Takagishi, M;Aleogho, BM;Okumura, M;Ushida, K;Yamada, Y;Seino, Y;Fujimura, S;Nakashima, K;Shindo, A;
PMID: 35196509 | DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.01.075
Developing animals absorb nutrients either through the placenta or from ingested food; however, the mechanisms by which embryos use external nutrients for individual organ morphogenesis remain to be elucidated. In this study, we assessed nutrient-dependent thyroid follicle morphogenesis in Xenopus laevis and investigated the role of secreted gastrointestinal (GI) hormones post-feeding. We found that feeding triggers thyroid follicle formation, and the thyroid cells showed transient inactivation of cell proliferation after feeding. In addition, the thyroid cells with multi-lumina were frequently observed in the fed tadpoles. The expression of the particular GI hormone incretin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), responded to feeding in the intestines of Xenopus tadpoles. Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (Dpp4), a degradative enzyme of incretin, increased the size of the thyroid follicles by facilitating follicular lumina connection, whereas inhibition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) reversed the effects of Dpp4 inhibition. Furthermore, injection of GIP peptide in unfed tadpoles initiated thyroid follicle formation-without requiring feeding-and injection of an incretin receptor antagonist suppressed follicle enlargement in the fed tadpoles. Lastly, GIP receptor knockout in neonatal mice showed smaller follicles in the thyroid, suggesting that the GI hormone-dependent thyroid morphogenesis is conserved in mammals. In conclusion, our study links external nutrients to thyroid morphogenesis and provides new insights into the function of GI hormone as a regulator of organ morphology in developing animals.
Smith, KD;Prince, DK;Henriksen, K;Nicosia, RF;Alpers, CE;Akilesh, S;
PMID: 35227689 | DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.01.033
Collapsing glomerulopathy is a histologically distinct variant of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis that presents with heavy proteinuria and portends a poor prognosis. Collapsing glomerulopathy can be triggered by viral infections such as HIV or SARS-CoV-2. Transcriptional profiling of collapsing glomerulopathy lesions is difficult since only a few glomeruli may exhibit this histology within a kidney biopsy and the mechanisms driving this heterogeneity are unknown. Therefore, we used recently developed digital spatial profiling (DSP) technology which permits quantification of mRNA at the level of individual glomeruli. Using DSP, we profiled 1,852 transcripts in glomeruli isolated from formalin fixed paraffin embedded sections from HIV or SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with biopsy-confirmed collapsing glomerulopathy and used normal biopsy sections as controls. Even though glomeruli with collapsing features appeared histologically similar across both groups of patients by light microscopyhe increased resolution of DSP uncovered intra- and inter-patient heterogeneity in glomerular transcriptional profiles that were missed in early laser capture microdissection studies of pooled glomeruli. Focused validation using immunohistochemistry and RNA in situ hybridization showed good concordance with DSP results. Thus, DSP represents a powerful method to dissect transcriptional programs of pathologically discernible kidney lesions.
Williams, AM;Jensen, DM;Pan, X;Liu, P;Liu, J;Huls, S;Regner, KR;Iczkowski, KA;Wang, F;Li, J;Gallan, AJ;Wang, T;Baker, MA;Liu, Y;Lalehzari, N;Liang, M;
PMID: 35114200 | DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.12.030
Pathological heterogeneity is common in clinical tissue specimens and complicates the interpretation of molecular data obtained from the specimen. As a typical example, a kidney biopsy specimen often contains glomeruli and tubulointerstitial regions with different levels of histological injury, including some that are histologically normal. We reasoned that the molecular profiles of kidney tissue regions with specific histological injury scores could provide new insights into kidney injury progression. Therefore, we developed a strategy to perform small RNA deep sequencing analysis for individually scored glomerular and tubulointerstitial regions in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded kidney needle biopsies. This approach was applied to study focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), the leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Large numbers of small RNAs, including microRNAs, 3' tRNA fragments (tRFs), 5'-tRFs, and mitochondrial tRFs, were differentially expressed between histologically indistinguishable tissue regions from patients with FSGS and matched healthy controls. A majority of tRFs were upregulated in FSGS. Several small RNAs were differentially expressed between tissue regions with different histological scores in FSGS. Notably, with increasing levels of histological damage, miR-21-5p was upregulated progressively and miR-192-5p was downregulated progressively in glomerular and tubulointerstitial regions, respectively. This study marks the first genome scale molecular profiling conducted in histologically characterized glomerular and tubulointerstitial regions. Thus, substantial molecular changes in histologically normal kidney regions in FSGS might contribute to initiating tissue injury or represent compensatory mechanisms. In addition, several small RNAs might contribute to subsequent progression of glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury, and histologically mapping small RNA profiles may be applied to analyze tissue specimens in any disease.
NPJ Regenerative medicine
Montandon, M;Hamidouche, T;Yart, L;Duret, LC;Pons, C;Soubeiran, N;Pousse, M;Cervera, L;Vial, V;Fassy, J;Croce, O;Gilson, E;Shkreli, M;
PMID: 35149726 | DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00212-z
Homeostatic renal filtration relies on the integrity of podocytes, which function in glomerular filtration. These highly specialized cells are damaged in 90% of chronic kidney disease, representing the leading cause of end-stage renal failure. Although modest podocyte renewal has been documented in adult mice, the mechanisms regulating this process remain largely unknown and controversial. Using a mouse model of Adriamycin-induced nephropathy, we find that the recovery of filtration function requires up-regulation of the endogenous telomerase component TERT. Previous work has shown that transient overexpression of catalytically inactive TERT (i-TERTci mouse model) has an unexpected role in triggering dramatic podocyte proliferation and renewal. We therefore used this model to conduct specific and stochastic lineage-tracing strategies in combination with high throughput sequencing methods. These experiments provide evidence that TERT drives the activation and clonal expansion of podocyte progenitor cells. Our findings demonstrate that the adult kidney bears intrinsic regenerative capabilities involving the protein component of telomerase, paving the way for innovative research toward the development of chronic kidney disease therapeutics.
NPJ Regenerative medicine
Gonther, S;Bachmann, M;Goren, I;Huard, A;Weigert, A;Köhl, J;Mühl, H;
PMID: 35087052 | DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00206-x
Murine acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury (ALI) serves as paradigmatic model for drug-induced hepatic injury and regeneration. As major cause of ALI, acetaminophen overdosing is a persistent therapeutic challenge with N-acetylcysteine clinically used to ameliorate parenchymal necrosis. To identify further treatment strategies that serve patients with poor N-acetylcysteine responses, hepatic 3'mRNA sequencing was performed in the initial resolution phase at 24 h/48 h after sublethal overdosing. This approach disclosed 45 genes upregulated (≥5-fold) within this time frame. Focusing on C5aR1, we observed in C5aR1-deficient mice disease aggravation during resolution of intoxication as evidenced by increased liver necrosis and serum alanine aminotransferase. Moreover, decreased hepatocyte compensatory proliferation and increased caspase-3 activation at the surroundings of necrotic cores were detectable in C5aR1-deficient mice. Using a non-hypothesis-driven approach, herein pro-regenerative/-resolving effects of C5aR1 were identified during late acetaminophen-induced ALI. Data concur with protection by the C5a/C5aR1-axis during hepatectomy and emphasize the complex role of inflammation during hepatic regeneration and repair.
Cardiovascular diabetology
Veitch, S;Njock, MS;Chandy, M;Siraj, MA;Chi, L;Mak, H;Yu, K;Rathnakumar, K;Perez-Romero, CA;Chen, Z;Alibhai, FJ;Gustafson, D;Raju, S;Wu, R;Zarrin Khat, D;Wang, Y;Caballero, A;Meagher, P;Lau, E;Pepic, L;Cheng, HS;Galant, NJ;Howe, KL;Li, RK;Connelly, KA;Husain, M;Delgado-Olguin, P;Fish, JE;
PMID: 35209901 | DOI: 10.1186/s12933-022-01458-z
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with coronary microvascular dysfunction, which is thought to contribute to compromised diastolic function, ultimately culminating in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood, and no early diagnostics are available. We sought to gain insight into biomarkers and potential mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction in obese mouse (db/db) and lean rat (Goto-Kakizaki) pre-clinical models of T2D-associated diastolic dysfunction.The microRNA (miRNA) content of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) was assessed in T2D models to identify biomarkers of coronary microvascular dysfunction/rarefaction. The potential source of circulating EV-encapsulated miRNAs was determined, and the mechanisms of induction and the function of candidate miRNAs were assessed in endothelial cells (ECs).We found an increase in miR-30d-5p and miR-30e-5p in circulating EVs that coincided with indices of coronary microvascular EC dysfunction (i.e., markers of oxidative stress, DNA damage/senescence) and rarefaction, and preceded echocardiographic evidence of diastolic dysfunction. These miRNAs may serve as biomarkers of coronary microvascular dysfunction as they are upregulated in ECs of the left ventricle of the heart, but not other organs, in db/db mice. Furthermore, the miR-30 family is secreted in EVs from senescent ECs in culture, and ECs with senescent-like characteristics are present in the db/db heart. Assessment of miR-30 target pathways revealed a network of genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism. Over-expression of miR-30e in cultured ECs increased fatty acid β-oxidation and the production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, while inhibiting the miR-30 family decreased fatty acid β-oxidation. Additionally, miR-30e over-expression synergized with fatty acid exposure to down-regulate the expression of eNOS, a key regulator of microvascular and cardiomyocyte function. Finally, knock-down of the miR-30 family in db/db mice decreased markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage/senescence in the microvascular endothelium.MiR-30d/e represent early biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets that are indicative of the development of diastolic dysfunction and may reflect altered EC fatty acid metabolism and microvascular dysfunction in the diabetic heart.
Kaufmann, E;Khan, N;Tran, KA;Ulndreaj, A;Pernet, E;Fontes, G;Lupien, A;Desmeules, P;McIntosh, F;Abow, A;Moorlag, SJCFM;Debisarun, P;Mossman, K;Banerjee, A;Karo-Atar, D;Sadeghi, M;Mubareka, S;Vinh, DC;King, IL;Robbins, CS;Behr, MA;Netea, MG;Joubert, P;Divangahi, M;
PMID: 35235831 | DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110502
Since the vast majority of species solely rely on innate immunity for host defense, it stands to reason that a critical evolutionary trait like immunological memory evolved in this primitive branch of our immune system. There is ample evidence that vaccines such as bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) induce protective innate immune memory responses (trained immunity) against heterologous pathogens. Here we show that while BCG vaccination significantly reduces morbidity and mortality against influenza A virus (IAV), it fails to provide protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In contrast to IAV, SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to unique pulmonary vasculature damage facilitating viral dissemination to other organs, including the bone marrow (BM), a central site for BCG-mediated trained immunity. Finally, monocytes from BCG-vaccinated individuals mount an efficient cytokine response to IAV infection, while this response is minimal following SARS-CoV-2. Collectively, our data suggest that the protective capacity of BCG vaccination is contingent on viral pathogenesis and tissue tropism.
Stenudd, M;Sabelström, H;Llorens-Bobadilla, E;Zamboni, M;Blom, H;Brismar, H;Zhang, S;Basak, O;Clevers, H;Göritz, C;Barnabé-Heider, F;Frisén, J;
PMID: 35235796 | DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110440
Spinal cord ependymal cells display neural stem cell properties in vitro and generate scar-forming astrocytes and remyelinating oligodendrocytes after injury. We report that ependymal cells are functionally heterogeneous and identify a small subpopulation (8% of ependymal cells and 0.1% of all cells in a spinal cord segment), which we denote ependymal A (EpA) cells, that accounts for the in vitro stem cell potential in the adult spinal cord. After spinal cord injury, EpA cells undergo self-renewing cell division as they give rise to differentiated progeny. Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed a loss of ependymal cell gene expression programs as EpA cells gained signaling entropy and dedifferentiated to a stem-cell-like transcriptional state after an injury. We conclude that EpA cells are highly differentiated cells that can revert to a stem cell state and constitute a therapeutic target for spinal cord repair.
Jeon, H;Lee, H;Kwon, DH;Kim, J;Tanaka-Yamamoto, K;Yook, JS;Feng, L;Park, HR;Lim, YH;Cho, ZH;Paek, SH;Kim, J;
PMID: 35235786 | DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110439
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) controls psychomotor activity and is an efficient therapeutic deep brain stimulation target in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Despite evidence indicating position-dependent therapeutic effects and distinct functions within the STN, the input circuit and cellular profile in the STN remain largely unclear. Using neuroanatomical techniques, we construct a comprehensive connectivity map of the indirect and hyperdirect pathways in the mouse STN. Our circuit- and cellular-level connectivities reveal a topographically graded organization with three types of indirect and hyperdirect pathways (external globus pallidus only, STN only, and collateral). We confirm consistent pathways into the human STN by 7 T MRI-based tractography. We identify two functional types of topographically distinct glutamatergic STN neurons (parvalbumin [PV+/-]) with synaptic connectivity from indirect and hyperdirect pathways. Glutamatergic PV+ STN neurons contribute to burst firing. These data suggest a complex interplay of information integration within the basal ganglia underlying coordinated movement control and therapeutic effects.
Beumer, J;Puschhof, J;Yengej, FY;Zhao, L;Martinez-Silgado, A;Blotenburg, M;Begthel, H;Boot, C;van Oudenaarden, A;Chen, YG;Clevers, H;
PMID: 35235783 | DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110438
Intestinal epithelial cells derive from stem cells at the crypt base and travel along the crypt-villus axis to die at the villus tip. The two dominant villus epithelial cell types, absorptive enterocytes and mucous-secreting goblet cells, are mature when they exit crypts. Murine enterocytes switch functional cell states during migration along the villus. Here, we ask whether this zonation is driven by the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) gradient, which increases toward the villus. Using human intestinal organoids, we show that BMP signaling controls the expression of zonated genes in enterocytes. We find that goblet cells display similar zonation involving antimicrobial genes. Using an inducible Bmpr1a knockout mouse model, we confirm that BMP controls these zonated genes in vivo. Our findings imply that local manipulation of BMP signal strength may be used to reset the enterocyte "rheostat" of carbohydrate versus lipid uptake and to control the antimicrobial response through goblet cells.
Xie, Y;Kuan, AT;Wang, W;Herbert, ZT;Mosto, O;Olukoya, O;Adam, M;Vu, S;Kim, M;Tran, D;Gómez, N;Charpentier, C;Sorour, I;Lacey, TE;Tolstorukov, MY;Sabatini, BL;Lee, WA;Harwell, CC;
PMID: 35196485 | DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110416
Neuron-glia interactions play a critical role in the regulation of synapse formation and circuit assembly. Here we demonstrate that canonical Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway signaling in cortical astrocytes acts to coordinate layer-specific synaptic connectivity. We show that the Shh receptor Ptch1 is expressed by cortical astrocytes during development and that Shh signaling is necessary and sufficient to promote the expression of genes involved in regulating synaptic development and layer-enriched astrocyte molecular identity. Loss of Shh in layer V neurons reduces astrocyte complexity and coverage by astrocytic processes in tripartite synapses; conversely, cell-autonomous activation of Shh signaling in astrocytes promotes cortical excitatory synapse formation. Furthermore, Shh-dependent genes Lrig1 and Sparc distinctively contribute to astrocyte morphology and synapse formation. Together, these results suggest that Shh secreted from deep-layer cortical neurons acts to specialize the molecular and functional features of astrocytes during development to shape circuit assembly and function.
Sun, L;Wang, Y;Wang, X;Navarro-Corcuera, A;Ilyas, S;Jalan-Sakrikar, N;Gan, C;Tu, X;Shi, Y;Tu, K;Liu, Q;Lou, Z;Dong, H;Sharpe, AH;Shah, VH;Kang, N;
PMID: 35139382 | DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110349
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) contains abundant myofibroblasts derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through an activation process mediated by TGF-β. To determine the role of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in myofibroblastic activation of HSCs, we disrupted PD-L1 of HSCs by shRNA or anti-PD-L1 antibody. We find that PD-L1, produced by HSCs, is required for HSC activation by stabilizing TGF-β receptors I (TβRI) and II (TβRII). While the extracellular domain of PD-L1 (amino acids 19-238) targets TβRII protein to the plasma membrane and protects it from lysosomal degradation, a C-terminal 260-RLRKGR-265 motif on PD-L1 protects TβRI mRNA from degradation by the RNA exosome complex. PD-L1 is required for HSC expression of tumor-promoting factors, and targeting HSC PD-L1 by shRNA or Cre/loxP recombination suppresses HSC activation and ICC growth in mice. Thus, myofibroblast PD-L1 can modulate the tumor microenvironment and tumor growth by a mechanism independent of immune suppression.