Mesenchymal stromal cells for improvement of cardiac function following acute myocardial infarction: a matter of timing.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of cardiovascular death and remains the most common cause of heart failure. Reopening of the occluded artery, i.e., reperfusion, is the only way to save the myocardium. However, the expected benefits of reducing infarct size are disappointing due to the reperfusion paradox, which also induces specific cell death. These ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) lesions can account for up to 50% of final infarct size, a major determinant for both mortality and the risk of heart failure (morbidity). In this review, we provide a detailed description of the cell death and inflammation mechanisms as features of I/R injury and cardioprotective strategies such as ischemic postconditioning as well as their underlying mechanisms. Due to their biological properties, the use of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) has been considered a potential therapeutic approach in AMI. Despite promising results and evidence of safety in preclinical studies using MSCs, the effects reported in clinical trials are not conclusive and even inconsistent. These discrepancies were attributed to many parameters such as donor age, in vitro culture, and storage time as well as injection time window after AMI, which alter MSC therapeutic properties. In the context of AMI, future directions will be to generate MSCs with enhanced properties to limit cell death in myocardial tissue and thereby reduce infarct size and improve the healing phase to increase postinfarct myocardial performance.

Ribonucleotide Reductase Requires Subunit Switching in Hypoxia to Maintain DNA Replication.

Cells exposed to hypoxia experience replication stress but do not accumulate DNA damage, suggesting sustained DNA replication. Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is the only enzyme capable of de novo synthesis of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs). However, oxygen is an essential cofactor for mammalian RNR (RRM1/RRM2 and RRM1/RRM2B), leading us to question the source of dNTPs in hypoxia. Here, we show that the RRM1/RRM2B enzyme is capable of retaining activity in hypoxia and therefore is favored over RRM1/RRM2 in order to preserve ongoing replication and avoid the accumulation of DNA damage. We found two distinct mechanisms by which RRM2B maintains hypoxic activity and identified responsible residues in RRM2B. The importance of RRM2B in the response to tumor hypoxia is further illustrated by correlation of its expression with a hypoxic signature in patient samples and its roles in tumor growth and radioresistance. Our data provide mechanistic insight into RNR biology, highlighting RRM2B as a hypoxic-specific, anti-cancer therapeutic target.

Allogenic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy for patients with chronic low back pain: a prospective, multicentre, randomised placebo controlled trial (RESPINE study).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of a single intradiscal injection of allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) versus a sham placebo in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Participants were randomised in a prospective, double-blind, controlled study to receive either sham injection or intradiscal injection of 20 million allogeneic BM-MSC, between April 2018 and December 2022. The first co-primary endpoint was the rate of responders defined by improvement of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain of at least 20% and 20 mm, or improvement of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) of 20% between baseline and month 12. The secondary structural co-primary endpoint was assessed by the disc fluid content measured by quantitative MRI T2, between baseline and month 12. Secondary endpoints included pain VAS, ODI, the Short Form (SF)-36 and the minimal clinically important difference in all timepoints (1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months). We determined the immune response associated with allogeneic cell injection between baseline and 6 months. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded. RESULTS: 114 patients were randomised (n=58, BM-MSC group; n=56, sham placebo group). At 12 months, the primary outcome was not reached (74% in the BM-MSC group vs 69% in the placebo group; p=0.77). The groups did not differ in all secondary outcomes. No SAE related to the intervention occurred. CONCLUSIONS: While our study did not conclusively demonstrate the efficacy of allogeneic BM-MSCs for LBP, the procedure was safe. Long-term outcomes of MSC therapy for LBP are still being studied. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: EudraCT 2017-002092-25/ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03737461.

What is the rationale for mesenchymal stromal cells based therapies in the management of hemophilic arthropathies?

Hemophilia A and B are rare X-linked genetic bleeding disorders due to a complete or partial deficiency in the coagulation factors VIII or IX, respectively. The main treatment for hemophilia is prophylactic and based on coagulation factor replacement therapies. These treatments have significantly reduced bleeding and improved the patients' quality of life. Nevertheless, repeated joint bleedings (hemarthroses), even subclinical hemarthroses, can lead to hemophilic arthropathy (HA). This disabling condition is characterized by chronic pain due to synovial inflammation, cartilage and bone destruction requiring ultimately joint replacement. HA resembles to rheumatoid arthritis because of synovitis but HA is considered as having similarities with osteoarthritis as illustrated by the migration of immune cells, production of inflammatory cytokines, synovial hypertrophy and cartilage damage. Various drugs have been evaluated for the management of HA with limited success. The objective of the review is to discuss new therapeutic approaches with a special focus on the studies that have investigated the potential of using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in the management of HA. A systematic review of the literature has been made. Most of the studies have focused on the interest of MSCs for the delivery of missing factors VIII or IX but in some studies, more insight on the effect of MSC injection on synovial inflammation or cartilage structure were provided and put in perspective for possible clinical applications.

Extracellular vesicles from senescent mesenchymal stromal cells are defective and cannot prevent osteoarthritis.

Age is the most important risk factor in degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA), which is associated with the accumulation of senescent cells in the joints. Here, we aimed to assess the impact of senescence on the therapeutic properties of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human fat mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) in OA. We generated a model of DNA damage-induced senescence in ASCs using etoposide and characterized EVs isolated from their conditioned medium (CM). Senescent ASCs (S-ASCs) produced 3-fold more EVs (S-EVs) with a slightly bigger size and that contain 2-fold less total RNA. Coculture experiments showed that S-ASCs were as efficient as healthy ASCs (H-ASCs) in improving the phenotype of OA chondrocytes cultured in resting conditions but were defective when chondrocytes were proliferating. S-EVs were also impaired in their capacity to polarize synovial macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. A differential protein cargo mainly related to inflammation and senescence was detected in S-EVs and H-EVs. Using the collagenase-induced OA model, we found that contrary to H-EVs, S-EVs could not protect mice from cartilage damage and joint calcifications, and were less efficient in protecting subchondral bone degradation. In addition, S-EVs induced a pro-catabolic and pro-inflammatory gene signature in the joints of mice shortly after injection, while H-EVs decreased hypertrophic, catabolic and inflammatory pathways. In conclusion, S-EVs are functionally impaired and cannot protect mice from developing OA.

Warthog Genomes Resolve an Evolutionary Conundrum and Reveal Introgression of Disease Resistance Genes.

African wild pigs have a contentious evolutionary and biogeographic history. Until recently, desert warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) and common warthog (P. africanus) were considered a single species. Molecular evidence surprisingly suggested they diverged at least 4.4 million years ago, and possibly outside of Africa. We sequenced the first whole-genomes of four desert warthogs and 35 common warthogs from throughout their range. We show that these two species diverged much later than previously estimated, 400,000-1,700,000 years ago depending on assumptions of gene flow. This brings it into agreement with the paleontological record. We found that the common warthog originated in western Africa and subsequently colonized eastern and southern Africa. During this range expansion, the common warthog interbred with the desert warthog, presumably in eastern Africa, underlining this region's importance in African biogeography. We found that immune system-related genes may have adaptively introgressed into common warthogs, indicating that resistance to novel diseases was one of the most potent drivers of evolution as common warthogs expanded their range. Hence, we solve some of the key controversies surrounding warthog evolution and reveal a complex evolutionary history involving range expansion, introgression, and adaptation to new diseases.

Chronological interplay, clinical features, and treatments among patients with cancer and primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: While the incidence and type of blood malignancies are well documented amid primary Sjögren's syndrome patients (pSS), data focusing on solid neoplasms are more conflicting. We aimed to describe clinical, pathological, and immunological characteristics of pSS patients with cancers, along with the chronological interplay between the two conditions. METHODS: Outcomes concerning both pSS and cancer were retrospectively collected from Montpellier University Hospital (tertiary center) between 2019 and 2020. pSS characteristics were compared to a control group of pSS patients without cancer. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients with pSS were included: 55 patients with cancer (52 female, mean age 58.4 ± 10.4 years at pSS diagnosis; mean follow-up 10.5 ± 10.1 years, 12 patients had multiple cancers) and 110 controls without cancer. Characteristics of pSS patients with cancers were different from controls mostly for lymphoma prognosis factors. Among the 70 cancers, we recorded 55 solid neoplasms (whom 27 breast cancers and 8 lung cancers, and 82% of adenocarcinomas), with no evidence of disease at the end of follow-up in 85% of them. Among the 15 recorded blood malignancies, ten were lymphomas with an excellent prognosis. Regarding chronological interplay between cancer and pSS, most cancers (43%) were diagnosed close (± 5 years) to pSS diagnosis. Breast cancers were diagnosed before or close to pSS diagnosis (mean delay - 1.8 ± 13.0 years), at an early stage, with only two relapses (no cancer-related death), while lung cancers were diagnosed late after. CONCLUSIONS: The tight chronological interplay between breast cancer and pSS and the intriguing pathological and immunological pattern of pSS in these patients suggest a hypothesis of immune control of cancer.

Prevalence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis in the south of France, using the capture-recapture method.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), ie granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), in Southern France in 2018, and evaluate differences among Europeans and non-Europeans. METHODS: This population-based, cross-sectional study used four sources (hospitals, community-based physicians, laboratories, National Health Insurance) to identify adults ≥ 15 years diagnosed with GPA, MPA or EGPA, living in Hérault and Gard in 2018. Cases were defined using the ACR/EULAR classification criteria, and if necessary, the European Medicines Agency algorithm. Prevalence estimates were standardised to the world population and capture-recapture analysis was used to assess the comprehensiveness of the estimation. The influence of geographical origin was evaluated. RESULTS: 202 patients were selected, with 86 cases of GPA (42.6%), 85 cases of MPA (42.1%), and 31 cases of EGPA (15.3%). The standardised prevalence estimates per million inhabitants for 2018 were: 103 (95%CI 84 - 125) for AAV, 48 (95%CI 35 - 64) for GPA, 39 (95%CI 28 - 53) for MPA and 16 (95%CI 9 - 26) for EGPA, 36 (95%CI 25 - 50) for anti-PR3 positive AAV, 46 (95%CI 34 - 61) for anti-MPO positive AAV, and 16 (95%CI 9 - 26) for ANCA-negative AAV. The global estimation of comprehensiveness by capture-recapture analysis was 80.5%. The number of AAV cases was higher for non-European residents (P=0.001), particularly for MPA (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: We provide a new estimate of AAV prevalence in France and show a higher prevalence of MPA in non-European patients.

The peripheral endocannabinoid system and its association with biomarkers of inflammation in untreated patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found altered in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, whether the ECS alteration is present in the early stage of MS remains unknown. First, we aimed to compare the ECS profile between newly diagnosed MS patients and healthy controls (HCs). Next, we explored the association of the ECS, biomarkers of inflammation, and clinical parameters in newly diagnosed MS patients. METHODS: Whole blood gene expression of ECS components and levels of endocannabinoids in plasma were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively, in 66 untreated MS patients and 46 HCs. RESULTS: No differences were found in the gene expression or plasma levels of the selected ECS components between newly diagnosed MS patients and HCs. Interferon-γ, encoded by the gene IFNG, correlated positively (ρ = 0.60) with the expression of G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), and interleukin1ß (IL1B) correlated negatively (ρ = -0.50) with cannabinoid receptor 2 (CNR2) in HCs. CONCLUSIONS: We found no alteration in the peripheral ECS between untreated patients with MS and HC. Furthermore, our results indicate that the ECS has a minor overall involvement in the early stage of MS on inflammatory markers and clinical parameters when compared with HCs.

Methylotrophic Communities Associated with a Greenland Ice Sheet Methane Release Hotspot.

Subglacial environments provide conditions suitable for the microbial production of methane, an important greenhouse gas, which can be released from beneath the ice as a result of glacial melting. High gaseous methane emissions have recently been discovered at Russell Glacier, an outlet of the southwestern margin of the Greenland Ice Sheet, acting not only as a potential climate amplifier but also as a substrate for methane consuming microorganisms. Here, we describe the composition of the microbial assemblage exported in meltwater from the methane release hotspot at Russell Glacier and its changes over the melt season and as it travels downstream. We found that a substantial part (relative abundance 27.2% across the whole dataset) of the exported assemblage was made up of methylotrophs and that the relative abundance of methylotrophs increased as the melt season progressed, likely due to the seasonal development of the glacial drainage system. The methylotrophs were dominated by representatives of type I methanotrophs from the Gammaproteobacteria; however, their relative abundance decreased with increasing distance from the ice margin at the expense of type II methanotrophs and/or methylotrophs from the Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria. Our results show that subglacial methane release hotspot sites can be colonized by microorganisms that can potentially reduce methane emissions.

A least-squares-fitting procedure for an efficient preclinical ranking of passive transport across the blood-brain barrier endothelium.

The treatment of various disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) is often impeded by the limited brain exposure of drugs, which is regulated by the human blood-brain barrier (BBB). The screening of lead compounds for CNS penetration is challenging due to the biochemical complexity of the BBB, while experimental determination of permeability is not feasible for all types of compounds. Here we present a novel method for rapid preclinical screening of libraries of compounds by utilizing advancements in computing hardware, with its foundation in transition-based counting of the flux. This method has been experimentally validated for in vitro permeabilities and provides atomic-level insights into transport mechanisms. Our approach only requires a single high-temperature simulation to rank a compound relative to a library, with a typical simulation time converging within 24 to 72 h. The method offers unbiased thermodynamic and kinetic information to interpret the passive transport of small-molecule drugs across the BBB.

Synthetic Nucleic Acid Antigens in Localized Scleroderma.

We investigated the impact of synthetic nucleic acid antigens on the autoantibody profiles in patients with localized scleroderma, an autoimmune skin disease. Anti-DNA antibodies, including double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), are common among autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and localized scleroderma. Based on recent studies, we hypothesized that the sequence of nucleic acid antigens has an impact on the autoimmune reactions in localized scleroderma. To test our hypothesis, we synthesized a panel of DNA and RNA antigens and used them for autoantibody profiling of 70 children with localized scleroderma compared with the healthy controls and patients with pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (as a disease control). Among the tested antigens, dsD4, which contains the sequence of the human oncogene BRAF, showed a particularly strong presence in localized scleroderma but not systemic lupus erythematosus. Disease activity in patients was significantly associated with dsD4 autoantibody levels. We confirmed this result in vivo by using a bleomycin-induced mouse model of localized scleroderma. When administered intraperitoneally, dsD4 promoted an active polyclonal response in the mouse model. Our study highlights sequence specificity for nucleic acid antigens in localized scleroderma that could potentially lead to developing novel early-stage diagnostic tools.

Analysis of fungal high-mannose structures using CAZymes.

Glycoengineering ultimately allows control over glycosylation patterns to generate new glycoprotein variants with desired properties. A common challenge is glycan heterogeneity, which may affect protein function and limit the use of key techniques such as mass spectrometry. Moreover, heterologous protein expression can introduce nonnative glycan chains that may not fulfill the requirement for therapeutic proteins. One strategy to address these challenges is partial trimming or complete removal of glycan chains, which can be obtained through selective application of exoglycosidases. Here, we demonstrate an enzymatic O-deglycosylation toolbox of a GH92 α-1,2-mannosidase from Neobacillus novalis, a GH2 ß-galactofuranosidase from Amesia atrobrunnea and the jack bean α-mannosidase. The extent of enzymatic O-deglycosylation was mapped against a full glycosyl linkage analysis of the O-glycosylated linker of cellobiohydrolase I from Trichoderma reesei (TrCel7A). Furthermore, the influence of deglycosylation on TrCel7A functionality was evaluated by kinetic characterization of native and O-deglycosylated forms of TrCel7A. This study expands structural knowledge on fungal O-glycosylation and presents a ready-to-use enzymatic approach for controlled O-glycan engineering in glycoproteins expressed in filamentous fungi.

The chronic disease Self-Management Programme: A phenomenological study for empowering vulnerable patients with chronic diseases included in the EFFICHRONIC project.

INTRODUCTION: The Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme (CDSMP) has resulted in improved health outcomes for patients. However, research has focused mainly on those with chronic conditions and has not extensively explored prevention programmes targeting individuals with specific vulnerability profiles. AIM: This study aimed to understand the effects of the CDSMP on the lived experience of vulnerable patients included in the EFFICHRONIC project in France, based on their needs and expectations before and after participation. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative phenomenological semio-pragmatic study based on 37 in-depth interviews with 20 patients (20 before/17 after CDSMP). RESULTS: By transforming existential dimensions (identity, relationship with others and bodily experience), chronic illness generates new needs in the vulnerable person. By resonating with the expectations and needs of participants, the CDSMP induces motivation and a sense of belonging to a community of peers. It has enabled the participants to become actors of their own health until empowerment. Although some limitations are reported, the programme has awakened a desire in the participants to take better care of their health and to develop personal skills with, for some, a desire to become involved in health education. CONCLUSION: Our phenomenological approach highlighted the resonance between the programme (its design and implementation) and the lived experience of patients, as an effective element of empowerment. This necessitates training the facilitators to elicit the lived experience of patients. Furthermore, as a patient-centred approach is required, the facilitators need to learn how to adapt the design of the programme to the singularity of the patient. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients provided the data that were collected through in-depth interviews, and their experiences before and after the programme were analysed.

Nesting Synchrony and Clutch Size in Migratory Birds: Capital versus Income Breeding Determines Responses to Variable Spring Onset.

AbstractSynchronous reproduction of birds has often been explained by benefits from nesting together, but this concept fails to explain observed intraspecific variation and climate-mediated changes of breeding synchrony. Here, we present a theoretical model of birds that store resources for reproduction (capital breeders) to show how breeding synchrony, clutch size, and offspring recruitment respond to changes in timing of first possible breeding date. Our approach is based on individual fitness maximization when both prebreeding foraging and offspring development are time constrained. The model predicts less synchronous breeding, smaller clutch size, and higher chances for offspring recruitment in capital breeding birds that advance their nesting. For contrast, we also show that birds that need to acquire resources during egg laying (income breeders) do not change nesting synchrony but increase clutch size along with earlier breeding. The prediction of stronger nesting synchronization of capital breeders in years with late nesting onset is confirmed by empirical data on breeding synchrony of a high-latitude capital breeding sea duck, the common eider (Somateria mollissima). We predict that in warming high-latitude ecosystems, bird species that depend on stored reserves for reproduction are expected to desynchronize their nesting.

Mesenchymal stromal cells-derived extracellular vesicles alleviate systemic sclerosis via miR-29a-3p.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a potentially lethal disease with no curative treatment. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have proved efficacy in SSc but no data is available on MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in this multi-organ fibrosis disease. Small size (ssEVs) and large size EVs (lsEVs) were isolated from murine MSCs or human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ASCs). Control antagomiR (Ct) or antagomiR-29a-3p (A29a) were transfected in MSCs and ASCs before EV production. EVs were injected in the HOCl-induced SSc model at day 21 and euthanasized at day 42. We found that both ssEVs and lsEVs were effective to slow-down the course of the disease. All disease parameters improved in skin and lungs. Interestingly, down-regulating miR-29a-3p in MSCs totally abolished therapeutic efficacy. Besides, we demonstrated a similar efficacy of human ASC-EVs and importantly, EVs from A29a-transfected ASCs failed to improve skin fibrosis. We identified Dnmt3a, Pdgfrbb, Bcl2, Bcl-xl as target genes of miR-29a-3p whose regulation was associated with skin fibrosis improvement. Our study highlights the therapeutic role of miR-29a-3p in SSc and the importance of regulating methylation and apoptosis.

A randomized prospective open-label controlled trial comparing the performance of a connected monitoring interface versus physical routine monitoring in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: In RA, telemedicine may allow tight control of disease activity while reducing hospital visits. We developed a smartphone application connected with a physician's interface to monitor RA patients. We aimed to assess the performance of this e-Health solution in comparison with routine practice in the management of patients with RA. METHODS: A six-month pragmatic, randomized, controlled, prospective, clinical trial was conducted in RA patients with high to moderate disease activity starting a new DMARD therapy. Two groups were established: 'connected monitoring' and 'conventional monitoring'. The primary outcome was the number of physical visits between baseline and six months. Secondary outcomes included adherence, satisfaction, changes in clinical, functional and health status scores (Short-Form 12). RESULTS: Of the 94 randomized patients, 89 completed study: 44 in the 'conventional monitoring' arm and 45 in the 'connected monitoring' arm. The total number of physical visits between required baseline and six-month visits was significantly lower in the 'connected monitoring' group [0.42 (0.58) vs 1.93 (0.55); P <0.05]. No differences between groups were observed in the clinical and functional scores. A better quality of life for Short-Form 12 subscores (Role-Physical and Role-Emotional) were found in the 'connected monitoring' group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that connected monitoring reduces the number of physical visits while maintaining a tight control of disease activity and improving quality of life in patients with RA starting a new treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03005925.

HIF1α-dependent metabolic reprogramming governs mesenchymal stem/stromal cell immunoregulatory functions.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF1α), a regulator of metabolic change, is required for the survival and differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC). Its role in MSC immunoregulatory activity, however, has not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we evaluate the role of HIF1α on MSC immunosuppressive potential. We show that HIF1α silencing in MSC decreases their inhibitory potential on Th1 and Th17 cell generation and limits their capacity to generate regulatory T cells. This reduced immunosuppressive potential of MSC is associated with a metabolic switch from glycolysis to OXPHOS and a reduced capacity to express or produce some immunosuppressive mediators including Intercellular Adhesion Molecule (ICAM), IL-6, and nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, using the Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity murine model (DTH), we confirm, in vivo, the critical role of HIF1α on MSC immunosuppressive effect. Indeed, we show that HIF1α silencing impairs MSC capacity to reduce inflammation and inhibit the generation of pro-inflammatory T cells. This study reveals the pivotal role of HIF1α on MSC immunosuppressive activity through the regulation of their metabolic status and identifies HIF1α as a novel mediator of MSC immunotherapeutic potential.

Extracellular Vesicles Are More Potent Than Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Exert an Anti-Fibrotic Effect in an In Vitro Model of Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disorder resulting from dysregulated interactions between the three main pathophysiological axes: fibrosis, immune dysfunction, and vasculopathy, with no specific treatment available to date. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) have proved efficacy in pre-clinical murine models of SSc. However, their precise action mechanism is still not fully understood. Because of the lack of availability of fibroblasts isolated from SSc patients (SSc-Fb), our aim was to determine whether a TGFß1-induced model of human myofibroblasts (Tß-Fb) could reproduce the characteristics of SSc-Fb and be used to evaluate the anti-fibrotic function of ASCs and their EVs. We found out that Tß-Fb displayed the main morphological and molecular features of SSc-Fb, including the enlarged hypertrophic morphology and expression of several markers associated with the myofibroblastic phenotype. Using this model, we showed that ASCs were able to regulate the expression of most myofibroblastic markers on Tß-Fb and SSc-Fb, but only when pre-stimulated with TGFß1. Of interest, ASC-derived EVs were more effective than parental cells for improving the myofibroblastic phenotype. In conclusion, we provided evidence that Tß-Fb are a relevant model to mimic the main characteristics of SSc fibroblasts and investigate the mechanism of action of ASCs. We further reported that ASC-EVs are more effective than parental cells suggesting that the TGFß1-induced pro-fibrotic environment may alter the function of ASCs.

Insights into an unusual Auxiliary Activity 9 family member lacking the histidine brace motif of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases.

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are redox-enzymes involved in biomass degradation. All characterized LPMOs possess an active site of two highly conserved histidine residues coordinating a copper ion (the histidine brace), which are essential for LPMO activity. However, some protein sequences that belong to the AA9 LPMO family display a natural N-terminal His to Arg substitution (Arg-AA9). These are found almost entirely in the phylogenetic fungal class Agaricomycetes, associated with wood decay, but no function has been demonstrated for any Arg-AA9. Through bioinformatics, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses we present data, which suggest that Arg-AA9 proteins could have a hitherto unidentified role in fungal degradation of lignocellulosic biomass in conjunction with other secreted fungal enzymes. We present the first structure of an Arg-AA9, LsAA9B, a naturally occurring protein from Lentinus similis The LsAA9B structure reveals gross changes in the region equivalent to the canonical LPMO copper-binding site, whereas features implicated in carbohydrate binding in AA9 LPMOs have been maintained. We obtained a structure of LsAA9B with xylotetraose bound on the surface of the protein although with a considerably different binding mode compared with other AA9 complex structures. In addition, we have found indications of protein phosphorylation near the N-terminal Arg and the carbohydrate-binding site, for which the potential function is currently unknown. Our results are strong evidence that Arg-AA9s function markedly different from canonical AA9 LPMO, but nonetheless, may play a role in fungal conversion of lignocellulosic biomass.