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Yang Y, Feng H, Tang Y, Wang Z, Qiu P, Huang X, Chang L, Zhang J, Chen YE, Mizrak D, Yang B. Bioengineered vascular grafts with a pathogenic TGFBR1 variant model aneurysm formation in vivo and reveal underlying collagen defects. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadg6298. [PMID: 38718134 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg6298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease frequently associated with underlying genetic causes. An inadequate understanding of human TAA pathogenesis highlights the need for better disease models. Here, we established a functional human TAA model in an animal host by combining human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), bioengineered vascular grafts (BVGs), and gene editing. We generated BVGs from isogenic control hiPSC-derived vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and mutant SMCs gene-edited to carry a Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS)-associated pathogenic variant (TGFBR1A230T). We also generated hiPSC-derived BVGs using cells from a patient with LDS (PatientA230T/+) and using genetically corrected cells (Patient+/+). Control and experimental BVGs were then implanted into the common carotid arteries of nude rats. The TGFBR1A230T variant led to impaired mechanical properties of BVGs, resulting in lower burst pressure and suture retention strength. BVGs carrying the variant dilated over time in vivo, resembling human TAA formation. Spatial transcriptomics profiling revealed defective expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) formation genes in PatientA230T/+ BVGs compared with Patient+/+ BVGs. Histological analysis and protein assays validated quantitative and qualitative ECM defects in PatientA230T/+ BVGs and patient tissue, including decreased collagen hydroxylation. SMC organization was also impaired in PatientA230T/+ BVGs as confirmed by vascular contraction testing. Silencing of collagen-modifying enzymes with small interfering RNAs reduced collagen proline hydroxylation in SMC-derived tissue constructs. These studies demonstrated the utility of BVGs to model human TAA formation in an animal host and highlighted the role of reduced collagen modifying enzyme activity in human TAA formation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I/metabolism
- Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I/genetics
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism
- Collagen/metabolism
- Blood Vessel Prosthesis
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Rats, Nude
- Disease Models, Animal
- Rats
- Bioengineering
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Gene Editing
- Loeys-Dietz Syndrome/genetics
- Loeys-Dietz Syndrome/pathology
- Male
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Zhenguo Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ping Qiu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xihua Huang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lin Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yuqing Eugene Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dogukan Mizrak
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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2
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Eweje F, Walsh ML, Ahmad K, Ibrahim V, Alrefai A, Chen J, Chaikof EL. Protein-based nanoparticles for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122464. [PMID: 38181574 PMCID: PMC10872380 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
To realize the full potential of emerging nucleic acid therapies, there is a need for effective delivery agents to transport cargo to cells of interest. Protein materials exhibit several unique properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, ease of functionalization via recombinant and chemical modifications, among other features, which establish a promising basis for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery systems. In this review, we highlight progress made in the use of non-viral protein-based nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery in vitro and in vivo, while elaborating on key physicochemical properties that have enabled the use of these materials for nanoparticle formulation and drug delivery. To conclude, we comment on the prospects and unresolved challenges associated with the translation of protein-based nucleic acid delivery systems for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyisayo Eweje
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA, 02115; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Michelle L Walsh
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
| | - Kiran Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Vanessa Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Assma Alrefai
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jiaxuan Chen
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Elliot L Chaikof
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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3
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Li M, Li J, Liu K, Zhang H. Artificial structural proteins: Synthesis, assembly and material applications. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107162. [PMID: 38308999 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Structural proteins have evolved over billions of years and offer outstanding mechanical properties, such as resilience, toughness and stiffness. Advances in modular protein engineering, polypeptide modification, and synthetic biology have led to the development of novel biomimetic structural proteins to perform in biomedical and military fields. However, the development of customized structural proteins and assemblies with superior performance remains a major challenge, due to the inherent limitations of biosynthesis, difficulty in mimicking the complexed macroscale assembly, etc. This review summarizes the approaches for the design and production of biomimetic structural proteins, and their chemical modifications for multiscale assembly. Furthermore, we discuss the function tailoring and current applications of biomimetic structural protein assemblies. A perspective of future research is to reveal how the mechanical properties are encoded in the sequences and conformations. This review, therefore, provides an important reference for the development of structural proteins-mimetics from replication of nature to even outperforming nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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4
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Bodmer NK, Knutsen RH, Roth RA, Castile RM, Brodt MD, Gierasch CM, Broekelmann TJ, Gibson MA, Haspel JA, Lake SP, Brody SL, Silva MJ, Mecham RP, Ornitz DM. Multi-organ phenotypes in mice lacking latent TGFβ binding protein 2 (LTBP2). Dev Dyn 2024; 253:233-254. [PMID: 37688792 PMCID: PMC10842386 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latent TGFβ binding protein-2 (LTBP2) is a fibrillin 1 binding component of the microfibril. LTBP2 is the only LTBP protein that does not bind any isoforms of TGFβ, although it may interfere with the function of other LTBPs or interact with other signaling pathways. RESULTS Here, we investigate mice lacking Ltbp2 (Ltbp2-/- ) and identify multiple phenotypes that impact bodyweight and fat mass, and affect bone and skin development. The alterations in skin and bone development are particularly noteworthy since the strength of these tissues is differentially affected by loss of Ltbp2. Interestingly, some tissues that express high levels of Ltbp2, such as the aorta and lung, do not have a developmental or homeostatic phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of these mice show that LTBP2 has complex effects on development through direct effects on the extracellular matrix (ECM) or on signaling pathways that are known to regulate the ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas K. Bodmer
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Russell H. Knutsen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Robyn A. Roth
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Ryan M. Castile
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University School of Engineering
| | - Michael D. Brodt
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carrie M. Gierasch
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | | | - Mark A. Gibson
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Jeffrey A. Haspel
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Spencer P. Lake
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University School of Engineering
| | - Steven L. Brody
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Matthew J. Silva
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robert P. Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - David M. Ornitz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine
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5
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Bhattacharya M, Horswill AR. The role of human extracellular matrix proteins in defining Staphylococcus aureus biofilm infections. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae002. [PMID: 38337187 PMCID: PMC10873506 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Twenty to forty one percent of the world's population is either transiently or permanently colonized by the Gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus. In 2017, the CDC designated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) as a serious threat, reporting ∼300 000 cases of MRSA-associated hospitalizations annually, resulting in over 19 000 deaths, surpassing that of HIV in the USA. S. aureus is a proficient biofilm-forming organism that rapidly acquires resistance to antibiotics, most commonly methicillin (MRSA). This review focuses on a large group of (>30) S. aureus adhesins, either surface-associated or secreted that are designed to specifically bind to 15 or more of the proteins that form key components of the human extracellular matrix (hECM). Importantly, this includes hECM proteins that are pivotal to the homeostasis of almost every tissue environment [collagen (skin), proteoglycans (lung), hemoglobin (blood), elastin, laminin, fibrinogen, fibronectin, and fibrin (multiple organs)]. These adhesins offer S. aureus the potential to establish an infection in every sterile tissue niche. These infections often endure repeated immune onslaught, developing into chronic, biofilm-associated conditions that are tolerant to ∼1000 times the clinically prescribed dose of antibiotics. Depending on the infection and the immune response, this allows S. aureus to seamlessly transition from colonizer to pathogen by subtly manipulating the host against itself while providing the time and stealth that it requires to establish and persist as a biofilm. This is a comprehensive discussion of the interaction between S. aureus biofilms and the hECM. We provide particular focus on the role of these interactions in pathogenesis and, consequently, the clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of S. aureus biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohini Bhattacharya
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Alexander R Horswill
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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6
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Ojha M, Smith NJ, Devine AJ, Joshi R, Goodman EM, Fan Q, Schuman R, Porollo A, Wells JM, Tiwary E, Batie MR, Gray J, Deshmukh H, Borchers MT, Ammerman SA, Varisco BM. Anti-CELA1 antibody KF4 prevents emphysema by inhibiting stretch-mediated remodeling. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e169189. [PMID: 38193533 PMCID: PMC10906462 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.169189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
There are no therapies to prevent emphysema progression. Chymotrypsin-like elastase 1 (CELA1) is a serine protease that binds and cleaves lung elastin in a stretch-dependent manner and is required for emphysema in a murine antisense oligonucleotide model of α-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. This study tested whether CELA1 is important in strain-mediated lung matrix destruction in non-AAT-deficient emphysema and the efficacy of CELA1 neutralization. Airspace simplification was quantified after administration of tracheal porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE), after 8 months of cigarette smoke (CS) exposure, and in aging. In all 3 models, Cela1-/- mice had less emphysema and preserved lung elastin despite increased lung immune cells. A CELA1-neutralizing antibody was developed (KF4), and it inhibited stretch-inducible lung elastase in ex vivo mouse and human lung and immunoprecipitated CELA1 from human lung. In mice, systemically administered KF4 penetrated lung tissue in a dose-dependent manner and 5 mg/kg weekly prevented emphysema in the PPE model with both pre- and postinjury initiation and in the CS model. KF4 did not increase lung immune cells. CELA1-mediated lung matrix remodeling in response to strain is an important contributor to postnatal airspace simplification, and we believe that KF4 could be developed as a lung matrix-stabilizing therapy in emphysema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Ojha
- Lincoln Medical Center and Mental Health Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Noah J. Smith
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrew J. Devine
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens Ohio, USA
| | - Rashika Joshi
- Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily M. Goodman
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Qiang Fan
- Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Richard Schuman
- Antibody and Immunoassay Consultants, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Aleksey Porollo
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - J. Michael Wells
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- UAB Lung Health Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ekta Tiwary
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- UAB Lung Health Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Jerilyn Gray
- Perinatal Institute, Center for Perinatal Immunity, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Hitesh Deshmukh
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Perinatal Institute, Center for Perinatal Immunity, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael T. Borchers
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Brian M. Varisco
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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7
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Senthilkumar P, Natarajan A, Salmen SH, Alharbi SA, Shavrov V, Lega P, Subramani R, Pushparaj C. Utilizing protein nanofibrils as a scaffold for enhancing nutritional value in toned milk. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117420. [PMID: 37852464 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117420] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Toned milk is a lower-fat, healthier alternative to whole milk that still contains all essential nutrients. A number of methods have been developed to improve the functionality of toned milk and make it more appealing to the consumers. However, these methods often involve extensive processing techniques and can be expensive. Therefore, alternative methods are needed. Proteins are well known for their ability to form well-defined nanofibril materials that can be used as a scaffold for various applications. In this article, a straightforward self-assembly process was used to load inulin into protein nanofibrils, creating unique composite nanofibrils. Characterization using AFM and SEM revealed well-defined composite nanofibrils with an average diameter of 4-6 nm and lengths ranging from 0.25 μm up to 10 μm. FT-IR and in-vitro release assays show that inulin was successfully attached to prepared protein nanofibrils. The composite nanofibrils were tested on toned milk to enhance the physico/chemical properties and nutritional values. The findings can be applied to the food industry to create a number of novel functional food products cost-effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveetha Senthilkumar
- Department of Chemistry, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641004, India
| | - Arunadevi Natarajan
- Department of Chemistry, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641004, India
| | - Saleh H Salmen
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box -2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulaiman Ali Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box -2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vladimir Shavrov
- The Kotel'nikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 125009
| | - Petr Lega
- The Kotel'nikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 125009; RUDN University, Moscow, Russia 117198
| | - Ramesh Subramani
- Department of Food Processing Technology & Management, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641004, India.
| | - Charumathi Pushparaj
- Department of Zoology, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641004, India.
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8
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Yue J, Qi YF, Zhang WB, Liu SH, Chen H, Li ZZ, Wu HF. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Mutation of Tropoelastin Gene Affects Tropoelastin mRNA and Elastin Expressions in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells. DNA Cell Biol 2023; 42:735-745. [PMID: 38011321 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to explore the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in tropoelastin gene on tropoelastin mRNA and elastin expressions in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Two SNP loci, rs2071307 (G/A) and rs1785598 (G/C), were selected to construct recombinant lentivirus vectors carrying wild-type and mutant tropoelastin gene. Recombinant plasmids including pWSLV-02-ELN, pWSLV-02-ELN-mut1, and pWSLV-02-ELN-mut2 were constructed, before being amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The prepared plasmids and the packaging plasmids (pVSV-G and psPAX2) were cotransfected into HEK293T cells to obtain recombinant lentiviruses carrying tropoelastin gene. Afterward, HASMCs were infected with recombinant lentiviruses, and the positive cells sorted by flow cytometry were amplified. Four stable HASMCs cell lines including pWSLV-02-ELN, pWSLV-02-ELN-mut1, pWSLV-02-ELN-mut2, and pWSLV-02 vector were constructed. The expressions of tropoelastin mRNA and elastin in HASMCs were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blot, respectively. Recombinant plasmids including pWSLV-02-ELN-mut1, pWSLV-02-ELN-mut2, and pWSLV-02-ELN were successfully constructed. Recombinant lentiviruses carrying tropoelastin gene were obtained via lentivirus packaging. After infection for 24 h, 3 days and 5 days in HASMCs, tropoelastin mRNA expressions in pWSLV-02-ELN-mut1 and pWSLV-02-ELN-mut2 groups were significantly lower than that of pWSLV-02-ELN group. Besides, after infection for 24 h, 3 days, and 5 days, elastin levels in pWSLV-02-ELN-mut1 and pWSLV-02-ELN-mut2 groups were significantly lower than that in pWSLV-02-ELN group. In conclusion, SNPs mutation of tropoelastin gene affected the expression of tropoelastin mRNA and elastin, suggesting that the polymorphisms of rs2071307 and rs17855988 in tropoelastin gene might be important factors for AD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yue
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - You-Fei Qi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bo Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sa-Hua Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Fei Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, People's Republic of China
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9
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Loffet EA, Durel JF, Gao J, Kam R, Lim H, Nerurkar NL. Elastic fibers define embryonic tissue stiffness to enable buckling morphogenesis of the small intestine. Biomaterials 2023; 303:122405. [PMID: 38000151 PMCID: PMC10842730 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic development, tissues must possess precise material properties to ensure that cell-generated forces give rise to the stereotyped morphologies of developing organs. However, the question of how material properties are established and regulated during development remains understudied. Here, we aim to address these broader questions through the study of intestinal looping, a process by which the initially straight intestinal tube buckles into loops, permitting ordered packing within the body cavity. Looping results from elongation of the tube against the constraint of an attached tissue, the dorsal mesentery, which is elastically stretched by the elongating tube to nearly triple its length. This elastic energy storage allows the mesentery to provide stable compressive forces that ultimately buckle the tube into loops. Beginning with a transcriptomic analysis of the mesentery, we identified widespread upregulation of extracellular matrix related genes during looping, including genes related to elastic fiber deposition. Combining molecular and mechanical analyses, we conclude that elastin confers tensile stiffness to the mesentery, enabling its mechanical role in organizing the developing small intestine. These results shed light on the role of elastin as a driver of morphogenesis that extends beyond its more established role in resisting cyclic deformation in adult tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise A Loffet
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - John F Durel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Jenny Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Richard Kam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Hyunjee Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Nandan L Nerurkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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10
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Voller L, Rahman Z. Translational Biochemistry of the Skin. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2023; 31:443-452. [PMID: 37806678 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsc.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding translational biochemistry of the skin is an essential component in mastering non-invasive aesthetic treatments. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom and plays a significant role in maintaining structural function in biologically healthy human skin. Collagen degradation and synthesis occurs throughout human life. Upregulation of collagen synthesis remains the mainstay of non-invasive aesthetic skin treatments. Elastin is a smaller yet significant component in the skin's ability to maintain biologically healthy stretch and recoil. Multi-Omics represents a relatively nascent field in the optimization and development of therapies aimed at the aesthetic improvement of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Voller
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 450 Broadway Street, Pavilion B, 4th Floor, MC 5338, Redwood City, CA 94603, USA
| | - Zakia Rahman
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 450 Broadway Street, Pavilion B, 4th Floor, MC 5338, Redwood City, CA 94603, USA.
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11
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Noh Y, Son E, Cha C. Exploring stimuli-responsive elastin-like polypeptide for biomedicine and beyond: potential application as programmable soft actuators. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1284226. [PMID: 37965051 PMCID: PMC10642932 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1284226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of soft robotics, there is a growing need to develop actuator systems that are lightweight, mechanically compliant, stimuli-responsive, and readily programmable for precise and intelligent operation. Therefore, "smart" polymeric materials that can precisely change their physicomechanical properties in response to various external stimuli (e.g., pH, temperature, electromagnetic force) are increasingly investigated. Many different types of polymers demonstrating stimuli-responsiveness and shape memory effect have been developed over the years, but their focus has been mostly placed on controlling their mechanical properties. In order to impart complexity in actuation systems, there is a concerted effort to implement additional desired functionalities. For this purpose, elastin-like polypeptide (ELP), a class of genetically-engineered thermoresponsive polypeptides that have been mostly utilized for biomedical applications, is being increasingly investigated for stimuli-responsive actuation. Herein, unique characteristics and biomedical applications of ELP, and recent progress on utilizing ELP for programmable actuation are introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chaenyung Cha
- Center for Multidimensional Programmable Matter, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
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12
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Löser R, Kuchar M, Wodtke R, Neuber C, Belter B, Kopka K, Santhanam L, Pietzsch J. Lysyl Oxidases as Targets for Cancer Therapy and Diagnostic Imaging. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300331. [PMID: 37565736 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of the contribution of the tumour microenvironment to cancer progression and metastasis, in particular the interplay between tumour cells, fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix has grown tremendously over the last years. Lysyl oxidases are increasingly recognised as key players in this context, in addition to their function as drivers of fibrotic diseases. These insights have considerably stimulated drug discovery efforts towards lysyl oxidases as targets over the last decade. This review article summarises the biochemical and structural properties of theses enzymes. Their involvement in tumour progression and metastasis is highlighted from a biochemical point of view, taking into consideration both the extracellular and intracellular action of lysyl oxidases. More recently reported inhibitor compounds are discussed with an emphasis on their discovery, structure-activity relationships and the results of their biological characterisation. Molecular probes developed for imaging of lysyl oxidase activity are reviewed from the perspective of their detection principles, performance and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reik Löser
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manuela Kuchar
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robert Wodtke
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christin Neuber
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Birgit Belter
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaus Kopka
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01069, Dresden, Germany
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13
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Golombek S, Hoffmann T, Hann L, Mandler M, Schmidhuber S, Weber J, Chang YT, Mehling R, Ladinig A, Knecht C, Leyens J, Schlensak C, Wendel HP, Schneeberger A, Avci-Adali M. Improved tropoelastin synthesis in the skin by codon optimization and nucleotide modification of tropoelastin-encoding synthetic mRNA. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:642-654. [PMID: 37650117 PMCID: PMC10462787 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Loss of elastin due to aging, disease, or injury can lead to impaired tissue function. In this study, de novo tropoelastin (TE) synthesis is investigated in vitro and in vivo using different TE-encoding synthetic mRNA variants after codon optimization and nucleotide modification. Codon optimization shows a strong effect on protein synthesis without affecting cell viability in vitro, whereas nucleotide modifications strongly modulate translation and reduce cell toxicity. Selected TE mRNA variants (3, 10, and 30 μg) are then analyzed in vivo in porcine skin after intradermal application. Administration of 30 μg of native TE mRNA with a me1 Ψ modification or 10 and 30 μg of unmodified codon-optimized TE mRNA is required to increase TE protein expression in vivo. In contrast, just 3 μg of a codon-optimized TE mRNA variant with the me1 Ψ modification is able to increase protein expression. Furthermore, skin toxicity is investigated in vitro by injecting 30 μg of mRNA of selected TE mRNA variants into a human full-thickness skin model, and no toxic effects are observed. Thereby, for the first time, an increased dermal TE synthesis by exogenous administration of synthetic mRNA is demonstrated in vivo. Codon optimization of a synthetic mRNA can significantly increase protein expression and therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Golombek
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Ludmilla Hann
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Mandler
- Accanis Biotech, Karl-Farkas-Gasse 22, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | | | - Josefin Weber
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Young-Tae Chang
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Roman Mehling
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Röntgenweg 13, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Ladinig
- University Clinic for Swine, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Christian Knecht
- University Clinic for Swine, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Johanna Leyens
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schlensak
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans Peter Wendel
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Meltem Avci-Adali
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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14
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Hafeez S, Decarli MC, Aldana A, Ebrahimi M, Ruiter FAA, Duimel H, van Blitterswijk C, Pitet LM, Moroni L, Baker MB. In Situ Covalent Reinforcement of a Benzene-1,3,5-Tricarboxamide Supramolecular Polymer Enables Biomimetic, Tough, and Fibrous Hydrogels and Bioinks. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301242. [PMID: 37370137 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic hydrogels often lack the load-bearing capacity and mechanical properties of native biopolymers found in tissue, such as cartilage. In natural tissues, toughness is often imparted via the combination of fibrous noncovalent self-assembly with key covalent bond formation. This controlled combination of supramolecular and covalent interactions remains difficult to engineer, yet can provide a clear strategy for advanced biomaterials. Here, a synthetic supramolecular/covalent strategy is investigated for creating a tough hydrogel that embodies the hierarchical fibrous architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM). A benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) hydrogelator is developed with synthetically addressable norbornene handles that self-assembles to form a and viscoelastic hydrogel. Inspired by collagen's covalent cross-linking of fibrils, the mechanical properties are reinforced by covalent intra- and interfiber cross-links. At over 90% water, the hydrogels withstand up to 550% tensile strain, 90% compressive strain, and dissipated energy with recoverable hysteresis. The hydrogels are shear-thinning, can be 3D bioprinted with good shape fidelity, and can be toughened via covalent cross-linking. These materials enable the bioprinting of human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) spheroids and subsequent differentiation into chondrogenic tissue. Collectively, these findings highlight the power of covalent reinforcement of supramolecular fibers, offering a strategy for the bottom-up design of dynamic, yet tough, hydrogels and bioinks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad Hafeez
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Monize Caiado Decarli
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Agustina Aldana
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Mahsa Ebrahimi
- Advanced Functional Polymers Group, Department of Chemistry, Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, Hasselt, 3500, Belgium
| | - Floor A A Ruiter
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology- Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Duimel
- Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Louis M Pitet
- Advanced Functional Polymers Group, Department of Chemistry, Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, Hasselt, 3500, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew B Baker
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
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15
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Li J, Huang W, He H, Shi S, Sun X, Xiao J. Biocompatible and bioactive hydrogels of recombinant fusion elastin with low transition temperature for improved healing of UV-irradiated skin. J Mater Chem B 2023. [PMID: 37401183 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00564j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause severe photodamage to the skin, leading to abnormal fragmentation of elastin fibers. As one of the main protein components of the dermal extracellular matrix, elastin plays a critical role in the mechanical behavior and physiological function of the skin. Animal-derived elastin has attracted extensive attention in tissue engineering, however it suffers from severe drawbacks such as a risk of virus transmission, ready degradation, and challenging quality control. Herein, we have for the first time developed a novel recombinant fusion elastin (RFE) and its cross-linked hydrogel for improved healing efficacy for UV-irradiated skin. RFE showed temperature-sensitive aggregation behavior similar to natural elastin. Compared with recombinant elastin without the fusion V-foldon domain, RFE showed a much more ordered secondary structure and lower transition temperature. Furthermore, Native-PAGE results indicated that the addition of the V-foldon domain triggered the formation of remarkable oligomers in RFE, which may result in a more ordered conformation. Tetrakis Hydroxymethyl Phosphonium Chloride (THPC) cross-linking of RFE led to the production of a fibrous hydrogel with uniform three-dimensional porous nanostructures and excellent mechanical strength. The RFE hydrogel showed superior cellular activity, significantly promoting the survival and proliferation of human foreskin fibroblast-1 (HFF-1). Studies of mice models of UV-irradiated skin demonstrated that the RFE hydrogel pronouncedly accelerated their healing process by inhibiting epidermal hyperplasia as well as boosting the regeneration of collagen and elastin fibers. The highly biocompatible and bioactive recombinant fusion elastin and its cross-linked hydrogel provide a potent treatment for photodamaged skin, which may have promising applications in dermatology and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China.
- Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China.
- Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, China
| | - Huixia He
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China.
- Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, China
| | - Shuangni Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China.
- Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, China
| | - Xiuxia Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
- Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, China
| | - Jianxi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China.
- Gansu Engineering Research Center of Medical Collagen, China
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16
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Fan X, Valenzuela C, Zhao W, Chen Z, Wang D, Mentzer SJ. Stochastic simulations of self-organized elastogenesis in the developing lung. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011219. [PMID: 37315061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In the normal lung, the dominant cable is an elastic "line element" composed of elastin fibers bound to a protein scaffold. The cable line element maintains alveolar geometry by balancing surface forces within the alveolus and changes in lung volume with exercise. Recent work in the postnatal rat lung has suggested that the process of cable development is self-organized in the extracellular matrix. Early in postnatal development, a blanket of tropoelastin (TE) spheres appear in the primitive lung. Within 7 to 10 days, the TE spheres are incorporated into a distributed protein scaffold creating the mature cable line element. To study the process of extracellular assembly, we used cellular automata (CA) simulations. CA simulations demonstrated that the intermediate step of tropoelastin self-aggregation into TE spheres enhanced the efficiency of cable formation more than 5-fold. Similarly, the rate of tropoelastin production had a direct impact on the efficiency of scaffold binding. The binding affinity of the tropoelastin to the protein scaffold, potentially reflecting heritable traits, also had a significant impact on cable development. In contrast, the spatial distribution of TE monomer production, increased Brownian motion and variations in scaffold geometry did not significantly impact simulations of cable development. We conclude that CA simulations are useful in exploring the impact of concentration, geometry, and movement on the fundamental process of elastogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiru Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Meta Robotics Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cristian Valenzuela
- Laboratory of Adaptive and Regenerative Biology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Weijing Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi Chen
- Laboratory of Adaptive and Regenerative Biology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Meta Robotics Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Steven J Mentzer
- Laboratory of Adaptive and Regenerative Biology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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17
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Tienda-Vázquez MA, Hanel JM, Márquez-Arteaga EM, Salgado-Álvarez AP, Scheckhuber CQ, Alanis-Gómez JR, Espinoza-Silva JI, Ramos-Kuri M, Hernández-Rosas F, Melchor-Martínez EM, Parra-Saldívar R. Exosomes: A Promising Strategy for Repair, Regeneration and Treatment of Skin Disorders. Cells 2023; 12:1625. [PMID: 37371095 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121625] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is the organ that serves as the outermost layer of protection against injury, pathogens, and homeostasis with external factors; in turn, it can be damaged by factors such as burns, trauma, exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), infrared radiation (IR), activating signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptors (TLR) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), among others, causing a need to subsequently repair and regenerate the skin. However, pathologies such as diabetes lengthen the inflammatory stage, complicating the healing process and, in some cases, completely inhibiting it, generating susceptibility to infections. Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles that can be isolated and purified from different sources such as blood, urine, breast milk, saliva, urine, umbilical cord bile cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. They have bioactive compounds that, thanks to their paracrine activity, have proven to be effective as anti-inflammatory agents, inducers of macrophage polarization and accelerators of skin repair and regeneration, reducing the possible complications relating to poor wound repair, and prolonged inflammation. This review provides information on the use of exosomes as a promising therapy against damage from UV light, infrared radiation, burns, and skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Adrián Tienda-Vázquez
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Anahuac Queretaro University, Querétaro 76246, Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Hanel
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Anahuac Queretaro University, Querétaro 76246, Mexico
| | | | - Ana Paola Salgado-Álvarez
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Anahuac Queretaro University, Querétaro 76246, Mexico
| | - Christian Quintus Scheckhuber
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Mexico City, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico City 14380, Mexico
| | - José Rafael Alanis-Gómez
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Anahuac Queretaro University, Querétaro 76246, Mexico
- Division Research and Postgraduate Division, Faculty of Engineering, Autonomous University of Querétaro, Querétaro 76010, Mexico
| | | | - Manuel Ramos-Kuri
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64710, Mexico
| | - Fabiola Hernández-Rosas
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Anahuac Queretaro University, Querétaro 76246, Mexico
- Research Center, Anahuac Queretaro University, Querétaro 76246, Mexico
| | - Elda M Melchor-Martínez
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Roberto Parra-Saldívar
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
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18
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Sambani K, Kontomaris SV, Yova D. Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging of Elastin Nanofibers Self-Assembly. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:4313. [PMID: 37374496 DOI: 10.3390/ma16124313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Elastin is an extracellular matrix protein, providing elasticity to the organs, such as skin, blood vessels, lungs and elastic ligaments, presenting self-assembling ability to form elastic fibers. The elastin protein, as a component of elastin fibers, is one of the major proteins found in connective tissue and is responsible for the elasticity of tissues. It provides resilience to the human body, assembled as a continuous mesh of fibers that require to be deformed repetitively and reversibly. Thus, it is of great importance to investigate the development of the nanostructural surface of elastin-based biomaterials. The purpose of this research was to image the self-assembling process of elastin fiber structure under different experimental parameters such as suspension medium, elastin concentration, temperature of stock suspension and time interval after the preparation of the stock suspension. atomic force microscopy (AFM) was applied in order to investigate how different experimental parameters affected fiber development and morphology. The results demonstrated that through altering a number of experimental parameters, it was possible to affect the self-assembly procedure of elastin fibers from nanofibers and the formation of elastin nanostructured mesh consisting of naturally occurring fibers. Further clarification of the contribution of different parameters on fibril formation will enable the design and control of elastin-based nanobiomaterials with predetermined characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Sambani
- Biomedical Optics and Applied Biophysics Laboratory, Division of Electromagnetics, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrooptics and Electronic Materials, National Technical University of Athens, 9, Iroon Polytechniou, 15780 Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Vasileios Kontomaris
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Metropolitan College, 15125 Athens, Greece
- BioNanoTec Ltd., 2404 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Dido Yova
- Biomedical Optics and Applied Biophysics Laboratory, Division of Electromagnetics, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrooptics and Electronic Materials, National Technical University of Athens, 9, Iroon Polytechniou, 15780 Athens, Greece
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19
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Dabaghi M, Carpio MB, Saraei N, Moran-Mirabal JM, Kolb MR, Hirota JA. A roadmap for developing and engineering in vitro pulmonary fibrosis models. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:021302. [PMID: 38510343 PMCID: PMC10903385 DOI: 10.1063/5.0134177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe form of pulmonary fibrosis. IPF is a fatal disease with no cure and is challenging to diagnose. Unfortunately, due to the elusive etiology of IPF and a late diagnosis, there are no cures for IPF. Two FDA-approved drugs for IPF, nintedanib and pirfenidone, slow the progression of the disease, yet fail to cure or reverse it. Furthermore, most animal models have been unable to completely recapitulate the physiology of human IPF, resulting in the failure of many drug candidates in preclinical studies. In the last few decades, the development of new IPF drugs focused on changes at the cellular level, as it was believed that the cells were the main players in IPF development and progression. However, recent studies have shed light on the critical role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in IPF development, where the ECM communicates with cells and initiates a positive feedback loop to promote fibrotic processes. Stemming from this shift in the understanding of fibrosis, there is a need to develop in vitro model systems that mimic the human lung microenvironment to better understand how biochemical and biomechanical cues drive fibrotic processes in IPF. However, current in vitro cell culture platforms, which may include substrates with different stiffness or natural hydrogels, have shortcomings in recapitulating the complexity of fibrosis. This review aims to draw a roadmap for developing advanced in vitro pulmonary fibrosis models, which can be leveraged to understand better different mechanisms involved in IPF and develop drug candidates with improved efficacy. We begin with a brief overview defining pulmonary fibrosis and highlight the importance of ECM components in the disease progression. We focus on fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the context of ECM biology and fibrotic processes, as most conventional advanced in vitro models of pulmonary fibrosis use these cell types. We transition to discussing the parameters of the 3D microenvironment that are relevant in pulmonary fibrosis progression. Finally, the review ends by summarizing the state of the art in the field and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadhossein Dabaghi
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health—Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Mabel Barreiro Carpio
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Arthur N. Bourns Science Building, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Neda Saraei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Engineering Technology Building, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | | | - Martin R. Kolb
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health—Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
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20
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Augustyniak A, Gottardi D, Giordani B, Gaffey J, Mc Mahon H. Dairy bioactives and functional ingredients with skin health benefits. J Funct Foods 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
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21
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Goel R, Gulwani D, Upadhyay P, Sarangthem V, Singh TD. Unsung versatility of elastin-like polypeptide inspired spheroid fabrication: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 234:123664. [PMID: 36791934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Lately, 3D cell culture technique has gained a lot of appreciation as a research model. Augmented with technological advancements, the area of 3D cell culture is growing rapidly with a diverse array of scaffolds being tested. This is especially the case for spheroid cultures. The culture of cells as spheroids provides opportunities for unanticipated vision into biological phenomena with its application to drug discovery, metabolic profiling, stem cell research as well as tumor, and disease biology. Spheroid fabrication techniques are broadly categorised into matrix-dependent and matrix-independent techniques. While there is a profusion of spheroid fabrication substrates with substantial biological relevance, an economical, modular, and bio-compatible substrate for high throughput production of spheroids is lacking. In this review, we posit the prospects of elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) as a broad-spectrum spheroid fabrication platform. Elastin-like polypeptides are nature inspired, size-tunable genetically engineered polymers with wide applicability in various arena of biological considerations, has been employed for spheroid culture with profound utility. The technology offers a cheap, high-throughput, reproducible alternative for spheroid culture with exquisite adaptability. Here, we will brief the applicability of 3D cultures as compared to 2D cultures with spheroids being the focal point of the review. Common approaches to spheroid fabrication are discussed with existential limitations. Finally, the versatility of elastin-like polypeptide inspired substrates for spheroid culture has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridhima Goel
- Department of Medical Oncology Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Deepak Gulwani
- Department of Medical Oncology Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Priyanka Upadhyay
- Department of Medical Oncology Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Vijaya Sarangthem
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
| | - Thoudam Debraj Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
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22
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Dayal S, Broekelmann T, Mecham RP, Ramamurthi A. Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor to Stimulate Elastic Matrix Regenerative Repair. Tissue Eng Part A 2023; 29:187-199. [PMID: 36641641 PMCID: PMC10122231 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2022.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) represent a multifactorial, proteolytic disorder involving disintegration of the matrix structure within the AAA wall. Intrinsic deficiency of adult vascular cells to regenerate and repair the wall elastic matrix, which contributes to vessel stretch and recoil, is a major clinical challenge to therapeutic reversal of AAA growth. In this study, we investigate the involvement of epidermal growth factor receptor-mitogen activated protein kinase (EGFR-MAPK) pathway in the activation of aneurysmal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) by neutrophil elastase, and how EGFR can be targeted for elastic matrix regeneration. We have demonstrated that neutrophil elastase activates EGFR and downregulates expression level of key elastin homeostasis genes (elastin, crosslinking enzyme-lysyl oxidase, and fibulin4) between a dose range of 1-10 μg/mL (p < 0.05). It also incites downstream proteolytic outcomes by upregulating p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 (p < 0.0001) and matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2) at a protein level, which is significantly downregulated upon EGFR-specific inhibition by tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 (p-ERK1/2 and MMP2 [p < 0.05]). Moreover, we have shown that EGFR inhibition suppresses collagen amounts in aneurysmal SMCs (p < 0.05) and promotes robust formation of elastic fibers by enhancing its deposition in the extracellular space. Hence, the EGFR-MAPK pathway in aneurysmal cells can be targeted to provide therapeutic effects toward stimulating vascular matrix regeneration. Impact statement Proteolytic disorders such as aortal expansions, called abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), are characterized by naturally irreversible enzymatic breakdown and loss of elastic fibers, a problem that has not yet been surmounted by existing tissue engineering approaches. In this work, we show, for the first time, how epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition provides downstream benefits in elastic fiber assembly and deposition in aneurysmal smooth muscle cell cultures. This work can open future possibilities for development of EGFR-targeted drug-based therapies not only for vessel wall repair in AAAs but also other proteolytically compromised elastic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Dayal
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas Broekelmann
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robert P. Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Anand Ramamurthi
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
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23
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Goldman J, Liu SQ, Tefft BJ. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Thrombogenic Properties of Arterial Elastic Laminae. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040424. [PMID: 37106611 PMCID: PMC10135563 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Elastic laminae, an elastin-based, layered extracellular matrix structure in the media of arteries, can inhibit leukocyte adhesion and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, exhibiting anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombogenic properties. These properties prevent inflammatory and thrombogenic activities in the arterial media, constituting a mechanism for the maintenance of the structural integrity of the arterial wall in vascular disorders. The biological basis for these properties is the elastin-induced activation of inhibitory signaling pathways, involving the inhibitory cell receptor signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) and Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP1). The activation of these molecules causes deactivation of cell adhesion- and proliferation-regulatory signaling mechanisms. Given such anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombogenic properties, elastic laminae and elastin-based materials have potential for use in vascular reconstruction.
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24
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Trębacz H, Barzycka A. Mechanical Properties and Functions of Elastin: An Overview. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030574. [PMID: 36979509 PMCID: PMC10046833 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Human tissues must be elastic, much like other materials that work under continuous loads without losing functionality. The elasticity of tissues is provided by elastin, a unique protein of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammals. Its function is to endow soft tissues with low stiffness, high and fully reversible extensibility, and efficient elastic-energy storage. Depending on the mechanical functions, the amount and distribution of elastin-rich elastic fibers vary between and within tissues and organs. The article presents a concise overview of the mechanical properties of elastin and its role in the elasticity of soft tissues. Both the occurrence of elastin and the relationship between its spatial arrangement and mechanical functions in a given tissue or organ are overviewed. As elastin in tissues occurs only in the form of elastic fibers, the current state of knowledge about their mechanical characteristics, as well as certain aspects of degradation of these fibers and their mechanical performance, is presented. The overview also outlines the latest understanding of the molecular basis of unique physical characteristics of elastin and, in particular, the origin of the driving force of elastic recoil after stretching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Trębacz
- Department of Biophysics, Medical University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Angelika Barzycka
- Department of Biophysics, Medical University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
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25
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Naba A. 10 years of extracellular matrix proteomics: Accomplishments, challenges, and future perspectives. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100528. [PMID: 36918099 PMCID: PMC10152135 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex assembly of hundreds of proteins forming the architectural scaffold of multicellular organisms. In addition to its structural role, the ECM conveys signals orchestrating cellular phenotypes. Alterations of ECM composition, abundance, structure, or mechanics, have been linked to diseases and disorders affecting all physiological systems, including fibrosis and cancer. Deciphering the protein composition of the ECM and how it changes in pathophysiological contexts is thus the first step toward understanding the roles of the ECM in health and disease and toward the development of therapeutic strategies to correct disease-causing ECM alterations. Potentially, the ECM also represents a vast, yet untapped reservoir of disease biomarkers. ECM proteins are characterized by unique biochemical properties that have hindered their study: they are large, heavily and uniquely post-translationally modified, and highly insoluble. Overcoming these challenges, we and others have devised mass-spectrometry-based proteomic approaches to define the ECM composition, or "matrisome", of tissues. This review provides a historical overview of ECM proteomics research and presents the latest advances that now allow the profiling of the ECM of healthy and diseased tissues. The second part highlights recent examples illustrating how ECM proteomics has emerged as a powerful discovery pipeline to identify prognostic cancer biomarkers. The third part discusses remaining challenges limiting our ability to translate findings to clinical application and proposes approaches to overcome them. Last, the review introduces readers to resources available to facilitate the interpretation of ECM proteomics datasets. The ECM was once thought to be impenetrable. MS-based proteomics has proven to be a powerful tool to decode the ECM. In light of the progress made over the past decade, there are reasons to believe that the in-depth exploration of the matrisome is within reach and that we may soon witness the first translational application of ECM proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Naba
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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26
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Miserez A, Yu J, Mohammadi P. Protein-Based Biological Materials: Molecular Design and Artificial Production. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2049-2111. [PMID: 36692900 PMCID: PMC9999432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric materials produced from fossil fuels have been intimately linked to the development of industrial activities in the 20th century and, consequently, to the transformation of our way of living. While this has brought many benefits, the fabrication and disposal of these materials is bringing enormous sustainable challenges. Thus, materials that are produced in a more sustainable fashion and whose degradation products are harmless to the environment are urgently needed. Natural biopolymers─which can compete with and sometimes surpass the performance of synthetic polymers─provide a great source of inspiration. They are made of natural chemicals, under benign environmental conditions, and their degradation products are harmless. Before these materials can be synthetically replicated, it is essential to elucidate their chemical design and biofabrication. For protein-based materials, this means obtaining the complete sequences of the proteinaceous building blocks, a task that historically took decades of research. Thus, we start this review with a historical perspective on early efforts to obtain the primary sequences of load-bearing proteins, followed by the latest developments in sequencing and proteomic technologies that have greatly accelerated sequencing of extracellular proteins. Next, four main classes of protein materials are presented, namely fibrous materials, bioelastomers exhibiting high reversible deformability, hard bulk materials, and biological adhesives. In each class, we focus on the design at the primary and secondary structure levels and discuss their interplays with the mechanical response. We finally discuss earlier and the latest research to artificially produce protein-based materials using biotechnology and synthetic biology, including current developments by start-up companies to scale-up the production of proteinaceous materials in an economically viable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Miserez
- Center for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore637553.,School of Biological Sciences, NTU, Singapore637551
| | - Jing Yu
- Center for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore637553.,Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science (IDMxS), NTU, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore637553
| | - Pezhman Mohammadi
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, UusimaaFI-02044, Finland
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27
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Morozova TI, García NA, Matsarskaia O, Roosen-Runge F, Barrat JL. Structural and Dynamical Properties of Elastin-Like Peptides near Their Lower Critical Solution Temperature. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1912-1923. [PMID: 36877869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Elastin-like peptides (ELPs) are artificially derived intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) mimicking the hydrophobic repeat unit in the protein elastin. ELPs are characterized by a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in aqueous media. Here, we investigate the sequence GVG(VPGVG)3 over a wide range of temperatures (below, around, and above the LCST) and peptide concentrations employing all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, where we focus on the role of intra- and interpeptide interactions. We begin by investigating the structural properties of a single peptide that demonstrates a hydrophobic collapse with temperature, albeit moderate, because the sequence length is short. We observe a change in the interaction between two peptides from repulsive to attractive with temperature by evaluating the potential of mean force, indicating an LCST-like behavior. Next, we explore dynamical and structural properties of peptides in multichain systems. We report the formation of dynamical aggregates with coil-like conformation, in which valine central residues play an important role. Moreover, the lifetime of contacts between chains strongly depends on the temperature and can be described by a power-law decay that is consistent with the LCST-like behavior. Finally, the peptide translational and internal motion are slowed by an increase in the peptide concentration and temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolás A García
- Instituto de Física del Sur (IFISUR), Departamento de Física, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), CONICET, Av. L. N. Alem 1253, B8000CPB Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Olga Matsarskaia
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Felix Roosen-Runge
- Department of Biomedical Science and Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces (BRCB), Malmö University, 20506 Malmö, Sweden
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28
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Dhillon RK, Nguyen TH, Niemann A, Karai L, Skopit S. Keratotic Papules on a Patient With Down Syndrome. Am J Dermatopathol 2023; 45:145-146. [PMID: 36669082 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew Niemann
- Kansas City University School of Medicine and Biosciences
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29
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López
Barreiro D, Folch-Fortuny A, Muntz I, Thies JC, Sagt CM, Koenderink GH. Sequence Control of the Self-Assembly of Elastin-Like Polypeptides into Hydrogels with Bespoke Viscoelastic and Structural Properties. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:489-501. [PMID: 36516874 PMCID: PMC9832484 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The biofabrication of structural proteins with controllable properties via amino acid sequence design is interesting for biomedicine and biotechnology, yet a complete framework that connects amino acid sequence to material properties is unavailable, despite great progress to establish design rules for synthesizing peptides and proteins with specific conformations (e.g., unfolded, helical, β-sheets, or β-turns) and intermolecular interactions (e.g., amphipathic peptides or hydrophobic domains). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can help in developing such a framework, but the lack of a standardized way of interpreting the outcome of these simulations hinders their predictive value for the design of de novo structural proteins. To address this, we developed a model that unambiguously classifies a library of de novo elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) with varying numbers and locations of hydrophobic/hydrophilic and physical/chemical-cross-linking blocks according to their thermoresponsiveness at physiological temperature. Our approach does not require long simulation times or advanced sampling methods. Instead, we apply (un)supervised data analysis methods to a data set of molecular properties from relatively short MD simulations (150 ns). We also experimentally investigate hydrogels of those ELPs from the library predicted to be thermoresponsive, revealing several handles to tune their mechanical and structural properties: chain hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity or block distribution control the viscoelasticity and thermoresponsiveness, whereas ELP concentration defines the network permeability. Our findings provide an avenue to accelerate the design of de novo ELPs with bespoke phase behavior and material properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego López
Barreiro
- DSM
Biosciences and Process Innovation, DSM, Alexander Fleminglaan 1, 2613 AXDelft, The Netherlands
| | - Abel Folch-Fortuny
- DSM
Biodata and Translation, DSM, Alexander Fleminglaan 1, 2613 AXDelft, The Netherlands
| | - Iain Muntz
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZDelft, The Netherlands
| | - Jens C. Thies
- DSM
Biomedical, DSM, Urmonderbaan
22, 6160 BB, Geleen, The Netherlands,E-mail:
| | - Cees M.J. Sagt
- DSM
Biosciences and Process Innovation, DSM, Alexander Fleminglaan 1, 2613 AXDelft, The Netherlands,E-mail:
| | - Gijsje H. Koenderink
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZDelft, The Netherlands,E-mail:
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30
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Hume RD, Kanagalingam S, Deshmukh T, Chen S, Mithieux SM, Rashid FN, Roohani I, Lu J, Doan T, Graham D, Clayton ZE, Slaughter E, Kizana E, Stempien-Otero AS, Brown P, Thomas L, Weiss AS, Chong JJ. Tropoelastin Improves Post-Infarct Cardiac Function. Circ Res 2023; 132:72-86. [PMID: 36453283 PMCID: PMC9829044 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocardial infarction (MI) is among the leading causes of death worldwide. Following MI, necrotic cardiomyocytes are replaced by a stiff collagen-rich scar. Compared to collagen, the extracellular matrix protein elastin has high elasticity and may have more favorable properties within the cardiac scar. We sought to improve post-MI healing by introducing tropoelastin, the soluble subunit of elastin, to alter scar mechanics early after MI. METHODS AND RESULTS We developed an ultrasound-guided direct intramyocardial injection method to administer tropoelastin directly into the left ventricular anterior wall of rats subjected to induced MI. Experimental groups included shams and infarcted rats injected with either PBS vehicle control or tropoelastin. Compared to vehicle treated controls, echocardiography assessments showed tropoelastin significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (64.7±4.4% versus 46.0±3.1% control) and reduced left ventricular dyssynchrony (11.4±3.5 ms versus 31.1±5.8 ms control) 28 days post-MI. Additionally, tropoelastin reduced post-MI scar size (8.9±1.5% versus 20.9±2.7% control) and increased scar elastin (22±5.8% versus 6.2±1.5% control) as determined by histological assessments. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analyses of rat infarcts showed that tropoelastin injection increased genes associated with elastic fiber formation 7 days post-MI and reduced genes associated with immune response 11 days post-MI. To show translational relevance, we performed immunohistochemical analyses on human ischemic heart disease cardiac samples and showed an increase in tropoelastin within fibrotic areas. Using RNA-seq we also demonstrated the tropoelastin gene ELN is upregulated in human ischemic heart disease and during human cardiac fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation. Furthermore, we showed by immunocytochemistry that human cardiac fibroblast synthesize increased elastin in direct response to tropoelastin treatment. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate for the first time that purified human tropoelastin can significantly repair the infarcted heart in a rodent model of MI and that human cardiac fibroblast synthesize elastin. Since human cardiac fibroblasts are primarily responsible for post-MI scar synthesis, our findings suggest exciting future clinical translation options designed to therapeutically manipulate this synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D. Hume
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., S.K., T.D., S.C., F.N.R., J.L., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.).,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., T.D., F.R., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.)
| | - Shaan Kanagalingam
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., S.K., T.D., S.C., F.N.R., J.L., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.)
| | - Tejas Deshmukh
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., S.K., T.D., S.C., F.N.R., J.L., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.).,Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia (T.D., J.L., E.K., P.B., L.T., J.J.H.C.).,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., T.D., F.R., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.)
| | - Siqi Chen
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., S.K., T.D., S.C., F.N.R., J.L., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.)
| | - Suzanne M. Mithieux
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia (S.M.M., A.S.W.).,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia (S.M.M., A.S.W.)
| | - Fairooj N. Rashid
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., S.K., T.D., S.C., F.N.R., J.L., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.)
| | - Iman Roohani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia (I.R.).,School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Australia (I.R.)
| | - Juntang Lu
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., S.K., T.D., S.C., F.N.R., J.L., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.).,Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia (T.D., J.L., E.K., P.B., L.T., J.J.H.C.)
| | - Tram Doan
- Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (T.D.‚ D.G.)
| | - Dinny Graham
- Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (T.D.‚ D.G.).,Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, NSW, Australia (D.G.).,Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia (D.G., L.T.)
| | - Zoe E. Clayton
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., S.K., T.D., S.C., F.N.R., J.L., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.).,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., T.D., F.R., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.)
| | | | - Eddy Kizana
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., S.K., T.D., S.C., F.N.R., J.L., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.).,Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia (T.D., J.L., E.K., P.B., L.T., J.J.H.C.).,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., T.D., F.R., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.)
| | - April S. Stempien-Otero
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA (A.S.S.-O.)
| | - Paula Brown
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia (T.D., J.L., E.K., P.B., L.T., J.J.H.C.)
| | - Liza Thomas
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia (T.D., J.L., E.K., P.B., L.T., J.J.H.C.).,Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia (D.G., L.T.)
| | | | - James J.H. Chong
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., S.K., T.D., S.C., F.N.R., J.L., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.).,Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia (T.D., J.L., E.K., P.B., L.T., J.J.H.C.).,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia (R.D.H., T.D., F.R., Z.E.C., E.K., J.J.H.C.)
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31
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Elastin-like polypeptide-based micelles as a promising platform in nanomedicine. J Control Release 2023; 353:713-726. [PMID: 36526018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
New and improved nanomaterials are constantly being developed for biomedical purposes. Nanomaterials based on elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) have increasingly shown potential over the past two decades. These polymers are artificial proteins of which the design is based on human tropoelastin. Due to this similarity, ELP-based nanomaterials are biodegradable and therefore well suited to drug delivery. The assembly of ELP molecules into nanoparticles spontaneously occurs at temperatures above a transition temperature (Tt). The ELP sequence influences both the Tt and the physicochemical properties of the assembled nanomaterial. Nanoparticles with desired properties can hence be designed by choosing the appropriate sequence. A promising class of ELP nanoparticles are micelles assembled from amphiphilic ELP diblock copolymers. Such micelles are generally uniform and well defined. Furthermore, site-specific attachment of cargo to the hydrophobic block results in micelles with the cargo shielded inside their core, while conjugation to the hydrophilic block causes the cargo to reside in the corona where it is available for interactions. Such control over particle design is one of the main contributing factors for the potential of ELP-based micelles as a drug delivery system. Additionally, the micelles are easily loaded with protein or peptide-based cargo by expressing it as a fusion protein. Small molecule drugs and other cargo types can be either covalently conjugated to ELP domains or physically entrapped inside the micelle core. This review aims to give an overview of ELP-based micelles and their applications in nanomedicine.
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Duckworth C, Stutts J, Clatterbuck K, Nosoudi N. Effect of ellagic acid and retinoic acid on collagen and elastin production by human dermal fibroblasts. Biomed Mater Eng 2023; 34:473-480. [PMID: 37005874 DOI: 10.3233/bme-230007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elastin is a fibrous protein key to the structure and support of skin as well as other organ tissues. Elastic fibers are located in the skin's dermal layer and make up approximately 2%-4% of the fat-free dry weight of the dermis in the skin of adults. Aging causes the progressive degradation of elastin fibers. Loss of these fibers can cause skin sagging and wrinkling, loss of healthy blood vessels and lung capacity, aneurysms, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that ellagic acid, a polyphenol, will increase elastin in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) due to polyphenols' elastin binding properties. METHOD We treated HDF's with 2 μg/ml ellagic acid for 28 days to see the elastin deposition in HDF cell cultures. To test this, we treated HDFs with polyphenols ellagic acid for 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. For comparison purposes, we included a group of ellagic acid and retinoic acid since retinoic acid is already in the market for elastin regeneration purposes. RESULTS When ellagic acid and retinoic acid were introduced together, insoluble elastin and collagen deposition were significantly higher in HDFs compared to other groups. CONCLUSION Polyphenols and retinoic acid can improve skin extracellular matrix production of elastin and collagen and may improve skin fine wrinkles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Duckworth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Jada Stutts
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Kayla Clatterbuck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Nasim Nosoudi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
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Morris JL, Letson HL, Biros E, McEwen PC, Dobson GP. Female rats have a different healing phenotype than males after anterior cruciate ligament rupture with no intervention. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:976980. [DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.976980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known on the sex-specific healing responses after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. To address this, we compared male and female Sprague-Dawley rats following non-surgical ACL rupture. Hematology, inflammation, joint swelling, range of motion, and pain-sensitivity were analyzed at various times over 31-days. Healing was assessed by histopathology and gene expression changes in the ACL remnant and adjacent joint tissues. In the first few days, males and females showed similar functional responses after rupture, despite contrasting hematology and systemic inflammatory profiles. Sex-specific differences were found in inflammatory, immune and angiogenic potential in the synovial fluid. Histopathology and increased collagen and fibronectin gene expression revealed significant tissue remodeling in both sexes. In the ACL remnant, however, Acta2 gene expression (α-SMA production) was 4-fold higher in males, with no change in females, indicating increased fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition with higher contractile elements (stiffness) in males. Females had 80% lower Pparg expression, which further suggests reduced cellular differentiation potential in females than males. Sex differences were also apparent in the infrapatellar fat pad and articular cartilage. We conclude females and males showed different patterns of healing post-ACL rupture over 31-days, which may impact timing of reconstruction surgery, and possibly clinical outcome.
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Recombinant protein polymers as carriers of chemotherapeutic agents. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114544. [PMID: 36176240 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114544] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the standard of care for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. However, its use is associated with severe toxicity and resistance arising mainly due to non-specificity, resulting in disease progression. The advancement in recombinant technology has led to the synthesis of genetically engineered protein polymers like Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP), Silk-like polypeptide (SLP), hybrid protein polymers with specific sequences to impart precisely controlled properties and to target proteins that have provided satisfactory preclinical outcomes. Such protein polymers have been exploited for the formulation and delivery of chemotherapeutics for biomedical applications. The use of such polymers has not only solved the limitation of conventional chemotherapy but has also improved the therapeutic index of typical drug delivery systems. This review, therefore, summarizes the development of such advanced recombinant protein polymers designed to deliver chemotherapeutics and also discusses the key challenges associated with their current usage and their application in the future.
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Gueta O, Amiram M. Expanding the chemical repertoire of protein-based polymers for drug-delivery applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114460. [PMID: 36030987 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Expanding the chemical repertoire of natural and artificial protein-based polymers (PBPs) can enable the production of sequence-defined, yet chemically diverse, biopolymers with customized or new properties that cannot be accessed in PBPs composed of only natural amino acids. Various approaches can enable the expansion of the chemical repertoire of PBPs, including chemical and enzymatic treatments or the incorporation of unnatural amino acids. These techniques are employed to install a wide variety of chemical groups-such as bio-orthogonally reactive, cross-linkable, post-translation modifications, and environmentally responsive groups-which, in turn, can facilitate the design of customized PBP-based drug-delivery systems with modified, fine-tuned, or entirely new properties and functions. Here, we detail the existing and emerging technologies for expanding the chemical repertoire of PBPs and review several chemical groups that either demonstrate or are anticipated to show potential in the design of PBP-based drug delivery systems. Finally, we provide our perspective on the remaining challenges and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osher Gueta
- The Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Miriam Amiram
- The Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
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Jurj A, Ionescu C, Berindan-Neagoe I, Braicu C. The extracellular matrix alteration, implication in modulation of drug resistance mechanism: friends or foes? J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:276. [PMID: 36114508 PMCID: PMC9479349 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), having several important roles related to the hallmarks of cancer. In cancer, multiple components of the ECM have been shown to be altered. Although most of these alterations are represented by the increased or decreased quantity of the ECM components, changes regarding the functional alteration of a particular ECM component or of the ECM as a whole have been described. These alterations can be induced by the cancer cells directly or by the TME cells, with cancer-associated fibroblasts being of particular interest in this regard. Because the ECM has this wide array of functions in the tumor, preclinical and clinical studies have assessed the possibility of targeting the ECM, with some of them showing encouraging results. In the present review, we will highlight the most relevant ECM components presenting a comprehensive description of their physical, cellular and molecular properties which can alter the therapy response of the tumor cells. Lastly, some evidences regarding important biological processes were discussed, offering a more detailed understanding of how to modulate altered signalling pathways and to counteract drug resistance mechanisms in tumor cells.
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37
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Ouellette A, Mahendroo M, Nallasamy S. Collagen and elastic fiber remodeling in the pregnant mouse myometrium†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:741-751. [PMID: 35594450 PMCID: PMC9767674 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The myometrium undergoes progressive tissue remodeling from early to late pregnancy to support fetal growth and transitions to the contractile phase to deliver a baby at term. Much of our effort has been focused on understanding the functional role of myometrial smooth muscle cells, but the role of extracellular matrix is not clear. This study was aimed to demonstrate the expression profile of sub-sets of genes involved in the synthesis, processing, and assembly of collagen and elastic fibers, their structural remodeling during pregnancy, and hormonal regulation. Myometrial tissues were isolated from non-pregnant and pregnant mice to analyze gene expression and protein levels of components of collagen and elastic fibers. Second harmonic generation imaging was used to examine the morphology of collagen and elastic fibers. Gene and protein expressions of collagen and elastin were induced very early in pregnancy. Further, the gene expressions of some of the factors involved in the synthesis, processing, and assembly of collagen and elastic fibers were differentially expressed in the pregnant mouse myometrium. Our imaging analysis demonstrated that the collagen and elastic fibers undergo structural reorganization from early to late pregnancy. Collagen and elastin were differentially induced in response to estrogen and progesterone in the myometrium of ovariectomized mice. Collagen was induced by both estrogen and progesterone. By contrast, estrogen induced elastin, but progesterone suppressed its expression. The current study suggests progressive extracellular matrix remodeling and its potential role in the myometrial tissue mechanical function during pregnancy and parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Ouellette
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Larner College of Medicine University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Mala Mahendroo
- Department of Ob/Gyn and Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biological Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Shanmugasundaram Nallasamy
- Correspondence: Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. Tel: +18026568668; Fax: +18026568771; E-mail:
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Lim R, Banerjee A, Biswas R, Chari AN, Raghavan S. Mechanotransduction through adhesion molecules: Emerging roles in regulating the stem cell niche. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:966662. [PMID: 36172276 PMCID: PMC9511051 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.966662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have been shown to play an important role in regenerative medicine due to their proliferative and differentiation potential. The challenge, however, lies in regulating and controlling their potential for this purpose. Stem cells are regulated by growth factors as well as an array of biochemical and mechanical signals. While the role of biochemical signals and growth factors in regulating stem cell homeostasis is well explored, the role of mechanical signals has only just started to be investigated. Stem cells interact with their niche or to other stem cells via adhesion molecules that eventually transduce mechanical cues to maintain their homeostatic function. Here, we present a comprehensive review on our current understanding of the influence of the forces perceived by cell adhesion molecules on the regulation of stem cells. Additionally, we provide insights on how this deeper understanding of mechanobiology of stem cells has translated toward therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Lim
- A∗STAR Skin Research Lab (ASRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Avinanda Banerjee
- A∗STAR Skin Research Lab (ASRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ritusree Biswas
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
- Sastra University, Thanjavur, TN, India
| | - Anana Nandakumar Chari
- A∗STAR Skin Research Lab (ASRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Srikala Raghavan
- A∗STAR Skin Research Lab (ASRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
- *Correspondence: Srikala Raghavan,
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Procknow SS, Kozel BA. Emerging mechanisms of elastin transcriptional regulation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C666-C677. [PMID: 35816641 PMCID: PMC9448287 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00228.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Elastin provides recoil to tissues that stretch such as the lung, blood vessels, and skin. It is deposited in a brief window starting in the prenatal period and extending to adolescence in vertebrates, and then slowly turns over. Elastin insufficiency is seen in conditions such as Williams-Beuren syndrome and elastin-related supravalvar aortic stenosis, which are associated with a range of vascular and connective tissue manifestations. Regulation of the elastin (ELN) gene occurs at multiple levels including promoter activation/inhibition, mRNA stability, interaction with microRNAs, and alternative splicing. However, these mechanisms are incompletely understood. Better understanding of the processes controlling ELN gene expression may improve medicine's ability to intervene in these rare conditions, as well as to replace age-associated losses by re-initiating elastin production. This review describes what is known about the ELN gene promoter structure, transcriptional regulation by cytokines and transcription factors, and posttranscriptional regulation via mRNA stability and micro-RNA and highlights new approaches that may influence regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Procknow
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Beth A Kozel
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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40
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Lam NT, McCluskey JB, Glover DJ. Harnessing the Structural and Functional Diversity of Protein Filaments as Biomaterial Scaffolds. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:4668-4686. [PMID: 35766918 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The natural ability of many proteins to polymerize into highly structured filaments has been harnessed as scaffolds to align functional molecules in a diverse range of biomaterials. Protein-engineering methodologies also enable the structural and physical properties of filaments to be tailored for specific biomaterial applications through genetic engineering or filaments built from the ground up using advances in the computational prediction of protein folding and assembly. Using these approaches, protein filament-based biomaterials have been engineered to accelerate enzymatic catalysis, provide routes for the biomineralization of inorganic materials, facilitate energy production and transfer, and provide support for mammalian cells for tissue engineering. In this review, we describe how the unique structural and functional diversity in natural and computationally designed protein filaments can be harnessed in biomaterials. In addition, we detail applications of these protein assemblies as material scaffolds with a particular emphasis on applications that exploit unique properties of specific filaments. Through the diversity of protein filaments, the biomaterial engineer's toolbox contains many modular protein filaments that will likely be incorporated as the main structural component of future biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nga T Lam
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Joshua B McCluskey
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Dominic J Glover
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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41
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Montavon B, Winter LE, Gan Q, Arasteh A, Montaño AM. Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA: Extracellular Matrix Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:829111. [PMID: 35620518 PMCID: PMC9127057 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.829111] [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: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA (Morquio A), signified by valvular disease and cardiac hypertrophy, is the second leading cause of death and remains untouched by current therapies. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the gold-standard treatment for MPS disorders including Morquio A. Early administration of ERT improves outcomes of patients from childhood to adulthood while posing new challenges including prognosis of CVD and ERT's negligible effect on cardiovascular health. Thus, having accurate biomarkers for CVD could be critical. Here we show that cathepsin S (CTSS) and elastin (ELN) can be used as biomarkers of extracellular matrix remodeling in Morquio A disease. We found in a cohort of 54 treatment naïve Morquio A patients and 74 normal controls that CTSS shows promising attributes as a biomarker in young Morquio A children. On the other hand, ELN shows promising attributes as a biomarker in adolescent and adult Morquio A. Plasma/urine keratan sulfate (KS), and urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels were significantly higher in Morquio A patients (p < 0.001) which decreased with age of patients. CTSS levels did not correlate with patients' phenotypic severity but differed significantly between patients (median range 5.45-8.52 ng/mL) and normal controls (median range 9.61-15.9 ng/mL; p < 0.001). We also studied α -2-macroglobulin (A2M), C-reactive protein (CRP), and circulating vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in a subset of samples to understand the relation between ECM biomarkers and the severity of CVD in Morquio A patients. Our experiments revealed that CRP and sVCAM-1 levels were lower in Morquio A patients compared to normal controls. We also observed a strong inverse correlation between urine/plasma KS and CRP (p = 0.013 and p = 0.022, respectively) in Morquio A patients as well as a moderate correlation between sVCAM-1 and CTSS in Morquio A patients at all ages (p = 0.03). As the first study to date investigating CTSS and ELN levels in Morquio A patients and in the normal population, our results establish a starting point for more elaborate studies in larger populations to understand how CTSS and ELN levels correlate with Morquio A severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Montavon
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Linda E. Winter
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Qi Gan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Adriana M. Montaño
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Lin CJ, Cocciolone AJ, Wagenseil JE. Elastin, arterial mechanics, and stenosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 322:C875-C886. [PMID: 35196168 PMCID: PMC9037699 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00448.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Elastin is a long-lived extracellular matrix protein that is organized into elastic fibers that provide elasticity to the arterial wall, allowing stretch and recoil with each cardiac cycle. By forming lamellar units with smooth muscle cells, elastic fibers transduce tissue-level mechanics to cell-level changes through mechanobiological signaling. Altered amounts or assembly of elastic fibers leads to changes in arterial structure and mechanical behavior that compromise cardiovascular function. In particular, genetic mutations in the elastin gene (ELN) that reduce elastin protein levels are associated with focal arterial stenosis, or narrowing of the arterial lumen, such as that seen in supravalvular aortic stenosis and Williams-Beuren syndrome. Global reduction of Eln levels in mice allows investigation of the tissue- and cell-level arterial mechanical changes and associated alterations in smooth muscle cell phenotype that may contribute to stenosis formation. A loxP-floxed Eln allele in mice highlights cell type- and developmental origin-specific mechanobiological effects of reduced elastin amounts. Eln production is required in distinct cell types for elastic layer formation in different parts of the mouse vasculature. Eln deletion in smooth muscle cells from different developmental origins in the ascending aorta leads to characteristic patterns of vascular stenosis and neointima. Dissecting the mechanobiological signaling associated with local Eln depletion and subsequent smooth muscle cell response may help develop new therapeutic interventions for elastin-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Jung Lin
- 1Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri,2Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Austin J. Cocciolone
- 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jessica E. Wagenseil
- 4Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
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Lima LF, Sousa MGDC, Rodrigues GR, de Oliveira KBS, Pereira AM, da Costa A, Machado R, Franco OL, Dias SC. Elastin-like Polypeptides in Development of Nanomaterials for Application in the Medical Field. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2022.874790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are biopolymers formed by amino acid sequences derived from tropoelastin. These biomolecules can be soluble below critical temperatures, forming aggregates at higher temperatures, which makes them an interesting source for the design of different nanobiomaterials. These nanobiomaterials can be obtained from heterologous expression in several organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and plants. Thanks to the many advantages of ELPs, they have been used in the biomedical field to develop nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanocomposites. These nanostructures can be used in multiple applications such as drug delivery systems, treatments of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, tissue repair, and cancer therapy. Thus, this review aims to shed some light on the main advances in elastin-like-based nanomaterials, their possible expression forms, and importance to the medical field.
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Zhang X, Alanazi YF, Jowitt TA, Roseman AM, Baldock C. Elastic Fibre Proteins in Elastogenesis and Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4087. [PMID: 35456902 PMCID: PMC9027394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As essential components of our connective tissues, elastic fibres give tissues such as major blood vessels, skin and the lungs their elasticity. Their formation is complex and co-ordinately regulated by multiple factors. In this review, we describe key players in elastogenesis: fibrillin-1, tropoelastin, latent TGFβ binding protein-4, and fibulin-4 and -5. We summarise their roles in elastogenesis, discuss the effect of their mutations on relevant diseases, and describe their interactions involved in forming the elastic fibre network. Moreover, we look into their roles in wound repair for a better understanding of their potential application in tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Zhang
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (X.Z.); (T.A.J.)
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Yasmene F. Alanazi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Thomas A. Jowitt
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (X.Z.); (T.A.J.)
| | - Alan M. Roseman
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Clair Baldock
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (X.Z.); (T.A.J.)
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
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Yang C, Weiss AS, Tarakanova A. Changes in elastin structure and extensibility induced by hypercalcemia and hyperglycemia. Acta Biomater 2022; 163:131-145. [PMID: 35364318 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Elastin is a key elastomeric protein responsible for the elasticity of many organs, including heart, skin, and blood vessels. Due to its intrinsic long life and low turnover rate, damage in elastin induced by pathophysiological conditions, such as hypercalcemia and hyperglycemia, accumulates during biological aging and in aging-associated diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Prior studies have shown that calcification induced by hypercalcemia deteriorates the function of aortic tissues. Glycation of elastin is triggered by hyperglycemia and associated with elastic tissue damage and loss of mechanical functions via the accumulation of advanced glycation end products. To evaluate the effects on elastin's structural conformations and elasticity by hypercalcemia and hyperglycemia at the molecular scale, we perform classical atomistic and steered molecular dynamics simulations on tropoelastin, the soluble precursor of elastin, under different conditions. We characterize the interaction sites of glucose and calcium and associated structural conformational changes. Additionally, we find that elevated levels of calcium ions and glucose hinder the extensibility of tropoelastin by rearranging structural domains and altering hydrogen bonding patterns, respectively. Overall, our investigation helps to reveal the behavior of tropoelastin and the biomechanics of elastin biomaterials in these physiological environments. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Elastin is a key component of elastic fibers which endow many important tissues and organs, from arteries and veins, to skin and heart, with strength and elasticity. During aging and aging-associated diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis, physicochemical stressors, including hypercalcemia and hyperglycemia, induce accumulated irreversible damage in elastin, and consequently alter mechanical function. Yet, molecular mechanisms associated with these processes are still poorly understood. Here, we present the first study on how these changes in elastin structure and extensibility are induced by hypercalcemia and hyperglycemia at the molecular scale, revealing the essential roles that calcium and glucose play in triggering structural alterations and mechanical stiffness. Our findings yield critical insights into the first steps of hypercalcemia- and hyperglycemia-mediated aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengeng Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Anthony S Weiss
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna Tarakanova
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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Ezzat K, Sturchio A, Espay AJ. Proteins Do Not Replicate, They Precipitate: Phase Transition and Loss of Function Toxicity in Amyloid Pathologies. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040535. [PMID: 35453734 PMCID: PMC9031251 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation into amyloid fibrils affects many proteins in a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Physicochemically, amyloid formation is a phase transition process, where soluble proteins are transformed into solid fibrils with the characteristic cross-β conformation responsible for their fibrillar morphology. This phase transition proceeds via an initial, rate-limiting nucleation step followed by rapid growth. Several well-defined nucleation pathways exist, including homogenous nucleation (HON), which proceeds spontaneously; heterogeneous nucleation (HEN), which is catalyzed by surfaces; and seeding via preformed nuclei. It has been hypothesized that amyloid aggregation represents a protein-only (nucleic-acid free) replication mechanism that involves transmission of structural information via conformational templating (the prion hypothesis). While the prion hypothesis still lacks mechanistic support, it is also incompatible with the fact that proteins can be induced to form amyloids in the absence of a proteinaceous species acting as a conformational template as in the case of HEN, which can be induced by lipid membranes (including viral envelopes) or polysaccharides. Additionally, while amyloids can be formed from any protein sequence and via different nucleation pathways, they invariably adopt the universal cross-β conformation; suggesting that such conformational change is a spontaneous folding event that is thermodynamically favorable under the conditions of supersaturation and phase transition and not a templated replication process. Finally, as the high stability of amyloids renders them relatively inert, toxicity in some amyloid pathologies might be more dependent on the loss of function from protein sequestration in the amyloid state rather than direct toxicity from the amyloid plaques themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kariem Ezzat
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Sturchio
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuro Svenningsson, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden;
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA;
| | - Alberto J. Espay
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA;
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Marinaccio L, Stefanucci A, Scioli G, Della Valle A, Zengin G, Cichelli A, Mollica A. Peptide Human Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitors from Natural Sources: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062924. [PMID: 35328340 PMCID: PMC8954713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Elastases are a broad group of enzymes involved in the lysis of elastin, the main component of elastic fibres. They are produced and released in the human body, mainly by neutrophils and the pancreas. The imbalance between elastase activity and its endogenous inhibitors can cause different illnesses due to their excessive activity. The main aim of this review is to provide an overview of the latest advancements on the identification, structures and mechanisms of action of peptide human neutrophil elastase inhibitors isolated from natural sources, such as plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and sponges. The discovery of new elastase inhibitors could have a great impact on the pharmaceutical development of novel drugs through the optimization of the natural lead compounds. Bacteria produce mainly cyclic peptides, while animals provide for long and linear amino acid sequences. Despite their diverse natural sources, these elastase inhibitors show remarkable IC50 values in a range from nM to μM values, thus representing an interesting starting point for the further development of potent bioactive compounds on human elastase enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Marinaccio
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (G.S.); (A.D.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (G.S.); (A.D.V.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0871-3554906
| | - Giuseppe Scioli
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (G.S.); (A.D.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Alice Della Valle
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (G.S.); (A.D.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya 42130, Turkey;
| | - Angelo Cichelli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (G.S.); (A.D.V.); (A.M.)
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Into the Tissues: Extracellular Matrix and Its Artificial Substitutes: Cell Signalling Mechanisms. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050914. [PMID: 35269536 PMCID: PMC8909573 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The existence of orderly structures, such as tissues and organs is made possible by cell adhesion, i.e., the process by which cells attach to neighbouring cells and a supporting substance in the form of the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is a three-dimensional structure composed of collagens, elastin, and various proteoglycans and glycoproteins. It is a storehouse for multiple signalling factors. Cells are informed of their correct connection to the matrix via receptors. Tissue disruption often prevents the natural reconstitution of the matrix. The use of appropriate implants is then required. This review is a compilation of crucial information on the structural and functional features of the extracellular matrix and the complex mechanisms of cell–cell connectivity. The possibilities of regenerating damaged tissues using an artificial matrix substitute are described, detailing the host response to the implant. An important issue is the surface properties of such an implant and the possibilities of their modification.
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Mammoto A, Matus K, Mammoto T. Extracellular Matrix in Aging Aorta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:822561. [PMID: 35265616 PMCID: PMC8898904 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.822561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging population is booming all over the world and arterial aging causes various age-associated pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aorta is the largest elastic artery, and transforms pulsatile flow generated by the left ventricle into steady flow to maintain circulation in distal tissues and organs. Age-associated structural and functional changes in the aortic wall such as dilation, tortuousness, stiffening and losing elasticity hamper stable peripheral circulation, lead to tissue and organ dysfunctions in aged people. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network of macromolecules produced by resident cells. The composition and organization of key ECM components determine the structure-function relationships of the aorta and therefore maintaining their homeostasis is critical for a healthy performance. Age-associated remodeling of the ECM structural components, including fragmentation of elastic fibers and excessive deposition and crosslinking of collagens, is a hallmark of aging and leads to functional stiffening of the aorta. In this mini review, we discuss age-associated alterations of the ECM in the aortic wall and shed light on how understanding the mechanisms of aortic aging can lead to the development of efficient strategy for aortic pathologies and CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Mammoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Akiko Mammoto, ; Tadanori Mammoto,
| | - Kienna Matus
- Department of Pediatrics, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Tadanori Mammoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Akiko Mammoto, ; Tadanori Mammoto,
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Zebrafish as a Model to Study Vascular Elastic Fibers and Associated Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042102. [PMID: 35216218 PMCID: PMC8875079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many extensible tissues such as skin, lungs, and blood vessels require elasticity to function properly. The recoil of elastic energy stored during a stretching phase is provided by elastic fibers, which are mostly composed of elastin and fibrillin-rich microfibrils. In arteries, the lack of elastic fibers leads to a weakening of the vessel wall with an increased risk to develop cardiovascular defects such as stenosis, aneurysms, and dissections. The development of new therapeutic molecules involves preliminary tests in animal models that recapitulate the disease and whose response to drugs should be as close as possible to that of humans. Due to its superior in vivo imaging possibilities and the broad tool kit for forward and reverse genetics, the zebrafish has become an important model organism to study human pathologies. Moreover, it is particularly adapted to large scale studies, making it an attractive model in particular for the first steps of investigations. In this review, we discuss the relevance of the zebrafish model for the study of elastic fiber-related vascular pathologies. We evidence zebrafish as a compelling alternative to conventional mouse models.
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