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Lin P, Gan YB, He J, Lin SE, Xu JK, Chang L, Zhao LM, Zhu J, Zhang L, Huang S, Hu O, Wang YB, Jin HJ, Li YY, Yan PL, Chen L, Jiang JX, Liu P. Advancing skeletal health and disease research with single-cell RNA sequencing. Mil Med Res 2024; 11:33. [PMID: 38816888 PMCID: PMC11138034 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-024-00538-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Orthopedic conditions have emerged as global health concerns, impacting approximately 1.7 billion individuals worldwide. However, the limited understanding of the underlying pathological processes at the cellular and molecular level has hindered the development of comprehensive treatment options for these disorders. The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has revolutionized biomedical research by enabling detailed examination of cellular and molecular diversity. Nevertheless, investigating mechanisms at the single-cell level in highly mineralized skeletal tissue poses technical challenges. In this comprehensive review, we present a streamlined approach to obtaining high-quality single cells from skeletal tissue and provide an overview of existing scRNA-seq technologies employed in skeletal studies along with practical bioinformatic analysis pipelines. By utilizing these methodologies, crucial insights into the developmental dynamics, maintenance of homeostasis, and pathological processes involved in spine, joint, bone, muscle, and tendon disorders have been uncovered. Specifically focusing on the joint diseases of degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis using scRNA-seq has provided novel insights and a more nuanced comprehension. These findings have paved the way for discovering novel therapeutic targets that offer potential benefits to patients suffering from diverse skeletal disorders.
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Grants
- 2022YFA1103202 National Key Research and Development Program of China
- 82272507 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 32270887 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 32200654 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- CSTB2023NSCQ-ZDJO008 Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing
- BX20220397 Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program
- SFLKF202201 Independent Research Project of State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning
- 2021-XZYG-B10 General Hospital of Western Theater Command Research Project
- 14113723 University Grants Committee, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, China
- N_CUHK472/22 University Grants Committee, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, China
- C7030-18G University Grants Committee, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, China
- T13-402/17-N University Grants Committee, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, China
- AoE/M-402/20 University Grants Committee, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lin
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yi-Bo Gan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
- Pancreatic Injury and Repair Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, the General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Si-En Lin
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Jian-Kun Xu
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Liang Chang
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Li-Ming Zhao
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Sha Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Ou Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Ying-Bo Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Huai-Jian Jin
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yang-Yang Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Pu-Lin Yan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Laboratory for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Military Training Related Injuries, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jian-Xin Jiang
- Wound Trauma Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
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Ren Z, Li C, Wang J, Sui J, Ma Y. Single-cell transcriptome revealed dysregulated RNA-binding protein expression patterns and functions in human ankylosing spondylitis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1369341. [PMID: 38770048 PMCID: PMC11104332 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1369341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the expression characteristics and regulatory patterns of RBPs in different immune cell types of AS, and to clarify the potential key role of RBPs in the occurrence and development of AS disease. Methods PBMC sample data from scRNA-seq (HC*29, AS*10) and bulk RNA-seq (NC*3, AS*5) were selected for correlation analysis. Results (1) Compared with the HC group, the numbers of B, DC (dendritic cells), CD14+ Mono and CD8+ T cells were increased in AS group, while the numbers of platelet (platelets), CD8+ NKT, CD16+ Mono (non-classical monocytes), Native CD4+ T and NK were decreased. (2) Through the analysis of RBP genes in B cells, some RBPs were found to play an important role in B cell differentiation and function, such as DDX3X, SFPQ, SRRM1, UPF2. (3) It may be related to B-cell receptor, IgA immunity, NOD-like receptor and other signaling pathways; Through the analysis of RBP genes in CD8+ T cells, some RBPs that play an important role in the immune regulation of CD8+ T were found, such as EIF2S3, EIF4B, HSPA5, MSL3, PABPC1 and SRSF7; It may be related to T cell receptor, TNF, IL17 and other signaling pathways. (4) Based on bulk RNA-seq, it was found that compared with HC and AS patients, differentially expressed variable splicing genes (RASGs) may play an important role in the occurrence and development of AS by participating in transcriptional regulation, protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination, DNA replication, angiogenesis, intracellular signal transduction and other related pathways. Conclusion RBPs has specific expression characteristics in different immune cell types of AS patients, and has important regulatory functions. Its abnormal expression and regulation may be closely related to the occurrence and development of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Ren
- Xinjiang Institute of Spinal Surgery, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chenyang Li
- Microsurgery Unit, The Third People’s Hospital of Xinjiang, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Xinjiang Institute of Spinal Surgery, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jiangtao Sui
- Xinjiang Institute of Spinal Surgery, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Xinjiang Institute of Spinal Surgery, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
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Xiang M, Li H, Zhan Y, Ma D, Gao Q, Fang Y. Functional CRISPR screens in T cells reveal new opportunities for cancer immunotherapies. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:73. [PMID: 38581063 PMCID: PMC10996278 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01987-z] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells are fundamental components in tumour immunity and cancer immunotherapies, which have made immense strides and revolutionized cancer treatment paradigm. However, recent studies delineate the predicament of T cell dysregulation in tumour microenvironment and the compromised efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. CRISPR screens enable unbiased interrogation of gene function in T cells and have revealed functional determinators, genetic regulatory networks, and intercellular interactions in T cell life cycle, thereby providing opportunities to revamp cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we briefly described the central roles of T cells in successful cancer immunotherapies, comprehensively summarised the studies of CRISPR screens in T cells, elaborated resultant master genes that control T cell activation, proliferation, fate determination, effector function, and exhaustion, and highlighted genes (BATF, PRDM1, and TOX) and signalling cascades (JAK-STAT and NF-κB pathways) that extensively engage in multiple branches of T cell responses. In conclusion, this review bridged the gap between discovering element genes to a specific process of T cell activities and apprehending these genes in the global T cell life cycle, deepened the understanding of T cell biology in tumour immunity, and outlined CRISPR screens resources that might facilitate the development and implementation of cancer immunotherapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhan
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Feng X, Wang C, Ji B, Qiao J, Xu Y, Zhu S, Ji Z, Zhou B, Tong W, Xu W. CD_99 G1 neutrophils modulate osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in the pathological process of ankylosing spondylitis. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:324-334. [PMID: 37977819 PMCID: PMC10894850 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224107] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify the types and heterogeneity of cells within the spinal enthesis and investigate the underlying mechanisms of osteogenesis. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to identify cell populations and their gene signatures in the spinal enthesis of five patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and three healthy individuals. The transcriptomes of 40 065 single cells were profiled and divided into 7 clusters: neutrophils, monocytic cells, granulomonocytic progenitor_erythroblasts, T cells, B cells, plasma cells and stromal cells. Real-time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, osteogenesis induction, alizarin red staining, immunohistochemistry, short hairpin RNA and H&E staining were applied to validate the bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS Pseudo-time analysis showed two differentiation directions of stromal cells from the mesenchymal stem cell subpopulation MSC-C2 to two Cxcl12-abundant-reticular (CAR) cell subsets, Osteo-CAR and Adipo-CAR, within which three transcription factors, C-JUN, C-FOS and CAVIN1, were highly expressed in AS and regulated the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells. A novel subcluster of early-stage neutrophils, CD99_G1, was elevated in AS. The proinflammatory characteristics of monocyte dendritic cell progenitor-recombinant adiponectin receptor 2 monocytic cells were explored. Interactions between Adipo-CAR cells, CD99_G1 neutrophils and other cell types were mapped by identifying ligand-receptor pairs, revealing the recruitment characteristics of CD99_G1 neutrophils by Adipo-CAR cells and the pathogenesis of osteogenesis induced in AS. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed the dynamics of cell subpopulations, gene expression and intercellular interactions during AS pathogenesis. These findings provide new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of osteogenesis and will benefit the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhe Feng
- Department of Joint Bone Disease Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Joint Bone Disease Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Boyao Ji
- Department of Joint Bone Disease Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Qiao
- Department of Joint Bone Disease Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihong Xu
- Department of Joint Bone Disease Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanbang Zhu
- Department of Joint Bone Disease Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou Ji
- Department of Joint Bone Disease Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bole Zhou
- Department of Joint Bone Disease Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwen Tong
- Department of Joint Bone Disease Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weidong Xu
- Department of Joint Bone Disease Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Li Z, Zhang S, Mao G, Xu Y, Kang Y, Zheng L, Long D, Chen W, Gu M, Zhang Z, Kang Y, Sheng P, Zhang Z. Identification of anterior cruciate ligament fibroblasts and their contribution to knee osteoarthritis progression using single-cell analyses. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111109. [PMID: 37883816 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111109] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee have been highlighted, but its role in the regulation of the joint microenvironment remains unclear, especially in the progression of Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA). Here, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) data were integrated to reveal the transcriptional and epigenomic landscape of ACL in normal and OA states. We identified a novel subpopulation of fibroblasts in ACL, which provides new insights into the role of the ACL in knee homeostasis and disease. Degeneration of the ACL during OA mechanically alters the knee joint homeostasis and influences the microenvironment by regulating inflammatory- and osteogenic-related factors, thereby contributing to the progression of KOA. Additionally, the specific mechanism by which these Inflammation-associated Fibroblasts (IAFs) regulate KOA progression was uncovered, providing new foundation for the development of targeted treatments for KOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Li
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Shiyong Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Guping Mao
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yiyang Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, China
| | - Yunze Kang
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Linli Zheng
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Dianbo Long
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Weishen Chen
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Minghui Gu
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Zhiqi Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Yan Kang
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Puyi Sheng
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Ziji Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
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Wei W, Wu S, Zhou C, Chen T, Zhu J, Feng S, Zhan X, Liu C. Network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and experimental validation to explore the potential mechanism of Cinnamomi ramulus against ankylosing spondylitis. Ann Med 2023; 55:2287193. [PMID: 38019769 PMCID: PMC10836281 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2287193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cinnamomi ramulus (C. ramulus) is frequently employed in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, the primary constituents, drug targets, and mechanisms of action remain unidentified. METHODS In this study, various public databases and online tools were employed to gather information on the compounds of C. ramulus, drug targets, and disease targets associated with ankylosing spondylitis. The intersection of drug targets and disease targets was then determined to identify the common targets, which were subsequently used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database. Network analysis and the analysis of hub genes and major compounds were conducted using Cytoscape software. Furthermore, the Metascape platform was utilized for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Molecular docking studies and immunohistochemical experiments were performed to validate the core targets. RESULTS The network analysis identified 2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, and 2-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde as the major effective compounds present in C. ramulus. The PPI network analysis revealed PTGS2, MMP9, and TLR4 as the most highly correlated targets. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that C. ramulus exerts its therapeutic effects in ankylosing spondylitis through various biological processes, including the response to hormones and peptides, oxidative stress response, and inflammatory response. The main signaling pathways involved were IL-17, TNF, NF-kappa B, and Toll-like receptor pathways. Molecular docking analysis confirmed the strong affinity between the key compounds and the core targets. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an up-regulation of PTGS2, MMP9, and TLR4 levels in ankylosing spondylitis. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the effective compounds, core targets, and potential mechanisms of action of C. ramulus in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. These findings establish a solid groundwork for future fundamental research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendi Wei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shaofeng Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chenxing Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Tianyou Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jichong Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Sitan Feng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xinli Zhan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Zhang X, Pan L, Zhang P, Wang L, Shen Y, Xu P, Ren Y, Huang W, Liu P, Wu Q, Li F. Single-cell analysis of the miRNA activities in tuberculous meningitis (TBM) model mice injected with the BCG vaccine. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110871. [PMID: 37708706 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110871] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study revealed the transcriptome atlas of specific cell types in tuberculous meningitis (TBM) model mice injected with the BCG vaccine via scRNA sequencing. However, the activities of miRNAs in TBM at single-cell resolution remain to be explored. METHOD Cell type-specific miRNA activities were investigated by using motif enrichment analyses (miReact) on the transcriptome data of 15 cell types. The target mRNAs of miRNAs were predicted and subjected to enrichment analysis. Furthermore, miRNAs and their target mRNAs with opposite expression trends were chosen to construct functional networks. Besides, qRT-PCR and RNA scope were performed to verify the expression level of representative miRNA. RESULTS The tSNE dimensionality reduction presented 15 cell types in TBM model mice, in which microglia and endothelial cells accounted for the majority. Target mRNAs of each cell type were predicted for verification or network construction. The immune and inflammation-related miRNA-mRNA networks of macrophages and microglia, oxidative phosphorylation-related miRNA-mRNA networks of neurons, ion and protein transport-related networks of epididymal cells, and angiogenesis-related miRNA-mRNA networks of VSMCs were constructed. The miRNA activity analysis revealed that miR-21a-3p activity was increased in microglia, macrophages, neurons and epididymal cells. The result of qRT-PCR and RNA scope indicate that miR-21a-3p was significantly higher-expressed in TBM brain tissue compared with normal brain tissue. CONCLUSION In our study, an in-depth exploration of the mRNA expression and miRNA activity of macrophages, microglia, epididymal cells, neurons and vascular smooth muscle cells during TBM progression was conducted using scRNA-Seq, which provided novel insights into the immune cell engagement in TBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Lei Pan
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Yidan Shen
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Yang Ren
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Department of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Department of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Qingguo Wu
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Center of Tuberculosis Research, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Allard-Chamard H, Li Q, Rahman P. Emerging Concepts in Precision Medicine in Axial Spondyloarthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2023; 25:204-212. [PMID: 37505349 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01113-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is among the rheumatology's most heritable complex diseases, yet precision medicine at clinics still needs to be explored. We reviewed the emerging concepts and recent developments in polygenic risk scores, Mendelian randomization, pharmacogenomics, single-cell sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics. RECENT FINDINGS Polygenic risk score has resulted in encouraging results with potential diagnostic utility as it appears to outperform current diagnostic tools. Its performance and generalizability vary with ethnicity. Mendelian randomization has elucidated multiple causal associations, particularly between inflammatory bowel disease and AxSpA. Single-cell transcriptomics (particularly scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq) has identified numerous cell types, including synovial and blood immunological cells, to understand the contribution of both innate and adaptative immunity in AxSpA. Current molecular tools provide an exciting opportunity to advance precision medicine for AxSpA patients. However, extensive research and implementation strategies are still required before they can have an impact in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Allard-Chamard
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculté de Médecine Et Des Sciences de La Santé de L'Université de Sherbrooke Et Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Quan Li
- Department of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Proton Rahman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 154 LeMarchant Rd, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1C-5B8, Canada.
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9
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Nicholas CA, Smith MJ. Application of single-cell RNA sequencing methods to develop B cell targeted treatments for autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1103690. [PMID: 37520578 PMCID: PMC10382068 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1103690] [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: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic coincided with several transformative advances in single-cell analysis. These new methods along with decades of research and trials with antibody therapeutics and RNA based technologies allowed for highly effective vaccines and treatments to be produced at astonishing speeds. While these tools were initially focused on models of infection, they also show promise in an autoimmune setting. Self-reactive B cells play important roles as antigen-presenting cells and cytokine and autoantibody producers for many autoimmune diseases. Yet, current therapies to target autoreactive B cells deplete all B cells irrespective of their pathogenicity. Development of self-reactive B cell targeting therapies that would spare non-pathogenic B cells are needed to treat disease while allowing effective immune responses to other ailments. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approaches will aid in identification of the pathogenic self-reactive B cells operative in autoimmunity and help with development of more favorable precision targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Nicholas
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Mia J. Smith
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
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10
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Akiyama M, Yoshimoto K, Ishigaki S, Suzuki K, Takeuchi T, Kaneko Y. Disease-specific expansion of CD29+IL-17RA+ T effector cells possessing multiple signalling pathways in spondyloarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:1296-1305. [PMID: 35799366 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac391] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES T cells adhere to enthesis fibrocartilage via integrins and intrinsically require IL-17RA-mediated signals to maintain their effector function. We analysed CD29+IL-17RA+ T cells in inflamed lesions and peripheral blood in patients with SpA and investigated their association with disease activity and therapeutic response. METHODS Transcriptome analysis of synovial fluid T cells from PsA was performed using publicly available bulk cell RNA sequencing data. Blood samples were obtained from healthy controls (n = 37), RA (n = 12), IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD; n = 12), large vessel vasculitis (LVV; n = 12) and SpA (n = 28) and were analysed by flow cytometry. RESULTS T cells in the inflamed joints of PsA showed CD29 and IL-17RA expression. CD29+IL-17RA+ T cells showed enriched CXCR3+CD45RA+ effector cells and activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathways. The proportion of peripheral blood CD29+IL-17RA+ T cells was significantly increased in patients with SpA compared with patients with RA, IgG4-RD or LVV and in healthy controls. Based on the ASDAS-CRP scores, the proportion of CD29+IL-17RA+ T cells was positively correlated with disease activity in treatment-naïve patients with active SpA. Anti-IL-17 but not anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies reduced CD29+IL-17RA+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS CD29+IL-17RA+ T effector cells with enhanced Syk, NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways were specifically increased in SpA and were correlated with disease activity, implicating a role of this newly identified T cell population in the pathogenesis. Anti-IL-17 monoclonal antibodies may be effective for patients by reducing this pathogenic T cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Akiyama
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Yoshimoto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Ishigaki
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuya Suzuki
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kaneko
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Jung S, Lee JS. Single-Cell Genomics for Investigating Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Diseases. Mol Cells 2023; 46:120-129. [PMID: 36859476 PMCID: PMC9982059 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent technical advances have enabled unbiased transcriptomic and epigenetic analysis of each cell, known as "single-cell analysis". Single-cell analysis has a variety of technical approaches to investigate the state of each cell, including mRNA levels (transcriptome), the immune repertoire (immune repertoire analysis), cell surface proteins (surface proteome analysis), chromatin accessibility (epigenome), and accordance with genome variants (eQTLs; expression quantitative trait loci). As an effective tool for investigating robust immune responses in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many researchers performed single-cell analysis to capture the diverse, unbiased immune cell activation and differentiation. Despite challenges elucidating the complicated immune microenvironments of chronic inflammatory diseases using existing experimental methods, it is now possible to capture the simultaneous immune features of different cell types across inflamed tissues using various single-cell tools. In this review, we introduce patient-based and experimental mouse model research utilizing single-cell analyses in the field of chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as multi-organ atlas targeting immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyoung Jung
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jeong Seok Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
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12
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No Evidence to Support a Causal Relationship between Circulating Adiponectin Levels and Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122270. [PMID: 36553537 PMCID: PMC9778096 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on previous observational studies, the causal association between circulating adiponectin (CA) levels and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) risk remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether CA levels are related to the risk of AS. We carried out a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine the causal correlation between CA levels and AS via published genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to CA levels were derived from a large GWAS that included 39,883 individuals of European descent. SNPs related to AS were obtained from the FinnGen consortium (2252 cases and 227,338 controls). The random-effects inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was the primary method utilized in our research. We also used four complementary approaches to improve the dependability of this study (MR-Egger regression, Weighted median, Weighted mode, and Simple mode). Random-effects IVW (odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.27, p = 0.984) and four complementary methods all indicated that genetically predicted CA levels were not causally related to the risk of AS. In reverse MR analysis, there is little evidence to support the genetic causality between the risk of AS and CA levels.
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13
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Alber S, Kumar S, Liu J, Huang ZM, Paez D, Hong J, Chang HW, Bhutani T, Gensler LS, Liao W. Single Cell Transcriptome and Surface Epitope Analysis of Ankylosing Spondylitis Facilitates Disease Classification by Machine Learning. Front Immunol 2022; 13:838636. [PMID: 35634297 PMCID: PMC9135966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.838636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the axial skeleton, especially the sacroiliac joints and spine. This results in chronic back pain and, in extreme cases, ankylosis of the spine. Despite its debilitating effects, the pathogenesis of AS remains to be further elucidated. This study used single cell CITE-seq technology to analyze peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in AS and in healthy controls. We identified a number of molecular features associated with AS. CD52 was found to be overexpressed in both RNA and surface protein expression across several cell types in patients with AS. CD16+ monocytes overexpressed TNFSF10 and IL-18Rα in AS, while CD8+ TEM cells and natural killer cells overexpressed genes linked with cytotoxicity, including GZMH, GZMB, and NKG7. Tregs underexpressed CD39 in AS, suggesting reduced functionality. We identified an overrepresented NK cell subset in AS that overexpressed CD16, CD161, and CD38, as well as cytotoxic genes and pathways. Finally, we developed machine learning models derived from CITE-seq data for the classification of AS and achieved an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve of > 0.95. In summary, CITE-seq identification of AS-associated genes and surface proteins in specific cell subsets informs our understanding of pathogenesis and potential new therapeutic targets, while providing new approaches for diagnosis via machine learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Alber
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States,Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sugandh Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jared Liu
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Zhi-Ming Huang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Diana Paez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Julie Hong
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hsin-Wen Chang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tina Bhutani
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lianne S. Gensler
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Wilson Liao
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Wilson Liao,
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