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Shi H, Xiang T, Feng J, Yang X, Li Y, Fang Y, Xu L, Qi Q, Shen J, Tang L, Shen Q, Wang X, Xu H, Rao J. N6-Methyladenosine Methylomic Landscape of Ureteral Deficiency in Reflux Uropathy and Obstructive Uropathy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:924579. [PMID: 35795641 PMCID: PMC9251069 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.924579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tracts (CAKUT) represent the most prevalent cause for renal failure in children. The RNA epigenetic modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modulates gene expression and function post-transcriptionally, which has recently been revealed to be critical in organ development. However, it is uncertain whether m6A methylation plays a role in the pathogenesis of CAKUT. Thus, we aimed to explore the pattern of m6A methylation in CAKUT. Methods Using m6A-mRNA epitranscriptomic microarray, we investigated the m6A methylomic landscape in the ureter tissue of children with obstructive megaureter (M group) and primary vesicoureteral reflux (V group). Results A total of 228 mRNAs engaged in multiple function-relevant signaling pathways were substantially differential methylated between the “V” and “M” groups. Additionally, 215 RNA-binding proteins that recognize differentially methylated regions were predicted based on public databases. The M group showed significantly higher mRNA levels of m6A readers/writers (YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDC1, YTHDC2 and WTAP) and significantly lower mRNA levels of m6A eraser (FTO) according to real-time PCR. To further investigate the differentially methylated genes, m6A methylome and transcriptome data were integrated to identified 298 hypermethylated mRNAs with differential expressions (265 upregulation and 33 downregulation) and 489 hypomethylated mRNAs with differential expressions (431 upregulation and 58 downregulation) in the M/V comparison. Conclusion The current results highlight the pathogenesis of m6A methylation in obstructive and reflux uropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Kidney Development and Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianchao Xiang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Kidney Development and Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayan Feng
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Kidney Development and Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqi Li
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Kidney Development and Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Fang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Kidney Development and Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linan Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Kidney Development and Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Kidney Development and Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Shen
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangfeng Tang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Kidney Development and Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Wang
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Kidney Development and Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Hong Xu
| | - Jia Rao
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Jia Rao
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Liu J, Sun L, Shen Q, Wu X, Xu H. New congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract and outcomes in Robo2 mutant mice with the inserted piggyBac transposon. BMC Nephrol 2016; 17:98. [PMID: 27460642 PMCID: PMC4962383 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-016-0308-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of ROBO2 in humans causes vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)/congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). PiggyBac (PB) is a DNA transposon, and its insertion often reduces-but does not eliminate-gene expression. The Robo2 insertion mutant exhibited non-dilating VUR, ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) not found in reported models. We studied the incidence and outcomes of VUR/CAKUT in this mutant and explored the relationship between Robo2 gene expression and the occurrence and severity of VUR/CAKUT. METHODS The urinary systems of newborn mutants were evaluated via Vevo 770 micro-ultrasound. Some of the normal animals-and all of the abnormal animals-were followed to adulthood and tested for VUR. Urinary obstruction experiments were performed on mice with hydronephrosis. The histology of the kidney and ureter was examined by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Robo2 (PB/PB) mice were crossed with Hoxb7/myr-Venus mice to visualize the location of the ureters relative to the bladder. RESULTS In Robo2 (PB/PB) mice, PB insertion led to an approximately 50 % decrease in Robo2 gene expression. The most common (27.07 %, 62/229) abnormality was non-dilating VUR, and no statistically significant differences were found between age groups. Approximately 6.97 % displayed ultrasound-detectable CAKUT, and these mice survived to adulthood without improvement. No severe CAKUT were found in Robo2 (PB/+) mice. The refluxing ureters showed disorganized smooth muscle fibers, reduced muscle cell populations, intercellular edema and intracytoplasmic vacuoles in smooth muscle cells. Both UPJ and UVJ muscle defects were noted in Robo2 (PB/PB) mice. CONCLUSIONS Robo2 (PB/PB) mice is the first Robo2-deficient mouse model to survive to adulthood while displaying non-dilating VUR, UPJO, and multiple ureters with blind endings. The genetic background of these mutants may influence the penetrance and severity of the CAKUT phenotypes. VUR and other CAKUT found in this mutant had little chance of spontaneous resolution, and this requires careful follow-up. We reported for the first time that the non-dilated refluxing ureters showed disorganized smooth muscle fibers and altered smooth muscle cell structure, more accurately mimicking the characteristics of human cases. Future studies are required to test the role of Robo2 in the ureteric smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Liu
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatism, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 WanYuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatism, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 WanYuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatism, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 WanYuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Xiaohui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatism, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 WanYuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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Izol V, Acikalin AA, Kuyucu Y, Deger M, Aridogan IA, Polat S, Satar N. Ultrastructural and immunohistopathological evaluation of intravesical ureters via electron and light microscopy in children with vesicoureteral reflux. J Urol 2013; 191:1110-7. [PMID: 24126283 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We used immunohistochemical methods and transmission electron microscopy to investigate the cytokine profiles and ultrastructural changes in the ureterovesical junction of children with primary vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 39 distal intravesical ureters were obtained from 23 children who underwent ureteroneocystostomy for primary vesicoureteral reflux. Ureteral wall smooth muscle organization and transforming growth factor-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor and CD34 were evaluated immunohistochemically and compared to controls, which consisted of 10 age matched autopsy specimens. Ultrastructural evaluations and morphological descriptions were performed semiquantitatively and compared to the published data. RESULTS Of the patients 6 (26%) were male and 17 (74%) were female, and mean ± SD age was 73.2 ± 34.3 months (range 12 to 168). There was no correlation between reflux grade and age (p = 0.39). Smooth muscle disorganization score differed significantly between patients with intravesical ureters and controls (p = 0.01). Transforming growth factor-β1 levels were significantly higher (p = 0.001) and vascular endothelial growth factor levels and microvessel densities were significantly lower in the patients with reflux compared to controls (both p <0.001). Vascular endothelial growth factor, CD34 and transforming growth factor-β1 levels did not correlate with reflux grades (p = 0.84, p = 0.76 and p = 0.10, respectively). Urothelium, lamina propria and tunica adventitia appeared normal in the specimens for all grades of vesicoureteral reflux using transmission electron microscopy. Damage was observed in the muscular layers of the ureterovesical junction, especially in patients with grade IV or V reflux. CONCLUSIONS Primary refluxing ureters exhibit immunohistopathological abnormalities compared to normal ureters irrespective of reflux grade, and ultrastructural changes are especially severe in cases of high grade reflux. These abnormalities can hinder the normal ureteral valve mechanism, and may lead to reflux due to smooth muscle dysfunction and microvascular alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Izol
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Arbil Avci Acikalin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Yurdun Kuyucu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Mutlu Deger
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | | | - Sait Polat
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Nihat Satar
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
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Schwentner C, Oswald J, Lunacek A, Pelzer AE, Fritsch H, Schlenck B, Karatzas A, Bartsch G, Radmayr C. Extracellular microenvironment and cytokine profile of the ureterovesical junction in children with vesicoureteral reflux. J Urol 2008; 180:694-700. [PMID: 18554644 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2008.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vesicoureteral reflux is caused by a defective valve mechanism of the ureterovesical junction. Previous studies have revealed structural and metabolic changes in the intravesical ureter, impairing its contractile properties. Smooth musculature and nerves are replaced by collagen, while matrix degrading enzymes are over expressed. We investigated the presence of regulating cytokines and the extracellular matrix composition to elucidate further the pathophysiology of vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ureteral endings were obtained from 28 children during antireflux surgery, and 14 age matched autopsy specimens served as controls. Routine histological sections were immunostained for insulin-like growth factor-1, nerve growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor. Smooth muscle staining was supplemented by tenascin C, tetranectin and fibronectin detection. Staining patterns were investigated using computer assisted, high power field magnification analyses. RESULTS Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta1 were significantly more abundant in vesicoureteral reflux samples, whereas insulin-like growth factor-1, nerve growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor were more prevalent in healthy controls. Fibronectin was intensely expressed in refluxing ureters, while it was scarce in healthy children. Tenascin C was notable within the urothelium of both groups. Only vesicoureteral reflux samples displayed tenascin C in the musculature and connective tissue. Tetranectin staining was only detected in vesicoureteral reflux. CONCLUSIONS Several cytokines are differentially expressed in primary refluxing ureters, indicating an ongoing tissue remodeling process in the ureterovesical junction region. Additionally, the smooth muscle coat is widely lacking, while extracellular matrix proteins typical for tissue shrinkage and reorganization are over expressed. These alterations are likely to contribute to the malfunctioning active ureteral valve mechanism in primary vesicoureteral reflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schwentner
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Arena S, Favaloro A, Cutroneo G, Consolo A, Arena F, Anastasi G, Di Benedetto V. Sarcoglycan Subcomplex Expression in Refluxing Ureteral Endings. J Urol 2008; 179:1980-6; discussion 1986. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2008.01.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Arena
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Unit of Pediatric Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Angelo Favaloro
- Departments of Biomorphology and Biotechnologies, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cutroneo
- Departments of Biomorphology and Biotechnologies, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Consolo
- Departments of Biomorphology and Biotechnologies, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Arena
- Departments of Medical and Surgical Pediatric Sciences, Unit of Pediatric Surgery, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Anastasi
- Departments of Biomorphology and Biotechnologies, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Benedetto
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Unit of Pediatric Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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