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Melica ME, Cialdai F, La Regina G, Risaliti C, Dafichi T, Peired AJ, Romagnani P, Monici M, Lasagni L. Modeled microgravity unravels the roles of mechanical forces in renal progenitor cell physiology. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:20. [PMID: 38233961 PMCID: PMC10795253 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The glomerulus is a highly complex system, composed of different interdependent cell types that are subjected to various mechanical stimuli. These stimuli regulate multiple cellular functions, and changes in these functions may contribute to tissue damage and disease progression. To date, our understanding of the mechanobiology of glomerular cells is limited, with most research focused on the adaptive response of podocytes. However, it is crucial to recognize the interdependence between podocytes and parietal epithelial cells, in particular with the progenitor subset, as it plays a critical role in various manifestations of glomerular diseases. This highlights the necessity to implement the analysis of the effects of mechanical stress on renal progenitor cells. METHODS Microgravity, modeled by Rotary Cell Culture System, has been employed as a system to investigate how renal progenitor cells respond to alterations in the mechanical cues within their microenvironment. Changes in cell phenotype, cytoskeleton organization, cell proliferation, cell adhesion and cell capacity for differentiation into podocytes were analyzed. RESULTS In modeled microgravity conditions, renal progenitor cells showed altered cytoskeleton and focal adhesion organization associated with a reduction in cell proliferation, cell adhesion and spreading capacity. Moreover, mechanical forces appeared to be essential for renal progenitor differentiation into podocytes. Indeed, when renal progenitors were exposed to a differentiative agent in modeled microgravity conditions, it impaired the acquisition of a complex podocyte-like F-actin cytoskeleton and the expression of specific podocyte markers, such as nephrin and nestin. Importantly, the stabilization of the cytoskeleton with a calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine A, rescued the differentiation of renal progenitor cells into podocytes in modeled microgravity conditions. CONCLUSIONS Alterations in the organization of the renal progenitor cytoskeleton due to unloading conditions negatively affect the regenerative capacity of these cells. These findings strengthen the concept that changes in mechanical cues can initiate a pathophysiological process in the glomerulus, not only altering podocyte actin cytoskeleton, but also extending the detrimental effect to the renal progenitor population. This underscores the significance of the cytoskeleton as a druggable target for kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Melica
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Gilda La Regina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Risaliti
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Dafichi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Julie Peired
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Romagnani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| | - Laura Lasagni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
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Zhao Z, Wang X, Ma Y, Duan X. Atp6v1h Deficiency Blocks Bone Loss in Simulated Microgravity Mice through the Fos-Jun-Src-Integrin Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:637. [PMID: 38203808 PMCID: PMC10779874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010637] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The microgravity conditions in outer space are widely acknowledged to induce significant bone loss. Recent studies have implicated the close relationship between Atp6v1h gene and bone loss. Despite this, the role of Atp6v1h in bone remodeling and its molecular mechanisms in microgravity have not been fully elucidated. To address this, we used a mouse tail suspension model to simulate microgravity. We categorized both wild-type and Atp6v1h knockout (Atp6v1h+/-) mice into two groups: regular feeding and tail-suspension feeding, ensuring uniform feeding conditions across all cohorts. Analysis via micro-CT scanning, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase assays indicated that wild-type mice underwent bone loss under simulated microgravity. Atp6v1h+/- mice exhibited bone loss due to Atp6v1h deficiency but did not present aggravated bone loss under the same simulated microgravity. Transcriptomic sequencing revealed the upregulation of genes, such as Fos, Src, Jun, and various integrin subunits in the context of simulated microgravity and Atp6v1h knockout. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) further validated the modulation of downstream osteoclast-related genes in response to interactions with ATP6V1H overexpression cell lines. Co-immunoprecipitation indicated potential interactions between ATP6V1H and integrin beta 1, beta 3, beta 5, alpha 2b, and alpha 5. Our results indicate that Atp6v1h level influences bone loss in simulated microgravity by modulating the Fos-Jun-Src-Integrin pathway, which, in turn, affects osteoclast activity and bone resorption, with implications for osteoporosis. Therefore, modulating Atp6v1h expression could mitigate bone loss in microgravity conditions. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism of Atp6v1h's role in osteoporosis and positions it as a potential therapeutic target against environmental bone loss. These findings open new possibilities for the treatment of multifactorial osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Oral Biology, Clinic of Oral Rare and Genetic Diseases, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.M.)
| | - Xiaohong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Oral Biology, Clinic of Oral Rare and Genetic Diseases, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (Y.M.)
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Huang Y, Liao J, Vlashi R, Chen G. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK): its structure, characteristics, and signaling in skeletal system. Cell Signal 2023; 111:110852. [PMID: 37586468 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110852] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and distributes important regulatory functions in skeletal system. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) possesses significant migration and differentiation capacity, is an important source of distinctive bone cells production and a prominent bone development pathway. MSC has a wide range of applications in tissue bioengineering and regenerative medicine, and is frequently employed for hematopoietic support, immunological regulation, and defect repair, although current research is insufficient. FAK has been identified to cross-link with many other keys signaling pathways in bone biology and is considered as a fundamental "crossroad" on the signal transduction pathway and a "node" in the signal network to mediate MSC lineage development in skeletal system. In this review, we summarized the structure, characteristics, cellular signaling, and the interactions of FAK with other signaling pathways in the skeletal system. The discovery of FAK and its mediated molecules will lead to a new knowledge of bone development and bone construction as well as considerable potential for therapeutic use in the treatment of bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Huang
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Junguang Liao
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Rexhina Vlashi
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Guiqian Chen
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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Bonanni R, Cariati I, Marini M, Tarantino U, Tancredi V. Microgravity and Musculoskeletal Health: What Strategies Should Be Used for a Great Challenge? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1423. [PMID: 37511798 PMCID: PMC10381503 DOI: 10.3390/life13071423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Space colonization represents the most insidious challenge for mankind, as numerous obstacles affect the success of space missions. Specifically, the absence of gravitational forces leads to systemic physiological alterations, with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. Indeed, astronauts exposed to spaceflight are known to report a significant impairment of bone microarchitecture and muscle mass, conditions clinically defined as osteoporosis and sarcopenia. In this context, space medicine assumes a crucial position, as the development of strategies to prevent and/or counteract weightlessness-induced alterations appears to be necessary. Furthermore, the opportunity to study the biological effects induced by weightlessness could provide valuable information regarding adaptations to spaceflight and suggest potential treatments that can preserve musculoskeletal health under microgravity conditions. Noteworthy, improving knowledge about the latest scientific findings in this field of research is crucial, as is thoroughly investigating the mechanisms underlying biological adaptations to microgravity and searching for innovative solutions to counter spaceflight-induced damage. Therefore, this narrative study review, performed using the MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases, aims to summarize the most recent evidence regarding the effects of real and simulated microgravity on the musculoskeletal system and to discuss the effectiveness of the main defence strategies used in both real and experimental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Cariati
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Marini
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Tarantino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Lv W, Peng X, Tu Y, Shi Y, Song G, Luo Q. YAP Inhibition Alleviates Simulated Microgravity-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell Senescence via Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12050990. [PMID: 37237856 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12050990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Weightlessness in space leads to bone loss, muscle atrophy, and impaired immune defense in astronauts. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play crucial roles in maintaining the homeostasis and function of the tissue. However, how microgravity affects the characteristics MSCs and the related roles in the pathophysiological changes in astronauts remain barely known. Here we used a 2D-clinostat device to simulate microgravity. Senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining and the expression of senescent markers p16, p21, and p53 were used to evaluate the senescence of MSCs. Mitochondrial membrane potential (mΔΨm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ATP production were used to evaluate mitochondrial function. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate the expression and localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP). We found that simulated microgravity (SMG) induced MSC senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mito-TEMPO (MT), a mitochondrial antioxidant, restored mitochondrial function and reversed MSC senescence induced by SMG, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction mediates SMG-induced MSC senescence. Further, it was found that SMG promoted YAP expression and its nuclear translocation in MSCs. Verteporfin (VP), an inhibitor of YAP, restored SMG-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence in MSCs by inhibiting YAP expression and nuclear localization. These findings suggest that YAP inhibition alleviates SMG-induced MSC senescence via targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, and YAP may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of weightlessness-related cell senescence and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xiufen Peng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yun Tu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yisong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Guanbin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Kamal KY, Lawler JM. Cellular and Molecular Signaling Meet the Space Environment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065955. [PMID: 36983029 PMCID: PMC10058013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
During space missions that travel beyond the cocoon of the Earth's magnetosphere, astronauts are subjected to the microgravity and radiation stressors of outer space [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Y Kamal
- Redox Biology & Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - John M Lawler
- Redox Biology & Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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