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Sapao P, Roberson EDO, Shi B, Assassi S, Skaug B, Lee F, Naba A, Perez White BE, Córdova-Fletes C, Tsou PS, Sawalha AH, Gudjonsson JE, Ma F, Verma P, Bhattacharyya D, Carns M, Strauss JF, Sicard D, Tschumperlin DJ, Champer MI, Campagnola PJ, Teves ME, Varga J. Reduced SPAG17 Expression in Systemic Sclerosis Triggers Myofibroblast Transition and Drives Fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:284-293. [PMID: 36116512 PMCID: PMC10097410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a clinically heterogeneous fibrotic disease with no effective treatment. Myofibroblasts are responsible for unresolving synchronous skin and internal organ fibrosis in SSc, but the drivers of sustained myofibroblast activation remain poorly understood. Using unbiased transcriptome analysis of skin biopsies, we identified the downregulation of SPAG17 in multiple independent cohorts of patients with SSc, and by orthogonal approaches, we observed a significant negative correlation between SPAG17 and fibrotic gene expression. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells explanted from SSc skin biopsies showed reduced chromatin accessibility at the SPAG17 locus. Remarkably, mice lacking Spag17 showed spontaneous skin fibrosis with increased dermal thickness, collagen deposition and stiffness, and altered collagen fiber alignment. Knockdown of SPAG17 in human and mouse fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells was accompanied by spontaneous myofibroblast transformation and markedly heightened sensitivity to profibrotic stimuli. These responses were accompanied by constitutive TGF-β pathway activation. Thus, we discovered impaired expression of SPAG17 in SSc and identified, to our knowledge, a previously unreported cell-intrinsic role for SPAG17 in the negative regulation of fibrotic responses. These findings shed fresh light on the pathogenesis of SSc and may inform the search for innovative therapies for SSc and other fibrotic conditions through SPAG17 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulene Sapao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Humanities and Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Elisha D O Roberson
- Division of Rheumatology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Bo Shi
- Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ilinois, USA
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Brian Skaug
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fred Lee
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Ilinois, USA
| | - Alexandra Naba
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Ilinois, USA
| | - Bethany E Perez White
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ilinois, USA
| | - Carlos Córdova-Fletes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The UPMC Lupus Center of Excellence, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Johann E Gudjonsson
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Feiyang Ma
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Priyanka Verma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dibyendu Bhattacharyya
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mary Carns
- Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ilinois, USA
| | - Jerome F Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Delphine Sicard
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minesota, USA
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minesota, USA
| | - Melissa I Champer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wincosin, USA
| | - Paul J Campagnola
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wincosin, USA
| | - Maria E Teves
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Potapov AL, Sirotkina MA, Matveev LA, Dudenkova VV, Elagin VV, Kuznetsov SS, Karabut MM, Komarova AD, Vagapova NN, Safonov IK, Kuznetsova IA, Radenska-Lopovok SG, Zagaynova EV, Gladkova ND. Multiphoton microscopy assessment of the structure and variability changes of dermal connective tissue in vulvar lichen sclerosus: A pilot study. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2022; 15:e202200036. [PMID: 35652856 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202200036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we offer a novel classification of progressive changes in the connective tissue of dermis in vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) relying on quantitative assessment of the second harmonic generation (SHG) signal received from formalin fixed and deparaffinized tissue sections. We formulate criteria for distinguishing four degrees of VLS development: Initial-Mild-Moderate-Severe. Five quantitative characteristics (length and thickness type I Collagen fibers, Mean SHG signal intensity, Skewness and Coherence SHG signal) are used to describe the sequential degradation of connective tissue (changes in the structure, orientation, shape and density of collagen fibers) up to the formation of specific homogeneous masses. Each of the degrees has a characteristic set of quantitatively expressed features. We focus on the identification and description of early, initial changes of the dermis as the least specific. The results obtained by us and the proposed classification of the degrees of the disease can be used to objectify the dynamics of tissue changes during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lev A Matveev
- Institute of Applied Physics Russian Academy of Sciences, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | | | - Vadim V Elagin
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Sergey S Kuznetsov
- N.A. Semashko Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maria M Karabut
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Anastasia D Komarova
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Nailya N Vagapova
- N.A. Semashko Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Ivan K Safonov
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Irina A Kuznetsova
- N.A. Semashko Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | | | - Elena V Zagaynova
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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Zhou H, Piñeiro Llanes J, Sarntinoranont M, Subhash G, Simmons CS. Label-free quantification of soft tissue alignment by polarized Raman spectroscopy. Acta Biomater 2021; 136:363-374. [PMID: 34537413 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The organization of proteins is an important determinant of functionality in soft tissues. However, such organization is difficult to monitor over time in soft tissue with complex compositions. Here, we establish a method to determine the alignment of proteins in soft tissues of varying composition by polarized Raman spectroscopy (PRS). Unlike most conventional microscopy methods, PRS leverages non-destructive, label-free sample preparation. PRS data from highly aligned muscle layers were utilized to derive a weighting function for aligned proteins via principal component analysis (PCA). This trained weighting function was used as a master loading function to calculate a principal component score (PC1 Score) as a function of polarized angle for tendon, dermis, hypodermis, and fabricated collagen gels. Since the PC1 Score calculated at arbitrary angles was insufficient to determine level of alignment, we developed an Amplitude Alignment Metric by fitting a sine function to PC1 Score with respect to polarized angle. We found that our PRS-based Amplitude Alignment Metric can be used as an indicator of level of protein alignment in soft tissues in a non-destructive manner with label-free preparation and has similar discriminatory capacity among isotropic and anisotropic samples compared to microscopy-based image processing method. This PRS method does not require a priori knowledge of sample orientation nor composition and appears insensitive to changes in protein composition among different tissues. The Amplitude Alignment Metric introduced here could enable convenient and adaptable evaluation of protein alignment in soft tissues of varying protein and cell composition. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Polarized Raman spectroscopy (PRS) has been used to characterize the of organization of soft tissues. However, most of the reported applications of PRS have been on collagen-rich tissues and reliant on intensities of collagen-related vibrations. This work describes a PRS method via a multivariate analysis to characterize alignment in soft tissues composed of varying proteins. Of note, the highly aligned muscle layer of mouse skin was used to train a master function then applied to other soft tissue samples, and the degree of anisotropy in the PRS response was evaluated to obtain the level of alignment in tissues. We have demonstrated that this method supports convenient and adaptable evaluation of protein alignment in soft tissues of varying protein and cell composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Janny Piñeiro Llanes
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Malisa Sarntinoranont
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ghatu Subhash
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Chelsey S Simmons
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
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De Pieri A, Korman BD, Jüngel A, Wuertz-Kozak K. Engineering Advanced In Vitro Models of Systemic Sclerosis for Drug Discovery and Development. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000168. [PMID: 33852183 PMCID: PMC8717409 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex multisystem disease with the highest case-specific mortality among all autoimmune rheumatic diseases, yet without any available curative therapy. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic antifibrotic strategies that effectively decrease skin and organ fibrosis is needed. Existing animal models are cost-intensive, laborious and do not recapitulate the full spectrum of the disease and thus commonly fail to predict human efficacy. Advanced in vitro models, which closely mimic critical aspects of the pathology, have emerged as valuable platforms to investigate novel pharmaceutical therapies for the treatment of SSc. This review focuses on recent advancements in the development of SSc in vitro models, sheds light onto biological (e.g., growth factors, cytokines, coculture systems), biochemical (e.g., hypoxia, reactive oxygen species) and biophysical (e.g., stiffness, topography, dimensionality) cues that have been utilized for the in vitro recapitulation of the SSc microenvironment, and highlights future perspectives for effective drug discovery and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Pieri
- Dr. A. De Pieri, Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), 106 Lomb Memorial Rd., Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Benjamin D Korman
- Prof. B. D. Korman, Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Astrid Jüngel
- Prof. A. Jüngel, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
- Prof. A. Jüngel, Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Dr. A. De Pieri, Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), 106 Lomb Memorial Rd., Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
- Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Schön Clinic Munich Harlaching, Spine Center, Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg (Austria), Munich, 81547, Germany
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Prince E, Chen Z, Khuu N, Kumacheva E. Nanofibrillar Hydrogel Recapitulates Changes Occurring in the Fibrotic Extracellular Matrix. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:2352-2362. [PMID: 33783190 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological condition that leads to excessive deposition of collagen and increased tissue stiffness. Understanding the mechanobiology of fibrotic tissue necessitates the development of effective in vitro models that recapitulate its properties and structure; however, hydrogels that are currently used for this purpose fail to mimic the filamentous structure and mechanical properties of the fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we report a nanofibrillar hydrogel composed of cellulose nanocrystals and gelatin, which addresses this challenge. By altering the composition of the hydrogel, we mimicked the changes in structure, mechanical properties, and chemistry of fibrotic ECM. Furthermore, we decoupled the variations in hydrogel structure, properties, and ligand concentration. We demonstrate that this biocompatible hydrogel supports the three-dimensional culture of cells relevant to fibrotic diseases. This versatile hydrogel can be used for in vitro studies of fibrosis of different tissues, thus enabling the development of novel treatments for fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Prince
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
| | - Zhengkun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
| | - Nancy Khuu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E5.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 4 Taddle Creek Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G9
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Cerinic MM, Manetti M. The Role of Pro-fibrotic Myofibroblasts in Systemic Sclerosis: from Origin to Therapeutic Targeting. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:209-239. [PMID: 33823766 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210325102749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by multisystem clinical manifestations resulting from immune dysregulation/autoimmunity, vasculopathy and, most notably, progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. In recent years, it has emerged that the main drivers of SSc-related tissue fibrosis are myofibroblasts, a type of mesenchymal cells with both the extracellular matrix-synthesizing features of fibroblasts and the cytoskeletal characteristics of contractile smooth muscle cells. The accumulation and persistent activation of pro-fibrotic myofibroblasts during SSc development and progression result into elevated mechanical stress and reduced matrix plasticity within the affected tissues and may be ascribed to a reduced susceptibility of these cells to pro-apoptotic stimuli, as well as their increased formation from tissue-resident fibroblasts or transition from different cell types. Given the crucial role of myofibroblasts in SSc pathogenesis, finding the way to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation and accumulation by targeting their formation, function and survival may represent an effective approach to hamper the fibrotic process or even halt or reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the role of myofibroblasts in SSc-related fibrosis, with a special focus on their cellular origin and the signaling pathways implicated in their formation and persistent activation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of potential therapeutic strategies targeting myofibroblasts that may be able to counteract fibrosis in this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
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Huang M, Cai G, Baugh LM, Liu Z, Smith A, Watson M, Popovich D, Zhang T, Stawski LS, Trojanowska M, Georgakoudi I, Black LD, Pioli PA, Whitfield ML, Garlick J. Systemic Sclerosis Dermal Fibroblasts Induce Cutaneous Fibrosis Through Lysyl Oxidase-like 4: New Evidence From Three-Dimensional Skin-like Tissues. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:791-801. [PMID: 31705627 DOI: 10.1002/art.41163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a clinically heterogeneous disease characterized by increased collagen accumulation and skin stiffness. Our previous work has demonstrated that transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces extracellular matrix (ECM) modifications through lysyl oxidase-like 4 (LOXL-4), a collagen crosslinking enzyme, in bioengineered human skin equivalents (HSEs) and self-assembled stromal tissues (SAS). We undertook this study to investigate cutaneous fibrosis and the role of LOXL-4 in SSc pathogenesis using HSEs and SAS. METHODS SSc-derived dermal fibroblasts (SScDFs; n = 8) and normal dermal fibroblasts (NDFs; n = 6) were incorporated into HSEs and SAS. These 3-dimensional skin-like microenvironments were used to study the effects of dysregulated LOXL-4 on ECM remodeling, fibroblast activation, and response to TGFβ stimulation. RESULTS SScDF-containing SAS showed increased stromal thickness, collagen deposition, and interleukin-6 secretion compared to NDF-containing SAS (P < 0.05). In HSE, SScDFs altered collagen as seen by a more mature and aligned fibrillar structure (P < 0.05). With SScDFs, enhanced stromal rigidity with increased collagen crosslinking (P < 0.05), up-regulation of LOXL4 expression (P < 0.01), and innate immune signaling genes were observed in both tissue models. Conversely, knockdown of LOXL4 suppressed rigidity, contraction, and α-smooth muscle actin expression in SScDFs in HSE, and TGFβ-induced ECM aggregation and collagen crosslinking in SAS. CONCLUSION A limitation to the development of effective therapeutics in SSc is the lack of in vitro human model systems that replicate human skin. Our findings demonstrate that SAS and HSE can serve as complementary in vitro skin-like models for investigation of the mechanisms and mediators that drive fibrosis in SSc and implicate a pivotal role for LOXL-4 in SSc pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Huang
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, and Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Guoshuai Cai
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, and University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia
| | | | - Zhiyi Liu
- Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, and Zhejiang University College of Optical Science and Engineering, Hangzhou, China
| | - Avi Smith
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Dillon Popovich
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Tianyue Zhang
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Lauren D Black
- Tufts University School of Medicine Sackler School for Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Jonathan Garlick
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing in systemic sclerosis provides novel targets to understand disease pathogenesis. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:144. [PMID: 31651337 PMCID: PMC6813992 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0602-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease whose pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Increasing evidence suggests that both genetic susceptibilities and changes in DNA methylation influence pivotal biological pathways and thereby contribute to the disease. The role of DNA methylation in SSc has not been fully elucidated, because existing investigations of DNA methylation predominantly focused on nucleotide CpGs within restricted genic regions, and were performed on samples containing mixed cell types. Methods We performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on purified CD4+ T lymphocytes from nine SSc patients and nine controls in a pilot study, and then profiled genome-wide cytosine methylation as well as genetic variations. We adopted robust statistical methods to identify differentially methylated genomic regions (DMRs). We then examined pathway enrichment associated with genes located in these DMRs. We also tested whether changes in CpG methylation were associated with adjacent genetic variation. Results We profiled DNA methylation at more than three million CpG dinucleotides genome-wide. We identified 599 DMRs associated with 340 genes, among which 54 genes exhibited further associations with adjacent genetic variation. We also found these genes were associated with pathways and functions that are known to be abnormal in SSc, including Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, skin lesion formation and progression, and angiogenesis. Conclusion The CD4+ T cell DNA cytosine methylation landscape in SSc involves crucial genes in disease pathogenesis. Some of the methylation patterns are also associated with genetic variation. These findings provide essential foundations for future studies of epigenetic regulation and genome-epigenome interaction in SSc.
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Insights into myofibroblasts and their activation in scleroderma: opportunities for therapy? Curr Opin Rheumatol 2019; 30:581-587. [PMID: 30074511 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The persistence of myofibroblasts is a key feature of fibrosis and in fibrotic diseases including scleroderma. This review evaluates the emerging concepts of the origins and cell populations that contribute to myofibroblasts and the molecular mechanisms that govern phenotypic conversion and that highlight opportunities for new interventional treatments in scleroderma. RECENT FINDINGS Studies have defined heterogeneity in fibroblast-like cells that can develop into myofibroblast in normal wound healing, scarring and fibrosis. Characterizing these distinct cell populations and their behaviour has been a key focus. In addition, the overarching impact of epigenetic regulation of genes associated with inflammatory responses, cell signalling and cell communication and the extracellular matrix (ECM) has provided important insights into the formation of myofibroblast and their function. Important new studies include investigations into the relationship between inflammation and myofibroblast production and further evidence has been gathered that reveal the importance of ECM microenvironment, biomechanical sensing and mechanotransduction. SUMMARY This review highlights our current understanding and outlines the increasing complexity of the biological processes that leads to the appearance of the myofibroblast in normal functions and in diseased tissues. We also focus on areas of special interest in particular, studies that have therapeutic potential in fibrosis and scleroderma.
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10
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Hong JH, Kim DH, Rhyu IJ, Kye YC, Ahn HH. A simple morphometric analysis method for dermal microstructure using color thresholding and moments. Skin Res Technol 2019; 26:132-136. [PMID: 31541511 DOI: 10.1111/srt.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proper assessment of dermal collagen fibers by dermatologists and researchers is essential. Histologic evaluation methods have limitations. We present a simple method for measurement of collagen fibers in human skin using Masson's trichrome staining. MATERIALS AND METHODS Normal skin specimens from a cadaver were processed with Masson's trichrome, which can effectively stain collagen fibers blue with aniline dye. Optical photomicrographs of these slides were analyzed using ImageJ software. Color image processing, a histogram-based function of ImageJ for image segmentation, was performed with color moments thresholding technique. We selected blue areas by adjusting the blue channel to include specific values. The selected areas were highlighted and evaluated. We divided the image into layers of 0.09-mm2 areas from the top to bottom of the dermis. Each area was cropped and evaluated. RESULTS Quantitative assessment yielded the quantitative size occupied by collagen fibers in an area of 0.09 mm2 . Calculation of the percentage in each area can be used to determine the density of collagen fibers. CONCLUSION Measurements obtained with our method can be applied to research on dermal collagen fibers. We present a convenient quantitative assessment method for the dermal constituents in Masson's trichrome-stained slides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyuck Hong
- Department of Dermatology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dai Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Im Joo Rhyu
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Chul Kye
- Department of Dermatology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Hyun Ahn
- Department of Dermatology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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11
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Coelho NM, Wang A, McCulloch CA. Discoidin domain receptor 1 interactions with myosin motors contribute to collagen remodeling and tissue fibrosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1866:118510. [PMID: 31319111 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Discoidin Domain Receptor (DDR) genes and their homologues have been identified in sponges, worms and flies. These genes code for proteins that are implicated in cell adhesion to matrix proteins. DDRs are now recognized as playing central regulatory roles in several high prevalence human diseases, including invasive cancers, atherosclerosis, and organ fibrosis. While the mechanisms by which DDRs contribute to these diseases are just now being delineated, one of the common themes involves cell adhesion to collagen and the assembly and organization of collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix. In mammals, the multi-functional roles of DDRs in promoting cell adhesion to collagen fibers and in mediating collagen-dependent signaling, suggest that DDRs contribute to multiple pathways of extracellular matrix remodeling, which are centrally important processes in health and disease. In this review we consider that interactions of the cytoplasmic domains of DDR1 with cytoskeletal motor proteins may contribute to matrix remodeling by promoting collagen fiber alignment and compaction. Poorly controlled collagen remodeling with excessive compaction of matrix proteins is a hallmark of fibrotic lesions in many organs and tissues that are affected by infectious, traumatic or chemical-mediated injury. An improved understanding of the mechanisms by which DDRs mediate collagen remodeling and collagen-dependent signaling could suggest new drug targets for treatment of fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Coelho
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Wang
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - C A McCulloch
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Bale S, Pulivendala G, Godugu C. Withaferin A attenuates bleomycin-induced scleroderma by targeting FoxO3a and NF-κβ signaling: Connecting fibrosis and inflammation. Biofactors 2018; 44:507-517. [PMID: 30367690 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Scleroderma is an inflammatory autoimmune disease which begins with inflammation due to tissue injury and advances to progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix resulting in scarring and hardening of the skin. Inflammation is a salutary response to tissue injury caused by varied factors. While inflammation is required for systematic wound healing, dysregulated chronic inflammation often leads to tissue scarring. Prominent role of inflammation in pathology and physiology makes it a double edge sword. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of Withaferin A (WFA), a steroidal lactone from Withania somnifera in a 28-day murine model of bleomycin-induced experimental scleroderma. Withaferin A was administered at two doses 2 and 4 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 28 days. At the time of study termination, we observed significant reduction in dorsal skin thickness. Our results indicate that WFA was able to sufficiently suppress pro-inflammatory phase of fibrosis, TGF-β/Smad signaling and also significantly repressed fibroblast conversion to myofibroblasts. Additionally, our study also demonstrated that WFA modulates FoxO3a-Akt-dependent NF-κβ/IKK-mediated inflammatory cascade, which is a prime signaling pathway in fibrogenesis. The findings of this study are persuasive of WFA as an antifibrotic agent with promising therapeutic effects in scleroderma. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(6):507-517, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarna Bale
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Gauthami Pulivendala
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
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Walraven M, Hinz B. Therapeutic approaches to control tissue repair and fibrosis: Extracellular matrix as a game changer. Matrix Biol 2018; 71-72:205-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Diddi S, Bale S, Pulivendala G, Godugu C. Nimbolide ameliorates fibrosis and inflammation in experimental murine model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma. Inflammopharmacology 2018; 27:139-149. [PMID: 30218238 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-018-0527-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical manifestations of skin fibrosis are very variable and ambiguous, making its management quite critical and challenging. The lack of appropriate established pharmacological interventions make its treatment even more complicated. Intricate details of the underlying pathogenesis are thus imperative to further explore different treatment possibilities. Of note, the TGF-β/Smad signaling axis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) are the principal offenders in this fibrotic disorder. OBJECTIVE Our current study is aimed at demonstrating the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory potential of nimbolide, a triterpene derived from Indian traditional plant neem, in a murine model of Bleomycin-induced scleroderma. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were administered with Bleomycin injections subcutaneously, daily for 28 days, at a constant site on the dorsum of the mice. Treatment with nimbolide lasted from day 1 to day 28. At the time of study termination, the injected sites were collected and stored suitably to conduct further molecular experiments and protein expression studies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results of our study show that nimbolide can significantly intervene in the TGF-β/Smad signaling axis and the consequent EMT process, thus attenuating deposition of extracellular matrix. Nimbolide also profoundly caused the regression of established inflammation-driven fibrosis, thus demonstrating both antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory activities. Another commendable finding of this study is that nimbolide was able to decrease the levels of LOXL2, a collagen cross-linker, which is aberrantly expressed in scleroderma. Although further mechanistic studies are required, our study displays nimbolide for the first time as a potent antifibrotic agent which can be used as a pharmacological intervention for the treatment of scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehalatha Diddi
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Swarna Bale
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Gauthami Pulivendala
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India.
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