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BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Macrophages exhibit a spectrum of behaviors upon activation and are generally classified as one of two types: inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2). Tracking these...
Macrophages exhibit a spectrum of behaviors upon activation and are generally classified as one of two types: inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2). Tracking these phenotypes in living cells can provide insight into immune function, but remains a challenging pursuit. Existing methods are mostly limited to static readouts or difficult to employ for multiplexed imaging in complex 3D environments while maintaining cellular resolution. We aimed to fill this void using bioluminescent technologies. Here we report genetically engineered luciferase reporters for long-term monitoring of macrophage polarization via spectral phasor analysis. M1- and M2-specific promoters were used to drive the expression of bioluminescent enzymes in macrophage cell lines. The readouts were multiplexed and discernable in both 2D and 3D formats with single cell resolution in living samples. Collectively, this work expands the toolbox of methods for monitoring macrophage polarization and provides a blueprint for monitoring other multifaceted networks in heterogeneous environments.
PubMed: 38915606
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.598305 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, yet the etiology is poorly understood. We previously...
BACKGROUND
Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, yet the etiology is poorly understood. We previously found that serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) regulate epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-dependent sodium entry into monocyte-derived antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and activation of NADPH oxidase, leading to the formation of isolevuglandins (IsoLGs) in SSBP. Whereas aldosterone via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activates SGK1 leading to hypertension, our past findings indicate that levels of plasma aldosterone do not correlate with SSBP, and there is little to no MR expression in APCs. Thus, we hypothesized that cortisol acting via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), not the MR in APCs mediates SGK1 actions to induce SSBP.
METHODS
We performed cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-Seq) analysis on peripheral blood mononuclear cells of humans rigorously phenotyped for SSBP using an inpatient salt loading/depletion protocol to determine expression of MR, GR, and SGK1 in immune cells. In additional experiments, we performed bulk transcriptomic analysis on isolated human monocytes following treatment with high salt from a separate cohort. We then measured urine and plasma cortisol, cortisone, renin, and aldosterone. Subsequently, we measured the association of these hormones with changes in systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure as well as immune cell activation via IsoLG formation.
RESULTS
We found that myeloid APCs predominantly express the GR and SGK1 with no expression of the MR. Expression of the GR in APCs increased after salt loading and decreased with salt depletion in salt-sensitive but not salt-resistant people and was associated with increased expression of . Moreover, we found that plasma and urine cortisol/cortisone but not aldosterone/renin correlated with SSBP and APCs activation via IsoLGs. We also found that cortisol negatively correlates with EETs.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that renal cortisol signaling via the GR but not the MR in APCs contributes to SSBP via cortisol. Urine and plasma cortisol may provide an important currently unavailable feasible diagnostic tool for SSBP. Moreover, cortisol-GR-SGK1-ENaC signaling pathway may provide treatment options for SSBP.
NOVELTY AND RELEVANCE
Although salt sensitivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the mechanisms underlying the salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) are poorly understood.High salt modifies glucocorticoid-receptor expression in antigen-presenting cells (APCs), suggesting a critical role of glucocorticoids in SSBP. Elevated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression compared to mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression in APCs provides evidence for a GR-dependent pathway to SSBP. Isolevuglandins (IsoLGs) increased in APCs after hydrocortisone treatment compared to aldosterone treatment, indicating that cortisol was the predominant driver of IsoLG production in these cells. Our studies suggest a mechanism for expression through GR activation by cortisol that differs from the currently accepted mechanism for SSBP pathogenesis. Although aldosterone has been used to study SSBP, there has been no consideration of cortisol as a major driver of the condition.Understanding alternative inflammatory pathways that affect SSBP may provide insights into the mechanism of SSBP and suggest a range of therapeutic targets.Our studies may provide a practical approach to understanding and treating salt-sensitive hypertension. Our findings firmly support a GR-dependent signaling pathway for activating SSBP via expression. A cortisol-driven mechanism could provide a practical approach for targeted treatments for salt-sensitive hypertension. Moreover, it could pave the way for a diagnostic approach.
PubMed: 38915603
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.598374 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024ECHS1 Deficiency (ECHS1D) is a rare and devastating pediatric disease that currently has no defined treatments. This disorder results from missense loss-of-function...
ECHS1 Deficiency (ECHS1D) is a rare and devastating pediatric disease that currently has no defined treatments. This disorder results from missense loss-of-function mutations in the gene that result in severe developmental delays, encephalopathy, hypotonia, and early death. ECHS1 enzymatic activity is necessary for the beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the oxidation of branched-chain amino acids within the inner mitochondrial matrix. The pathogenesis of disease remains unknown, however it is hypothesized that disease is driven by an accumulation of toxic metabolites from impaired valine oxidation. To expand our knowledge on disease mechanisms, a novel mouse model of ECHS1D was generated that possesses a disease-associated knock-in (KI) allele and a knock-out (KO) allele. To investigate the behavioral phenotype, a battery of testing was performed at multiple time points, which included assessments of learning, motor function, endurance, sensory responses, and anxiety. Neurological abnormalities were assessed using wireless telemetry EEG recordings, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizure induction, and immunohistochemistry. Metabolic perturbations were measured within the liver, serum, and brain using mass spectrometry and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To test disease mechanisms, mice were subjected to disease pathway stressors and then survival, body weight gain, and epilepsy were assessed. Mice containing KI/KI or KI/KO alleles were viable with normal development and survival, and the presence of KI and KO alleles resulted in a significant reduction in ECHS1 protein. ECHS1D mice displayed reduced exercise capacity and pain sensation. EEG analysis revealed increased slow wave power that was associated with perturbations in sleep. ECHS1D mice had significantly increased epileptiform EEG discharges, and were sensitive to seizure induction, which resulted in death of 60% of ECHS1D mice. Under basal conditions, brain structure was grossly normal, although histological analysis revealed increased microglial activation in aged ECHS1D mice. Increased dietary valine only affected ECHS1D mice, which significantly exacerbated seizure susceptibility and resulted in death. Lastly, acute inflammatory challenge drove regression and early lethality in ECHS1D mice. In conclusion, we developed a novel model of ECHS1D that may be used to further knowledge on disease mechanisms and to develop therapeutics. Our data suggests altered metabolic signaling and inflammation may contribute to epilepsy in ECHS1D, and these alterations may be attributed to impaired valine metabolism.
PubMed: 38915588
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598697 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024PARP1 (ARTD1) and Tankyrases (TNKS1/TNKS2; PARP5a/5b) are poly-ADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs) with catalytic and non-catalytic functions that regulate both the genome...
PARP1 (ARTD1) and Tankyrases (TNKS1/TNKS2; PARP5a/5b) are poly-ADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs) with catalytic and non-catalytic functions that regulate both the genome and proteome during zygotic genome activation (ZGA), totipotent, and pluripotent embryonic stages. Here, we show that primed, conventional human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) cultured continuously under non-specific TNKS1/TNKS2/PARP1-inhibited chemical naive reversion conditions underwent epigenetic reprogramming to clonal blastomere-like stem cells. TIRN stem cells concurrently expressed hundreds of gene targets of the ZGA-priming pioneer factor DUX4, as well as a panoply of four-cell (4C)-specific (e.g., TPRXL, HOX clusters), eight-cell (8C)-specific (e.g., DUXA, GSC, GATA6), primitive endoderm-specific (e.g., GATA4, SOX17), trophectoderm-specific (e.g., CDX2, TFAP2C), and naive epiblast-specific (e.g., DNMT3L, NANOG, POU5F1(OCT4)) factors; all in a hybrid, combinatorial single-cell manner. Mapping of proteomic and single-cell expressions of TIRN cells against human preimplantation embryo references identified them as relatively homogenous 4C-8C stage populations. Injection of TIRN cells into murine 8C-16C-staged embryos resulted in efficient totipotent-like single cell contributions of human cells to both extra-embryonic (trophectoderm, placenta) and embryonic (neural, fetal liver, hematopoietic) lineages in human-murine blastocyst and fetal chimeras. Pairing of proteome with ubiquitinome analyses of TIRN cells revealed a global shutdown of ADP-ribosylation, and a perturbed TNKS/PARP1 equilibrium which not only impacted the protein levels of hundreds of TNKS/PARP1 substrates via a rewiring of the ubiquitin-proteosome system (UPS), but also de-repressed expression of hundreds of developmental genes associated with PARP1 suppression. ChIP-Seq analysis of core NANOG-SOX2-OCT4 (NSO) pluripotency factors in TIRN cells identified reprogrammed DUX4-accessible distal and cis-regulatory enhancer regions that were co-bound by PARP1 (NSOP). These NSOP enhancer regions possessed co-binding motifs for hundreds of the same ZGA-associated, embryonic, and extraembryonic lineage-specifying pioneer factors (e.g., HOX, FOX, GATA, SOX, TBX, CDX families) that were concurrently co-expressed in TIRN cells; suggesting that PARP1 and DUX4 cooperate with NSO pluripotency core factors to regulate the epigenetic plasticity of a human totipotency program. These findings provide the first demonstration that global, proteome-wide perturbations of post-translational modifications (i.e., ADP-ribosylation, ubiquitination) can regulate epigenetic reprogramming during human embryogenesis. Totipotent TIRN stem cells will provide a valuable cell culture model for studying the proteogenomic regulation of lineage specification from human blastomere stages and may facilitate the efficient generation of human organs in interspecies chimeras.
PubMed: 38915486
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.598510 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal disease characterized by the TGF-β-dependent activation of lung fibroblasts, leading to excessive deposition of collagen...
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal disease characterized by the TGF-β-dependent activation of lung fibroblasts, leading to excessive deposition of collagen proteins and progressive replacement of healthy lung with scar tissue. We and others have shown that fibroblast activation is supported by metabolic reprogramming, including the upregulation of the synthesis of glycine, the most abundant amino acid found in collagen protein. How fibroblast metabolic reprogramming is regulated downstream of TGF-β is incompletely understood. We and others have shown that TGF-β-mediated activation of the Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) and downstream upregulation of Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) promote increased expression of the enzymes required for glycine synthesis; however, whether mTOR and ATF4 regulate other metabolic pathways in lung fibroblasts has not been explored. Here, we used RNA sequencing to determine how both ATF4 and mTOR regulate gene expression in human lung fibroblasts following TGF-β. We found that ATF4 primarily regulates enzymes and transporters involved in amino acid homeostasis as well as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. mTOR inhibition resulted not only in the loss of ATF4 target gene expression, but also in the reduced expression of glycolytic enzymes and mitochondrial electron transport chain subunits. Analysis of TGF-β-induced changes in cellular metabolite levels confirmed that ATF4 regulates amino acid homeostasis in lung fibroblasts while mTOR also regulates glycolytic and TCA cycle metabolites. We further analyzed publicly available single cell RNAseq data sets and found increased expression of ATF4 and mTOR metabolic targets in pathologic fibroblast populations from the lungs of IPF patients. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in lung fibroblasts and highlight novel ATF4 and mTOR-dependent pathways that may be targeted to inhibit fibrotic processes.
PubMed: 38915485
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598694 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is a significant concern following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. While previous research has highlighted the anti-CMV...
BACKGROUND
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is a significant concern following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. While previous research has highlighted the anti-CMV reactivation effect of γδ T cells in immunocompromised transplant patients, their characterization in recipients at high risk of CMV reactivation remains limited.
METHODS
This study focused on D+/R+ recipients (where both donor and recipient are CMV seropositive) at high risk of CMV reactivation. We analyzed 28 patients who experienced CMV recurrence within 100 days post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, along with 36 matched recipients who did not experience CMV recurrence. Clinical data from both groups were compared, and risk factors for CMV reactivation were identified. Additionally, CMV viral load was measured, and flow cytometric analysis was conducted to assess changes in peripheral blood γδ T cell proportions, subpopulation distribution, and differentiation status. We also analyzed the CDR3 repertoire of the TCR δ chain in different γδ T cell subsets. Functional analysis was performed by measuring the lysis of CMV-infected cells upon stimulation.
RESULTS
CMV reactivation post-transplantation was associated with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) and reactivation of non-CMV herpesviruses. Notably, CMV reactivation led to sustained expansion of γδ T cells, primarily within the Vδ2 γδ T cell subpopulation, with a trend toward differentiation from Naive to effector memory cells. Analysis of the δ chain CDR3 repertoire revealed a delay in the reconstitution of clonal diversity in Vδ2 γδ T cells following CMV reactivation, while Vδ2 T cells remained unaffected. Upon stimulation with CMV-infected MRC5 cells, the Vδ2 γδ T cell subpopulation emerged as the primary effector cell group producing IFN-γ and capable of lysing CMV-infected cells. Moreover, our findings suggest that NKG2D is not necessary involved in Vδ2 γδ T cell-mediated anti-CMV cytotoxicity.
CONCLUSION
This study provides novel insights into the role of γδ T cells in the immune response to CMV reactivation in transplantation recipients at high risk of CMV infection. Specifically, the Vδ2 γδ T cell subpopulation appears to be closely associated with CMV reactivation, underscoring their potential role in controlling infection and reflecting CMV reactivation in HSCT patients.
Topics: Humans; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Male; Cytomegalovirus; Virus Activation; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; Transplantation, Homologous; Graft vs Host Disease; Young Adult; Memory T Cells; Aged
PubMed: 38915409
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397483 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Jun 2024Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with radiographic damage is more prevalent in men than in women. IL-17, which is mainly secreted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells...
BACKGROUND
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with radiographic damage is more prevalent in men than in women. IL-17, which is mainly secreted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), plays an important role in the development of AS. Its expression is different between male and female. However, it is still unclear whether sex dimorphism of IL-17 contribute to sex differences in AS.
METHODS
GSE221786, GSE73754, GSE25101, GSE181364 and GSE205812 datasets were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed with the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) methods. CIBERSORTx and EcoTyper algorithms were used for immune infiltration analyses. Machine learning based on the XGBoost algorithm model was used to identify the impact of DEGs. The Connectivity Map (CMAP) database was used as a drug discovery tool for exploring potential drugs based on the DEGs.
RESULTS
According to immune infiltration analyses, T cells accounted for the largest proportion of IL-17-secreting PBMCs, and KEGG analyses suggested an enhanced activation of mast cells among male AS patients, whereas the expression of TNF was higher in female AS patients. Other signaling pathways, including those involving metastasis-associated 1 family member 3 (MAT3) or proteasome, were found to be more activated in male AS patients. Regarding metabolic patterns, oxidative phosphorylation pathways and lipid oxidation were significantly upregulated in male AS patients. In XGBoost algorithm model, DEGs including METRN and TMC4 played important roles in the disease process. we integrated the CMAP database for systematic analyses of polypharmacology and drug repurposing, which indicated that atorvastatin, famciclocir, ATN-161 and taselisib may be applicable to the treatment of AS.
CONCLUSIONS
We analyzed the sex dimorphism of IL-17-secreting PBMCs in AS. The results showed that mast cell activation was stronger in males, while the expression of TNF was higher in females. In addition, through machine learning and the CMAP database, we found that genes such as METRN and TMC4 may promote the development of AS, and drugs such as atorvastatin potentially could be used for AS treatment.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Interleukin-17; Spondylitis, Ankylosing; Machine Learning; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Sex Characteristics; Computational Biology; Databases, Genetic; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 38914997
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07589-6 -
BMC Cancer Jun 2024Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Inhibitor of kappa B kinase interacting protein (IKBIP) has been reported to...
BACKGROUND
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Inhibitor of kappa B kinase interacting protein (IKBIP) has been reported to promote glioma progression, but its role in other cancers remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of IKBIP and its underlying molecular mechanisms in ESCC.
METHODS
The mRNA expression of IKBIP was analyzed using multiple cancer databases. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect IKBIP protein expression in ESCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, and Kaplan‒Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were carried out. The effects of IKBIP knockdown (or overexpression) on ESCC cells were detected by cell viability, cell migration, flow cytometry and Western blot assays. LY-294002 was used to validate the activation of the AKT signaling pathway by IKBIP. Finally, the role of IKBIP in ESCC was verified in a xenograft model.
RESULTS
Both bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry indicated that IKBIP expression in ESCC tissues was significantly increased and was associated with the prognosis of ESCC patients. In vitro experiments revealed that IKBIP knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, and induced cell apoptosis and G1/S phase arrest. Molecular mechanism results showed that the AKT signaling pathway was further activated after IKBIP overexpression, thereby increasing the proliferation and migration abilities of ESCC cells. In vivo study confirmed that IKBIP promoted the initiation and development of ESCC tumors in mice.
CONCLUSIONS
IKBIP plays a tumor-promoting role in ESCC and may serve as a predictive biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
Topics: Humans; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Animals; Esophageal Neoplasms; Signal Transduction; Mice; Cell Proliferation; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Female; Male; Apoptosis; Prognosis; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Mice, Nude; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Middle Aged; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
PubMed: 38914958
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12510-4 -
BMC Gastroenterology Jun 2024Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant global health challenge with high incidence and mortality rates. T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are...
BACKGROUND
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant global health challenge with high incidence and mortality rates. T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal in this context, yet HCC can evade immune surveillance. CD161 (KLRB1), a C-type lectin receptor, modulates immune responses and is expressed on NK cells and a subset of T cells. Its relevance in HCC remains poorly understood, with conflicting findings regarding its impact on patient prognosis.
METHODS
Utilizing TCGA data and single-cell analysis, we investigated the biological functions of KLRB1 in HCC. Peripheral blood samples from 126 HCC patients were collected to assess KLRB1 expression on NK and T cells. The diagnostic performance of KLRB1 on NK and CD8 + T cells was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, while its prognostic significance was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and COX regression models.
RESULTS
Analysis of TCGA data revealed a significant correlation between KLRB1 expression and immune activation, particularly T cell activation. Single-cell data further demonstrated elevated KLRB1 expression in tissue-resident NK and T cells within HCC, which co-expressed markers of immune activation. Clinical data showed downregulated KLRB1 expression on NK and T cells in HCC patients compared to health individuals, with lower expression levels correlating with poorer prognosis.
CONCLUSION
KLRB1 emerges as a promising biomarker in HCC, with its downregulation on peripheral blood NK and T cells suggesting potential prognostic value. Further elucidation of KLRB1's role in HCC may pave the way for the development of targeted immunotherapies and the improvement of patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Killer Cells, Natural; Prognosis; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Biomarkers, Tumor; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Aged; Single-Cell Analysis; ROC Curve; Lymphocyte Activation; Down-Regulation
PubMed: 38914941
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03299-4 -
Cell Death & Disease Jun 2024Endocrine resistance poses a significant clinical challenge for patients with hormone receptor-positive and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2-negative...
Endocrine resistance poses a significant clinical challenge for patients with hormone receptor-positive and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR + HER2-) breast cancer. Dysregulation of estrogen receptor (ER) and ERBB signaling pathways is implicated in resistance development; however, the integration of these pathways remains unclear. While SMAD4 is known to play diverse roles in tumorigenesis, its involvement in endocrine resistance is poorly understood. Here, we investigate the role of SMAD4 in acquired endocrine resistance in HR + HER2- breast cancer. Genome-wide CRISPR screening identifies SMAD4 as a regulator of 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHT) sensitivity in T47D cells. Clinical data analysis reveals downregulated SMAD4 expression in breast cancer tissues, correlating with poor prognosis. Following endocrine therapy, SMAD4 expression is further suppressed. Functional studies demonstrate that SMAD4 depletion induces endocrine resistance in vitro and in vivo by enhancing ER and ERBB signaling. Concomitant inhibition of ER and ERBB signaling leads to aberrant autophagy activation. Simultaneous inhibition of ER, ERBB, and autophagy pathways synergistically impacts SMAD4-depleted cells. Our findings unveil a mechanism whereby endocrine therapy-induced SMAD4 downregulation drives acquired resistance by integrating ER and ERBB signaling and suggest a rational treatment strategy for endocrine-resistant HR + HER2- breast cancer patients.
Topics: Humans; Smad4 Protein; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Signal Transduction; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Receptor, ErbB-2; Receptors, Estrogen; Cell Line, Tumor; Animals; Tamoxifen; Mice; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Mice, Nude; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Autophagy; ErbB Receptors
PubMed: 38914552
DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06838-9