensive interstitial fibrin deposition that is either continually replenished and/or there is impaired fibrin clearance. Unresolved fibrin deposition might then incite chronic tissue remodeling.

Circadian rhythm of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes

Cardiovascular complications are a common death cause in type 2 diabetes patients, as they are often combined. Plasminogen-activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) participates in the development and progression of cardiovascular complications in diabetes. Insulin resistance increases PAI-1 production, and high PAI-1 levels lead to an environment conducive to thrombosis and earlier and more severe vascular disease. Current evidence also suggests that PAI-1 has a rhythmic profile of circadian fluctuations and acrophase in the morning within a single day, which might explain the high morning incidence of cardiovascular events. Thus, PAI-1 is a possible drug target. Although several PAI-1 inhibitors have been developed, none have yet been allowed for clinical use. Research on rhythm has also led to the concept of "chronotherapy", a rhythm-based drug regimen expected to improve the treatment of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Herein, we searched several databases and reviewed relevant articles to describe the circadian rhythm characteristics and endogenous molecular mechanisms of PAI-1, its relationship with insulin resistance, the causes of cardiovascular complications caused by PAI-1, and the current development of PAI-1 inhibitors. We also summarized the possibility of using the circadian rhythm of PAI-1 to treat cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.

Gene Expression Linked to Reepithelialization of Human Skin Wounds

Our understanding of the regulatory processes of reepithelialization during wound healing is incomplete. In an attempt to map the genes involved in epidermal regeneration and differentiation, we measured gene expression in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded standardized epidermal wounds induced by the suction-blister technique with associated nonwounded skin using NanoString technology. The transcripts of 139 selected genes involved in clotting, immune response to tissue injury, signaling pathways, cell adhesion and proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, zinc transport and keratinocyte differentiation were evaluated. We identified 22 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in descending order of fold change (MMP1, MMP3, IL6, CXCL8, SERPINE1, IL1B, PTGS2, HBEGF, CXCL5, CXCL2, TIMP1, CYR61, CXCL1, MMP12, MMP9, HGF, CTGF, ITGB3, MT2A, FGF7, COL4A1 and PLAUR). The expression of the most upregulated gene, MMP1, correlated strongly with MMP3 followed by IL6 and IL1B. rhIL-1β, but not rhIL-6, exposure of cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes and normal human dermal fibroblasts increased both MMP1 mRNA and MMP-1 protein levels, as well as TIMP1 mRNA levels. The increased TIMP1 in wounds was validated by immunohistochemistry. The six downregulated DEGs (COL7A1, MMP28, SLC39A2, FLG1, KRT10 and FLG2) were associated with epidermal maturation. KLK8 showed the strongest correlation with MKI67 mRNA levels and is a potential biomarker for keratinocyte proliferation. The observed gene expression changes correlate well with the current knowledge of physiological reepithelialization. Thus, the gene expression panel described in this paper could be used in patients with impaired healing to identify possible therapeutic targets.

Effects of Inflammatory Response Genes on the Immune Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer

Background: The close relationship between colorectal cancer and inflammation has been widely reported. However, the relationship between colorectal cancer and inflammation at the genetic level is not fully understood.

Method: From a genetic perspective, this study explored the relationship between inflammation-related genes and the immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer. We identified prognostic genes, namely CX3CL1, CCL22, SERPINE1, LTB4R, XCL1, GAL, TIMP1, ADIPOQ, and CRH, by using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. A risk scoring model for inflammatory response was established, and patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were divided into two groups: high risk group and low risk group.

Results: The analysis showed that the prognosis of the two groups was significantly different, and the low-risk group had a higher survival rate and longer survival time. Pathways related to apoptosis, inflammatory response, and hypoxia were significantly enriched as shown via Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Activated dendritic cell infiltration was found in both the TCGA and GEO databases, and the CCL21 gene played a significant role in the process of activated dendritic cell infiltration. CCL21 gene was also positively correlated with inflammatory response, and the gene expression and risk score were significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion: In summary, inflammatory response has a direct impact on patients with colorectal cancer in the prognosis and immune infiltration and further research studies on the inflammatory response can help in advancing the development of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.

Unveiling how vitrification affects the porcine blastocyst: clues from a transcriptomic study

Background

Currently, there is a high demand for efficient pig embryo cryopreservation procedures in the porcine industry as well as for genetic diversity preservation and research purposes. To date, vitrification (VIT) is the most efficient method for pig embryo cryopreservation. Despite a high number of embryos survives in vitro after vitrification/warming procedures, the in vivo embryo survival rates after embryo transfer are variable among laboratories. So far, most studies have focused on cryoprotective agents and devices, while the VIT effects on porcine embryonic gene expression remained unclear. The few studies performed were based on vitrified/warmed embryos that were cultured in vitro (IVC) to allow them to re–expand. Thus, the specific alterations of VIT, IVC, and the cumulative effect of both remained unknown. To unveil the VIT-specific embryonic alterations, gene expression in VIT versus (vs.) IVC embryos was analyzed. Additionally, changes derived from both VIT and IVC vs. control embryos (CO) were analyzed to confirm the VIT embryonic alterations. Three groups of in vivo embryos at the blastocyst stage were analyzed by RNA–sequencing: (1) VIT embryos (vitrified/warmed and cultured in vitro), (2) IVC embryos and (3) CO embryos.

Results

RNA–sequencing revealed three clearly different mRNA profiles for VIT, IVC and CO embryos. Comparative analysis of mRNA profiles between VIT and IVC identified 321, differentially expressed genes (DEG) (FDR < 0.006). In VIT vs. CO and IVC vs. CO, 1901 and 1519 DEG were found, respectively, with an overlap of 1045 genes. VIT-specific functional alterations were associated to response to osmotic stress, response to hormones, and developmental growth. While alterations in response to hypoxia and mitophagy were related to the sum of VIT and IVC effects.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed new insights into the VIT procedure-specific alterations of embryonic gene expression by first comparing differences in VIT vs. IVC embryos and second by an integrative transcriptome analysis including in vivo control embryos. The identified VIT alterations might reflect the transcriptional signature of the embryo cryodamage but also the embryo healing process overcoming the VIT impacts. Selected validated genes were pointed as potential biomarkers that may help to improve vitrification.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-021-00672-1.

Urokinase plasminogen activator predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and its prognosis remains dismal. Hence, it is important to identify the diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HCC. Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), an extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading protease, plays a pivotal role in the invasion and metastasis of HCC.

Methods

To confirm the clinical significance of uPA in HCC, we explored uPA expression in HCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The expression level of uPA was further verified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerized chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 133 pairs of primary HCC samples. A survival analysis was conducted with the Kaplan-Meier method in the HCC samples and TCGA database.

Results

Our results showed that uPA was overexpressed in HCC and was significantly associated with HCC tumor size (P=0.015), differentiation grade (P=0.028), and absence of tumor encapsulation (P=0.010). Patients with high uPA expression levels had a poor outcome (P=0.026). TCGA database analysis was also consistent with our experimental results.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our findings revealed that uPA was overexpressed in HCC and was related to HCC malignant features including tumor size, differentiation grade and absence of tumor encapsulation. High uPA expression had a shorter survival time. It is a potential prognostic biomarker of HCC.

The senescence-associated secretory phenotype: Fueling a wound that never heals

Wound healing is impaired with advanced age and certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. Moreover, common cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can cause unintended tissue damage and impair wound healing. Available wound care treatments are not always effective, as some wounds fail to heal or recur after treatment. Hence, a more thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic, nonhealing wounds may offer new ideas for the development of effective wound care treatments. Cancers are sometimes referred to as wounds that never heal, sharing mechanisms similar to wound healing. We describe in this review how cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) contribute to chronic wounds versus cancer.

Identification and validation of a new gene signature predicting prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients by network analysis of stemness indices

Background: Stem cells play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, their precise effect on HCC tumorigenesis and progression remains unclear. The present study aimed to characterize stem cell-related gene expression in HCC.Methods: The mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) was used to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of HCC patients. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a gene co-expression network of 374 HCC patients. Finally, six genes were used to construct the prognosis signature.Results: HCC patients had a higher mRNAsi score than healthy people, suggesting poor prognosis. Two gene modules highly related to mRNAsi were identified. Multivariate Cox analysis was carried out to establish a Cox proportional risk regression model. The risk score for each patient was the sum of the product of each gene expression and its coefficient. Survival analysis suggested that the low-risk group had a significantly better prognosis.Conclusions: The established six-gene signature was able to predict patient prognosis accurately. This new signature should be verified in prospective studies in order to determine patient prognosis in clinical decision-making.

Annexin A2-Mediated Plasminogen Activation in Endothelial Cells Contributes to the Proangiogenic Effect of Adenosine A2A Receptors

Adenosine A_2A receptor mediates the promotion of wound healing and revascularization of injured tissue, in healthy and animals with impaired wound healing, through a mechanism depending upon tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a component of the fibrinolytic system. In order to evaluate the contribution of plasmin generation in the proangiogenic effect of adenosine A_2A receptor activation, we determined the expression and secretion of t-PA, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and annexin A2 by human dermal microvascular endothelial cells stimulated by the selective agonist CGS-21680. The plasmin generation was assayed through an enzymatic assay and the proangiogenic effect was studied using an endothelial tube formation assay in Matrigel. Adenosine A_2A receptor activation in endothelial cells diminished the release of PAI-1 and promoted the production of annexin A2, which acts as a cell membrane co-receptor for plasminogen and its activator tPA. Annexin A2 mediated the increased cell membrane-associated plasmin generation in adenosine A_2A receptor agonist treated human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and is required for tube formation in an in vitro model of angiogenesis. These results suggest a novel mechanism by which adenosine A_2A receptor activation promotes angiogenesis: increased endothelial expression of annexin A2, which, in turn, promotes fibrinolysis by binding tPA and plasminogen to the cell surface.

A Serpin With a Finger in Many PAIs: PAI-1's Central Function in Thromboinflammation and Cardiovascular Disease

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is a member of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily. PAI-1 is the principal inhibitor of the plasminogen activators, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Turbulence in the levels of PAI-1 tilts the balance of the hemostatic system resulting in bleeding or thrombotic complications. Not surprisingly, there is strong evidence that documents the role of PAI-1 in cardiovascular disease. The more recent uncovering of the coalition between the hemostatic and inflammatory pathways has exposed a distinct role for PAI-1. The storm of proinflammatory cytokines liberated during inflammation, including IL-6 and TNF-α, directly influence PAI-1 synthesis and increase circulating levels of this serpin. Consequently, elevated levels of PAI-1 are commonplace during infection and are frequently associated with a hypofibrinolytic state and thrombotic complications. Elevated PAI-1 levels are also a feature of metabolic syndrome, which is defined by a cluster of abnormalities including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and elevated triglyceride. Metabolic syndrome is in itself defined as a proinflammatory state associated with elevated levels of cytokines. In addition, insulin has a direct impact on PAI-1 synthesis bridging these pathways. This review describes the key physiological functions of PAI-1 and how these become perturbed during disease processes. We focus on the direct relationship between PAI-1 and inflammation and the repercussion in terms of an ensuing hypofibrinolytic state and thromboembolic complications. Collectively, these observations strengthen the utility of PAI-1 as a viable drug target for the treatment of various diseases.

Regulatory eosinophils induce the resolution of experimental arthritis and appear in remission state of human rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Eosinophils possess pro-inflammatory functions in asthma. However, our recent studies have suggested that innate lymphoid cells type 2 (ILC2s) and eosinophils have proresolving properties in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nothing is known yet about the mechanisms determining the double-edged role of eosinophils. Therefore, we investigated whether asthma, a paradigm eosinophilic disease, can elicit resolution of chronic arthritis.

METHODS

Ovalbumin-triggered eosinophilic asthma was combined with K/BxN serum-induced arthritis, where lung and synovial eosinophil subsets were compared by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). To investigate the involvement of the ILC2-interleukin-5 (IL-5) axis, hydrodynamic injection (HDI) of IL-25 and IL-33 plasmids, IL-5 reporter mice and anti-IL-5 antibody treatment were used. In patients with RA, the presence of distinct eosinophil subsets was examined in peripheral blood and synovial tissue. Disease activity of patients with RA with concomitant asthma was monitored before and after mepolizumab (anti-IL-5 antibody) therapy.

RESULTS

The induction of eosinophilic asthma caused resolution of murine arthritis and joint tissue protection. ScRNA-seq revealed a specific subset of regulatory eosinophils (rEos) in the joints, distinct from inflammatory eosinophils in the lungs. Mechanistically, synovial rEos expanded on systemic upregulation of IL-5 released by lung ILC2s. Eosinophil depletion abolished the beneficial effect of asthma on arthritis. rEos were consistently present in the synovium of patients with RA in remission, but not in active stage. Remarkably, in patients with RA with concomitant asthma, mepolizumab treatment induced relapse of arthritis.

CONCLUSION

These findings point to a hitherto undiscovered proresolving signature in an eosinophil subset that stimulates arthritis resolution.

The Effects of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Media Produced with Fetal Bovine Serum or Human Platelet Lysate on Skin Rejuvenation Characteristics

Background and Objectives

Human mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) is produced using mesenchymal stem cell culture technology and has various benefits for the skin, including wrinkle removal, skin regeneration, and increased antioxidant activity. Its popularity is thus increasing in the field of functional cosmetics.

Methods and Results

In this study, we analyzed the effects of fetal bovine serum-supplemented MSC-CM (FBS- MSC-CM) and human platelet lysate-supplemented MSC-CM (hPL-MSC-CM) on skin rejuvenation characteristics. We found that the concentrations of important growth factors (VEGF, TGF-β1, and HGF) and secretory proteins for skin regeneration were significantly higher in hPL-MSC-CM than in FBS-MSC-CM. Furthermore, the capacity for inducing proliferation of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and keratinocytes, the migration ability of HDF, extracellular matrix (ECM) production such as collagen and elastin was higher in hPL-MSC-CM than that in FBS- MSC-CM.

Conclusions

These results support the usefulness and high economic value of hPL-MSC-CM as an alternative source of FBS-MSC-CM in the cosmetic industry for skin rejuvenation.

Transcriptome Based System Biology Exploration Reveals Homogeneous Tumorigenicity of Alimentary Tract Malignancy

Malignancies of alimentary tract include esophageal carcinoma (ESCA), stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), and rectum adenocarcinoma (READ). Despite of their similarities in cancer development and progression, there are numerous researches concentrating on single tumor but relatively little on their common mechanisms. Our study explored the transcriptomic data of digestive tract cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, yielding their common differentially expressed genes including 1,700 mRNAs, 29 miRNAs, and 362 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). There were 12 mRNAs, 5 miRNAs, and 16 lncRNAs in the core competitive endogenous RNAs network by RNA-RNA interactions, highlighting the prognostic nodes of SERPINE1, hsa-mir-145, and SNHG1. In addition, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) illustrated 20 gene modules associated with clinical traits. By taking intersections of modules related to the same trait, we got 67 common genes shared by ESCA and READ and screened 5 hub genes, including ADCY6, CXCL3, NPBWR1, TAS2R38, and PTGDR2. In conclusion, the present study found that SERPINE1/has-mir-145/SNHG1 axis acted as promising targets and the hub genes reasoned the similarity between ESCA and READ, which revealed the homogeneous tumorigenicity of digestive tract cancers at the transcriptome level and led to further comprehension and therapeutics for digestive tract cancers.

Time for a paradigm shift in treating type 1 diabetes mellitus: coupling inflammation to islet regeneration

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease that targets the destruction of islet beta-cells resulting in insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia and death if untreated. Despite advances in medical devices and longer-acting insulin, there is still no robust therapy to substitute and protect beta-cells that are lost in T1DM. Attempts to refrain from the autoimmune attack have failed to achieve glycemic control in patients highlighting the necessity for a paradigm shift in T1DM treatment. Paradoxically, beta-cells are present in T1DM patients indicating a disturbed equilibrium between the immune attack and beta-cell regeneration reminiscent of unresolved wound healing that under normal circumstances progression towards an anti-inflammatory milieu promotes regeneration. Thus, the ultimate T1DM therapy should concomitantly restore immune self-tolerance and replenish the beta-cell mass similar to wound healing. Recently the agonistic activation of the nuclear receptor LRH-1/NR5A2 was shown to induce immune self-tolerance, increase beta-cell survival and promote regeneration through a mechanism of alpha-to-beta cell phenotypic switch. This trans-regeneration process appears to be facilitated by a pancreatic anti-inflammatory environment induced by LRH-1/NR5A2 activation. Herein, we review the literature on the role of LRH1/NR5A2 in immunity and islet physiology and propose that a cross-talk between these cellular compartments is mandatory to achieve therapeutic benefits.

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator and inhibitors in resectable lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system is closely related to the occurrence and progression of cancer in many aspects. Previous studies demonstrated that the conclusions about the prognosis value of uPA, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI-2) in lung cancer are controversial, so this study was performed for the exploration of the predictive effect of uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 on the overall survival (OS) of resectable pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients.

METHODS

UPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 expression levels were assayed by immunohistochemical staining based on tissue microarray (TMA) that is composed of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens from 84 resectable lung adenocarcinoma patients from July 2004 to June 2009. The relationship of IHC, mRNA expression levels of three molecules were investigated respectively. The three molecules' relationship with clinicopathologic parameters and OS was explored by Chi-square, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analyses. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to analyze differential gene expressions of RNA-sequencing data of pulmonary adenocarcinoma and normal tissues, and Kaplan-Meier methods were adopted to confirm the prognostic value of uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 in resectable lung adenocarcinoma in TCGA database and the R package MethylMix was used to conduct an analysis integrating methylation data and gene expression of RNA-sequencing data based on TCGA.

RESULTS

UPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 had much higher IHC expression levels in tumor than those in the normal tissues (uPA, Z = -10.511; PAI-1, Z = -4.836; PAI-2, Z = -6.794; all P < 0.0001). High DNA methylation level of gene uPA resulted in the decrease of its expression. In addition, expression level of PAI-2 was positively associated with tumor size (χ² = 8.372, P =  0.004). Multivariate analyses showed TNM stage III was an independent adverse prognostic factor (hazard ratio = 3.736, 95 % confidence interval = 1.097-12.72, P =  0.035). Kaplan-Meier method revealed that uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 expression levels were not related to the OS for 84 resectable lung adenocarcinoma patients. According to TCGA data, PAI-1 expression level was identified as a potential adverse predictor for prognosis of resectable lung adenocarcinoma (Gehan-Breslow-Wilcoxon test, P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that, the expression levels of uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 are significantly up-regulated in resectable lung adenocarcinoma. Besides, this study highlights PAI-1 as a latent adverse prognostic factor in resectable adenocarcinoma of lung.

A Virus-Derived Immune Modulating Serpin Accelerates Wound Closure with Improved Collagen Remodeling

Numerous treatments have been developed to promote wound healing based on current understandings of the healing process. Hemorrhaging, clotting, and associated inflammation regulate early wound healing. We investigated treatment with a virus-derived immune modulating serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN), Serp-1, which inhibits thrombolytic proteases and inflammation, in a mouse excisional wound model. Saline or recombinant Serp-1 were applied directly to wounds as single doses of 1 μg or 2 µg or as two 1 µg boluses. A chitosan-collagen hydrogel was also tested for Serp-1 delivery. Wound size was measured daily for 15 days and scarring assessed by Masson’s trichrome, Herovici’s staining, and immune cell dynamics and angiogenesis by immunohistochemistry. Serp-1 treatment significantly accelerated wound healing, but was blocked by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR) antibody. Repeated dosing at a lower concentration was more effective than single high-dose serpin. A single application of Serp-1-loaded chitosan-collagen hydrogel was as effective as repeated aqueous Serp-1 dosing. Serp-1 treatment of wounds increased arginase-1-expressing M2-polarized macrophage counts and periwound angiogenesis in the wound bed. Collagen staining also demonstrated that Serp-1 improves collagen maturation and organization at the wound site. Serp-1 has potential as a safe and effective immune modulating treatment that targets thrombolytic proteases, accelerating healing and reducing scar in deep cutaneous wounds.

Genome-scale analysis identifies SERPINE1 and SPARC as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common types of malignancy and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates around the world. With poor clinical outcomes, potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis are important to investigate.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the gene expression module of GC and to identify potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Method

Microarray data (GSE13911, GSE29272, GSE54129, and GSE79973), including 293 stomach tumor tissues and 196 normal tissues, were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs were identified in four profiles by intersecting four overlapping subsets, including 90 downregulated and 45 upregulated DEGs in common. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses have been showed that extracellular matrix was the most enriched signal pathway. Furthermore, hub genes were analyzed by protein-protein interaction network and clinical outcomes were assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Two independent datasets were used to validate the differential expression of two hub genes: Serpin Family E Member 1 (SERPINE1) and Secreted Protein Acidic and Cysteine Rich (SPARC).

Results

Validation of independent datasets indicated that SERPINE1 and SPARC expression were drastically increased in gastric tumor tissues and associated with poor outcomes in GC patients. The expression of SERPINE1 was related to race (Asian and White) (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

SERPINE1 and SPARC were significantly upregulated in gastric tissues and associated with poor outcomes. The investigations of SERPINE1 and SPARC may promote their predictive and prognostic value in GC.

P311, Friend, or Foe of Tissue Fibrosis?

P311 was first identified by the group of Studler et al. (1993) in the developing brain. In healthy, but mainly in pathological tissues, P311 is implicated in cell migration and proliferation. Furthermore, evidence in models of tissue fibrosis points to the colocalization with and the stimulation of transforming growth factor β1 by P311. This review provides a comprehensive overview on P311 and discusses its potential as an anti-fibrotic target.

Nrf2-Mediated Fibroblast Reprogramming Drives Cellular Senescence by Targeting the Matrisome

Nrf2 is a key regulator of the antioxidant defense system, and pharmacological Nrf2 activation is a promising strategy for cancer prevention and promotion of tissue repair. Here we show, however, that activation of Nrf2 in fibroblasts induces cellular senescence. Using a combination of transcriptomics, matrix proteomics, chromatin immunoprecipitation and bioinformatics we demonstrate that fibroblasts with activated Nrf2 deposit a senescence-promoting matrix, with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 being a key inducer of the senescence program. In vivo, activation of Nrf2 in fibroblasts promoted re-epithelialization of skin wounds, but also skin tumorigenesis. The pro-tumorigenic activity is of general relevance, since Nrf2 activation in skin fibroblasts induced the expression of genes characteristic for cancer-associated fibroblasts from different mouse and human tumors. Therefore, activated Nrf2 qualifies as a marker of the cancer-associated fibroblast phenotype. These data highlight the bright and the dark sides of Nrf2 and the need for time-controlled activation of this transcription factor.

Amount and distribution of selected biologically active factors in amniotic membrane depends on the part of amnion and mode of childbirth. Can we predict properties of amnion dressing? A proof-of-concept study

Aim of the study

The amniotic membrane is used as a dressing material, e.g. in ocular surgery or treatment of non-healing wounds. Of note, results of previous studies differ significantly, presumably due to the biological properties of amnion. Some authors suggest that these properties may depend on inter-donor variations, as well as the method of delivery. The aim of our study was to analyse the content of selected factors important for tissue regeneration in various areas of amnion samples originating from elective caesarean sections and on-term natural deliveries.

Material and methods

Cervical and placental samples of amniotic membranes originating from physiological deliveries and caesarean sections have been collected with subsequent preparation of amniotic membrane extracts. The screening of amnion samples was performed using a proteome microarray system.

Results

In all of the amnion samples high amounts of angiogenin, IGF-binding proteins-1, -2, and -3, serine protease inhibitor E1, and TIMP-1 were detected. Important variations in the content of these factors were observed between physiological delivery and caesarean section-derived membranes, as well as between placental and cervical portions of the same membrane.

Conclusions

Our study has shown that the content of selected growth factors and regulators of ECM turnover in amniotic membrane samples vary between various donations, and that they depend on the region of the membrane or delivery method. This may determine its potential applications in wound treatment and ophthalmologic surgery. However, our observations require further verification in clinical settings.

Thrombin promotes PAI-1 expression and migration in keratinocytes via ERK dependent Smad linker region phosphorylation

Keratinocyte proliferation and migration is essential during re-epithelialisation for the restoration of the epithelial barrier during skin wound healing. Numerous growth factors are involved in the stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation and migration. The signalling pathways that drive these processes during wound healing are not well defined. This study investigated thrombin-mediated signalling in keratinocytes. The thrombin receptor, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) is a seven transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor that is known to transactivate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were treated with thrombin and selective inhibitors to EGFR and MAP kinases. Whole cell lysates were separated on SDS-PAGE and analysed by Western blot using antibodies against transcription factor Smad2. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the mRNA expression of PAI-1 while scratch wound assays were used to measure keratinocyte migration. Western blot data showed that thrombin mediates PAR-1 transactivation of EGFR and the downstream phosphorylation of the transcription factor Smad2 linker (Smad2L) region. ERK1/2 inhibition by UO126 caused a decrease in Smad2L phosphorylation while the p38 inhibitor SB202190 and JNK inhibitor SP600125 did not. Smad2L Ser250 was specifically phosphorylated by this thrombin mediated pathway while Ser245 and Ser255 were not. Thrombin increased PAI-1 mRNA expression and keratinocyte migration and this was reduced when either EGFR or ERK1/2 were blocked. Taken together these results show that thrombin mediated mRNA expression of PAI-1 in keratinocytes and migration occurs via EGFR transactivation and involves signalling intermediates ERK1/2 and Smad2 and may be a key pathway in skin wound healing.

uPA/uPAR and SERPINE1 in head and neck cancer: role in tumor resistance, metastasis, prognosis and therapy

There is strong evidence supporting the role of the plasminogen activator system in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly of its uPA (urokinase plasminogen activator) / uPAR (urokinase plasminogen activator receptor) and SERPINE1 components. Overexpression of uPA/uPAR and SERPINE1 enhances tumor cell migration and invasion and plays a key role in metastasis development, conferring poor prognosis. The apparent paradox of uPA/uPAR and its inhibitor SERPINE1 producing similar effects is solved by the identification of SERPINE1 activated signaling pathways independent of uPA inhibition. Both uPA/uPAR and SERPINE1 are directly linked to the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the acquisition of stem cell properties and resistance to antitumor agents. The aim of this review is to provide insight on the deregulation of these proteins in all these processes.

We also summarize their potential value as prognostic biomarkers or potential drug targets in HNSCC patients. Concomitant overexpression of uPA/uPAR and SERPINE1 is associated with a higher risk of metastasis and could be used to identify patients that would benefit from an adjuvant treatment. In the future, the specific inhibitors of uPA/uPAR and SERPINE1, which are still under development, could be used to design new therapeutic strategies in HNSCCs.

Role of Corneal Stromal Cells on Epithelial Cell Function during Wound Healing

Following injury, corneal stromal keratocytes transform into repair-phenotype of activated stromal fibroblasts (SFs) and participate in wound repair. Simultaneously, ongoing bi-directional communications between corneal stromal-epithelial cells also play a vital role in mediating the process of wound healing. Factors produced by stromal cells are known to induce proliferation, differentiation, and motility of corneal epithelial cells, which are also subsequently the main processes that occur during wound healing. In this context, the present study aims to investigate the effect of SFs conditioned medium (SFCM) on corneal epithelial cell function along with substance P (SP). Antibody microarrays were employed to profile differentially expressed cell surface markers and cytokines in the presence of SFCM and SP. Antibody microarray data revealed enhanced expression of the ITGB1 in corneal epithelial cells following stimulation with SP whereas SFCM induced abundant expression of IL-8, ITGB1, PD1L1, PECA1, IL-15, BDNF, ICAM1, CD8A, CD44 and NTF4. All these proteins have either direct or indirect roles in epithelial cell growth, movement and adhesion related signaling cascades during tissue regeneration. We also observed activation of MAPK signaling pathway along with increased expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), paxillin, vimentin, β-catenin and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation. Additionally, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulating transcription factors Slug and ZEB1 expression were enhanced in the presence of SFCM. SP enriched the expression of integrin subunits α4, α5, αV, β1 and β3 whereas SFCM increased α4, α5, αV, β1 and β5 integrin subunits. We also observed increased expression of Serpin E1 following SP and SFCM treatment. Wound healing scratch assay revealed enhanced migration of epithelial cells following the addition of SFCM. Taken together, we conclude that SFCM-mediated sustained activation of ZEB1, Slug in combination with upregulated migration-associated integrins and ERK (Extracellular signal-regulated kinase)-FAK-paxillin axis, may lead to induce type 2 EMT-like changes during corneal epithelial wound healing.