Hyaluronan Synthase Research Articles

Early Effects of Porcine Placental Extracts and Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes on Aging Stress in Skin Cells.

The initial efficacy of placental extracts (Pla-Exts) and human mesenchymal stem-cell-derived exosomes (hMSC-Exo) against aging-induced stress in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) was examined. The effect of Pla-Ext alone, hMSC-Exo alone, the combined effect of Pla-Ext and hMSC-Exo, and the effect of hMSC-Exo (Pla/MSC-Exo) recovered from cultures with Pla-Ext added to hMSC were verified using collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid synthase mRNA levels for each effect. Cells were subjected to photoaging (UV radiation), glycation (glycation end-product stimulation), and oxidation (H2O2 stimulation) as HDF stressors. Pla-Ext did not significantly affect normal skin fibroblasts with respect to intracellular parameters; however, a pro-proliferative effect was observed. Pla-Ext induced resistance to several stresses in skin fibroblasts (UV irradiation, glycation stimulation, H2O2 stimulation) and inhibited reactive oxygen species accumulation following H2O2 stimulation. Although the effects of hMSC-Exo alone or the combination of hMSC-Exo and Pla-Ext are unknown, pretreated hMSC-Exo stimulated with Pla-Ext showed changes that conferred resistance to aging stress. This suggests that Pla-Ext supplementation may cause some changes in the surface molecules or hMSC-Exo content (e.g., microRNA). In skin cells, the direct action of Pla-Ext and exosomes secreted from cultured hMSCs pretreated with Pla-Ext (Pla/MSC-Exo) also conferred resistance to early aging stress.

Bone quality relies on hyaluronan synthesis – Insights from mice with complete knockout of hyaluronan synthase expression

Bone consists of a complex mineralised matrix that is maintained by a controlled equilibrium of synthesis and resorption by different cell types. Hyaluronan (HA) is an important glycosaminoglycan in many tissues including bone.Previously, the importance of HA synthesis for bone development during embryogenesis has been shown. We therefore investigated whether HA synthesis is involved in adult bone turnover and whether abrogation of HA synthesis in adult mice would alter bone quality.To achieve complete abrogation of HA synthesis in adult mice, we generated a novel Has-total knockout (Has-tKO) mouse model in which a constitutive knockout of Has1 and Has3 was combined with an inducible, Ubc-Cre-driven Has2 knockout.By comparing bone tissue from wild-type, Has1,3 double knockout and Has-tKO mice, we demonstrate that Has2-derived HA mainly contributes to the HA content in bone. Furthermore, Has-tKO mice show a significant decrease of bone integrity in trabecular and cortical bone, as shown by µ-CT analysis. These effects are detectable as early as five weeks after induced Has2 deletion, irrespective of sex and progress with age.Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) during osteogenic differentiation in vitro showed that Has2 expression is increased while Has3 expression is decreased during differentiation. Furthermore, the complete abrogation of HA synthesis results in significantly reduced osteogenic differentiation as indicated by reduced marker gene expression (Runx-2, Tnalp, Osterix) as well as alizarin red staining. RNAseq analysis revealed that MSC from Has-tKO are characterised by decreased expression of genes annotated for bone and organ development, whereas expression of genes associated with chemokine related interactions and cytokine signalling is increased.Taken together, we present a novel mouse model with complete deletion of HA synthases in adult mice which has the potential to study HA function in different organs and during age-related HA reduction. With respect to bone, HA synthesis is important for maintaining bone integrity, presumably based on the strong effect of HA on osteogenic differentiation.

Chemoenzymatic synthesis with the Pasteurella hyaluronan synthase; production of a multitude of defined authentic, derivatized, and analog polymers

AbstractHyaluronan (HA; [‐3‐GlcNAc‐1‐beta‐4‐GlcA‐1‐beta]n), an essential matrix polysaccharide of vertebrates and the molecular camouflage coating in certain pathogens, is polymerized by “HA synthase” (HAS) enzymes. Three HAS classes have been identified with biotechnological utility, but only the Class II PmHAS from Pasteurella multocida Type A has been useful for preparation of very defined HA polymers in vitro. Two general chemoenzymatic strategies with different size products are possible: (1) repetitive step‐wise extension reactions by sequential addition of a single monosaccharide from a donor UDP‐sugar onto an acceptor (or “primer”) comprised of a short glycosaminoglycan chain (e.g., HA di‐, tri‐ or tetrasaccharide) or an artificial glucuronide yielding homogeneous oligosaccharides in the range of 2 to ~20 monosaccharide units (n = 1 to ~10), or (2) “one‐pot” polymerization reactions employing acceptor‐mediated synchronization with stoichiometric size control yielding quasi‐monodisperse (i.e., polydispersity approaching 1; very narrow size distributions) polysaccharides in the range of ~7 kDa to ~2 MDa (n = ~17 to 5000). In either strategy, acceptors containing non‐carbohydrate functionalities (e.g., biotin, fluorophores, amines) can add useful moieties to the reducing termini of HA chains at 100% efficiency. As a further structural diversification, PmHAS can utilize a variety of unnatural UDP‐sugar analogs thus adding novel groups (e.g., trifluoroacetyl, alkyne, azide, sulfhydryl) along the HA backbone and/or at its nonreducing terminus. This review discusses the current understanding and recent advances in HA chemoenzymatic synthesis methods using PmHAS. This powerful toolbox has potential for creation of a multitude of HA‐based probes, therapeutics, drug conjugates, coatings, and biomaterials.

Anionic cardiolipin stabilizes the transmembrane region of hyaluronan synthase and promotes catalysis-relevant dynamics

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan essential for cellular processes and finding increasingly applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. While membrane-integrated Class I hyaluronan synthase (HAS) catalyzes HA synthesis in most organisms, the molecular mechanisms by which HAS-lipid interactions impact HAS catalysis remain unclear. This study employed coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation combined with dimensionality reduction to uncover the interplay between lipids and Streptococcus equisimilis HAS (SeHAS). A minimum of 67 % cardiolipin is necessary for HA synthesis, as determined through simulations using gradient-composed membranes. The anionic cardiolipin stabilizes the cationic transmembrane regions of SeHAS and thereby maintains its conformation. Moreover, the highly dynamic cardiolipin is required to modulate the catalysis-relevant motions in HAS and thus facilitate HA synthesis. These findings provide molecular insights essential not only for understanding the physiological functions of HAS, but also for the development of cell factories and enzyme catalysts for HA production.

Structural insights into translocation and tailored synthesis of hyaluronan.

Hyaluronan (HA) is an essential component of the vertebrate extracellular matrix. It is a heteropolysaccharide of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and glucuronic acid (GlcA) reaching several megadaltons in healthy tissues. HA is synthesized and translocated in a coupled reaction by HA synthase (HAS). Here, structural snapshots of HAS provide insights into HA biosynthesis, from substrate recognition to HA elongation and translocation. We monitor the extension of a GlcNAc primer with GlcA, reveal the coordination of the uridine diphosphate product by a conserved gating loop and capture the opening of a translocation channel to coordinate a translocating HA polymer. Furthermore, we identify channel-lining residues that modulate HA product lengths. Integrating structural and biochemical analyses suggests an avenue for polysaccharide engineering based on finely tuned enzymatic activity and HA coordination.

Cell-free expression and biochemical characterization of polysaccharide-synthesizing glycosyltransferases

Polysaccharides like cellulose and hyaluronan are synthesized by membrane-bound family-2 glycosyltransferases (GTs) that play critical structural, metabolic, or functional roles in cells. Though GT-2 family has the maximum number of deposited gene sequences, the biochemistry is poorly understood due to enzyme production challenges. Here, we developed a cell-free expression (CFE) protocol to produce two GT-2 family representative cellulose synthase (PttCesA8 from Populus tremula x tremuloides) and hyaluronan synthase (SeHAS from Streptococcus equisimilis). The CFE products were obtained as reconstituted proteoliposomes directly at high yields and short processing times compared to other approaches. Enzyme expression was confirmed using SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting, while integration of GTs into lipid layers was observed using cryogenic electron microscopy. Both GTs were catalytically active with Michalis-Menten kinetic constants, Km for PttCesA8, was 295.8 µM, and SeHAS was 321.51 µM (toward UDP N-Acetyl Glucosamine) and 207.88 µM (toward UDP Glucuronic Acid), respectively, and with UDP inhibiting both GTs. Mutation of conserved residues in SeHAS also confirmed the importance of lysine-139, glutamine-248, and threonine-283 residues in hyaluronan biosynthesis. In summary, CFE methods enable expression of polysaccharide-synthesizing enzymes as proteoliposomes at high yields with relative ease for rapid biochemical and structural characterization studies.

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces hyaluronan production in vitro and hyaluronan levels in COVID-19 patients relate to morbidity and long-term lung impairment: a prospective cohort study.

We previously demonstrated that the lungs of deceased COVID-19 patients were filled with a clear hydrogel consisting of hyaluronan (HA). In this translational study, we investigated the role of HA at all stages of COVID-19 disease to map the consequences of elevated HA on morbidity and identify the mechanism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced HA production. A reduced alveolar surface area was observed in the lungs of deceased COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls, as visualized by a 3D rendering of lung morphology using light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. We confirmed the presence of HA in lung biopsies and found large quantities of proinflammatory fragmented HA. The association of systemic HA in blood plasma and disease severity was assessed in patients with mild (WHO Clinical Progression Scale, WHO-CPS, 1-5) and severe COVID-19 (WHO-CPS, 6-9) during the acute and convalescent phases and related to lung function. We found that systemic levels of HA were high during acute COVID-19 disease, remained elevated during convalescence, and were associated with a reduced diffusion capacity. In vitro 3D-lung models, differentiated from primary human bronchial epithelial cells, were used to study the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on HA metabolism, and transcriptomic analyses revealed a dysregulation of HA synthases and hyaluronidases, both contributing to increased HA in apical secretions. Furthermore, corticosteroid treatment reduced the inflammation and downregulated HA synthases. Our findings demonstrate that HA plays a role in COVID-19 morbidity and that sustained elevated HA concentrations may contribute to long-term respiratory impairment.IMPORTANCEThis study provides insights into the role of hyaluronan (HA) in the severity and long-term impact of COVID-19 on lung function. Through extensive morphological examination of lung tissues and a multicenter study, we identified that HA levels are significantly elevated in COVID-19 patients, correlating with a reduced lung diffusion capacity during convalescence. Using a 3D-lung model, we further uncovered how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a dysregulated HA metabolism, leading to increased HA production. Our findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and suggest that targeting HA metabolism could offer new therapeutic avenues for managing COVID-19, particularly to prevent long-term lung impairment. Additionally, HA holds potential as a biomarker for predicting disease severity, which could guide personalized treatment strategies.

Abstract A030: Modulation of lymphocyte adhesion and migration by iCAF and myCAF fibroblasts in PDAC

Abstract Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) poses significant challenges in treatment due to its complex interaction with the tumour microenvironment (TME). Fibroblasts, a crucial component of the TME, influence tumour progression and therapeutic responses. This study explores the diversity of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) populations in PDAC tumours versus adjacent normal fibroblasts (ANFs), focussing on myofibroblasts (myCAFs) and inflammatory fibroblasts (iCAFs). These fibroblast subtypes exhibit distinct characteristics and localisation within the tumour. The research examines the impact of CAFs and ANFs on immune cell behaviour, particularly in relation to adhesion and migration. Methods: Tumour and juxta-tumoral tissue from patients were digested into single cell suspensions. Cells were stained with a 22-plex antibody panel by flow cytometry. Pseudo-emperipolesis assays were assessed by co-culture of lymphocytes with CAF and ANF fibroblasts. Furthermore, these were performed with or without stimulation of fibroblasts with by TGF-b or TNF-a/IFN-g, to promote myCAF or iCAF phenotypes respectively. Gene expression analysis of tumour-derived fibroblast subtypes was assessed by single-cell RNA sequencing using the 10X Genomics platform. The transcriptional profile of spatially resolved fibroblasts which were proximal or distant to tumour epithelium was determined by the NanoString GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) platform. Results: Flow cytometry analysis revealed that iCAFs predominated within the tumour stroma compared to myCAFs, although iCAF populations were less prevalent within ANF populations. Upon stimulation with inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α/IFN-γ), CAFs promoted lymphocyte migration in contrast to ANFs. However, TGF-β stimulation of CAF downregulated the migration of lymphocytes. As such, TGF-β or TNF-α/IFN-γ stimulation exhibited antagonistic effects on lymphocyte adhesion and migration in CAFs. Tumour-proximal fibroblasts exhibited myCAFs characteristics expressing α-SMA and PDPN, as well as ECM molecules such as collagen and integrins, suggesting a barrier to lymphocyte migration. Conversely, distal fibroblasts displayed an inflammatory profile, expressing cytokines and chemokines including CCL2, CXCL9, CXCL12, IL6, IL11 and LIF, thereby contributing to the inflammatory milieu within the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, iCAFs demonstrated higher transcription levels of hyaluronan synthase (Has1) and fibulin 2 (FBLN2) which are crucial for ECM formation and remodelling. This study identifies a differential role for iCAFs and myCAFs in the modulate of lymphocyte adhesion and migration within the PDAC microenvironment, highlighting the complex interplay between fibroblast subtypes and immune cell dynamics. Citation Format: Fouzia Zayou, Hayden Pearce, Wayne Croft, Samantha Nicol, Sandra Margielewska-Davies, Sarah Powell-Brett, Rachel Brown, Jianmin Zuo, Keith Roberts, Helen M. McGettrick, Paul Moss. Modulation of lymphocyte adhesion and migration by iCAF and myCAF fibroblasts in PDAC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 15-18; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A030.

Potential Skin Health Benefits of Abalone By-Products Suggested by Their Effects on MAPKS and PI3K/AKT/NF-kB Signaling Pathways in HDF and HaCaT Cells.

Abalone, a marine edible gastropod with nutritional value, is a popular seafood delicacy worldwide, especially in Asia; however, viscera by-products are generally discarded during processing. Therefore, we investigated the skin health benefits of abalone viscera ultrasonic extract (AVU) in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. AVU showed valuable protein contents, indicating that it is a worthy and safe material for industrial application. AVU increased collagen synthesis production and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Collagen Type I Alpha 1, 2, and 3 chains through the transforming growth factor beta/suppressor of mother against the decapentaplegic pathway in HDF cells. AVU also increased hyaluronic acid production, upregulated Hyaluronan Synthases 1, 2, and 3, filaggrin and aquaporin3 mRNA levels, and downregulated hyaluronidase mRNA levels in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, mechanistic studies showed that AVU increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, and cyclic AMP response-binding protein activation. AVU activated the transcription factors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, protein kinase B, and nuclear factor kappa B cell p65 and downregulated the degranulation of inhibitory kappa B in HaCaT cells. Studies of hyaluronic acid production in AVU by inhibiting EKR, p38 and NF-κB have shown that p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling are pivotal mechanisms, particularly in the AVU. These results demonstrated that AVU produced from by-products may improve skin health and may thus be used as a functional food and cosmetics ingredient.

TGF-β and RAS jointly unmask primed enhancers to drive metastasis

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling are distinct yet important processes during carcinoma invasion and metastasis. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and RAS, signaling through SMAD and RAS-responsive element-binding protein 1 (RREB1), jointly trigger expression of EMT and fibrogenic factors as two discrete arms of a common transcriptional response in carcinoma cells. Here, we demonstrate that both arms come together to form a program for lung adenocarcinoma metastasis and identify chromatin determinants tying the expression of the constituent genes to TGF-β and RAS inputs. RREB1 localizes to H4K16acK20ac marks in histone H2A.Z-loaded nucleosomes at enhancers in the fibrogenic genes interleukin-11 (IL11), platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGFB), and hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), as well as the EMT transcription factor SNAI1, priming these enhancers for activation by a SMAD4-INO80 nucleosome remodeling complex in response to TGF-β. These regulatory properties segregate the fibrogenic EMT program from RAS-independent TGF-β gene responses and illuminate the operation and vulnerabilities of a bifunctional program that promotes metastatic outgrowth.

High level of RNA HAS2-AS1 in the buffy coat of a patient blood sample is a more informative prognostic marker of COVID-19 clinical course compared to the level of hyaluronic acid in plasma

Numerous studies have confirmed the association of COVID-19 clinical course with the blood levels of hyaluronic acid and long non-coding RNA HAS2-AS1 as a positive regulator of hyaluronan synthase. We aimed to estimate both the level of hyaluronic acid in plasma and the level of RNA HAS2-AS1 in leukocytes (buffy coat) from the same blood sample at the time of patient admission to the hospital and to analyze the specificity of these indicators as biomarkers of COVID-19 severity. The study involved 78 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who underwent treatment between 2020 and 2021 at the Kyiv City Clinical Hospital N 4. The patients were divided into three groups based on the severity of the disease and classified as mild (n = 12), moderate (n = 36), and severe (n = 30). The level of hyaluronic acid in plasma was determined using the Hyaluronic Acid ELISA kit “Abcam” (USA). The buffy coat was isolated by centrifugation of the blood stabilized with EDTA-K and further aspiration of the leukocyte “cloud”. The expression level of HAS2-AS1 in buffy coat leukocytes was estimated using reverse transcription and real-time PCR. According to the obtained data, the level of hyaluronic acid in the plasma of patients with moderate and severe illness was 1.5 and 2.2 times higher compared to the mild illness group, respectively. Meanwhile, the level of RNA HAS2-AS1 in blood lymphocytes (buffy coat) of patient with moderate and severe illness was increased by 7.7 and 22.6 times compared to patients with mild illness. The results of our study demonstrate that, unlike the level of hyaluronic acid in plasma, the level of HAS2-AS1 in a buffy coat is a more reliable prognostic criterion for severe COVID-19 and allows distinguishing patients with varying clinical severity during hospitalization. Keywords: buffy coat, COVID-19, hyaluronic acid, leukocytes, plasma, RNA HAS2-AS1

Efficacy of Vitamin B12 and Adenosine Triphosphate in Enhancing Skin Radiance: Unveiled with a Drug-Target Interaction Deep Learning-Based Model.

Skin radiance is crucial for enhancing facial attractiveness and is negatively affected by factors like hyperpigmentation and aging-related changes. Current treatments often lack comprehensive solutions for improving skin radiance. This study aimed to develop a cosmetic formula that enhances skin radiance by reducing hyperpigmentation and improving skin regeneration by targeting specific receptors-the endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB) for hyperpigmentation and the adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) for sagging and wrinkles. To achieve this, we used artificial intelligence technologies to screen and select ingredients with an affinity for EDNRB and ADIPOR1. Vitamin B12 (VitB12) was identified as a molecule that targets EDNRB, which is involved in melanogenesis. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) targets ADIPOR1, which is associated with skin regeneration. VitB12 successfully inhibited intracellular calcium elevation and melanogenesis induced by endothelin-1. In contrast, ATP increased the mRNA expression of collagen and elastin and promoted wound healing. Moreover, the VitB12 and ATP complex significantly increased the expression of hyaluronan synthases, which are crucial for skin hydration. Furthermore, in human participants, the application of the VitB12 and ATP complex to one-half of the face significantly improved skin radiance, elasticity, and texture. Our findings provide valuable insights for the development of skincare formulations.

1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments of a shark variable new antigen receptor against hyaluronan synthase.

Single domain antibody (sdAb) is only composed of a variable domain of the heavy-chain-only antibody, which is devoid of light chain and naturally occurring in camelids and cartilaginous fishes. Variable New Antigen Receptor (VNAR), a type of single domain antibody present in cartilaginous fishes such as sharks, is the smallest functional antigen-binding fragment found in nature. The unique features, including flexible paratope, high solubility and outstanding stability make VNAR a promising prospect in antibody drug development and structural biology research. However, VNAR's research has lagged behind camelid-derived sdAb, especially in the field of structural research. Here we report the 1H,15N,13C resonance assignments of a VNAR derived from the immune library of Chiloscyllium plagiosum, termed B2-3, which recognizes the hyaluronan synthase. Analysis of the backbone chemical shifts demonstrates that the secondary structure of VNAR is predominately composed of β-sheets corresponding to around 40% of the B2-3 backbone. The Cβ chemical shift values of cysteine residues, combined with mass spectrometry data, clearly shows that B2-3 contains two pairs of disulfide bonds, which is import for protein stability. The assignments will be essential for determining the high resolution solution structure of B2-3 by NMR spectroscopy.

Taurine and Polyphenol Complex Repaired Epidermal Keratinocyte Wounds by Regulating IL8 and TIMP2 Expression.

The healing process after acne lesion extraction provides a miniature model to study skin wound repair mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to identify solutions for acne scars that frequently occur on our faces. We performed acne scar cytokine profiling and found that Interleukin 8 (IL8) and Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2) were significant factors at the wounded site. The effect of chlorogenic acid and taurine on human epidermal cells and irritated human skin was investigated. Chlorogenic acid and taurine regulated IL8 and TIMP2 expression and accelerated keratinocyte proliferation. Moreover, tight junction protein expression was upregulated by chlorogenic acid and taurine synergistically. Further, these compounds modulated the expression of several inflammatory cytokines (IL1α, IL1β, and IL6) and skin hydration related factor (hyaluronan synthase 3; HAS3). Thus, chlorogenic acid and taurine may exert their effects during the late stages of wound healing rather than the initial phase. In vivo experiments using SLS-induced wounds demonstrated the efficacy of chlorogenic acid and taurine treatment compared to natural healing, reduced erythema, and restored barrier function. Skin ultrasound analysis revealed their potential to promote denser skin recovery. Therefore, the wound-restoring effect of chlorogenic acid and taurine was exerted by suppression of inflammatory cytokines, and induction of cell proliferation, tight junction expression, and remodeling factors.

RNAseq of Gingival Fibroblasts Exposed to PRF Membrane Lysates and PRF Serum.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is prepared by spontaneous coagulation of fractionated blood. When squeezed between two plates, PRF is separated into solid PRF membranes and a liquid exudate, the PRF serum. The question arises regarding how much the overall activity remains in the PRF membranes and what is discarded into the PRF serum. To this end, we have exposed gingival fibroblasts to lysates prepared from PRF membranes and PRF serum, followed by bulk RNA sequencing. A total of 268 up- and 136 down-regulated genes in gingival fibroblasts exposed to PRF membrane lysates were significantly regulated under the premise of a minimum log2 with 2.5-fold change and a minus log10 significance level of two, respectively. PRF serum only caused 62 up- and 32 down-regulated genes under these conditions. Among the 46 commonly up-regulated genes were CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL8, IL33, IL6, and PTGS2/COX2, stanniocalcin-1-all linked to an inflammatory response. PRF membrane lysates further increased chemokines CCL2, CCL7, CXCL2, CXCL3, and IL1R1, IL1RL1, and IL1RN, as well as the paracrine factors IL11, LIF, IGF1, BMP2, BMP6, FGF2, and CCN2/CTGF, and all hyaluronan synthases. On the other hand, PRF serum increased DKK1. The genes commonly down-regulated by PRF membrane lysates and PRF serum included interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats (IFIT1, IFIT2, IFIT3) and odd-skipped-related transcription factors (OSR1 and OSR2), as well as FGF18 and GDF15, respectively. Taken together, PRF membrane lysates, compared to PRF serum, cause a more complex response in gingival fibroblasts, but each increased chemokine expression in gingival fibroblasts.

Carnosine and Retinol Synergistically Inhibit UVB-Induced PGE2 Synthesis in Human Keratinocytes through the Up-Regulation of Hyaluronan Synthase 2.

Skin aging results from complex interactions of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, leading to structural and biochemical changes such as wrinkles and dryness. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation leads to the degradation of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the skin, and the with fragmented HA contributes to inflammation. This study revealed that the synergistic combination of carnosine and retinol (ROL) increases HA production in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) by upregulating hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) gene transcription. Simultaneously, the combined treatment of carnosine and ROL significantly attenuates UVB-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis in NHEKs. A significant correlation exists between the increase of HA synthesis and the inhibition of PGE2 production. This study suggested that combined treatment of carnosine and ROL can improve skin aging phenotypes associated with UVB irradiation.

HAS2 facilitates glioma cell malignancy and suppresses ferroptosis in an FZD7-dependent manner.

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system, and it is crucial to uncover the factors that influence prognosis. In this study, we utilized Mfuzz to identify a gene set that showed a negative correlation with overall survival in patients with glioma. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were then undertaken to gain insights into the functional characteristics and pathways associated with these genes. The expression distribution of Hyaluronan Synthase 2 (HAS2) was explored across multiple datasets, revealing its expression patterns. Invitro and invivo experiments were carried out through gene knockdown and overexpression to validate the functionality of HAS2. Potential upstream transcription factors of HAS2 were predicted using transcriptional regulatory databases, and these predictions were experimentally validated using ChIP-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. The results showed that elevated expression of HAS2 in glioma indicates poor prognosis. HAS2 was found to play a role in activating an antiferroptosis pathway in glioma cells. Inhibiting HAS2 significantly increased cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis-inducing agents. Finally, we determined that the oncogenic effect of HAS2 is mediated by the key receptor of the WNT pathway, FZD7.

Identification and functional validation of miR-190b-5p and miR-296-3p as novel therapeutic attenuators of liver fibrosis

Background & AimsLiver fibrosis and its end-stage form known as cirrhosis contributes to millions of deaths annually. The lack of robust anti-fibrotic molecules is in part attributed to absence of any functional screens to identify molecular regulators using patient-derived primary human hepatic myofibroblasts, which are key drivers of fibrosis. MethodsHere, to identify robust regulators of fibrosis, we performed functional microRNA screenings in primary human hepatic myofibroblasts followed by in vivo validation in three independent mouse models of fibrosis (toxin, cholestasis and MASH). ResultsWe identified miR-190b-5p and miR-296-3p as robust anti-fibrotic miRNAs that suppress liver fibrosis. Notably, the expression of miR-190b-5p and miR-296-3p was found significantly reduced in human livers with fibrosis. Mechanistically, we discovered hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) and integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6) as novel targets of miR-190b-5p and miR-296-3p, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the anti-fibrotic properties of miR-190b-5p and miR-296-3p are, at least in part, dependent on HAS2 and ITGA6. Finally, we showed the anti-fibrotic function of both miRNAs in a human liver bud model, which mimics multiple features of human liver. ConclusionsCollectively, in our study we discovered miR-190b-5p and miR-296-3p as two novel anti-fibrotic miRNAs, and that HAS2 and ITGA6 contribute to miR-190b-5p- and miR-296-3p-mediated inhibition of liver fibrosis. These results provide a foundation for future research to explore the clinical utility of miR-190b-5p and miR-296-3p in liver injuries with fibrosis. Impact and ImplicationsLiver fibrosis and cirrhosis contribute to millions of deaths world-wide and, till date, remain as unmet medical needs. In this study, we discovered two microRNAs, miR-190b-5p and miR-296-3p, which suppress liver fibrosis in preclinical mouse models and a human liver bud model. Our promising results encourage further studies that aim to develop both miRNAs for the treatment of liver fibrosis in patients.

Small molecular weight epigenetic inhibitors modulate the extracellular matrix during pancreatic acinar ductal metaplasia

The pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor microenvironment is distinguished by a high degree of fibrosis and inflammation, known as desmoplasia. Desmoplasia increases the stromal deposition and extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness observed in the tumor microenvironment, contributing to the dampened penetration of pharmacological agents. The molecular and biophysical composition of the ECM during the earliest cellular changes in the development of PDAC, i.e. acinar ductal metaplasia (ADM), has not been extensively explored. We report that the mRNA expression of key protein components of the ECM increases during ADM in p48Cre/+;LSL-KrasG12D (KC) mouse acinar organoids cultured in Matrigel. Treatment of the organoids with small molecular weight epigenetic modulating compounds that inhibit or reverse ADM (largazole, FK228 and chaetocin) dramatically reduced the tissue mRNA expression of collagens, hyaluronan synthase, laminin and fibronectin. The storage moduli, determined by video tracking of fluorescent nanoparticles embedded into the Matrigel, increased during ADM and was reduced following treatment with the epigenetic modulating compounds. We report that the ECM of mouse organoids stiffens during ADM and is further enhanced by the presence of mutant Kras. Moreover, select HDAC and HMT inhibitors reduced the mRNA expression of ECM components and ECM stiffness during inhibition and reversal of ADM, suggesting that these compounds may be useful as adjuvants to enhance the tumor penetration of agents used to treat PDAC.

Wrinkle-Improving Effect of Novel Peptide That Binds to Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor.

Wrinkles, one of the most common signs of aging, are primarily caused by the continuous contraction of muscles. Muscle contraction is induced by the binding of acetylcholine (ACh), released at the neuromuscular junction, to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) present on the muscle cell surface. In this study, we aimed to develop a wrinkle-improving peptide that inhibits the binding of ACh to nAChR using peptide phage display technology. Our peptide showed a remarkably high binding affinity to nAChR subunit α1, with a value below 1 µM, and was found to inhibit the action of ACh through its interaction with these receptors. Furthermore, it increased collagen synthesis in skin cells and upregulated the expression of the aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and hyaluronan synthase-2 (HAS2) genes. These results confirm that the peptide effectively inhibits muscle contraction and enhances skin elasticity and hydration, contributing to its wrinkle-reducing effects. Clinical studies on humans observed significant improvement in wrinkles after three weeks of use, with substantial reduction observed after six weeks. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the efficacy of the peptide (named Medipep) in reducing wrinkles.