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Nguyen MB, Flora P, Branch MC, Weber M, Zheng XY, Sivan U, Joost S, Annusver K, Zheng D, Kasper M, Ezhkova E. Tenascin-C expressing touch dome keratinocytes exhibit characteristics of all epidermal lineages. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi5791. [PMID: 38241368 PMCID: PMC10798558 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi5791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The touch dome (TD) keratinocytes are specialized epidermal cells that intimately associate with the light touch sensing Merkel cells (MCs). The TD keratinocytes function as a niche for the MCs and can induce de novo hair follicles upon stimulation; however, how the TD keratinocytes are maintained during homeostasis remains unclear. scRNA-seq identified a specific TD keratinocyte marker, Tenascin-C (TNC). Lineage tracing of Tnc-expressing TD keratinocytes revealed that these cells maintain themselves as an autonomous epidermal compartment and give rise to MCs upon injury. Molecular characterization uncovered that, while the transcriptional and chromatin landscape of the TD keratinocytes is remarkably similar to that of the interfollicular epidermal keratinocytes, it also shares certain molecular signatures with the hair follicle keratinocytes. Our study highlights that the TD keratinocytes in the adult skin have molecular characteristics of keratinocytes of diverse epidermal lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Binh Nguyen
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pooja Flora
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meagan C. Branch
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Madison Weber
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiang Yu Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Unnikrishnan Sivan
- Department of Neurology, and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Simon Joost
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Karl Annusver
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Kasper
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Ezhkova
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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2
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Ragazzini R, Boeing S, Zanieri L, Green M, D'Agostino G, Bartolovic K, Agua-Doce A, Greco M, Watson SA, Batsivari A, Ariza-McNaughton L, Gjinovci A, Scoville D, Nam A, Hayday AC, Bonnet D, Bonfanti P. Defining the identity and the niches of epithelial stem cells with highly pleiotropic multilineage potency in the human thymus. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2428-2446.e9. [PMID: 37652013 PMCID: PMC10957394 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.017] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Thymus is necessary for lifelong immunological tolerance and immunity. It displays a distinctive epithelial complexity and undergoes age-dependent atrophy. Nonetheless, it also retains regenerative capacity, which, if harnessed appropriately, might permit rejuvenation of adaptive immunity. By characterizing cortical and medullary compartments in the human thymus at single-cell resolution, in this study we have defined specific epithelial populations, including those that share properties with bona fide stem cells (SCs) of lifelong regenerating epidermis. Thymic epithelial SCs display a distinctive transcriptional profile and phenotypic traits, including pleiotropic multilineage potency, to give rise to several cell types that were not previously considered to have shared origin. Using here identified SC markers, we have defined their cortical and medullary niches and shown that, in vitro, the cells display long-term clonal expansion and self-organizing capacity. These data substantively broaden our knowledge of SC biology and set a stage for tackling thymic atrophy and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ragazzini
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK
| | - Stefan Boeing
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Luca Zanieri
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK
| | - Mary Green
- Experimental Histopathology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Giuseppe D'Agostino
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Plasticell Limited, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Kerol Bartolovic
- Flow Cytometry Core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ana Agua-Doce
- Flow Cytometry Core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Maria Greco
- Single Cell Facility, MRC WIMM, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Sara A Watson
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Antoniana Batsivari
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Linda Ariza-McNaughton
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Asllan Gjinovci
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK
| | | | - Andy Nam
- NanoString Technologies Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adrian C Hayday
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dominique Bonnet
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK.
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3
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CHAMBERS JK, ITO S, UCHIDA K. Feline papillomavirus-associated Merkel cell carcinoma: a comparative review with human Merkel cell carcinoma. J Vet Med Sci 2023; 85:1195-1209. [PMID: 37743525 PMCID: PMC10686778 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin tumor that shares a similar immunophenotype with Merkel cells, although its origin is debatable. More than 80% of human MCC cases are associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus infections and viral gene integration. Recent studies have shown that the clinical and pathological characteristics of feline MCC are comparable to those of human MCC, including its occurrence in aged individuals, aggressive behavior, histopathological findings, and the expression of Merkel cell markers. More than 90% of feline MCC are positive for the Felis catus papillomavirus type 2 (FcaPV2) gene. Molecular changes involved in papillomavirus-associated tumorigenesis, such as increased p16 and decreased retinoblastoma (Rb) and p53 protein levels, were observed in FcaPV2-positive MCC, but not in FcaPV2-negative MCC cases. These features were also confirmed in FcaPV2-positive and -negative MCC cell lines. The expression of papillomavirus E6 and E7 genes, responsible for p53 degradation and Rb inhibition, respectively, was detected in tumor cells by in situ hybridization. Whole genome sequencing revealed the integration of FcaPV2 DNA into the host feline genome. MCC cases often develop concurrent skin lesions, such as viral plaque and squamous cell carcinoma, which are also associated with papillomavirus infection. These findings suggest that FcaPV2 infection and integration of viral genes are involved in the development of MCC in cats. This review provides an overview of the comparative pathology of feline and human MCC caused by different viruses and discusses their cell of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K CHAMBERS
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soma ITO
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki UCHIDA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Weber M, Nguyen MB, Li MY, Flora P, Shuda M, Ezhkova E. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus T Antigen-Mediated Reprogramming in Adult Merkel Cell Progenitors. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:2163-2176.e6. [PMID: 37257637 PMCID: PMC10592583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Whether Merkel cells regenerate in adult skin and from which progenitor cells they regenerate are a subject of debate. Understanding Merkel cell regeneration is of interest to the study of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare neuroendocrine skin cancer hypothesized to originate in a Merkel cell progenitor transformed by Merkel cell polyomavirus small and large T antigens. We sought to understand what the adult Merkel cell progenitors are and whether they can give rise to Merkel cell carcinoma. We used lineage tracing to identify SOX9-expressing cells (SOX9+ cells) as Merkel cell progenitors in postnatal murine skin. Merkel cell regeneration from SOX9+ progenitors occurs rarely in mature skin unless in response to minor mechanical injury. Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen and functional imitation of large T antigen in SOX9+ cells enforced neuroendocrine and Merkel cell lineage reprogramming in a subset of cells. These results identify SOX9+ cells as postnatal Merkel cell progenitors that can be reprogrammed by Merkel cell polyomavirus T antigens to express neuroendocrine markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Weber
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Minh Binh Nguyen
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Meng Yen Li
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pooja Flora
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Masahiro Shuda
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elena Ezhkova
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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5
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Piccini I, Chéret J, Tsutsumi M, Sakaguchi S, Ponce L, Almeida L, Funk W, Kückelhaus M, Kajiya K, Paus R, Bertolini M. Preliminary evidence that Merkel cells exert chemosensory functions in human epidermis. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:1848-1855. [PMID: 37587642 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The mechanotransduction of light-touch sensory stimuli is considered to be the main physiological function of epidermal Merkel cells (MCs). Recently, however, MCs have been demonstrated to be also thermo-sensitive, suggesting that their role in skin physiologically extends well beyond mechanosensation. Here, we demonstrate that in healthy human skin epidermal MCs express functional olfactory receptors, namely OR2AT4, just like neighbouring keratinocytes. Selective stimulation of OR2AT4 by topical application of the synthetic odorant, Sandalore®, significantly increased Piccolo protein expression in MCs, as assessed by quantitative immunohistomorphometry, indicating increased vesicle trafficking and recycling, and significantly reduced nerve growth factor (NGF) immunoreactivity within MCs, possibly indicating increased neurotrophin release upon OR2AT4 activation. Live-cell imaging showed that Sandalore® rapidly induces a loss of FFN206-dependent fluorescence in MCs, suggesting OR2AT4-dependent MC depolarization and subsequent vesicle secretion. Yet, in contrast to keratinocytes, OR2AT4 stimulation by Sandalore® altered neither the number nor the proliferation status of MCs. These preliminary ex vivo findings demonstrate that epidermal MCs also exert OR-dependent chemosensory functions in human skin, and invite one to explore whether these newly identified properties are dysregulated in selected skin disorders, for example, in pruritic dermatoses, and if these novel MC functions can be therapeutically targeted to maintain/promote skin health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Piccini
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Jeremy Chéret
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Moe Tsutsumi
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Saito Sakaguchi
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Leslie Ponce
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Luis Almeida
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Funk
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Kentaro Kajiya
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ralf Paus
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- CUTANEON - Skin & Hair Innovations, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marta Bertolini
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
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6
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Sulic AM, Das Roy R, Papagno V, Lan Q, Saikkonen R, Jernvall J, Thesleff I, Mikkola ML. Transcriptomic landscape of early hair follicle and epidermal development. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112643. [PMID: 37318953 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphogenesis of ectodermal organs, such as hair, tooth, and mammary gland, starts with the formation of local epithelial thickenings, or placodes, but it remains to be determined how distinct cell types and differentiation programs are established during ontogeny. Here, we use bulk and single-cell transcriptomics and pseudotime modeling to address these questions in developing hair follicles and epidermis and produce a comprehensive transcriptomic profile of cellular populations in the hair placode and interplacodal epithelium. We report previously unknown cell populations and marker genes, including early suprabasal and genuine interfollicular basal markers, and propose the identity of suprabasal progenitors. By uncovering four different hair placode cell populations organized in three spatially distinct areas, with fine gene expression gradients between them, we posit early biases in cell fate establishment. This work is accompanied by a readily accessible online tool to stimulate further research on skin appendages and their progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Marija Sulic
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rishi Das Roy
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Verdiana Papagno
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Qiang Lan
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Saikkonen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Jernvall
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Irma Thesleff
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marja L Mikkola
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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7
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Brown TL, Horton EC, Craig EW, Goo CEA, Black EC, Hewitt MN, Yee NG, Fan ET, Raible DW, Rasmussen JP. Dermal appendage-dependent patterning of zebrafish atoh1a+ Merkel cells. eLife 2023; 12:85800. [PMID: 36648063 PMCID: PMC9901935 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Touch system function requires precise interactions between specialized skin cells and somatosensory axons, as exemplified by the vertebrate mechanosensory Merkel cell-neurite complex. Development and patterning of Merkel cells and associated neurites during skin organogenesis remain poorly understood, partly due to the in utero development of mammalian embryos. Here, we discover Merkel cells in the zebrafish epidermis and identify Atonal homolog 1a (Atoh1a) as a marker of zebrafish Merkel cells. We show that zebrafish Merkel cells derive from basal keratinocytes, express neurosecretory and mechanosensory machinery, extend actin-rich microvilli, and complex with somatosensory axons, all hallmarks of mammalian Merkel cells. Merkel cells populate all major adult skin compartments, with region-specific densities and distribution patterns. In vivo photoconversion reveals that Merkel cells undergo steady loss and replenishment during skin homeostasis. Merkel cells develop concomitant with dermal appendages along the trunk and loss of Ectodysplasin signaling, which prevents dermal appendage formation, reduces Merkel cell density by affecting cell differentiation. By contrast, altering dermal appendage morphology changes the distribution, but not density, of Merkel cells. Overall, our studies provide insights into touch system maturation during skin organogenesis and establish zebrafish as an experimentally accessible in vivo model for the study of Merkel cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya L Brown
- Department of Biology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Emma C Horton
- Department of Biology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Evan W Craig
- Department of Biology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Camille EA Goo
- Department of Biology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Erik C Black
- Department of Biology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Madeleine N Hewitt
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Department of Biological Structure, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Nathaniel G Yee
- Department of Biology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Everett T Fan
- Department of Biology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - David W Raible
- Department of Biological Structure, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Jeffrey P Rasmussen
- Department of Biology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
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8
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Zhu XC, Zhu MZ, Lu J, Yao QY, Hu JW, Long WJ, Ruan SS, Dai WZ, Li R. MicroRNA-125a-3p Modulate Amyloid β-Protein through the MAPK Pathway in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2023; 20:471-480. [PMID: 37711111 DOI: 10.2174/1567205020666230913105811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA (miR)-125a-3p is reported to play an important role in some central nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, a study has not been conducted on the mechanism of miR-125a-3p in the pathological process of AD. METHODS First, we assessed the expression of miR-125a-3p in AD cohort. Subsequently, we altered the expressions of miR-125a-3p to assess its role in cell viability, cell apoptosis, amyloid-β (Aβ) metabolism, and synaptic activity. Finally, we identified its potential mechanism underlying AD pathology. RESULTS This study unveiled the potential function of miR-125a-3p through modulating amyloid precursor protein processing. Additionally, miR-125a-3p influenced cell survival and activated synaptic expression through the modulation of Aβ metabolism in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway via fibroblast growth factor receptor 2. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that targeting miR-125a-3p may be an applicable therapy for AD in the future. However, more in vitro and in vivo studies with more samples are needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Chen Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
- Brain Institue, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Neurology, the Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meng-Zhuo Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qing-Yu Yao
- Department of Neurology, the Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jia-Wei Hu
- Department of Neurology, the Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Jun Long
- Department of Neurology, the Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Sha-Sha Ruan
- Department of Neurology, the Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
- Brain Institue, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Zhuo Dai
- Department of Neurology, the Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
- Brain Institue, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Neurology, the Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Pharmacy, the Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
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9
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Qu H, Wu S, Li J, Ma T, Li J, Xiang B, Jiang H, Zhang Q. MiR-125b regulates the differentiation of hair follicles in Fine-wool Sheep and Cashmere goats by targeting MXD4 and FGFR2. Anim Biotechnol 2021; 34:357-364. [PMID: 34487480 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1968884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
With the development of miRNAs identification technology, more and more miRNAs have been discovered, and the role of miRNAs in the development of animal hair follicles has become a focus of research on hair-producing animals. In the previous experiment, compare the microRNA (miRNA) trancriptomes of goats and sheep skin using Solexa sequencing and differentially expressed miR-125b was screened. However, the mechanism of miR-125b regulating hair follicle development is not clear. Therefore, in the present study, the expression of miR-125b, MXD4 and FGFR2 in skin tissue of Fine-wool Sheep and Cashmere goats and HEK-293T cells was examined by qPCR and Western blot. Furthermore, the correlation between miR-125b and the predicted target gene (MXD4, FGFR2) was verified using the Dual-luciferase Reporter assay. We demonstrated that the expression of MXD4 and FGFR2 in Cashmere goats was significantly higher than that of Fine-wool Sheep, and the expression was opposite to that of miR-125b. miR-125b can down-regulate the levels of MXD4 and FGFR2. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-125b could bind to the 3'-UTR region of target genes FGFR2 and MXD4, suggesting that MXD4 and FGFR2 were target genes of miR-125b. This study has shown that the growth and development of hair follicles in skin tissue of Fine-wool Sheep and Cashmere goats from the new regulatory levels of miRNAs, and clarified the mechanism of miR-125b and its target genes in the development of hair follicles in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haie Qu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, China
| | - Sufang Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianping Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, China
| | - Tao Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianyu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ba Xiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huaizhi Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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10
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Kervarrec T, Chéret J, Paus R, Houben R, Schrama D. Transduction-induced overexpression of Merkel cell T antigens in human hair follicles induces formation of pathological cell clusters with Merkel cell carcinoma-like phenotype. Exp Dermatol 2021; 31:259-260. [PMID: 34386998 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Université de Tours, Tours Cedex 09, France.,"Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Tours, France.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jérémy Chéret
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany.,Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ralf Paus
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany.,Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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11
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Oss-Ronen L, Cohen I. Epigenetic regulation and signalling pathways in Merkel cell development. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:1051-1064. [PMID: 34152646 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cells are specialized epithelial cells connected to afferent nerve endings responsible for light-touch sensations, formed at specific locations in touch-sensitive regions of the mammalian skin. Although Merkel cells are descendants of the epidermal lineage, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the development of these unique mechanosensory cells. Recent studies have highlighted that the Polycomb group (PcG) of proteins play a significant role in spatiotemporal regulation of Merkel cell formation. In addition, several of the major signalling pathways involved in skin development have been shown to regulate Merkel cell development as well. Here, we summarize the current understandings of the role of developmental regulators in Merkel cell formation, including the interplay between the epigenetic machinery and key signalling pathways, and the lineage-specific transcription factors involved in the regulation of Merkel cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Oss-Ronen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Cohen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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12
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Cohen I, Bar C, Liu H, Valdes VJ, Zhao D, Galbo PM, Silva JM, Koseki H, Zheng D, Ezhkova E. Polycomb complexes redundantly maintain epidermal stem cell identity during development. Genes Dev 2021; 35:354-366. [PMID: 33602871 PMCID: PMC7919412 DOI: 10.1101/gad.345363.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Cohen et al. sought to understand the functional contribution of PRC1 and PRC2, which largely overlap in their genomic binding and cooperate to establish repressive chromatin domains demarcated by H2AK119ub and H3K27me3, to gene repression. By using the developing murine epidermis as a paradigm, they uncovered a previously unappreciated functional redundancy between Polycomb complexes, and their findings show how PRC1 and PRC2 function as two independent counterparts, providing a repressive safety net that protects and preserves lineage identity. Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2 are critical epigenetic developmental regulators. PRC1 and PRC2 largely overlap in their genomic binding and cooperate to establish repressive chromatin domains demarcated by H2AK119ub and H3K27me3. However, the functional contribution of each complex to gene repression has been a subject of debate, and understanding of its physiological significance requires further studies. Here, using the developing murine epidermis as a paradigm, we uncovered a previously unappreciated functional redundancy between Polycomb complexes. Coablation of PRC1 and PRC2 in embryonic epidermal progenitors resulted in severe defects in epidermal stratification, a phenotype not observed in the single PRC1-null or PRC2-null epidermis. Molecular dissection indicated a loss of epidermal identity that was coupled to a strong derepression of nonlineage transcription factors, otherwise repressed by either PRC1 or PRC2 in the absence of its counterpart. Ectopic expression of subsets of PRC1/2-repressed nonepidermal transcription factors in wild-type epidermal stem cells was sufficient to suppress epidermal identity genes, highlighting the importance of functional redundancy between PRC1 and PRC2. Altogether, our studies show how PRC1 and PRC2 function as two independent counterparts, thereby providing a repressive safety net that protects and preserves lineage identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idan Cohen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Carmit Bar
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Hequn Liu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | - Victor J Valdes
- Department of Cell Biology and Development, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Dejian Zhao
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.,Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA.,Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
| | - Phillip M Galbo
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | - Jose M Silva
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Haruhiko Koseki
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (RIKEN-IMS), Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan.,AMED-CREST, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.,Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | - Elena Ezhkova
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
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13
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Talagas M, Lebonvallet N, Leschiera R, Sinquin G, Elies P, Haftek M, Pennec JP, Ressnikoff D, La Padula V, Le Garrec R, L'herondelle K, Mignen O, Le Pottier L, Kerfant N, Reux A, Marcorelles P, Misery L. Keratinocytes Communicate with Sensory Neurons via Synaptic-like Contacts. Ann Neurol 2020; 88:1205-1219. [PMID: 32951274 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pain, temperature, and itch are conventionally thought to be exclusively transduced by the intraepidermal nerve endings. Although recent studies have shown that epidermal keratinocytes also participate in sensory transduction, the mechanism underlying keratinocyte communication with intraepidermal nerve endings remains poorly understood. We sought to demonstrate the synaptic character of the contacts between keratinocytes and sensory neurons and their involvement in sensory communication between keratinocytes and sensory neurons. METHODS Contacts were explored by morphological, molecular, and functional approaches in cocultures of epidermal keratinocytes and sensory neurons. To interrogate whether structures observed in vitro were also present in the human epidermis, in situ correlative light electron microscopy was performed on human skin biopsies. RESULTS Epidermal keratinocytes dialogue with sensory neurons through en passant synaptic-like contacts. These contacts have the ultrastructural features and molecular hallmarks of chemical synaptic-like contacts: narrow intercellular cleft, keratinocyte synaptic vesicles expressing synaptophysin and synaptotagmin 1, and sensory information transmitted from keratinocytes to sensory neurons through SNARE-mediated (syntaxin1) vesicle release. INTERPRETATION By providing selective communication between keratinocytes and sensory neurons, synaptic-like contacts are the hubs of a 2-site receptor. The permanent epidermal turnover, implying a specific en passant structure and high plasticity, may have delayed their identification, thereby contributing to the long-held concept of nerve endings passing freely between keratinocytes. The discovery of keratinocyte-sensory neuron synaptic-like contacts may call for a reassessment of basic assumptions in cutaneous sensory perception and sheds new light on the pathophysiology of pain and itch as well as the physiology of touch. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:1205-1219.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Talagas
- Univ Brest, LIEN, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Department of Pathology, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France.,Univ Brest, Brest Institute of Health Agro Matter, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Nicolas Lebonvallet
- Univ Brest, LIEN, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Univ Brest, Brest Institute of Health Agro Matter, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Raphael Leschiera
- Univ Brest, LIEN, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Univ Brest, Brest Institute of Health Agro Matter, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Gerard Sinquin
- Univ Brest, Imagery and Microscopic Measures Facility, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Philippe Elies
- Univ Brest, Imagery and Microscopic Measures Facility, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Marek Haftek
- Laboratory of Tissue Biology and Therapeutic Engineering, University of Lyon 1, UMR 5305 CNRS-UCBL1, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Pennec
- Univ Brest, Brest Institute of Health Agro Matter, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Univ Brest, Movement Sport and Health (EA1274), Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Denis Ressnikoff
- East Lyon Center of Quantitative Imagery, University of Lyon 1, INSERM US 7-CNRS UMS 3453, Lyon, France
| | - Veronica La Padula
- Technological Center of Microstructures, University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Raphaele Le Garrec
- Univ Brest, LIEN, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Univ Brest, Brest Institute of Health Agro Matter, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Killian L'herondelle
- Univ Brest, LIEN, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Univ Brest, Brest Institute of Health Agro Matter, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Olivier Mignen
- Univ Brest, Brest Institute of Health Agro Matter, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Univ Brest, INSERM, UMR 1227, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Laetitia Le Pottier
- Univ Brest, Brest Institute of Health Agro Matter, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Univ Brest, INSERM, UMR 1227, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Nathalie Kerfant
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Esthetic Surgery, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - Alexia Reux
- Univ Brest, LIEN, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Pascale Marcorelles
- Univ Brest, LIEN, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Department of Pathology, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France.,Univ Brest, Brest Institute of Health Agro Matter, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Laurent Misery
- Univ Brest, LIEN, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Univ Brest, Brest Institute of Health Agro Matter, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
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14
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Conversion of Sox2-dependent Merkel cell carcinoma to a differentiated neuron-like phenotype by T antigen inhibition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:20104-20114. [PMID: 31527246 PMCID: PMC6778204 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1907154116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal cells can be transformed into cancer cells by viral oncogenes. Reversion of a viral human cancer cell, however, into a differentiated cell by viral oncogene inhibition has not been described. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine cancer caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) that encodes a T antigen oncogene. When MCV+ MCC cells with T antigen knockdown are cocultured with keratinocytes, the MCC phenotype converts to a differentiated neuronal phenotype and loses Merkel cell factor Sox2 and Atoh1 expression. MCV large T activates Sox2 and Atoh1 by its ability to inhibit retinoblastoma. Sox2 inhibition similarly induced this phenotypic conversion of MCC. These findings suggest that MCV induces cancer by dysregulating embryonic Merkel cell differentiation pathways. Viral cancers show oncogene addiction to viral oncoproteins, which are required for survival and proliferation of the dedifferentiated cancer cell. Human Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) that harbor a clonally integrated Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) genome have low mutation burden and require viral T antigen expression for tumor growth. Here, we showed that MCV+ MCC cells cocultured with keratinocytes undergo neuron-like differentiation with neurite outgrowth, secretory vesicle accumulation, and the generation of sodium-dependent action potentials, hallmarks of a neuronal cell lineage. Cocultured keratinocytes are essential for induction of the neuronal phenotype. Keratinocyte-conditioned medium was insufficient to induce this phenotype. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that T antigen knockdown inhibited cell cycle gene expression and reduced expression of key Merkel cell lineage/MCC marker genes, including HES6, SOX2, ATOH1, and KRT20. Of these, T antigen knockdown directly inhibited Sox2 and Atoh1 expression. MCV large T up-regulated Sox2 through its retinoblastoma protein-inhibition domain, which in turn activated Atoh1 expression. The knockdown of Sox2 in MCV+ MCCs mimicked T antigen knockdown by inducing MCC cell growth arrest and neuron-like differentiation. These results show Sox2-dependent conversion of an undifferentiated, aggressive cancer cell to a differentiated neuron-like phenotype and suggest that the ontology of MCC arises from a neuronal cell precursor.
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15
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Plikus MV, Chuong CM. Understanding skin morphogenesis across developmental, regenerative and evolutionary levels. Exp Dermatol 2019; 28:327-331. [PMID: 30951234 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maksim V Plikus
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California.,Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California.,Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California.,NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,International Wound Repair and Regenerative Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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