THBS1/CD47 Modulates the Interaction of γ-Catenin With E-Cadherin and Participates in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation in Lipid Nephrotoxicity

Thrombospondin-1 Silencing Ameliorates Osteoblastic Differentiation of Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells via Inhibiting Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway

Objective: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a progressive cardiovascular condition driven by the osteogenic differentiation of valve interstitial cells (VICs), with no effective drug therapies currently available. Hence, our objective is to investigate the impact of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) silencing on CAVD progression. Methods: In vitro experiments were employed using human primary VICs with TSP-1 knockdown, cultured in osteogenic induction medium, and followed by analyses including western blot, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. In vivo experiments used two murine models of CAVD to determine the role of TSP-1 silencing on aortic valve calcification. Results: We observed that silencing of TSP-1 reduced the osteogenic differentiation of VICs. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that TSP-1 knockdown suppressed nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-mediated inflammation during osteoblastic differentiation of VICs. Consistent findings were also observed in two murine models of CAVD. Conclusions: The present study has shown that TSP-1 silencing could mitigate the development of CAVD by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation. We propose that targeting TSP-1-mediated NF-κB pathway could provide a potential therapeutic method for treating CAVD.

Zedoarondiol Inhibits Neovascularization in Atherosclerotic Plaques of ApoE-/- Mice by Reducing Platelet Exosomes-Derived MiR-let-7a

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of zedoarondiol on neovascularization of atherosclerotic (AS) plaque by exosomes experiment.

METHODS

ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet to establish AS model and treated with high- and low-dose (10, 5 mg/kg daily) of zedoarondiol, respectively. After 14 weeks, the expressions of anti-angiogenic protein thrombospondin 1 (THBS-1) and its receptor CD36 in plaques, as well as platelet activation rate and exosome-derived miR-let-7a were detected. Then, zedoarondiol was used to intervene in platelets in vitro, and miR-let-7a was detected in platelet-derived exosomes (Pexo). Finally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with miR-let-7a mimics and treated with Pexo to observe the effect of miR-let-7a in Pexo on tube formation.

RESULTS

Animal experiments showed that after treating with zedoarondiol, the neovascularization density in plaques of AS mice was significantly reduced, THBS-1 and CD36 increased, the platelet activation rate was markedly reduced, and the miR-let-7a level in Pexo was reduced (P<0.01). In vitro experiments, the platelet activation rate and miR-let-7a levels in Pexo were significantly reduced after zedoarondiol's intervention. Cell experiments showed that after Pexo's intervention, the tube length increased, and the transfection of miR-let-7a minics further increased the tube length of cells, while reducing the expressions of THBS-1 and CD36.

CONCLUSION

Zedoarondiol has the effect of inhibiting neovascularization within plaque in AS mice, and its mechanism may be potentially related to inhibiting platelet activation and reducing the Pexo-derived miRNA-let-7a level.

From Adipose to Ailing Kidneys: The Role of Lipid Metabolism in Obesity-Related Chronic Kidney Disease

Obesity has emerged as a significant public health crisis, closely linked to the pathogenesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review explores the intricate relationship between obesity-induced lipid metabolism disorders and renal health. We discuss how excessive free fatty acids (FFAs) lead to lipid accumulation in renal tissues, resulting in cellular lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation, ultimately contributing to renal injury. Key molecular mechanisms, including the roles of transcriptional regulators like PPARs and SREBP-1, are examined for their implications in lipid metabolism dysregulation. The review also highlights the impact of glomerular and tubular lipid overload on kidney pathology, emphasizing the roles of podocytes and tubular cells in maintaining kidney function. Various therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism, including pharmacological agents such as statins and SGLT2 inhibitors, as well as lifestyle modifications, are discussed for their potential to mitigate CKD progression in obese individuals. Future research directions are suggested to better understand the mechanisms linking lipid metabolism to kidney disease and to develop personalized therapeutic approaches. Ultimately, addressing obesity-related lipid metabolism disorders may enhance kidney health and improve outcomes for individuals suffering from CKD.

Circ-0000953 deficiency exacerbates podocyte injury and autophagy disorder by targeting Mir665-3p-Atg4b in diabetic nephropathy

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are special non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules that play a significant role in many diseases. However, the biogenesis and regulation of circRNAs in diabetic nephropathy (DN) are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the expression profile of circRNAs in kidney of DN mice through circular RNA sequencing (circRNA-seq). The renal biopsy samples of patients with DN had low circ -0,000,953 expression, which was significantly associated with renal function. Furthermore, loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments were carried out to prove the role of circ -0,000,953 in DN. Podocyte conditional knockin (cKI) or systemic overexpression of circ -0,000,953 alleviated albuminuria and restored macroautophagy/autophagy in kidney of diabetic mice. However, circ -0,000,953 knockdown exacerbated albuminuria and podocyte injury. Mechanistically, we found circ -0,000,953 directly binds to Mir665-3p-Atg4b to perform its function. Silencing of Mir665-3p or overexpression of Atg4b recovered podocyte autophagy both in vitro and in vivo. To examine the cause of circ -0,000,953 downregulation in DN, bioinformatics prediction found that circ -0,000,953 sequence has a high possibility of containing an m6A methylation site. Additionally, METTL3 was proved to regulate the expression and methylation level of circ -0,000,953 through YTHDF2 (YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2). In conclusion, this study revealed that circ -0,000,953 regulates podocyte autophagy by targeting Mir665-3p-Atg4b in DN. Therefore, circ -0,000,953 is a potential biomarker for prevention and cure of DN.Abbreviation: CCL2/MCP-1: C-C motif chemokine ligand 2; ceRNA: competing endogenous RNA; circRNA: circular RNA; cKI: conditional knockin; cKO: conditional knockout; CRE: creatinine; DM: diabetes mellitus; DN: diabetic nephropathy; ESRD: end-stage renal disease; HG: high glucose; IF: immunofluorescence; MAP1LC3/LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MPC5: mouse podocyte clone 5; MTECs: mouse tubular epithelial cells; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NC: normal control; ncRNA: non-coding RNA; NPHS1: nephrosis 1, nephrin; NPHS2: nephrosis 2, podocin; PAS: periodic acid-Schiff; RELA/p65: v-rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (avian); SDs: slit diaphragm proteins; Seq: sequencing; STZ: streptozotocin; SV40: SV40-MES13-cells, mouse mesangial cell line; T1D: type 1 diabetes mellitus; T2D: type 2 diabetes mellitus; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TNF/TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor; VECs: vascular endothelial cells; WT1: WT1 transcription factor; YTHDF2: YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2.

Integrin β1-rich extracellular vesicles of kidney recruit Fn1+ macrophages to aggravate ischemia-reperfusion-induced inflammation

Ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced (IRI-induced) acute kidney injury is accompanied by mononuclear phagocyte (MP) invasion and inflammation. However, systematic analysis of extracellular vesicle-carried (EV-carried) proteins mediating intercellular crosstalk in the IRI microenvironment is still lacking. Multiomics analysis combining single-cell RNA-Seq data of kidney and protein profiling of kidney-EV was used to elucidate the intercellular communication between proximal tubular cells (PTs) and MP. Targeted adhesion and migration of various MPs were caused by the secretion of multiple chemokines as well as integrin β1-rich EV by ischemic-damaged PTs after IRI. These recruited MPs, especially Fn1+ macrophagocyte, amplified the surviving PT's inflammatory response by secreting the inflammatory factors TNF-α, MCP-1, and thrombospondin 1 (THBS-1), which could interact with integrin β1 to promote more MP adhesion and interact with surviving PT to further promote the secretion of IL-1β. However, GW4869 reduced MP infiltration and maintained a moderate inflammatory level likely by blocking EV secretion. Our findings establish the molecular bases by which chemokines and kidney-EV mediate PT-MP crosstalk in early IRI and provide insights into systematic intercellular communication.

Integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data reveals the prognostic value and molecular function of THSD7A in gastric cancer

The biological role and prognostic value of thrombospondin domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) in gastric cancer remain unclear. Our purpose was to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the functioning of THSD7A and its prognostic value in gastric cancer. Gastric cancer-associated single cell and bulk RNA sequencing data obtained from two databases, were analyzed. We used bulk RNA sequencing to examine the differential expression of THSD7A in gastric cancer and normal gastric tissues and explored the relationship between THSD7A expression and clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox analyses revealed the prognostic value of THSD7A. Gene set enrichment and immune infiltration analyses were used to determine the cancer-promoting mechanisms of THSD7A and its effect on the immune microenvironment. We explored the relationship between THSD7A expression and sensitivity of anti-tumor drugs and immune checkpoint levels. Biological functions of THSD7A were validated at single-cell and in vitro levels. THSD7A expression was significantly increased in gastric cancer samples. High THSD7A expression was associated with poor clinical phenotypes and prognoses. Cox analysis showed that THSD7A was an independent risk factor for patients with gastric cancer. Enrichment analysis suggested that epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inflammatory responses may be potential pro-cancer mechanisms of THSD7A. Upregulation of THSD7A promoted infiltration by M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells. High THSD7A expression suppressed the sensitivity of patients with gastric cancer to drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, and cisplatin, and upregulated immune checkpoints, such as HAVCR2, PDCD1LG2, TIGIT, and CTLA4. At the single cell level, THSD7A was an endothelial cell-associated gene and endothelial cells overexpressing THSD7A showed unique pro-oncogenic effects. In vitro experiments confirmed that THSD7A was overexpressed in gastric cancer samples and cells, and that knocking out THSD7A significantly inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion. THSD7A overexpression may be a unique prognostic marker and therapeutic target in gastric cancer. Therefore, our study provides a new perspective on the precise treatment of gastric cancer.

STING/ACSL4 axis-dependent ferroptosis and inflammation promote hypertension-associated chronic kidney disease

Hypertension is a primary modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which often induces renal end-organ damage and complicates chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the present study, histological analysis of human kidney samples revealed that hypertension induced mtDNA leakage and promoted the expression of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in renal epithelial cells. We used angiotensin II (AngII)- and 2K1C-treated mouse kidneys to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Abnormal renal mtDNA packing caused by AngII promoted STING-dependent production of inflammatory cytokines, macrophage infiltration, and a fibrogenic response. STING knockout significantly decreased nuclear factor-κB activation and immune cell infiltration, attenuating tubule atrophy and extracellular matrix accumulation in vivo and in vitro. These effects delayed CKD progression. Immunoprecipitation assays and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry showed that STING and ACSL4 were directly combined at the D53 and K412 amino acids of ACSL4. Furthermore, STING induced renal inflammatory response and fibrosis through ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis. Last, inhibition of ACSL4 using small interfering RNA, rosiglitazone, or Fer-1 downregulated AngII-induced mtDNA-STING-dependent renal inflammation. These results suggest that targeting the STING/ACSL4 axis might represent a potential strategy for treating hypertension-associated CKD.

Study on the effect of periodontitis on renal tissue in atherosclerotic mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Periodontitis is immune inflammatory disease, atherosclerosis (AS) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are two common systemic diseases. Periodontitis promotes AS and CKD, and CKD interacts with AS. The objective of this animal study was to evaluate the changes of kidney when periodontitis and atherosclerosis exist separately and the degenerative effects of periodontitis on the kidney in atherosclerotic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 male Apoe-/- mice were randomly divided into four groups: control (NC), periodontitis (PD), AS and AS with PD (AS + PD). AS was induced by high-fat diet feeding, and PD was induced by injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis-Lipopolysaccharide (P.g-LPS) (endotoxin suspension) into the buccal side of mouse maxillary molars. The right maxilla of mice was scanned with micro-CT to evaluate alveolar bone loss; aortic tissue was stained with HE and Oil-Red O to evaluate arterial plaque formation; serum was collected to detect the changes of blood lipids and serum renal function parameters (blood urea nitrogen [BUN], serum creatinine [Scr]); renal histopathological changes were evaluated by HE staining (glomerular and tubular damage scores), PAS staining (glomerular Mesangial matrix index) and Masson staining (percentage of renal fibrosis area); qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to evaluate the expression of renal inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukin-1β, neutrophil surface marker Ly6G).

RESULTS

The amount of alveolar bone loss: PD group was significantly higher than NC group (p < .05); AS + PD group was higher than PD group, the difference was not statistically significant. Atherosclerotic plaque formation and serum lipid changes: AS group were significantly worse than NC group (p < .05), and AS + PD group were worse than AS group. The results of the corresponding qualitative and quantitative analyses of kidney tissue in experimental animals gradually deteriorated in the NC group, PD group, AS group and AS + PD group and worsened sequentially. Renal function parameters: the content of BUN in AS group was higher than that in PD group, the difference was not statistically significant; Scr in AS group was significantly higher than that in PD group (p < .05); the contents of BUN and Scr in AS + PD group were higher than those in AS group, the difference was not statistically significant. Glomerular and tubular damage scores: AS group were higher than PD group, the difference was not statistically significant; AS + PD group were significantly higher than AS group (p < .001). The ratio of glomerular mesangial matrix to glomerular area and the percentage of renal fibrosis area: AS group were significantly higher than PD group (p < .001), and AS + PD group were significantly higher than AS group (p < .001). Expression of inflammatory cytokines: AS group was higher than PD group, the difference was not statistically significant; AS + PD group was significantly higher than AS group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Both PD and AS can aggravate the inflammatory stress of kidney tissue and cause the damage of kidney tissue, and the inflammatory increase and damage effect of AS is stronger; PD can promote kidney damage of atherosclerotic mice by aggravating the renal inflammation in atherosclerotic mice; renal function parameters were not completely synchronized with the changes of renal inflammation and histopathology in each group of mice; PD can promote AS, periodontal inflammation in mice with AS is more severe, and the special changes of blood lipids in mice with AS are closely related to the above results.

Advances in Anti-metabolic Disease Treatments Targeting CD47

Metabolic disorders include a cluster of conditions that result from hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and hepatic steatosis, which cause the dysfunction of immune cells and innate cells, such as macrophages, natural killer cells, vascular endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and human kidney tubular epithelial cells. Besides targeting the derangements in lipid metabolism, therapeutic modulations to regulate abnormal responses in the immune system and innate cell dysfunctions may prove to be promising strategies in the management of metabolic diseases. In recent years, several targets have been explored for the CD47 molecule (CD47), a glycosylated protein, which was originally reported to transmit an anti-phagocytic signal known as "don't eat me" in the atherosclerotic environment, hindering the efferocytosis of immune cells and promoting arterial plaque accumulation. Subsequently, the role of CD47 has been explored in obesity, fatty liver, and lipotoxic nephropathy, and its utility as a therapeutic target has been investigated using anti-CD47 antibodies or inhibitors of the THBS1/CD47 axis and the CD47/SIRPα signaling pathway. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action of CD47 in different cell types during metabolic diseases and the clinical research progress to date, providing a reference for the comprehensive targeting of CD47 to treat metabolic diseases and the devising of potential improvements to possible side effects.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals rebalancing of immunological response in patients with periodontitis after non-surgical periodontal therapy

Background

Periodontitis is a major inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa that is not limited to the oral cavity but also has systemic consequences. Although the importance of chronic periodontitis has been emphasized, the systemic immune response induced by periodontitis and its therapeutic effects remain elusive. Here, we report the transcriptomes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with periodontitis.

Methods

Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we profiled PBMCs from healthy controls and paired pre- and post-treatment patients with periodontitis. We extracted differentially expressed genes and biological pathways for each cell type and calculated activity scores reflecting cellular characteristics. Intercellular crosstalk was classified into therapy-responsive and -nonresponsive pathways.

Results

We analyzed pan-cellular differentially expressed genes caused by periodontitis and found that most cell types showed a significant increase in CRIP1, which was further supported by the increased levels of plasma CRIP1 observed in patients with periodontitis. In addition, activated cell type-specific ligand-receptor interactions, including the BTLA, IFN-γ, and RESISTIN pathways, were prominent in patients with periodontitis. Both the BTLA and IFN-γ pathways returned to similar levels in healthy controls after periodontal therapy, whereas the RESISTIN pathway was still activated even after therapy.

Conclusion

These data collectively provide insights into the transcriptome changes and molecular interactions that are responsive to periodontal treatment. We identified periodontitis-specific systemic inflammatory indicators and suggest unresolved signals of non-surgical therapy as future therapeutic targets.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03702-2.

Integrative biology of extracellular vesicles in diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic systemic disease with increasing prevalence globally. An important aspect of diabetic pathogenesis is cellular crosstalk and information exchange between multiple metabolic organs and tissues. In the past decade, increasing evidence suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs), a class of cell-derived membrane vesicles that transmit information and perform inter-cellular and inter-organ communication, are involved in the pathological changes of insulin resistance (IR), inflammation, and endothelial injury, and implicated in the development of DM and its complications. The biogenesis and cargo sorting machinery dysregulation of EVs may mediate their pathogenic roles under diabetic conditions. Moreover, the biogenesis of EVs, their ubiquitous production by different cells, their function as mediators of inter-organ communication, and their biological features in body fluids have generated great promise as biomarkers and clinical treatments. In this review, we summarize the components of EV generation and sorting machinery and highlight their role in the pathogenesis of DM and associated complications. Furthermore, we discuss the emerging clinical implications of EVs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for DM and diabetic complications. A better understanding of EVs will deepen our knowledge of the pathophysiology of DM and its complications and offer attractive approaches to improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these disorders.