ADAMTS5 is required for normal trabeculated bone development in the mandibular condyle
Osteoarthritis and cartilage
Rogers-DeCotes, AW;Porto, SC;Dupuis, LE;Kern, CB;
PMID: 33561540 | DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2021.01.005
Determine the role of the extracellular matrix protease ADAMTS5 in development of the trabeculated bone of the mandibular condyle. The mandibular condyles of wild type and mice deficient in the protease ADAMTS5 were examined for histopathology with Safranin O staining. Microcomputed tomography was performed to analyze the developing bone of the mandibular condyle. RNAscope and immunohistochemistry were utilized to investigate cell type and extracellular matrix expression. Mice deficient in Adamts5, (Adamts5tm1Dgen/J) exhibit an increase in trabecular separation (n = 37 wild type; n = 27: P < 0.0001) and reduction of trabecular thickness P = 0.0116 and bone volume fraction P = 0.0869 in the mandibular condylar head compared to wild type littermates. The altered bone parameters were more pronounced in male Adamts5-/- mice compared to female Adamts5-/- mice (TbSp; P = 0.03). Adamts5 was co-expressed with versican and Gli1 in mesenchymal, stem-like cells in the transition zone where the trabeculated bone is adjacent to mature hypertrophic chondrocytes. Loss of Adamts5 caused a reduction of Bglap expressing osteoblasts throughout mandibular condylar development and in young adult mice. The protease Mmp13, that is involved in mineralization and is expressed by hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteoblasts, was reduced in the mandibular condyle of Adamts5 deficient mice. This is the first report of a novel and critical role for Adamts5 in bone formation within the mandibular condyle of the temporomandibular joint. These data indicate Adamts5 may be required in the transdifferentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes to osteoblasts during trabecular bone formation in development of the mandibular condyle.
Optogenetic brain-stimulation reward: A new procedure to re-evaluate the rewarding versus aversive effects of cannabinoids in dopamine transporter-Cre mice
Humburg, BA;Jordan, CJ;Zhang, HY;Shen, H;Han, X;Bi, GH;Hempel, B;Galaj, E;Baumann, MH;Xi, ZX;
PMID: 33538103 | DOI: 10.1111/adb.13005
Despite extensive research, the rewarding effects of cannabinoids are still debated. Here, we used a newly established animal procedure called optogenetic intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) (oICSS) to re-examine the abuse potential of cannabinoids in mice. A specific adeno-associated viral vector carrying a channelrhodopsin gene was microinjected into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to express light-sensitive channelrhodopsin in dopamine (DA) neurons of transgenic dopamine transporter (DAT)-Cre mice. Optogenetic stimulation of VTA DA neurons was highly reinforcing and produced a classical "sigmoidal"-shaped stimulation-response curve dependent upon the laser pulse frequency. Systemic administration of cocaine dose-dependently enhanced oICSS and shifted stimulation-response curves upward, in a way similar to previously observed effects of cocaine on electrical ICSS. In contrast, Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC), but not cannabidiol, dose-dependently decreased oICSS responding and shifted oICSS curves downward. WIN55,212-2 and ACEA, two synthetic cannabinoids often used in laboratory settings, also produced dose-dependent reductions in oICSS. We then examined several new synthetic cannabinoids, which are used recreationally. XLR-11 produced a cocaine-like increase, AM-2201 produced a Δ9 -THC-like reduction, while 5F-AMB had no effect on oICSS responding. Immunohistochemistry and RNAscope in situ hybridization assays indicated that CB1 Rs are expressed mainly in VTA GABA and glutamate neurons, while CB2 Rs are expressed mainly in VTA DA neurons. Together, these findings suggest that most cannabinoids are not reward enhancing, but rather reward attenuating or aversive in mice. Activation of CB1 R and/or CB2 R in different populations of neurons in the brain may underlie the observed actions. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Blocking IL-17A enhances tumor response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer
Journal for immunotherapy of cancer
Liu, C;Liu, R;Wang, B;Lian, J;Yao, Y;Sun, H;Zhang, C;Fang, L;Guan, X;Shi, J;Han, S;Zhan, F;Luo, S;Yao, Y;Zheng, T;Zhang, Y;
PMID: 33462141 | DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001895
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-PD-1 therapy, have limited efficacy in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC). Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) activity leads to a protumor microenvironment, dependent on its ability to induce the production of inflammatory mediators, mobilize myeloid cells and reshape the tumor environment. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of IL-17A in resistance to antitumor immunity and to explore the feasibility of anti-IL-17A combined with anti-PD-1 therapy in MSS CRC murine models. The expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its regulation by miR-15b-5p were investigated in MSS CRC cell lines and tissues. The effects of miR-15b-5p on tumorigenesis and anti-PD-1 treatment sensitivity were verified both in vitro and in colitis-associated cancer (CAC) and APCmin/+ murine models. In vivo efficacy and mechanistic studies were conducted using antibodies targeting IL-17A and PD-1 in mice bearing subcutaneous CT26 and MC38 tumors. Evaluation of clinical pathological specimens confirmed that PD-L1 mRNA levels are associated with CD8+ T cell infiltration and better prognosis. miR-15b-5p was found to downregulate the expression of PD-L1 at the protein level, inhibit tumorigenesis and enhance anti-PD-1 sensitivity in CAC and APCmin/+ CRC models. IL-17A led to high PD-L1 expression in CRC cells through regulating the P65/NRF1/miR-15b-5p axis. Combined IL-17A and PD-1 blockade had efficacy in CT26 and MC38 tumors, with more cytotoxic T lymphocytes cells and fewer myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumors. IL-17A increases PD-L1 expression through the p65/NRF1/miR-15b-5p axis and promotes resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy. Blocking IL-17A improved the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in MSS CRC murine models. IL-17A might serve as a therapeutic target to sensitize patients with MSS CRC to ICI therapy.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Joye, DAM;Rohr, KE;Suenkens, K;Wuorinen, A;Inda, T;Arzbecker, M;Mueller, E;Huber, A;Pancholi, H;Blackmore, MG;Carmona-Alcocer, V;Evans, JA;
PMID: 37098068 | DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216820120
Daily and annual changes in light are processed by central clock circuits that control the timing of behavior and physiology. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the anterior hypothalamus processes daily photic inputs and encodes changes in day length (i.e., photoperiod), but the SCN circuits that regulate circadian and photoperiodic responses to light remain unclear. Somatostatin (SST) expression in the hypothalamus is modulated by photoperiod, but the role of SST in SCN responses to light has not been examined. Our results indicate that SST signaling regulates daily rhythms in behavior and SCN function in a manner influenced by sex. First, we use cell-fate mapping to provide evidence that SST in the SCN is regulated by light via de novo Sst activation. Next, we demonstrate that Sst -/- mice display enhanced circadian responses to light, with increased behavioral plasticity to photoperiod, jetlag, and constant light conditions. Notably, lack of Sst -/- eliminated sex differences in photic responses due to increased plasticity in males, suggesting that SST interacts with clock circuits that process light differently in each sex. Sst -/- mice also displayed an increase in the number of retinorecipient neurons in the SCN core, which express a type of SST receptor capable of resetting the molecular clock. Last, we show that lack of SST signaling modulates central clock function by influencing SCN photoperiodic encoding, network after-effects, and intercellular synchrony in a sex-specific manner. Collectively, these results provide insight into peptide signaling mechanisms that regulate central clock function and its response to light.
Cooper, JJM;Polanco, JJ;Saraswat, D;Peirick, JJ;Seidl, A;Li, Y;Ma, D;Sim, FJ;
PMID: 36537341 | DOI: 10.1002/glia.24324
The failure of remyelination in the human CNS contributes to axonal injury and disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). In contrast to regions of chronic demyelination in the human brain, remyelination in murine models is preceded by abundant oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) repopulation, such that OPC density within regions of demyelination far exceeds that of normal white matter (NWM). As such, we hypothesized that efficient OPC repopulation was a prerequisite of successful remyelination, and that increased lesion volume may contribute to the failure of OPC repopulation in human brain. In this study, we characterized the pattern of OPC activation and proliferation following induction of lysolecithin-induced chronic demyelination in adult rabbits. The density of OPCs never exceeded that of NWM and oligodendrocyte density did not recover even at 6 months post-injection. Rabbit OPC recruitment in large lesions was further characterized by chronic Sox2 expression in OPCs located in the lesion core and upregulation of quiescence-associated Prrx1 mRNA at the lesion border. Surprisingly, when small rabbit lesions of equivalent size to mouse were induced, they too exhibited reduced OPC repopulation. However, small lesions were distinct from large lesions as they displayed an almost complete lack of OPC proliferation following demyelination. These differences in the response to demyelination suggest that both volume dependent and species-specific mechanisms are critical in the regulation of OPC proliferation and lesion repopulation and suggest that alternate models will be necessary to fully understand the mechanisms that contribute to failed remyelination in MS.
Investigating post-transcriptional mechanisms of neuropathic pain
Li, X;Jeon, S;Eadara, S;Onuchukwu, U;Caterina, M;Meffert, M;
| DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.03.010
Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition which can arise following damage to the somatosensory system and often involves both hyperalgesia and allodynia. The molecular mechanisms of neuropathic pain remain incompletely understood but require enduring alterations in specific gene program expression and protein synthesis affecting neuronal signaling and excitability. We investigate the roles of non-coding RNA regulatory pathways in impacting hyperalgesia and determining the mRNA complement recruited during the protein synthesis response in neuropathic pain. Nerve injury alters the expression of many miRNAs, including the highly conserved let-7 family miRNAs, which repress pro-growth mRNAs and are implicated in axon growth, neuronal plasticity, and brain circuit development. The Lin28 RNA binding protein can prevent maturation of let-7 precursor RNAs; consequently, increased Lin28 signaling promotes pro-growth gene expression. The regulation and potential roles role of Lin28/let-7 pathway in neuropathic pain remain largely unexplored. Using spared nerve injury (SNI) mouse models of neuropathic pain, we find in preliminary data that Lin28a loss of function in sensory neuron populations can result in a deficit in mechanical hypersensitivity post-surgery. In SNI and sciatic nerve transection (SNT) mouse models, we evaluate molecular mechanisms underlying pain using single molecule detection and genetic manipulation. A sensitive RNA imaging assays, RNAScope in situ hybridization (ISH), is used to amplify single RNA target signals in fixed tissues to allow mapping of the spatiotemporal patterns and cell type specificity of changes in non-coding RNA regulatory pathways. Digital PCR is used to provide sensitive and quantitative validation. We find lin28 mRNA level are elevated in injured dorsal root ganglion cells, injured sciatic nerves and their surrounding Schwann cells at 3 days post SNI and SNT surgery accordingly.
Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)
Hagen, J;Oliver, A;Kalyuzhny, AE;
PMID: 36513933 | DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2811-9_13
Antibodies have been commonly used to study protein phosphorylation since the first phospho-specific antibody was described in 1981. Antibodies can be developed so that they specifically recognize phosphorylated areas of particular proteins. In situ hybridization (ISH) is the technique where specific RNA or DNA molecules can be detected in a single cell without the need for antibodies. Using ACD's integrated Co-Detection Workflow (ICW), we have developed a protocol to use phospho-specific antibodies in combination with ISH to show co-localization of EGFR mRNA and EGFR proteins phosphorylated at different sites in tumor cells. Our protocol has been used for multiplexing Y1086 phosphorylated EGFR, Y1068 phosphorylated EGFR, and EGFR RNA in A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells.
Jiao, J;Sanchez, J;Saldarriaga, O;Solis, L;Tweardy, D;Maru, D;Stevenson, H;Beretta, L;
| DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100628
Background & Aims The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is increasing. Subjects with NASH often develop liver fibrosis and advanced liver fibrosis is the main determinant of mortality in NASH patients. We and others have reported that STAT3 contributes to liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. Methods Here, we explored whether STAT3 activation in hepatocytes and in non-hepatocytes areas, measured by phospho-STAT3 (pSTAT3), is associated with liver fibrosis progression in 133 patients with NAFLD. We further characterized the molecular and cellular determinants of STAT3 activation by integrating spatial distribution and transcriptomic changes in fibrotic NAFLD liver. Results pSTAT3 scores in non-hepatocytes areas progressively increased with fibrosis severity (r=0.53, p
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
Muresu, N;Di Lorenzo, B;Saderi, L;Sechi, I;Del Rio, A;Piana, A;Sotgiu, G;
PMID: 35885662 | DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071759
The etiology of bladder cancer is known to be associated with behavioral and environmental factors. Moreover, several studies suggested a potential role of HPV infection in the pathogenesis with controversial results. A systematic review was conducted to assess the role of HPV. A total of 46 articles that reported the prevalence of HPV infection in squamous (SCC), urothelial (UC), and transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) were selected. A pooled prevalence of 19% was found, with a significant difference in SCC that was mainly driven by HPV-16. Moreover, infection prevalence in case-control studies showed a higher risk of bladder cancer in HPV-positive cases (OR: 7.84; p-value < 0.00001). The results may suggest an etiologic role of HPV in bladder cancer. HPV vaccine administration in both sexes could be key to prevent the infection caused by high-risk genotypes.
IL-38 Ablation Reduces Local Inflammation and Disease Severity in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Huard, A;Do, HN;Frank, AC;Sirait-Fischer, E;Fuhrmann, D;Hofmann, MCJ;Raue, R;Palmer, G;Brüne, B;de Bruin, N;Weigert, A;
PMID: 33504620 | DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000923
IL-38 is an IL-1 family receptor antagonist that restricts IL-17-driven inflammation by limiting cytokine production from macrophages and T cells. In the current study, we aimed to explore its role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice, which is, among others, driven by IL-17. Unexpectedly, IL-38-deficient mice showed strongly reduced clinical scores and histological markers of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. This was accompanied by reduced inflammatory cell infiltrates, including macrophages and T cells, as well as reduced expression of inflammatory markers in the spinal cord. IL-38 was highly expressed by infiltrating macrophages in the spinal cord, and in vitro activated IL-38-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages showed reduced expression of inflammatory markers, accompanied by altered cellular metabolism. These data suggest an alternative cell-intrinsic role of IL-38 to promote inflammation in the CNS.
Analysis of gene expression of prostaglandin EP4 receptor in canine osteosarcoma
Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire
Musser, ML;Viall, AK;Phillips, RL;Hostetter, JM;Johannes, CM;
PMID: 33390656
In many human cancers, the expression of the prostaglandin receptor EP4 (EP4R) is associated with the development of malignancy and a poor prognosis. The expression of EP4R has not yet been evaluated in canine tumors. The objective of this study was to characterize the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of EP4R in canine osteosarcoma (OSA). Gene expression of EP4R was evaluated using RNA in-situ hybridization (RNAscope). In all canine OSA samples evaluated, strong universal positive expression of EP4R was identified. Gene expression was significantly higher in OSA tissue samples than in normal nasal turbinate bone, possibly implicating EP4R in the pathogenesis of canine OSA.
Nurgalieva, A;Galliamova, L;Ekomasova, N;Yankina, M;Sakaeva, D;Valiev, R;Prokofyeva, D;Dzhaubermezov, M;Fedorova, Y;Khusnutdinov, S;Khusnutdinova, E;
PMID: 36833207 | DOI: 10.3390/genes14020280
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancer types in the world with a high mortality rate. Hereditary predisposition for GC is not fully elucidated so far. The aim of this study was identification of possible new candidate genes, associated with the increased risk of gastric cancer development. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 18 DNA samples from adenocarcinoma specimens and non-tumor-bearing healthy stomach tissue from the same patient. Three pathogenic variants were identified: c.1320+1G>A in the CDH1 gene and c.27_28insCCCAGCCCCAGCTACCA (p.Ala9fs) of the VEGFA gene were found only in the tumor tissue, whereas c.G1874C (p.Cys625Ser) in the FANCA gene was found in both the tumor and normal tissue. These changes were found only in patients with diffuse gastric cancer and were absent in the DNA of healthy donors.