FN1 Expression Research Articles

Epithelial CEBPD activates fibronectin and enhances macrophage adhesion in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a cause of acute kidney injury in patients after renal transplantation and leads to high morbidity and mortality. Damaged kidney resident cells release cytokines and chemokines, which rapidly recruit leukocytes. Fibronectin (FN-1) contributes to immune cell migration, adhesion and growth in inflamed tissues. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta is responsive to inflammatory cytokines and stresses and plays functional roles in cell motility, extracellular matrix production and immune responses. We found that the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta was increased in renal epithelial cells in IRI mice compared with sham mice. Following IRI, the colocalization of FN-1 with the macrophage marker F4/80 was increased in renal injury model wild-type mice but was significantly attenuated in Cebpd-deficient mice. Inactivation of CEBPD can repress hypoxia-induced FN-1 expression in HK-2 cells. Moreover, the inactivation of CEBPD and FN-1 also reduces macrophage accumulation in HK-2 cells. These findings suggest that the involvement of CEBPD in macrophage accumulation through the activation of FN-1 expression and the inhibition of CEBPD can protect against renal IRI.

Exploring Programmed Cell Death-Related Biomarkers and Disease Therapy Strategy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using Transcriptomics.

Uncontrolled cellular proliferation may result in the progression of diseases such as cancer that promote organism death. Programmed cell death (PCD) is an important mechanism that ensures the quality and quantity of cells, which could be developed as a potential biomarker for disease diagnosis and treatment. RNA-seq data and clinical information of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and 1548 PCD-related genes were collected. We used the "limma" package to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The STRING database was used for protein interaction analysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and support vector machines (SVMs) regression analyses were used to identify biomarkers. Then, the timeROC package was used for classifier efficiency assessment, and the "CIBERSORT" package was used for immune infiltration analysis. Wound healing and transwell migration assay were performed to evaluate migration and invasion. We identified 800 DEGs between our control and NPC patient groups, in which 59 genes appeared to be PCD-related DEGs, with their function closely associated with NPC progression, including activation of the PI3K-Akt, TGF-β, and IL-17 signaling pathways. Furthermore, based on the STRING database, Cytoscape and six algorithms were employed to screen 16 important genes (GAPDH, FN1, IFNG, PTGS2, CXCL1, MYC, MUC1, LTF, S100A8, CAV1, CDK4, EZH2, AURKA, IL33, S100A9, and MIF). Subsequently, two reliably characterized biomarkers, FN1 and MUC1, were obtained from the Lasso and SVM analyses. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that both biomarkers had area under the curve (AUC) values higher than 0.9. Meanwhile, the enrichment analysis showed that in NPC patients, the FN1 and MUC1 expression levels correlated with programmed cell death-related pathways. The enrichment analysis and cellular experimental results indicated that FN1 and MUC1 were overexpressed in NPC cells and associated with programmed cell death-related pathways. Importantly, FN1 and MUC1 severely affected the ability of NPC cells to migrate, invade, and undergo apoptosis. Finally, medroxyprogesterone acetate and 8-Bromo-cAMP acted as drug molecules for the docking of FN1 and MUC1 molecules, respectively, and had binding capacities of -9.17 and -7.27 kcal/mol, respectively. We examined the PCD-related phenotypes and screened FN1 and MUC1 as reliable biomarkers of NPC; our findings may promote the development of NPC treatment strategy.

Apical expansion of calvarial osteoblasts and suture patency is dependent on fibronectin cues.

The skull roof, or calvaria, is comprised of interlocking plates of bones that encase the brain. Separating these bones are fibrous sutures that permit growth. Currently, we do not understand the instructions for directional growth of the calvaria, a process which is error-prone and can lead to skeletal deficiencies or premature suture fusion (craniosynostosis, CS). Here, we identify graded expression of fibronectin (FN1) in the mouse embryonic cranial mesenchyme (CM) that precedes the apical expansion of calvaria. Conditional deletion of Fn1 or Wasl leads to diminished frontal bone expansion by altering cell shape and focal actin enrichment, respectively, suggesting defective migration of calvarial progenitors. Interestingly, Fn1 mutants have premature fusion of coronal sutures. Consistently, syndromic forms of CS in humans exhibit dysregulated FN1 expression, and we also find FN1 expression altered in a mouse CS model of Apert syndrome. These data support a model of FN1 as a directional substrate for calvarial osteoblast migration that may be a common mechanism underlying many cranial disorders of disparate genetic etiologies.

The Effect of HMGB1 and HMGB2 on Transcriptional Regulation Differs in Neuroendocrine and Adenocarcinoma Models of Prostate Cancer.

Human high-mobility group-B (HMGB) proteins regulate gene expression in prostate cancer (PCa), a leading cause of oncological death in men. Their role in aggressive PCa cancers, which do not respond to hormonal treatment, was analyzed. The effects of HMGB1 and HMGB2 silencing upon the expression of genes previously related to PCa were studied in the PCa cell line PC-3 (selected as a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, SCNC, PCa model not responding to hormonal treatment). A total of 72% of genes analyzed, using pre-designed primer panels, were affected. HMGB1 behaved mostly as a repressor, but HMGB2 as an activator. Changes in SERPINE1, CDK1, ZWINT, and FN1 expression were validated using qRT-PCR after HMGB1 silencing or overexpression in PC-3 and LNCaP (selected as an adenocarcinoma model of PCa responding to hormonal treatment) cell lines. Similarly, the regulatory role of HMGB2 upon SERPINE1, ZWINT, FN1, IGFPB3, and TYMS expression was validated, finding differences between cell lines. The correlation between the expression of HMGB1, HMGB2, and their targets was analyzed in PCa patient samples and also in PCa subgroups, classified as neuroendocrine positive or negative, in public databases. These results allow a better understanding of the role of HMGB proteins in PCa and contribute to find specific biomarkers for aggressive PCa.

Myocardin regulates fibronectin expression and secretion from human pleural mesothelial cells.

During the progression of pleural fibrosis, pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) undergo a phenotype switching process known as mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MesoMT). During MesoMT, transformed PMCs become myofibroblasts that produce increased extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including collagen and fibronectin (FN1) that is critical to develop fibrosis. Here, we studied the mechanism that regulates FN1 expression in myofibroblasts derived from human pleural mesothelial cells (HPMCs). We found that myocardin (Myocd), a transcriptional coactivator of serum response factor (SRF) and a master regulator of smooth muscle and cardiac muscle differentiation, strongly controls FN1 gene expression. Myocd gene silencing markedly inhibited FN1 expression. FN1 promoter analysis revealed that deletion of the Smad3-binding element diminished FN1 promoter activity, whereas deletion of the putative SRF-binding element increased FN1 promoter activity. Smad3 gene silencing decreased FN1 expression, whereas SRF gene silencing increased FN1 expression. Moreover, SRF competes with Smad3 for binding to Myocd. These results indicate that Myocd activates FN1 expression through Smad3, whereas SRF inhibits FN1 expression in HPMCs. In HPMCs, TGF-β induced Smad3 nuclear localization, and the proximity ligation signal between Myocd and Smad3 was markedly increased after TGF-β stimulation at nucleus, suggesting that TGF-β facilitates nuclear translocation of Smad3 and interaction between Smad3 and Myocd. Moreover, Myocd and Smad3 were coimmunoprecipitated and isolated Myocd and Smad3 proteins directly bound each other. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Myocd interacts with the FN1 promoter at the Smad3-binding consensus sequence. The results indicate that Myocd regulates FN1 gene activation through interaction and activation of the Smad3 transcription factor.NEW & NOTEWORTHY During phenotype switching from mesothelial to mesenchymal, pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) produce extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including collagen and fibronectin (FN1), critical components in the development of fibrosis. Here, we found that myocardin, a transcriptional coactivator of serum response factor (SRF), strongly activates FN1 expression through Smad3, whereas SRF inhibits FN1 expression. This study provides insights about the regulation of FN1 that could lead to the development of novel interventional approaches to prevent pleural fibrosis.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals hub genes of myocardial infarction-associated endothelial cells

BackgroundMyocardial infarction (MI) is a cardiovascular disease that seriously threatens human health. Dysangiogenesis of endothelial cells (ECs) primarily inhibits recovery from MI, but the specific mechanism remains to be further elucidated.MethodsIn this study, the single-cell RNA-sequencing data from both MI and Sham mice were analyzed by the Seurat Package (3.2.2). The number of ECs in MI and Sham groups were compared by PCA and tSNE algorithm. FindMarkers function of Seurat was used to analyze the DEGs between the MI and Sham groups. Then, the ECs was further clustered into 8 sub-clusters for trajectory analysis. The BEAM was used to analyze the branch point 3 and cluster the results. In addition, the DEGs in the microarray data set of MI and Sham mice were cross-linked, and the cross-linked genes were used to construct PPI networks. The key genes with the highest degree were identified and analyzed for functional enrichment. Finally, this study cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), established hypoxia models, and interfered with hub gene expression in cells. The impact of hub genes on the migration and tube formation of hypoxic-induced HUVECs were verified by Wound healing assays and tubule formation experiments.ResultsThe number and proportion of ECs in the MI group were significantly lower than those in the Sham group. Meantime, 225 DEGs were found in ECs between the MI and Sham groups. Through trajectory analysis, EC4 was found to play an important role in MI. Then, by using BEAM to analyze the branch point 3, and clustering the results, a total of 495 genes were found to be highly expressed in cell Fate2 (mainly EC4). In addition, a total of 194 DEGs were identified in Micro array dataset containing both MI and Sham mice. The hub genes (Timp1 and Fn1) with the highest degree were identified. Inhibiting Timp1 and Fn1 expression promoted the migration and tube formation of HUVECs.ConclusionsOur data highlighted the non-linear dynamics of ECs in MI, and provided a foothold for analyzing cardiac homeostasis and pro-angiogenesis in MI.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals association of aberrant placental trophoblasts and FN1 reduction in late-onset fetal growth restriction

IntroductionFetal growth restriction (FGR) can lead to fetal mental development abnormalities, malformations, and even intrauterine death. Defects in the trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface may contribute to FGR. However, the impact of trophoblasts on FGR is still not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study is to characterize the heterogeneity of placental cells at the single-cell level and investigate the role of trophoblast subtypes in the pathogenesis of FGR at the cellular and molecular levels. MethodsSingle-cell RNA sequencing was performed on the maternal side of placentas from two normal pregnant women and two pregnant women with FGR. Lentivirus transfection was used to establish a FN1 knockout model in trophoblast HTR-8-Svneo cells. The effect of FN1 knockout on cell migration and invasion of HTR-8-Svneo cells was assessed through wound healing and transwell assays. ResultsNine cell types were annotated in 39,161 cells derived from single-cell RNA sequencing. The FGR group exhibited a decrease in the percentage of trophoblasts, especially in subtype of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). The expression of FN1 was reduced in trophoblasts and EVTs. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of FN1 in the placentas of FGR patients were significantly lower than those of normal pregnant women. The cell migration and invasion ability of HTR-8-Svneo cells were inhibited after the knockdown of FN1. DiscussionThe dysregulation of the trophoblast subtype-EVTs is involved in placental dysplasia related to FGR. The association between aberrant placental trophoblasts and reduced FN1 expression may contribute to insufficient remodeling of spiral arteries and the formation of FGR.

Effects of low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation on proliferation and gene expression in primary gingival fibroblasts isolated from mouse maxilla.

We investigated the effects of low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation on proliferation and alternations in early gene expression of gingival fibroblasts. Mice primary gingival fibroblasts were irradiated with an Er:YAG laser (1.8, 3.9, and 5.8 J/cm2 ). Irradiation at 3.9 J/cm2 promoted cell proliferation without significant changes in lactate dehydrogenase or Hspa1a expression. Three hours after irradiation at 3.9 J/cm2 , the Fn1 expression level was significantly increased. RNA-seq identified 15 differentially expressed genes between irradiated and non-irradiated cells, some of which belonged to immediate early genes (IEGs). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated MAPK pathway enhancement, and gene set enrichment analysis showed enrichment in the TGF-β signaling gene set. Enhanced proliferation via laser irradiation disappeared upon inhibition of Dusp4, Dusp5, and Tgfr1 expression. Low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation, especially at 3.9 J/cm2 without a major temperature elevation, enhanced fibroblast proliferation, via TGF-β and the MAPK signaling pathway following IEG expression.

Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction of Active Ingredient and Mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng Coupled- Herbs Against Diabetic Neuropathic Pain

Background: Diabetic neuropathic pain seriously affects the quality of a patient’s life. To predict molecular mechanism based on network pharmacology and verify the interaction between the active ingredient of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng coupled-herbs (AP) and target genes related to Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) molecular docking assay was performed. AP and their target genes related to DNP were analyzed based on network pharmacology followed by experimental validation. Methods: TCMSP, PubMed and CNKI websites were used to acquire active components in AP. OMIM, DrugBank database and DisGeNET database were used to collect and analyze target genes related to DNP. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and gene ontology (GO) analysis were conducted in the DAVID database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network model was constructed by introducing the selected components-disease common target into the string database. Auto- Dock Vina 1.1.2 was used to dock receptor proteins with small ligand molecules. VonFrey’s statement was used to detect mechanical allodynia of DNP rats. Potential targets were detected by Western blot assay. Results: We decided that 22 and 9 chemical compositions possessed the fair ability of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng, respectively. These active compositions act on 70 target genes related to DNP. The core gene in the protein-protein interaction network are CAT, ESR1, HMOX1, IL1β, IL6, NFE2L2, NOS2, PPARG, PTGS2 and TNF, etc. Furthermore, GO, and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that DNP related target genes regulated by AP exist in multiple signaling pathways, including insulin resistance, PI3K-Akt signaling, HIF-1 signaling pathway, Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway etc. AP inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia and reduced SERPINE1, FN1, IL1β, and IL6 expression of diabetic neuropathic rats in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: We first confirm that AP possess an anti-DNP effect through multiple signaling pathways based on network pharmacology. These results provide a theoretical basis for us to further research on the molecular mechanism of AP in the treatment of DNP.

Long Non-Coding RNA Dancr Affects Myocardial Fibrosis in Atrial Fibrillation Mice via the MicroRNA-146b-5p/Smad5 Axis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia, and myocardial fibrosis (MF) has a close association with atrial remodeling and leads to AF. This study aimed to explore the function of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (Dancr)/microRNA (miR)-146b-5p/Smad5 axis on MF in AF mice. AF mouse models were established. Overexpression Dancr lentivirus was injected into AF mice to increase Dancr expression in myocardial tissues. LncRNA Dancr, miR-146b-5p, and Smad5 expression levels and inflammatory factors (IL-18 and TNF-α) in the myocardial tissues were measured. MF was measured and the expression levels of MF-related genes (COL1A1, α-SMA, and FN1) were detected. In addition, in vitro HL-1 cell rapid pacing models were constructed, and after lncRNA Dancr and miR-146b-5p-related construct transfection, cell viability and cell apoptosis were determined. LncRNA Dancr up-regulation ameliorated MF in the AF mice, reduced IL-18 and TNF-α expression levels in myocardial tissues, and decreased COL1A1, α-SMA, and FN1 expression levels. The in vitro HL-1 cell rapid pacing models suggested that miR-146b-5p overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of lncRNA Dancr overexpression on MF in HL-1 cells, and Smad5 interference reversed the ameliorative effects of miR-146b-5p interference on MF in HL-1 cells. LncRNA Dancr can sponge miR-146b-5p to promote Smad5 expression, thereby delaying MF in AF mice.

Small extracellular vesicles from irradiated lung epithelial cells promote the activation of fibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis

Background Alveolar epithelial injury and dysfunction are the risk factors for radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF). However, it is not clear about the relationship between RIPF and the small extracellular vesicles (sEV) secreted by irradiated alveolar epithelial cells. Based on the activation of fibroblasts, this study explored the role of sEV derived from alveolar epithelial cells in RIPF and the potential mechanisms. Methods Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blotting were used to characterize sEV. Western blotting was used to detect fibrosis-associated proteins. Cell counts and transwell assays were used to evaluate the proliferation and migration ability of fibroblasts. RT-PCR was used to observe the extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesized by fibroblasts, miRNA changes in the sEV were determined by second-generation sequencing. Results TEM, NTA, and western blotting showed the extracellular vesicles with a double-layer membrane structure of approximately 100 nm in diameter. The sEV derived from irradiated A549, HBEC3-KT, and MLE12 cells upregulated FN1 and alpha-SMA proteins expression in fibroblasts and drove the fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, and the sEV from irradiated mouse bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) affirmed the same results. In addition, the sEV derived from irradiated alveolar epithelial cells significantly increased the migration ability of fibroblasts and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins such as FN1. The results of miRNA sequencing of sEV in BALF of rats with RIPF showed that the metabolic pathway may be important for miRNA to regulate the activation of fibroblasts. Conclusion The sEV derived from radiated pulmonary epithelial cells promote the activation, migration and extracellular matrix proteins expression of lung fibroblasts; miRNA in sEV may be an important molecular that affects the activation of lung fibroblasts.

Substrate Stiffness of Bone Microenvironment Controls Functions of Pre-Osteoblasts and Fibroblasts In Vitro.

The formation of bone in a bone defect is accomplished by osteoblasts, while the over activation of fibroblasts promotes fibrosis. However, it is not clear how the extracellular matrix stiffness of the bone-regeneration microenvironment affects the function of osteoblasts and fibroblasts. This study aim to investigate the effect of bone-regeneration microenvironment stiffness on cell adhesion, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, synthesizing matrix ability and its potential mechanisms in mechanotransduction, in pre-osteoblasts and fibroblasts. Polyacrylamide substrates mimicking the matrix stiffness of different stages of the bone-healing process (15 kPa, mimic granulation tissue; 35 kPa, mimic osteoid; 150 kPa, mimic calcified bone matrix) were prepared. Mouse pre-osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 and mouse fibroblasts NIH3T3 were plated on three types of substrates, respectively. There were significant differences in the adhesion of pre-osteoblasts and fibroblasts on different polyacrylamide substrates. Runx2 expression increased with increasing substrate stiffness in pre-osteoblasts, while no statistical differences were found in the Acta2 expression in fibroblasts on three substrates. OPN expression in pre-osteoblasts, as well as Fn1 and Col1a1 expression in fibroblasts, decreased with increasing stiffness. The difference between the cell traction force generated by pre-osteoblasts and fibroblasts on substrates was also found. Our results indicated that substrate stiffness is a potent regulator of pre-osteoblasts and fibroblasts with the ability of promoting osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblasts, while having no effect on myofibroblast differentiation of fibroblasts.

#4392 TWEAK/FN14 SYSTEM IS INVOLVED IN RHABDOMYOLYSIS-INDUCED ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY

Abstract Background and Aims Rhabdomyolysis is a pathological syndrome associated with massive and severe skeletal muscle injury. A common complication of rhabdomyolysis is acute kidney injury (AKI), a process that increases mortality of these patients. In rhabdomyolysis, myoglobin (Mb) is released from muscle cells and subsequently absorbed by the renal tubular epithelium causing a series of deleterious effects. TWEAK/Fn14 axis regulates renal inflammation and tubular cell death, pathogenic mechanisms involved in AKI. However, the role of this pathway in rhabdomyolysis-AKI has not been previously analyzed. In this study we analyzed the role of TWEAK/Fn14 axis in AKI associated with rhabdomyolysis and the AKI to chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition. Method We performed an experimental model of AKI associated to rhabdomyolysis by the intramuscular injection of 50% glycerol (10mg/Kg of weight) in Wild Type C57BL/6 (WT), TWEAK deficient (TWEAK -/-) and Fn14 deficient (Fn14 -/-) mice (male, 12 weeks old). In another set of experiments, C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with anti-TWEAK mAb (10 mg/kg) or irrelevant isotype control IgG (10 mg/kg) every 48 hours. Blood and renal samples were taken 3 and 6 hours or 1, 3, 7 and 30 days after glycerol administration to perform gene expression studies by Real Time-PCR, immunohistochemistry analysis, protein expression studies by Western Blot and cell death assays (TUNEL). In vitro studies in murine tubular cells (MCTs) were also conducted to determine the effects of Mb on TWEAK/Fn14 expression, and the intracellular pathways involved in Mb-mediated regulation of TWEAK/Fn14 system. Results Fn14 renal expression was increased at earlier stages of rhabdomyolysis, correlating with decline of renal function. In MCTs cells, Mb induced Fn14 expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner, whereas TWEAK expression remained unchanged. The use of general antioxidants (N-Acetylcysteine) or Nrf2 inducers (curcumin or Sulforaphane) reduced Mb-mediated Fn14 upregulation in vivo and in cultured renal cells, whereas the opposite effect was observed with the HO-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP). Furthermore, MAPK p38 and ERK1/2 inhibitors, such as SB203580 and PD98059 respectively, diminished Mb effects on Fn14 expression. Moreover, Mb enhanced pro-inflammatory effects of TWEAK in vitro. In the animal model, we observed that genetic TWEAK or Fn14 deficiency ameliorated rhabdomyolysis-related loss of renal function, reduced histological damage, tubular cell death, lipid peroxidation, and decreased the expression of inflammatory mediators (Ccl2, Tnf, Il6, Tlr4 and Ccl5), tubular injury markers (Havcr1 and Lcn2) and endothelial dysfunction (Edn1 and Icam1). TWEAK or Fn14 knockout mice also showed decreased long-term renal fibrosis (Collagen content and Fn1 expression) and inflammation (F4/80 macrophage infiltration and Ccl2 expression) 30 days after rhabdomyolysis induction. Treatment with a blocking anti-TWEAK monoclonal antibody reduced expression of Lcn2 and cell death at early stages of rhabdomyolysis and decreased long-term consequences, mainly fibrosis and inflammation. Conclusion Our data suggest that TWEAK/Fn14 axis is involved in AKI-rhabdomyolysis, as well as in the transition from AKI to CKD. TWEAK/Fn14 may be a potential therapeutic target to decrease harmful effects of rhabdomyolysis.

ОЦЕНКА ЭКСПРЕССИИ МАРКЕРОВ ММР-2, ММР-9, ФИБРОНЕКТИНА КАК ПРЕДИКТОРОВ ПРОГРЕССИИ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЯ В ТКАНИ ПЕРВИЧНОЙ ОПУХОЛИ ЛОКАЛИЗОВАННЫХ И ГЕНЕРАЛИЗОВАННЫХ ФОРМ САРКОМЫ ЮИНГА У ДЕТЕЙ И ПОДРОСТКОВ

Despite processes of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that underlie the development of malignant tumors are described widely, the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), which in its turn promotes the metastasis of various tumors, including Ewing's sarcoma (ES), had been studied very little as yet. Within the framework of pediatric oncopathology, ES is one of the most aggressive and metastatic tumors of bones and soft tissues. The purpose of this research was to analyze the features of the expression of markers of the metastatic phenotype of tumor cells MMP2, MMP9 and FN1 in the tissue of the primary tumor in children and adolescents with various forms of ES prevalence. Materials and methods used: 67 patients with localized (n=26) and generalized (n=41) forms of ES aged 0 to 18 y/o, who have been treated at the Pediatric Oncology Department of the National Medical Research Center for Oncology of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia (Rostov-on-Don, Russia) in Jan. 2009-Dec. 2019. MMP2, MMP9 and FN1 markers were studied by immunohistochemical method in the primary tumor tissue obtained at the stage of process verification and radical surgical treatment after multi-course polychemotherapy (PCT). Results: MMP2 expression in groups with localized and generalized ES before treatment was 4 (p=0.018) and 4.4 (p=0.001) times higher compared to those after treatment. MMP9 expression in the group with generalized ES before treatment prevailed 1.5 times (p=0.020) in comparison with the group after treatment. The median FN1 expression, on the contrary, was 1.2 times lower in the group with generalized ES before treatment than after (p=0.799). Conclusions: determining the expression level of the MMP2 marker in the primary tumor of ES patients can be used to predict the course of the disease and to evaluate the effect of treatment. Whilst markers MMP9 and FN1 require further expanded research.

Lutein targeting orbital fibroblasts attenuates fibrotic and inflammatory effects in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

Lutein (LU) is a carotenoid that has recently been implicated in multiple roles in fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is particularly relevant to these pathological changes. We thus aim to probe the potential therapeutic effects of TAO in an in vitro model. We used LU pre-treating OFs derived from patients with TAO or not, then treated with TGF-β1(or IL-1β)to induce fibrosis (or inflammation). We analyzed the different expressions of related genes and proteins, and the molecular mechanism pathway on TAO OFs was screened by RNA sequencing, which is identified in vitro.We found that LU attenuates fibrotic and inflammatory effects in TAO. LU inhibited ACTA2, COL1A1, FN1, and CTGF mRNA expression and suppressed α-SMA, and FN1 protein expression induced by TGF-β1. Besides, LU suppressed OFs migration. Besides, it is shown that LU suppressed inflammation-related genes, such as IL-6, IL-8, CXCL1, and MCP-1. Moreover, LU inhibited oxidative stress induced by IL-1β, which is analyzed by DHE fluorescent probe staining. RNA sequencing suggested ERK/AP-1 pathway may be the molecular mechanism of LU protective effect on TAO, which is identified by RT-qPCR and western-blot. In summary, this study provides the first evidence that LU significantly attenuates the pathogenic manifestations of TAO by inhibiting the expression of fibrotic and inflammation-related genes and ROS produced by OFs. These data suggested that LU may be a potential medicine for TAO.

Multifunctional mesoporous polydopamine near-infrared photothermal controlled release of kartogenin for cartilage repair

Improving chondrogenic differentiation while inhibiting hypertrophic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is of vital importance to effectively repairing cartilage injury. Accordingly, kartogenin (KGN) and antioxidants, which promote chondrogenic differentiation and inhibit hypertrophic differentiation, respectively, have shown great potential in promoting cartilage repair. However, KGN is poorly soluble in water, hindering efficient intracellular delivery. Near-infrared light (NIR)-responsive mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (MPDA) reportedly exert antioxidative effects by eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we assessed whether KGN loaded in MPDA can accelerate cartilage injury repair in rats. Specifically, a thermosensitive phase-change material (PCM, melting point 39 °C) combined with KGN was loaded into MPDA as a gatekeeper (KGN@MPDA-PCM). The results showed that KGN@MPDA-PCM exhibited excellent photothermal properties under NIR irradiation, which induced PCM melting and consequent KGN release. In combination with antioxidative therapy, NIR-triggered KGN release enabled the nanocomposite to accelerate MSC chondrogenic differentiation and inhibit hypertrophic differentiation. Importantly, negligible damage to primary organs and satisfactory biocompatibility were observed in the rat model. RNA sequencing found that this MPDA-based platform promotes chondrogenic differentiation by promoting fibronectin-1 (Fn1) expression and activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Collectively, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of this MPDA-based platform for accelerating cartilage injury repair.

Abstract 1339: Targeting specific extracellular matrix proteins to reactivate T cell trafficking in triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract It is now widely recognised that the tumour microenvironment (TME) is playing a crucial role in promoting tumour immune evasion by modulating the local immune infiltration. A growing body of evidence highlights the crucial role of the tumour extracellular matrix (ECM) in limiting trafficking of newly activated T cells in solid cancers, thus restricting their access to tumour and preventing the success of cancer immunotherapies. Accordingly, we are investigating whether targeting specific tumour ECM components may enhance T cell infiltration in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Matrisome profiling of patient-derived fibroblasts and patient tumour tissues allowed us to identify two matrix proteins overexpressed in tumours and associated with T cell signatures, the matrix proteoglycan, versican (VCAN) and the glycoprotein, fibronectin (FN1). As there are currently no specific inhibitors of matrix proteins, we have modelled their loss-of-function using the clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats-associated nuclease Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9) technology with the goal of engineering cell-editable matrisomes which are enriched, reduced, or absent for specific matrix proteins. First, we constituted a panel of human and murine mammary fibroblast and TNBC cancer cell lines, which we have introduced with an inducible Cas9 protein expression. We measured VCAN and FN1 expression in the panel which showed distinct VCAN levels. Therefore, depending on VCAN basal levels, we have generated cell lines with VCAN overexpression, transient knockdown or stable knockout. Proteomic matrisome profiling of transient VCAN knockdown cells revealed that reducing VCAN may impact ECM abundance by decreasing VCAN direct binding partners. Finally, we used the edited cells to build 2D and 3D in vitro TME models to evaluate the impact of modulating VCAN expression on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell cytotoxicity and location. In parallel, we built in vivo mouse models of TNBC with controlled ECM deposition. Specifically, we have targeted mVcan and mFn1 in tumours and investigated the impact of their removal on tumour growth and immune cell infiltration. Overall, this work aims to identify immunomodulating features of the ECM which could be targeted to boost response to immunotherapies in solid cancers. Citation Format: Valentine Gauthier, Elly Tyler, Ying Liu, Tyson V. Sharp, Oliver MT Pearce. Targeting specific extracellular matrix proteins to reactivate T cell trafficking in triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1339.

The IL-33:ST2 axis is unlikely to play a central fibrogenic role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating interstitial lung disease (ILD) with limited treatment options. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is proposed to play a role in the development of IPF however the exclusive use of prophylactic dosing regimens means that the therapeutic benefit of targeting this cytokine in IPF is unclear.MethodsIL-33 expression was assessed in ILD lung sections and human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) by immunohistochemistry and gene/protein expression and responses of HLFs to IL-33 stimulation measured by qPCR. In vivo, the fibrotic potential of IL-33:ST2 signalling was assessed using a murine model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis and therapeutic dosing with an ST2-Fc fusion protein. Lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected for measurement of inflammatory and fibrotic endpoints. Human precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) were stimulated with transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) or IL-33 and fibrotic readouts assessed.ResultsIL-33 was expressed by fibrotic fibroblasts in situ and was increased by TGFβ treatment in vitro. IL-33 treatment of HLFs did not induce IL6, CXCL8, ACTA2 and COL1A1 mRNA expression with these cells found to lack the IL-33 receptor ST2. Similarly, IL-33 stimulation had no effect on ACTA2, COL1A1, FN1 and fibronectin expression by PCLS. Despite having effects on inflammation suggestive of target engagement, therapeutic dosing with the ST2-Fc fusion protein failed to reduce BLM-induced fibrosis measured by hydroxyproline content or Ashcroft score.ConclusionsTogether these findings suggest the IL-33:ST2 axis does not play a central fibrogenic role in the lungs with therapeutic blockade of this pathway unlikely to surpass the current standard of care for IPF.

Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics reveals a novel gene signature guided by FN1 associated with immune response in oral squamous cell carcinoma tumorigenesis.

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are primary head and neck malignant tumours with a high incidence and mortality. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in OSCC tumorigenesis are not fully understood. OSCC and paired para-carcinoma samples were collected and used to perform multi-omics study. Transcriptomic analysis was used to reveal significant alterations in inflammatory and immune processes in OSCC. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) combined with the LASSO Cox algorithm was used to identify and optimize a crucial gene signature. Metabolomics analysis was performed to identify the important metabolites which linked to the crucial gene signature. The public data TCGA-HNSCC cohort was used to perform the multiple bioinformatic analysis. These findings identified a FN1-mediated crucial network that was composed of immune-relevant genes (FN1, ACP5, CCL5, COL1A1, THBS1, BCAT1, PLAU, IGF2BP3, TNF, CSF2, CXCL1 and CXCL5) associated with immune infiltration and influences the tumour microenvironment, which may contribute to OSCC tumorigenesis and progression. Moreover, we integrated the relevant genes with altered metabolites identified by metabolic profiling and identified 7 crucial metabolites (Glu-Glu-Lys, Ser-Ala, Ser-Ala, N-(octadecanoyl) sphing-4-enine-1-phosphocholine, N-methylnicotinamide, pyrrhoxanthinol and xanthine) as potential downstream targets of the FN1-associated gene signature in OSCC. Importantly, FN1 expression is positively correlated with immune infiltration levels in HNSCC, which was confirmed at the single-cell level. Overall, these results revealed the differential genetic and metabolic patterns associated with OSCC tumorigenesis and identified an essential molecular network that plays an oncogenic role in OSCC by affecting amino acid and purine metabolism. These genes and metabolites might, therefore, serve as predictive biomarkers of survival outcomes and potential targets for therapeutic intervention in OSCC.

Circ_0101692 knockdown retards the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma through miR-384/FN1 pathway

PurposeCircular RNA_0101692 (circ_0101692) is overexpressed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) by microarray analyses. However, its function and action mechanism in ccRCC tumorigenesis is still elusive. MethodsWestern blotting and qRT-PCR were executed to assess the circ_0101692, miR-384 and FN1 expression in ccRCC cells and tissues. Target relationships among them were determined via dual luciferase reporter and/or RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Caspase-3 activity assay was utilized to analyze cell apoptosis. To find out whether ccRCC cells might migrate, a transwell assay was performed. To assess the effects of circ_0101692 on tumor development in vivo, a mouse xenograft model was used. ResultsHigh expression of circ_0101692 and FN1, and decreased miR-384 were determined in ccRCC. Cell growth, migration and viability were decreased whereas cell apoptosis was stimulated when circ_0101692 was knockdown. miR-384 inhibitor transfection attenuated the inhibiting impacts of circ_0101692 silencing on ccRCC cell progression. FN1 deletion further inverted the cancer-promoting effect of miR-384 downregulation on cell viability and migration. In addition, circ_0101692 could sponge miR-384 to relieve the inhibition of miR-384 on FN1 in ccRCC. ConclusionsCirc_0101692 targeted miR-384/FN1 axis to facilitate cell proliferation, migration and repress apoptosis, thereby accelerating the development of ccRCC. This points out that circ_0101692/miR-384/FN1 axis might be a prospective target implemented for the future treatment of ccRCC.