The transcription factor Lef1 switches partners from β-catenin to Smad3 during muscle stem cell quiescence

Macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition and its role in cardiac fibrosis

After acute myocardial infarction, the heart mainly relies on fibrosis remodeling repair to maintain the structural and functional integrity of the heart, however, excessive fibrosis is an important cause of heart failure. Macrophages play an important regulatory role in cardiac fibrosis and have been found to transform into myofibroblasts through their own phenotype. Based on the existing evidence and previous research results, we summarizes the potential and mechanism of macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in cardiac fibrosis. Notwithstanding the burgeoning interest in MMT within the context of cardiac tissue, research in this domain remains nascent. A deeper comprehension of this phenomenon, alongside its molecular substratum, stands as a quintessential prerequisite for the demarcation of molecular targets conducive to the amelioration of cardiac fibrosis.

Transcription factor networks in cellular quiescence

Many of the cells in mammalian tissues are in a reversible quiescent state; they are not dividing, but retain the ability to proliferate in response to extracellular signals. Quiescence relies on the activities of transcription factors (TFs) that orchestrate the repression of genes that promote proliferation and establish a quiescence-specific gene expression program. Here we discuss how the coordinated activities of TFs in different quiescent stem cells and differentiated cells maintain reversible cell cycle arrest and establish cell-protective signalling pathways. We further cover the emerging mechanisms governing the dysregulation of quiescence TF networks with age. We explore how recent developments in single-cell technologies have enhanced our understanding of quiescence heterogeneity and gene regulatory networks. We further discuss how TFs and their activities are themselves regulated at the RNA, protein and chromatin levels. Finally, we summarize the challenges associated with defining TF networks in quiescent cells.

Lateral confined growth of cells activates Lef1 dependent pathways to regulate cell-state transitions

Long-term sustained mechano-chemical signals in tissue microenvironment regulate cell-state transitions. In recent work, we showed that laterally confined growth of fibroblasts induce dedifferentiation programs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such mechanically induced cell-state transitions are poorly understood. In this paper, we identify Lef1 as a critical somatic transcription factor for the mechanical regulation of de-differentiation pathways. Network optimization methods applied to time-lapse RNA-seq data identify Lef1 dependent signaling as potential regulators of such cell-state transitions. We show that Lef1 knockdown results in the down-regulation of fibroblast de-differentiation and that Lef1 directly interacts with the promoter regions of downstream reprogramming factors. We also evaluate the potential upstream activation pathways of Lef1, including the Smad4, Atf2, NFkB and Beta-catenin pathways, thereby identifying that Smad4 and Atf2 may be critical for Lef1 activation. Collectively, we describe an important mechanotransduction pathway, including Lef1, which upon activation, through progressive lateral cell confinement, results in fibroblast de-differentiation.

The transcription factor LEF1 interacts with NFIX and switches isoforms during adult hippocampal neural stem cell quiescence

Stem cells in adult mammalian tissues are held in a reversible resting state, known as quiescence, for prolonged periods of time. Recent studies have greatly increased our understanding of the epigenetic and transcriptional landscapes that underlie stem cell quiescence. However, the transcription factor code that actively maintains the quiescence program remains poorly defined. Similarly, alternative splicing events affecting transcription factors in stem cell quiescence have been overlooked. Here we show that the transcription factor T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor LEF1, a central player in canonical β-catenin-dependent Wnt signalling, undergoes alternative splicing and switches isoforms in quiescent neural stem cells. We found that active β-catenin and its partner LEF1 accumulated in quiescent hippocampal neural stem and progenitor cell (Q-NSPC) cultures. Accordingly, Q-NSPCs showed enhanced TCF/LEF1-driven transcription and a basal Wnt activity that conferred a functional advantage to the cultured cells in a Wnt-dependent assay. At a mechanistic level, we found a fine regulation of Lef1 gene expression. The coordinate upregulation of Lef1 transcription and retention of alternative spliced exon 6 (E6) led to the accumulation of a full-length protein isoform (LEF1-FL) that displayed increased stability in the quiescent state. Prospectively isolated GLAST + cells from the postnatal hippocampus also underwent E6 retention at the time quiescence is established in vivo. Interestingly, LEF1 motif was enriched in quiescence-associated enhancers of genes upregulated in Q-NSPCs and quiescence-related NFIX transcription factor motifs flanked the LEF1 binding sites. We further show that LEF1 interacts with NFIX and identify putative LEF1/NFIX targets. Together, our results uncover an unexpected role for LEF1 in gene regulation in quiescent NSPCs, and highlight alternative splicing as a post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in the transition from stem cell activation to quiescence.

Role of skeletal muscle satellite cells in the repair of osteoporotic fractures mediated by β-catenin

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease, and osteoporotic fracture (OPF) is one of its most serious complications. It is often ignored that the influence of the muscles surrounding the fracture on the healing of OPF. We aimed to clarify the role of skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) in promoting OPF healing by β-catenin, to improve our understanding of SMSCs, and let us explore its potential as a therapeutic target.

METHODS

Skeletal muscles were obtained from control non-OPF or OPF patients for primary SMSCs culture (n = 3, 33% females, mean age 60 ± 15.52). Expression of SMSCs was measured. In vivo, 3-month-old female C57BL/6 mice underwent OVX surgery. Three months later, the left tibia fracture model was again performed. The control and the treatment group (n = 24, per group, female). The treatment group was treated with an agonist (osthole). Detection of SMSCs in muscles and fracture healing at 7, 14, and 28 three time points (n = 8, 8, 8, female). To further clarify the scientific hypothesis, we innovatively used Pax7-Cre^ERT2/+ ;β-catenin^fx/fx transgenic mice (n = 12, per group, male). Knock out β-catenin in SMSC to observe the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of SMSCs, and OPF healing. In vitro primary cells of SMSCs from 3-month-old litter-negative β-catenin^fx/fx transgenic mice. After adenovirus-CRE transfection, the myogenic and osteogenic differentiation of SMSC was observed.

RESULTS

We find that human SMSCs reduced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in patients with OPF (-38.63%, P < 0.05). And through animal experiments, it was found that activation of β-catenin promoted the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of SMSC at the fracture site, thereby accelerating the healing of the fracture site (189.47%, P < 0.05). To prove this point of view, in the in vivo Pax7-Cre^ERT2/+ ;β-catenin^fx/fx transgenic mouse experiment, we innovatively found that knocking out β-catenin in SMSC will cause a decrease in bone mass and bone microstructure, and accompanied by delayed fracture healing (-35.04%, P < 0.001). At the same time, through in vitro SMSC culture experiments, it was found that their myogenic (-66.89%, P < 0.01) and osteogenic differentiation (-16.5%, P < 0.05) ability decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide the first practical evidence for a direct contribution of SMSCs to promote the healing of OPF with important clinical implications as it may help in the treatment of delayed healing and non-union of OPFs, and mobilization of autologous stem cell therapy in orthopaedic applications.

Potential Therapeutic Applications of N-Cadherin Antagonists and Agonists

This review focuses on the cell adhesion molecule (CAM), known as neural (N)-cadherin (CDH2). The molecular basis of N-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion is discussed, as well as the intracellular signaling pathways regulated by this CAM. N-cadherin antagonists and agonists are then described, and several potential therapeutic applications of these intercellular adhesion modulators are considered. The usefulness of N-cadherin antagonists in treating fibrotic diseases and cancer, as well as manipulating vascular function are emphasized. Biomaterials incorporating N-cadherin modulators for tissue regeneration are also presented. N-cadherin antagonists and agonists have potential for broad utility in the treatment of numerous maladies.

Analysis of chromatin accessibility in p53 deficient spermatogonial stem cells for high frequency transformation into pluripotent state

OBJECTIVES

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), the germline stem cells (GSCs) committed to spermatogenesis in niche, can transform into pluripotent state in long-term culture without introduction of exogenous factors, typically in p53 deficiency condition. As the guardian for genomic stability, p53 is associated with epigenetic alterations during SSCs transformation. However, the mechanism is still unknown, since complicated roles of p53 baffle our understanding of the regulating process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chromatin accessibility and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysed in p53+/+ and p53-/- SSCs using the Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput Sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), to explore the connection of p53 and cell fate at chromosomal level.

RESULTS

Several transcription factors (TFs), such as CTCF, SMAD3 and SOX2, were predicted as important factors mediating the transformation. Molecular evidence suggested that SMAD3 efficiently promoted pluripotency-associated gene expression both in fresh and long-term cultured SSCs. However, p53 knockout (KO) is insufficient to induce SMAD3 expression in SSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations indicate that SMAD3 is a key factor for SSCs transformation, and an unknown event is required to activate SMAD3 as the prerequisite for SSCs reprogramming, which may occur in the long-term culture of SSCs. This study demonstrates the connection of p53 and pluripotency-associated factors, providing new insight for understanding the mechanisms of SSCs reprogramming and germline tumorigenesis.

Nucleoporin-93 reveals a common feature of aggressive breast cancers: robust nucleocytoplasmic transport of transcription factors

By establishing multi-omics pipelines, we uncover overexpression and gene copy-number alterations of nucleoporin-93 (NUP93), a nuclear pore component, in aggressive human mammary tumors. NUP93 overexpression enhances transendothelial migration and matrix invasion in vitro, along with tumor growth and metastasis in animal models. These findings are supported by analyses of two sets of naturally occurring mutations: rare oncogenic mutations and inactivating familial nephrotic syndrome mutations. Mechanistically, NUP93 binds with importins, boosts nuclear transport of importins' cargoes, such as β-catenin, and activates MYC. Likewise, NUP93 overexpression enhances the ultimate nuclear transport step shared by additional signaling pathways, including TGF-β/SMAD and EGF/ERK. The emerging addiction to nuclear transport exposes vulnerabilities of NUP93-overexpressing tumors. Congruently, myristoylated peptides corresponding to the nuclear translocation signals of SMAD and ERK can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. Our study sheds light on an emerging hallmark of advanced tumors, which derive benefit from robust nucleocytoplasmic transport.

Control of satellite cell function in muscle regeneration and its disruption in ageing

Skeletal muscle contains a designated population of adult stem cells, called satellite cells, which are generally quiescent. In homeostasis, satellite cells proliferate only sporadically and usually by asymmetric cell division to replace myofibres damaged by daily activity and maintain the stem cell pool. However, satellite cells can also be robustly activated upon tissue injury, after which they undergo symmetric divisions to generate new stem cells and numerous proliferating myoblasts that later differentiate to muscle cells (myocytes) to rebuild the muscle fibre, thereby supporting skeletal muscle regeneration. Recent discoveries show that satellite cells have a great degree of population heterogeneity, and that their cell fate choices during the regeneration process are dictated by both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. Extrinsic cues come largely from communication with the numerous distinct stromal cell types in their niche, creating a dynamically interactive microenvironment. This Review discusses the role and regulation of satellite cells in skeletal muscle homeostasis and regeneration. In particular, we highlight the cell-intrinsic control of quiescence versus activation, the importance of satellite cell-niche communication, and deregulation of these mechanisms associated with ageing. The increasing understanding of how satellite cells are regulated will help to advance muscle regeneration and rejuvenation therapies.

Macrophages in Skeletal Muscle Dystrophies, An Entangled Partner

While skeletal muscle remodeling happens throughout life, diseases that result in its dysfunction are accountable for many deaths. Indeed, skeletal muscle is exceptionally capable to respond to stimuli modifying its homeostasis, such as in atrophy, hypertrophy, regeneration and repair. In particular conditions such as genetic diseases (muscular dystrophies), skeletal muscle’s capacity to remodel is strongly affected and undergoes continuous cycles of chronic damage. This induces scarring, fatty infiltration, as well as loss of contractibility and of the ability to generate force. In this context, inflammation, primarily mediated by macrophages, plays a central pathogenic role. Macrophages contribute as the primary regulators of inflammation during skeletal muscle regeneration, affecting tissue-resident cells such as myogenic cells and endothelial cells, but also fibro-adipogenic progenitors, which are the main source of the fibro fatty scar. During skeletal muscle regeneration their function is tightly orchestrated, while in dystrophies their fate is strongly disturbed, resulting in chronic inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the latest findings on the role of macrophages in skeletal muscle diseases, and how they are regulated.

Roles for growth factors and mutations in metastatic dissemination

Cancer is initiated largely by specific cohorts of genetic aberrations, which are generated by mutagens and often mimic active growth factor receptors, or downstream effectors. Once initiated cells outgrow and attract blood vessels, a multi-step process, called metastasis, disseminates cancer cells primarily through vascular routes. The major steps of the metastatic cascade comprise intravasation into blood vessels, circulation as single or collectives of cells, and eventual colonization of distant organs. Herein, we consider metastasis as a multi-step process that seized principles and molecular players employed by physiological processes, such as tissue regeneration and migration of neural crest progenitors. Our discussion contrasts the irreversible nature of mutagenesis, which establishes primary tumors, and the reversible epigenetic processes (e.g. epithelial-mesenchymal transition) underlying the establishment of micro-metastases and secondary tumors. Interestingly, analyses of sequencing data from untreated metastases inferred depletion of putative driver mutations among metastases, in line with the pivotal role played by growth factors and epigenetic processes in metastasis. Conceivably, driver mutations may not confer the same advantage in the microenvironment of the primary tumor and of the colonization site, hence phenotypic plasticity rather than rigid cellular states hardwired by mutations becomes advantageous during metastasis. We review the latest reported examples of growth factors harnessed by the metastatic cascade, with the goal of identifying opportunities for anti-metastasis interventions. In summary, because the overwhelming majority of cancer-associated deaths are caused by metastatic disease, understanding the complexity of metastasis, especially the roles played by growth factors, is vital for preventing, diagnosing and treating metastasis.

Methods to Mimic In Vivo Muscle Cell Biology in Primary Human Myoblasts Using Quiescence as a Guidepost in Regenerative Medicine Research

Regenerative medicine research and testing of new therapeutics for muscle-related human diseases call for a deeper understanding of how human myoblasts gain and maintain quiescence in vitro versus in vivo. The more closely we can experimentally simulate the in vivo environment, the more relevance in vitro research on myoblasts will have. In this context, isolation of satellite cells from muscle tissue causes activation while myoblasts remain activated in culture, thus not simulating quiescence as in their in vivo niche. Cells synchronized for cell cycle present a good starting point for experimental intervention. In the past, myoblast quiescence has been induced using suspension culture (SuCu) and, recently, by knockout serum replacement (KOSR)-supplemented culture media. We assessed the proportion of cells in G0 and molecular regulators after combining the two quiescence-inducing approaches. Quiescence was induced in primary human myoblasts (PHMs) in vitro using KOSR-treatment for 10 days or suspension in viscous media for 2 days (SuCu), or suspension combined with KOSR-treatment for 2 days (blended method, SuCu-KOSR). Quiescence and synchronization were achieved with all three protocols (G0/G1 cell cycle arrest >90% cells). Fold-change of cell cycle controller p21 mRNA for KOSR and SuCu was 3.23 ± 0.30 and 2.86 ± 0.15, respectively. Since this was already a significant change (p < 0.05), no further change was gained with the blended method. But SuCu-KOSR significantly decreased Ki67 (p = 0.0019). Myogenic regulatory factors, Myf5 and MyoD gene expression in PHMs were much more suppressed (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0034, respectively) in SuCu-KOSR, compared to SuCu alone. In conclusion, a homogenous pool of quiescent primary myoblasts synchronized in the G0 cell cycle phase was achieved with cells from three different donors regardless of the experimental protocol. Myogenic dedifferentiation at the level of Myogenic Regulatory Factors was greater when exposed to the blend of suspension and serum-free culture. We suggest that this blended new protocol can be considered in future biomedical research if differentiation is detected too early during myoblast expansion. This shall also inform new ways to bridge the in vitro and in vivo divides in regenerative medicine research.

TGFβ signaling curbs cell fusion and muscle regeneration

Muscle cell fusion is a multistep process involving cell migration, adhesion, membrane remodeling and actin-nucleation pathways to generate multinucleated myotubes. However, molecular brakes restraining cell-cell fusion events have remained elusive. Here we show that transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway is active in adult muscle cells throughout fusion. We find TGFβ signaling reduces cell fusion, regardless of the cells' ability to move and establish cell-cell contacts. In contrast, inhibition of TGFβ signaling enhances cell fusion and promotes branching between myotubes in mouse and human. Exogenous addition of TGFβ protein in vivo during muscle regeneration results in a loss of muscle function while inhibition of TGFβR2 induces the formation of giant myofibers. Transcriptome analyses and functional assays reveal that TGFβ controls the expression of actin-related genes to reduce cell spreading. TGFβ signaling is therefore requisite to limit mammalian myoblast fusion, determining myonuclei numbers and myofiber size.

Dynamic Expression Profiles of β-Catenin during Murine Cardiac Valve Development

β-catenin has been widely studied in many animal and organ systems across evolution, and gain or loss of function has been linked to a number of human diseases. Yet fundamental knowledge regarding its protein expression and localization remains poorly described. Thus, we sought to define whether there was a temporal and cell-specific regulation of β-catenin activities that correlate with distinct cardiac morphological events. Our findings indicate that activated nuclear β-catenin is primarily evident early in gestation. As development proceeds, nuclear β-catenin is down-regulated and becomes restricted to the membrane in a subset of cardiac progenitor cells. After birth, little β-catenin is detected in the heart. The co-expression of β-catenin with its main transcriptional co-factor, Lef1, revealed that Lef1 and β-catenin expression domains do not extensively overlap in the cardiac valves. These data indicate mutually exclusive roles for Lef1 and β-catenin in most cardiac cell types during development. Additionally, these data indicate diverse functions for β-catenin within the nucleus and membrane depending on cell type and gestational timing. Cardiovascular studies should take into careful consideration both nuclear and membrane β-catenin functions and their potential contributions to cardiac development and disease.

The primary cilium dampens proliferative signaling and represses a G2/M transcriptional network in quiescent myoblasts

BACKGROUND

Reversible cell cycle arrest (quiescence/G0) is characteristic of adult stem cells and is actively controlled at multiple levels. Quiescent cells also extend a primary cilium, which functions as a signaling hub. Primary cilia have been shown to be important in multiple developmental processes, and are implicated in numerous developmental disorders. Although the association of the cilium with G0 is established, the role of the cilium in the control of the quiescence program is still poorly understood.

RESULTS

Primary cilia are dynamically regulated across different states of cell cycle exit in skeletal muscle myoblasts: quiescent myoblasts elaborate a primary cilium in vivo and in vitro, but terminally differentiated myofibers do not. Myoblasts where ciliogenesis is ablated using RNAi against a key ciliary assembly protein (IFT88) can exit the cell cycle but display an altered quiescence program and impaired self-renewal. Specifically, the G0 transcriptome in IFT88 knockdown cells is aberrantly enriched for G2/M regulators, suggesting a focused repression of this network by the cilium. Cilium-ablated cells also exhibit features of activation including enhanced activity of Wnt and mitogen signaling and elevated protein synthesis via inactivation of the translational repressor 4E-BP1.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results show that the primary cilium integrates and dampens proliferative signaling, represses translation and G2/M genes, and is integral to the establishment of the quiescence program.

Transplantation of hMSCs Genome Edited with LEF1 Improves Cardio-Protective Effects in Myocardial Infarction

Stem cell-based therapy is one of the most attractive approaches to ischemic heart diseases, such as myocardial infarction (MI). We evaluated the cardio-protective effects of the human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) stably expressing lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1; LEF1/hUCB-MSCs) in a rat model of MI. LEF1 overexpression in hUCB-MSCs promoted cell-proliferation and anti-apoptotic effects in hypoxic conditions. For the application of its therapeutic effects in vivo, the LEF1 gene was introduced into an adeno-associated virus integration site 1 (AAVS1) locus, known as a safe harbor site on chromosome 19 by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene integration in hUCB-MSCs. Transplantation of LEF1/hUCB-MSCs onto the infarction region in the rat model significantly improved overall survival. The cardio-protective effect of LEF1/hUCB-MSCs was proven by echocardiogram parameters, including greatly improved left-ventricle ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS). Moreover, histology and immunohistochemistry successfully presented reduced MI region and fibrosis by LEF1/hUCB-MSCs. We found that these overall positive effects of LEF1/hUCB-MSCs are attributed by increased proliferation and survival of stem cells in oxidative stress conditions and by the secretion of various growth factors by LEF1. In conclusion, this study suggests that the stem cell-based therapy, conjugated with genome editing of transcription factor LEF1, which promotes cell survival, could be an effective therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disease.

β-Catenin: A Metazoan Filter for Biological Noise?

Molecular noise refers to fluctuations of biological signals that facilitate phenotypic heterogeneity in a population. While endogenous mechanisms exist to limit genetic noise in biological systems, such restrictions are sometimes removed to propel phenotypic variability as an adaptive strategy. Herein, we review evidence for the potential role of β-catenin in restricting gene expression noise by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. We discuss mechanisms that restrict intrinsic noise subsequent to nuclear mobilization of β-catenin. Nuclear β-catenin promotes initiation of transcription but buffers against the resultant noise by restraining transcription elongation. Acceleration of cell cycle, mediated via Wnt/β-catenin downstream signals, further diminishes intrinsic noise by curtailing the efficiency of protein synthesis. Extrinsic noise, on the other hand, is restricted by β-catenin–mediated regulation of major cellular stress pathways.

Immunomodulatory Effects of TGF-β Family Signaling within Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Carcinomas

TGF-β superfamily signaling is responsible for many critical cellular functions including control of cell growth, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. TGF-β appears to be critical in gastrulation, embryonic development, and morphogenesis, and it retains pleiotropic roles in many adult tissues and cell types in a highly context-dependent manner. While TGF-β signaling within leukocytes is known to have an immunosuppressive role, its immunomodulatory effects within epithelial cells and epithelial cancers is less well understood. Recent data has emerged that suggests TGF-β pathway signaling within epithelial cells may directly modulate pro-inflammatory chemokine/cytokine production and resultant leukocyte recruitment. This immunomodulation by epithelial TGF-β pathway signaling may directly impact tumorigenesis and tumor progression through modulation of the epithelial microenvironment, although causal pathways responsible for such an observation remain incompletely investigated. This review presents the published literature as it relates to the immunomodulatory effects of TGF-β family signaling within intestinal epithelial cells and carcinomas.

TMEPAI/PMEPA1 inhibits Wnt signaling by regulating β-catenin stability and nuclear accumulation in triple negative breast cancer cells

Transmembrane prostate androgen-induced protein (TMEPAI) is a type I transmembrane protein induced by several intracellular signaling pathways such as androgen, TGF-β, EGF, and Wnt signaling. It has been reported that TMEPAI functions to suppress TGF-β and androgen signaling but here, we report a novel function of TMEPAI in Wnt signaling suppression. First, we show that TMEPAI significantly inhibits TCF/LEF transcriptional activity stimulated by Wnt3A, LiCl, and β-catenin. Mechanistically, TMEPAI overexpression prevented β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus and TMEPAI knockout in triple negative breast cancer cell lines promoted β-catenin stability and nuclear accumulation together with increased mRNA levels of Wnt target genes AXIN2 and c-MYC. The presence of TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor did not affect the enhanced mRNA expression of AXIN2 in TMEPAI knockout cells. These data suggest that TMEPAI suppresses Wnt signaling by interfering with β-catenin stability and nuclear translocation in a TGF-β signaling-independent manner.

Comparative Transcriptome and Methylome Analysis in Human Skeletal Muscle Anabolism, Hypertrophy and Epigenetic Memory

Transcriptome wide changes in human skeletal muscle after acute (anabolic) and chronic resistance exercise (RE) induced hypertrophy have been extensively determined in the literature. We have also recently undertaken DNA methylome analysis (850,000 + CpG sites) in human skeletal muscle after acute and chronic RE, detraining and retraining, where we identified an association between DNA methylation and epigenetic memory of exercise induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy. However, it is currently unknown as to whether all the genes identified in the transcriptome studies to date are also epigenetically regulated at the DNA level after acute, chronic or repeated RE exposure. We therefore aimed to undertake large scale bioinformatical analysis by pooling the publicly available transcriptome data after acute (110 samples) and chronic RE (181 samples) and comparing these large data sets with our genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in human skeletal muscle after acute and chronic RE, detraining and retraining. Indeed, after acute RE we identified 866 up- and 936 down-regulated genes at the expression level, with 270 (out of the 866 up-regulated) identified as being hypomethylated, and 216 (out of 936 downregulated) as hypermethylated. After chronic RE we identified 2,018 up- and 430 down-regulated genes with 592 (out of 2,018 upregulated) identified as being hypomethylated and 98 (out of 430 genes downregulated) as hypermethylated. After KEGG pathway analysis, genes associated with ‘cancer’ pathways were significantly enriched in both bioinformatic analysis of the pooled transcriptome and methylome datasets after both acute and chronic RE. This resulted in 23 (out of 69) and 28 (out of 49) upregulated and hypomethylated and 12 (out of 37) and 2 (out of 4) downregulated and hypermethylated ‘cancer’ genes following acute and chronic RE respectively. Within skeletal muscle tissue, these ‘cancer’ genes predominant functions were associated with matrix/actin structure and remodelling, mechano-transduction (e.g. PTK2/Focal Adhesion Kinase and Phospholipase D- following chronic RE), TGF-beta signalling and protein synthesis (e.g. GSK3B after acute RE). Interestingly, 51 genes were also identified to be up/downregulated in both the acute and chronic RE pooled transcriptome analysis as well as significantly hypo/hypermethylated after acute RE, chronic RE, detraining and retraining. Five genes; FLNB, MYH9, SRGAP1, SRGN, ZMIZ1 demonstrated increased gene expression in the acute and chronic RE transcriptome and also demonstrated hypomethylation in these conditions. Importantly, these 5 genes demonstrated retained hypomethylation even during detraining (following training induced hypertrophy) when exercise was ceased and lean mass returned to baseline (pre-training) levels, identifying them as genes associated with epigenetic memory in skeletal muscle. Importantly, for the first time across the transcriptome and epigenome combined, this study identifies novel differentially methylated genes associated with human skeletal muscle anabolism, hypertrophy and epigenetic memory.

Ras homolog family member A/Rho-associated protein kinase 1 signaling modulates lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells in asthmatic patients through lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1

BACKGROUND

Numbers of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increased in the airways after allergen challenge. Ras homolog family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK) signaling is critical in determining the lineage fate of MSCs in tissue repair/remodeling.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to investigate the role of RhoA/ROCK signaling in lineage commitment of MSCs during allergen-induced airway remodeling and delineate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Active RhoA expression in lung tissues of asthmatic patients and its role in cockroach allergen-induced airway inflammation and remodeling were investigated. RhoA/ROCK signaling-mediated MSC lineage commitment was assessed in an asthma mouse model by using MSC lineage tracing mice (nestin-Cre; ROSA26-EYFP). The role of RhoA/ROCK in MSC lineage commitment was also examined by using MSCs expressing constitutively active RhoA (RhoA-L63) or dominant negative RhoA (RhoA-N19). Downstream RhoA-regulated genes were identified by using the Stem Cell Signaling Array.

RESULTS

Lung tissues from asthmatic mice showed increased expression of active RhoA when compared with those from control mice. Inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signaling with fasudil, a RhoA/ROCK inhibitor, reversed established cockroach allergen-induced airway inflammation and remodeling, as assessed based on greater collagen deposition/fibrosis. Furthermore, fasudil inhibited MSC differentiation into fibroblasts/myofibroblasts but promoted MSC differentiation into epithelial cells in asthmatic nestin-Cre; ROSA26-EYFP mice. Consistently, expression of RhoA-L63 facilitated differentiation of MSCs into fibroblasts/myofibroblasts, whereas expression of RhoA-19 switched the differentiation toward epithelial cells. The gene array identified the Wnt signaling effector lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (Lef1) as the most upregulated gene in RhoA-L63-transfected MSCs. Knockdown of Lef1 induced MSC differentiation away from fibroblasts/myofibroblasts but toward epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings uncover a previously unrecognized role of RhoA/ROCK signaling in MSC-involved airway repair/remodeling in the setting of asthma.