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Yang F, Cheng MH, Pan HF, Gao J. Progranulin: A promising biomarker and therapeutic target for fibrotic diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:3312-3326. [PMID: 39220875 PMCID: PMC11365408 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Progranulin (PGRN), a multifunctional growth factor-like protein expressed by a variety of cell types, serves an important function in the physiologic and pathologic processes of fibrotic diseases, including wound healing and the inflammatory response. PGRN was discovered to inhibit pro-inflammation effect by competing with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) binding to TNF receptors. Notably, excessive tissue repair in the development of inflammation causes tissue fibrosis. Previous investigations have indicated the significance of PGRN in regulating inflammatory responses. Recently, multiple studies have shown that PGRN was linked to fibrogenesis, and was considered to monitor the formation of fibrosis in multiple organs, including liver, cardiovascular, lung and skin. This paper is a comprehensive review summarizing our current knowledge of PGRN, from its discovery to the role in fibrosis. This is followed by an in-depth look at the characteristics of PGRN, consisting of its structure, basic function and intracellular signaling. Finally, we will discuss the potential of PGRN in the diagnosis and treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200000, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Ming-Han Cheng
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200000, China
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2
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Rooney M, Duduskar SN, Ghait M, Reißing J, Stengel S, Reuken PA, Quickert S, Zipprich A, Bauer M, Russo AJ, Rathinam VA, Stallmach A, Rubio I, Bruns T. Type-I interferon shapes peritoneal immunity in cirrhosis and drives caspase-5-mediated progranulin release upon infection. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)02325-0. [PMID: 38936554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Gut bacterial translocation contributes to immune dysfunction and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhosis. We hypothesized that exposure of peritoneal macrophages (PMs) to bacterial DNA results in type-I interferon (IFN) production, shaping subsequent immune responses, inflammasome activation, and the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). METHODS PMs from patients with cirrhosis were stimulated with E. coli single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), lipopolysaccharide and IFN, or infected with E. coli, S. aureus, and Group B streptococcus in vitro. Cytokine release, inflammasome activation, and DAMP release were quantified by quantitative-PCR, ELISA, western blots, and reporter cells employing primary PMs, monocytes, and caspase-deficient THP-1 macrophages. Serum progranulin concentration was correlated with transplant-free survival in 77 patients with SBP. RESULTS E. coli ssDNA induced strong type-I IFN activity in PMs and monocytes, priming them for enhanced lipopolysaccharide-mediated tumor necrosis factor production without inducing toll-like receptor 4 tolerance. During in vitro macrophage bacterial infection, type-I IFN release aligned with upregulated expression of IFN-regulatory factors (IRF)1/2 and guanylate binding proteins (GBP)2/5. PMs upregulated inflammasome-associated proteins and type-I IFN upon E. coli ssDNA exposure and released interleukin-1β upon bacterial infection. Proteomic screening in mouse macrophages revealed progranulin release as being caspase-11-dependent during E. coli infection. PMs and THP-1 macrophages released significant amounts of progranulin when infected with S. aureus or E. coli via gasdermin D in a type-I IFN- and caspase-5-dependent manner. During SBP, PMs upregulated IRF1, GBP2/5 and caspase-5 and higher serum progranulin concentrations were indicative of lower 90-day transplant-free survival after SBP. CONCLUSIONS Type-I IFN shapes peritoneal immune responses and regulates caspase-5-mediated progranulin release during SBP. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Patients with cirrhosis exhibit impaired immune responses and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. This study reveals that type-I interferon responses, triggered by pathogen-associated molecular patterns, are crucial in regulating macrophage activation and priming them for inflammatory responses. Additionally, we elucidate the mechanisms by which type-I interferons promote the release of progranulin from macrophages during spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Our findings enhance understanding of how bacterial translocation affects immune responses, identify novel biomarkers for inflammasome activation during infections, and point to potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rooney
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Shivalee N Duduskar
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Mohamed Ghait
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Johanna Reißing
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sven Stengel
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Department of Neuropediatrics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp A Reuken
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie Quickert
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Zipprich
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Bauer
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ashley J Russo
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Vijay A Rathinam
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ignacio Rubio
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Tony Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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Grätz C, Schuster M, Brandes F, Meidert AS, Kirchner B, Reithmair M, Schelling G, Pfaffl MW. A pipeline for the development and analysis of extracellular vesicle-based transcriptomic biomarkers in molecular diagnostics. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101269. [PMID: 38552453 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles are shed by every cell type and can be found in any biofluid. They contain different molecules that can be utilized as biomarkers, including several RNA species which they protect from degradation. Here, we present a pipeline for the development and analysis of extracellular vesicle-associated transcriptomic biomarkers that our group has successfully applied multiple times. We highlight the key steps of the pipeline and give particular emphasis to the necessary quality control checkpoints, which are linked to numerous available guidelines that should be considered along the workflow. Our pipeline starts with patient recruitment and continues with blood sampling and processing. The purification and characterization of extracellular vesicles is explained in detail, as well as the isolation and quality control of extracellular vesicle-associated RNA. We point out the possible pitfalls during library preparation and RNA sequencing and present multiple bioinformatic tools to pinpoint biomarker signature candidates from the sequencing data. Finally, considerations and pitfalls during the validation of the biomarker signature using RT-qPCR will be elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Grätz
- Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.
| | - Martina Schuster
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Brandes
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Agnes S Meidert
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kirchner
- Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marlene Reithmair
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gustav Schelling
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael W Pfaffl
- Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.
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4
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Zheng Y, Schupp JC, Adams T, Clair G, Justet A, Ahangari F, Yan X, Hansen P, Carlon M, Cortesi E, Vermant M, Vos R, De Sadeleer LJ, Rosas IO, Pineda R, Sembrat J, Königshoff M, McDonough JE, Vanaudenaerde BM, Wuyts WA, Kaminski N, Ding J. Unagi: Deep Generative Model for Deciphering Cellular Dynamics and In-Silico Drug Discovery in Complex Diseases. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3676579. [PMID: 38196613 PMCID: PMC10775382 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3676579/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Human diseases are characterized by intricate cellular dynamics. Single-cell sequencing provides critical insights, yet a persistent gap remains in computational tools for detailed disease progression analysis and targeted in-silico drug interventions. Here, we introduce UNAGI, a deep generative neural network tailored to analyze time-series single-cell transcriptomic data. This tool captures the complex cellular dynamics underlying disease progression, enhancing drug perturbation modeling and discovery. When applied to a dataset from patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), UNAGI learns disease-informed cell embeddings that sharpen our understanding of disease progression, leading to the identification of potential therapeutic drug candidates. Validation via proteomics reveals the accuracy of UNAGI's cellular dynamics analyses, and the use of the Fibrotic Cocktail treated human Precision-cut Lung Slices confirms UNAGI's predictions that Nifedipine, an antihypertensive drug, may have antifibrotic effects on human tissues. UNAGI's versatility extends to other diseases, including a COVID dataset, demonstrating adaptability and confirming its broader applicability in decoding complex cellular dynamics beyond IPF, amplifying its utility in the quest for therapeutic solutions across diverse pathological landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Zheng
- Quantitative Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonas C. Schupp
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Taylor Adams
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Geremy Clair
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Aurelien Justet
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Farida Ahangari
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Xiting Yan
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Paul Hansen
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marianne Carlon
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emanuela Cortesi
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Vermant
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Vos
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurens J. De Sadeleer
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivan O Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo Pineda
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Melanie Königshoff
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John E. McDonough
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Bart M. Vanaudenaerde
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim A. Wuyts
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jun Ding
- Quantitative Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Mila - Quebec AI Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Barbalho SM, Minniti G, Miola VFB, Haber JFDS, Bueno PCDS, de Argollo Haber LS, Girio RSJ, Detregiachi CRP, Dall'Antonia CT, Rodrigues VD, Nicolau CCT, Catharin VMCS, Araújo AC, Laurindo LF. Organokines in COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Cells 2023; 12:1349. [PMID: 37408184 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 that induces a generalized inflammatory state. Organokines (adipokines, osteokines, myokines, hepatokines, and cardiokines) can produce beneficial or harmful effects in this condition. This study aimed to systematically review the role of organokines on COVID-19. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases were searched, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and 37 studies were selected, comprising more than 2700 individuals infected with the virus. Among COVID-19 patients, organokines have been associated with endothelial dysfunction and multiple organ failure due to augmented cytokines and increased SARS-CoV-2 viremia. Changes in the pattern of organokines secretion can directly or indirectly contribute to aggravating the infection, promoting immune response alterations, and predicting the disease progression. These molecules have the potential to be used as adjuvant biomarkers to predict the severity of the illness and severe outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Maria Barbalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Avenida Castro Alves, 62, Marília 17500-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Giulia Minniti
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Vitor Fernando Bordin Miola
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Jesselina Francisco Dos Santos Haber
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
- Centro Interdisciplinar em Diabetes (CENID), School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Cincotto Dos Santos Bueno
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiza Santos de Argollo Haber
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Raul S J Girio
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Rucco Penteado Detregiachi
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), School of Medicine, Avenida Monte Carmelo, 800, Marília 17519-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Tiveron Dall'Antonia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Victória Dogani Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), School of Medicine, Avenida Monte Carmelo, 800, Marília 17519-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia C T Nicolau
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Avenida Castro Alves, 62, Marília 17500-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Virginia Maria Cavallari Strozze Catharin
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriano Cressoni Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), School of Medicine, Avenida Monte Carmelo, 800, Marília 17519-030, SP, Brazil
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6
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Borrmann M, Brandes F, Kirchner B, Klein M, Billaud JN, Reithmair M, Rehm M, Schelling G, Pfaffl MW, Meidert AS. Extensive blood transcriptome analysis reveals cellular signaling networks activated by circulating glycocalyx components reflecting vascular injury in COVID-19. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129766. [PMID: 36776845 PMCID: PMC9909741 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Degradation of the endothelial protective glycocalyx layer during COVID-19 infection leads to shedding of major glycocalyx components. These circulating proteins and their degradation products may feedback on immune and endothelial cells and activate molecular signaling cascades in COVID-19 associated microvascular injury. To test this hypothesis, we measured plasma glycocalyx components in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection of variable disease severity and identified molecular signaling networks activated by glycocalyx components in immune and endothelial cells. Methods We studied patients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia, patients with COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and healthy controls (wildtype, n=20 in each group) and measured syndecan-1, heparan sulfate and hyaluronic acid. The in-silico construction of signaling networks was based on RNA sequencing (RNAseq) of mRNA transcripts derived from blood cells and of miRNAs isolated from extracellular vesicles from the identical cohort. Differentially regulated RNAs between groups were identified by gene expression analysis. Both RNAseq data sets were used for network construction of circulating glycosaminoglycans focusing on immune and endothelial cells. Results Plasma concentrations of glycocalyx components were highest in COVID-19 ARDS. Hyaluronic acid plasma levels in patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia who later developed ARDS during hospital treatment (n=8) were significantly higher at hospital admission than in patients with an early recovery. RNAseq identified hyaluronic acid as an upregulator of TLR4 in pneumonia and ARDS. In COVID-19 ARDS, syndecan-1 increased IL-6, which was significantly higher than in pneumonia. In ARDS, hyaluronic acid activated NRP1, a co-receptor of activated VEGFA, which is associated with pulmonary vascular hyperpermeability and interacted with VCAN (upregulated), a proteoglycan important for chemokine communication. Conclusions Circulating glycocalyx components in COVID-19 have distinct biologic feedback effects on immune and endothelial cells and result in upregulation of key regulatory transcripts leading to further immune activation and more severe systemic inflammation. These consequences are most pronounced during the early hospital phase of COVID-19 before pulmonary failure develops. Elevated levels of circulating glycocalyx components may early identify patients at risk for microvascular injury and ARDS. The timely inhibition of glycocalyx degradation could provide a novel therapeutic approach to prevent the development of ARDS in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Borrmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Brandes
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kirchner
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Matthias Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Marlene Reithmair
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Rehm
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany,Department of Anesthesiology and intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Agatharied, Hausham, Germany
| | - Gustav Schelling
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Gustav Schelling,
| | - Michael W. Pfaffl
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Agnes S. Meidert
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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7
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Chen L, Jin S, Yang M, Gui C, Yuan Y, Dong G, Zeng W, Zeng J, Hu G, Qiao L, Wang J, Xi Y, Sun J, Wang N, Wang M, Xing L, Yang Y, Teng Y, Hou J, Bi Q, Cai H, Zhang G, Hong Y, Zhang Z. Integrated Single Cell and Bulk RNA-Seq Analysis Revealed Immunomodulatory Effects of Ulinastatin in Sepsis: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:882774. [PMID: 35634310 PMCID: PMC9130465 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.882774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit, which is caused by unregulated inflammatory response leading to organ injuries. Ulinastatin (UTI), an immunomodulatory agent, is widely used in clinical practice and is associated with improved outcomes in sepsis. But its underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Our study integrated bulk and single cell RNA-seq data to systematically explore the potential mechanisms of the effects of UTI in sepsis. After adjusting for potential confounders in the negative binomial regression model, there were more genes being downregulated than being upregulated in the UTI group. These down-regulated genes were enriched in the neutrophil involved immunity such as neutrophil activation and degranulation, indicating the immunomodulatory effects of UTI is mediated via regulation of neutrophil activity. By deconvoluting the bulk RNA-seq samples to obtain fractions of cell types, the Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) were significantly expanded in the UTI treated samples. Further cell-cell communication analysis revealed some signaling pathways such as ANEEXIN, GRN and RESISTIN that might be involved in the immunomodulatory effects of UTI. The study provides a comprehensive reference map of transcriptional states of sepsis treated with UTI, as well as a general framework for studying UTI-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Senjun Jin
- Department of Emergency, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Yang
- The 2nd Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chunmei Gui
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde, China
| | - Yingpu Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde, China
| | - Guangtao Dong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Weizhong Zeng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Guoxin Hu
- Emergency Department, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, China
| | - Lujun Qiao
- Emergency Department, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yonglin Xi
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Lishui Center Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Minmin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lifeng Xing
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yan Teng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Junxia Hou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qiaojie Bi
- Department of Emergency, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, QingDao University School of Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Huabo Cai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gensheng Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yucai Hong
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Emergency Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Emergency Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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8
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Özgeris FB, Koçak ÖF, Kurt N, Parlak E, Yüce N, Keles MS. High Serum Progranulin Levels in COVID-19 Patients: A Pilot Study. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:207-214. [PMID: 35526852 PMCID: PMC8916789 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to determine whether the progranulin level in serum predicts the course and severity of the disease in COVID-19 (+) patients and whether it can be used as a biomarker in these patients. Therefore, we sampled 61 people infected with COVID-19, and the cases were divided into the following groups: asymptomatic, noncomplicated, moderate, and severe. Concentrations of progranulin, TNF-α, IL-6 from in serum obtained from all participants were measured using commercially available ELISA kits, as well as WBC, PLT, NE, LY, ALT, AST, Hb, PCT, and CRP were examined with clinical analyzer. All measurements obtained for the patient samples were compared with those of 20 healthy individuals. The serum progranulin concentration was statistically higher in the COVID-19 (+) patient group than in the control group of healthy individuals [112.6 ± 54.8, 0.0 (0.0-54.2 pg/ml, respectively p = 0.000)]. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate the progranulin potential as a biomarker for COVID-19 (+) patients. A larger AUC (0.931 ± 0.08) value and a more significant p-value for progranulin than for CRP (p = 0.000) was detected. As a result, we believe that progranulin reaches high levels in the COVID-19 disease and may be a determinant in diagnosis and prognosis, and may be a better biomarker than CRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma B Özgeris
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Atatürk University, Erzurum, 25240 Turkey.
| | - Ömer F Koçak
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Process Technologies, Erzurum Vocational College, Atatürk University, Erzurum, 25240 Turkey.
| | - Nezahat Kurt
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, 24002 Turkey.
| | - Emine Parlak
- Department of Infection Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, 25240 Turkey.
| | - Neslihan Yüce
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, 25240 Turkey.
| | - Mevlüt S Keles
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Uskudar University, Istanbul, 34662 Turkey.
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9
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Meidert AS, Hermann S, Brandes F, Kirchner B, Buschmann D, Billaud JN, Klein M, Lindemann A, Aue E, Schelling G, Pfaffl MW, Reithmair M. Extracellular Vesicle Associated miRNAs Regulate Signaling Pathways Involved in COVID-19 Pneumonia and the Progression to Severe Acute Respiratory Corona Virus-2 Syndrome. Front Immunol 2021; 12:784028. [PMID: 34956213 PMCID: PMC8696174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.784028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of cell-to-cell communication in inflammatory lung diseases. They function as carriers for miRNAs which regulate mRNA transcripts and signaling pathways after uptake into recipient cells. We investigated whether miRNAs associated with circulating EVs regulate immunologic processes in COVID-19. Methods We prospectively studied 20 symptomatic patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, 20 mechanically ventilated patients with severe COVID-19 (severe acute respiratory corona virus-2 syndrome, ARDS) and 20 healthy controls. EVs were isolated by precipitation, total RNA was extracted, profiled by small RNA sequencing and evaluated by differential gene expression analysis (DGE). Differentially regulated miRNAs between groups were bioinformatically analyzed, mRNA target transcripts identified and signaling networks constructed, thereby comparing COVID-19 pneumonia to the healthy state and pneumonia to severe COVID-19 ARDS. Results DGE revealed 43 significantly and differentially expressed miRNAs (25 downregulated) in COVID-19 pneumonia when compared to controls, and 20 miRNAs (15 downregulated) in COVID-19 ARDS patients in comparison to those with COVID-19 pneumonia. Network analysis for comparison of COVID-19 pneumonia to healthy controls showed upregulated miR-3168 (log2FC=2.28, padjusted<0.001), among others, targeting interleukin-6 (IL6) (25.1, 15.2 - 88.2 pg/ml in COVID-19 pneumonia) and OR52N2, an olfactory smell receptor in the nasal epithelium. In contrast, miR-3168 was significantly downregulated in COVID-19 ARDS (log2FC=-2.13, padjusted=0.003) and targeted interleukin-8 (CXCL8) in a completely activated network. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was inhibited in COVID-19 pneumonia by miR-146a-5p and upregulated in ARDS by let-7e-5p. Conclusion EV-derived miRNAs might have important regulative functions in the pathophysiology of COVID-19: CXCL8 regulates neutrophil recruitment into the lung causing epithelial damage whereas activated TLR4, to which SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds strongly, increases cell surface ACE2 expression and destroys type II alveolar cells that secrete pulmonary surfactants; both resulting in pulmonary-capillary leakage and ARDS. These miRNAs may serve as biomarkers or as possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes S Meidert
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hermann
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Florian Brandes
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kirchner
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Dominik Buschmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany.,Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Lindemann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisa Aue
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Gustav Schelling
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael W Pfaffl
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Marlene Reithmair
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
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