Unlocking the genetic tapestry of autoimmune diseases: Unveiling common genes across multiple conditions

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to unravel the complexities of autoimmune diseases by conducting a comprehensive analysis of gene expression data across 10 conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriasis, Sjögren's syndrome, sclerosis, immune-associated diseases, osteoarthritis, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles were rigorously examined to identify both upregulated and downregulated genes specific to each autoimmune disease. The study employed visual representation techniques such as heatmaps, volcano plots, and contour-MA plots to provide an intuitive understanding of the complex gene expression patterns in these conditions.

RESULTS

Distinct gene expression profiles for each autoimmune condition were uncovered, with psoriasis and osteoarthritis standing out due to a multitude of both upregulated and downregulated genes, indicating intricate molecular interplays in these disorders. Notably, common upregulated and downregulated genes were identified across various autoimmune conditions, with genes like SELENBP1, MMP9, BNC1, and COL1A1 emerging as pivotal players.

CONCLUSION

This research contributes valuable insights into the molecular signatures of autoimmune diseases, highlighting the unique gene expression patterns characterizing each condition. The identification of common genes shared among different autoimmune conditions, and their potential role in mitigating the risk of rare diseases in patients with more prevalent conditions, underscores the growing significance of genetics in healthcare and the promising future of personalized medicine.

Interactions Between Extracellular Vesicles and Autophagy in Neuroimmune Disorders

Neuroimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome, are characterized by the dysfunction of both the immune system and the nervous system. Increasing evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles and autophagy are closely associated with the pathogenesis of these disorders. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the interactions between extracellular vesicles and autophagy in neuroimmune disorders and discuss their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Here we highlight the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these disorders, and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Integrated gene expression profiling and functional enrichment analyses to discover biomarkers and pathways associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome and autism spectrum disorder to identify new therapeutic targets

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is one of the most prominent and acute immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy, while autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders. The complete mechanism regarding the neuropathophysiology of these disorders is still ambiguous. Even after recent breakthroughs in molecular biology, the link between GBS and ASD remains a mystery. Therefore, we have implemented well-established bioinformatic techniques to identify potential biomarkers and drug candidates for GBS and ASD. 17 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for these two disorders, which later guided the rest of the research. Common genes identified the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and pathways associated with both disorders. Based on the PPI network, the constructed hub gene and module analysis network determined two common DEGs, namely CXCL9 and CXCL10, which are vital in predicting the top drug candidates. Furthermore, coregulatory networks of TF-gene and TF-miRNA were built to detect the regulatory biomolecules. Among drug candidates, imatinib had the highest docking and MM-GBSA score with the well-known chemokine receptor CXCR3 and remained stable during the 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation validated by the principal component analysis and the dynamic cross-correlation map. This study predicted the gene-based disease network for GBS and ASD and suggested prospective drug candidates. However, more in-depth research is required for clinical validation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Streptolysin S induces pronounced calcium-ion influx-dependent expression of immediate early genes encoding transcription factors

Anginosus group streptococci (AGS) are opportunistic human pathogens of the oral cavity. The β-hemolytic subgroup of Streptococcus anginosus subsp. anginosus secretes streptolysin S (SLS) and exhibits not only hemolytic activity but also cytotoxicity toward cultured human cell lines. However, the detailed mechanism of action of SLS and the cellular responses of host cells have not yet been fully clarified. To determine the pathogenic potential of SLS-producing β-hemolytic S. anginosus subsp. anginosus, the SLS-dependent response induced in the human oral squamous cell carcinoma HSC-2 cells was investigated to determine the pathogenic potential of SLS-producing β-hemolytic S. anginosus subsp. anginosus. This study revealed that the Ca2+ influx and the expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) encoding transcription factors such as early growth responses (EGRs) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) were greatly increased in HSC-2 cells incubated with the culture supernatant of SLS-producing β-hemolytic S. anginosus subsp. anginosus. Moreover, this SLS-dependent increase in expression was significantly suppressed by Ca2+ chelation, except for jun. These results suggest that SLS caused Ca2+ influx into the cells following greatly enhanced expression of IEG-encoding transcription factors. The results of this study may help in understanding the pathogenicity of SLS-producing AGS.

Characterization of the anti-α-Gal antibody profile in association with Guillain-Barré syndrome, implications for tick-related allergic reactions

Humans evolved by losing the capacity to synthesize the glycan Galα1-3Galβ1-(3)4GlcNAc-R (α-Gal), which resulted in the capacity to develop a protective response mediated by anti-α-Gal IgM/IgG antibodies against pathogens containing this modification on membrane proteins. As an evolutionary trade-off, humans can develop the alpha-Gal syndrome (AGS), a recently diagnosed disease mainly associated with allergic reactions to mammalian meat consumption. The etiology of the AGS is the exposure to tick bites and the IgE antibody response against α-Gal-containing glycoproteins and glycolipids. The objective of this study was to characterize the anti-α-Gal antibody response in association with the immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and compare it with different factors known to modulate the antibody response to α-Gal such as exposure to tick bites and development of allergic reactions in response to tick bites. The results showed a significant decrease in the IgM/IgG response to α-Gal in GBS patients when compared to healthy individuals. In contrast, the IgM/IgG levels to α-Gal did not change in patients with allergic reactions to tick bites. The IgE response was not affected in GBS patients, but as expected, the IgE levels significantly increased in individuals exposed to tick bites and patients with tick-associated allergies. These results suggest that the immune pathways of anti-α-Gal IgM/IgG and IgE production are independent. Further studies should consider the susceptibility to allergic reactions to tick bites in GBS patients.

Early growth response genes 2 and 3 induced by AP-1 and NF-κB modulate TGF-β1 transcription in NK1.1- CD4+ NKG2D+ T cells

NK1.1^- CD4⁺ NKG2D⁺ T cells are a subpopulation of regulatory T cells that downregulate the functions of CD4⁺ T, CD8⁺ T, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages through TGF-β1 production. Early growth response genes 2 (Egr2) and 3 (Egr3) maintain immune homeostasis by modulating T lymphocyte development, inhibiting effector T cell function, and promoting the induction of regulatory T cells. Whether Egr2 and Egr3 directly regulate TGF-β1 transcription in NK1.1^- CD4⁺ NKG2D⁺ T cells remains elusive. The expression levels of Egr2 and Egr3 were higher in NK1.1^- CD4⁺ NKG2D⁺ T cells than in NK1.1^- CD4⁺ NKG2D^- T cells. Egr2 and Egr3 expression were remarkably increased after stimulating NK1.1^- CD4⁺ NKG2D⁺ T cells with sRAE or α-CD3/sRAE. The ectopic expression of Egr2 or Egr3 resulted in the enhancement of TGF-β1 expression, while knockdown of Egr2 or Egr3 led to the decreased expression of TGF-β1 in NK1.1^- CD4⁺ NKG2D⁺ T cells. Egr2 and Egr3 directly bound with the TGF-β1 promoter as demonstrated by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual-luciferase gene reporter assay. Furthermore, the Egr2 and Egr3 expression of NK1.1^- CD4⁺ NKG2D⁺ T cells could be induced by the AP-1 and NF-κB transcriptional factors, but had no involvement with the activation of NF-AT and STAT3. In conclusion, Egr2 and Egr3 induced by AP-1 and NF-κB directly initiate TGF-β1 transcription in NK1.1^- CD4⁺ NKG2D⁺ T cells. This study indicates that manipulating Egr2 and Egr3 expression would potentiate or alleviate the regulatory function of NK1.1^- CD4⁺ NKG2D⁺ T cells and this strategy could be used in the therapy for patients with autoimmune diseases or tumor.

Albumin levels as a biomarker for second Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)

BACKGROUND

Patients with GBS may develop hypoalbuminemia following treatment with Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is related to a poorer outcome. This report presents a patient with GBS and his clinical response to two courses of IVIG treatments in association with his albumin level.

CASE REPORT

A previously healthy 21-year-old male was admitted to the GICU due to GBS with severity grade 5 (required assisted ventilation). IVIG treatment was initiated. Over the next two weeks there was no clinical improvement and Albumin level dropped from 4.5 gr/dL to a nadir of 2.3 gr/dL. A second course of IVIG was initiated. After initiation of the second course the patient's albumin began rising to 3.0 gr/dL and a clinical improvement followed this rise. Subsequently, he was weaned from mechanical ventilation within a few days.

CONCLUSIONS

When considering a second course of IVIG treatment, serum albumin levels may be considered a biomarker as part of the decision algorithm.

Peripheral Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytokine Levels in Guillain Barré Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder caused by the immune-mediated damage of the peripheral nervous system. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory cytokines are important mediators for the onset and progression of GBS. A number of clinical studies have demonstrated elevated levels of T helper-1 (Th1-), Th2-, and Th17-related cytokines in patients with GBS; however, the results were inconsistent across studies.

Methods: We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of studies comparing the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood between patients with GBS and healthy individuals, using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2 software. A database search identified 30 studies comprising 1,302 patients with GBS and 1,073 healthy controls.

Results: The random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated that peripheral blood tumor necrosis factor-α (Hedges g, 1.544; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.923–2.165; p < 0.001), interleukin-1β (IL-1β; Hedges g, 0.678; 95% CI, 0.183–1.172; p = 0.007), IL-6 (Hedges g, 0.630; 95% CI, 0.100–1.160; p = 0.02), IL-4 (Hedges g, 0.822; 95% CI, 0.220–1.423; p = 0.007), IL-17 (Hedges g, 1.452; 95% CI, 0.331–2.573; p = 0.011), interferon-γ (Hedges g, 1.104; 95% CI, 0.490–1.719; p < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (Hedges g, 0.909; 95% CI, 0.453–1.365; p < 0.001) levels were significantly increased in patients with GBS when compared with healthy controls. Contrastingly, the blood IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β levels were not significantly associated with GBS. Furthermore, the meta-analysis found that cerebrospinal fluid IL-17 levels were significantly associated with GBS (Hedges g, 1.882; 95% CI, 0.104–3.661; p = 0.038).

Conclusion: Altogether, our results clarified the circulating inflammatory cytokine profile in patients with GBS, and revealed that Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-related cytokines were highly elevated in the GBS patients, suggesting the potential use of these cytokines as biomarkers for GBS.

Explaining Pathogenicity of Congenital Zika and Guillain-Barré Syndromes: Does Dysregulation of RNA Editing Play a Role?

Previous studies of Zika virus (ZIKV) pathogenesis have focused primarily on virus-driven pathology and neurotoxicity, as well as host-related changes in cell proliferation, autophagy, immunity, and uterine function. It is now hypothesized that ZIKV pathogenesis arises instead as an (unintended) consequence of host innate immunity, specifically, as the side effect of an otherwise well-functioning machine. The hypothesis presented here suggests a new way of thinking about the role of host immune mechanisms in disease pathogenesis, focusing on dysregulation of post-transcriptional RNA editing as a candidate driver of a broad range of observed neurodevelopmental defects and neurodegenerative clinical symptoms in both infants and adults linked with ZIKV infections. The authors collect and synthesize existing evidence of ZIKV-mediated changes in the expression of adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs), known links between abnormal RNA editing and pathogenesis, as well as ideas for future research directions, including potential treatment strategies.

MiR-150-5p regulates EGR2 to promote the development of chronic rhinosinusitis via the DC-Th axis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Accumulating studies indicate that miR-150-5p might play a significant role in dendritic cells (DCs) of peripheral blood in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. We sought to investigate the effects and mechanism of miR-150-5p, which regulates early growth response 2 (EGR2) to promote the development of CRS via the DC-Th axis.

METHODS

The upregulated expression of miR-150-5p in DCs of CRS was assayed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and IL-17 cytokines in the supernatants of DC-naïve T cells co-cultures were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was used to evaluate T cell proliferations. EGR2 was also identified as a direct target of miR-150-5p by establishing a miRNA-mRNA network, and this target was validated with a Dual-Luciferase® Reporter Assay System and Western blot.

RESULTS

MiR-150-5p was up-regulated in DCs in peripheral blood from CRS patients, and this expression was down-regulated by EGR2 expression via the DC-Th axis. Up-regulated miR-150-5p Regulates DCs, and DCs Promote Naïve T Cells Proliferation. MiR-150-5p Further Regulates EGR2 and Inhibits DCs, Which Makes the DC-Th Axis Abnormal in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with CRS.

CONCLUSION

MiR-150-5p and its identified target, EGR2, are involved in the development of CRS. DCs can promote T cell proliferations of peripheral blood in CRS.

LncRNA-AF113014 promotes the expression of Egr2 by interaction with miR-20a to inhibit proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), tentatively identified as non-protein coding RNA, are transcripts more than 200nt in length and accounting for 98% of the whole genome of human being. Accumulating evidence showed aberrant expressions of lncRNAs are strongly correlated to the development of cancers. In this study, AF113014 is a new lncRNA identified from Microarray. We found AF113014 is differentially expressed between HCC cell lines and normal hepatocytes. Functionally, AF113014 inhibited proliferation of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo, whereas the opposite effect was observed when AF113014 knockdown. Moreover, we identified that Egr2, a tumor suppressor gene, was a downstream target gene of AF113014. Furthermore, we discovered that AF113014 up-regulated Egr2 expression through interacting with miR-20a by using dual-luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. Our data provides a new insight for understanding the mechanisms of HCC.

Quantitative proteomics reveals Piccolo as a candidate serological correlate of recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune-mediated peripheral neuropathy of unknown cause. However, about a quarter of GBS patients have suffered a recent bacterial or viral infection, and axonal forms of the disease are especially common in these patients. Proteomics is a good methodological approach for the discovery of disease biomarkers. Until recently, most proteomics studies of GBS and other neurodegenerative diseases have focused on the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, serum represents an attractive alternative to CSF because it is easier to sample and has potential for biomarker discovery. The goal of this research was the identification of serum biomarkers associated with recovery from GBS. To address this objective, a quantitative proteomics approach was used to characterize differences in the serum proteome between a GBS patient and her healthy identical twin in order to lessen variations due to differences in genetic background, and with additional serum samples collected from unrelated GBS (N = 3) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) (N = 3) patients with similar medications. Proteomics results were then validated by ELISA using sera from additional GBS patients (N = 5) and healthy individuals (N = 3). All GBS and SCI patients were recovering from the acute phase of the disease. The results showed that Piccolo, a protein that is essential in the maintenance of active zone structure, constitutes a potential serological correlate of recovery from GBS. These results provided the first evidence for the Piccolo´s putative role in GBS, suggesting a candidate target for developing a serological marker of disease recovery.