Transcription factor Tcf21 modulates urinary bladder size and differentiation.

Urinary bladder organogenesis requires coordinated cell growth, specification, and patterning of both mesenchymal and epithelial compartments. Tcf21, a gene that encodes a helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is specifically expressed in the mesenchyme of the bladder during development. Here we show that Tcf21 is required for normal development of the bladder. We found that the bladders of mice lacking Tcf21 were notably hypoplastic and that the Tcf21 mutant mesenchyme showed increased apoptosis. There was also a marked delay in the formation of visceral smooth muscle, accompanied by a defect in myocardin (Myocd) expression. Interestingly, there was also a marked delay in the formation of the basal cell layer of the urothelium, distinguished by diminished expression of Krt5 and Krt14. Our findings suggest that Tcf21 regulates the survival and differentiation of mesenchyme cell-autonomously and the maturation of the adjacent urothelium non-cell-autonomously during bladder development.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Human Colorectal Cancer Using RNASeq Data Validated on the Molecular Level with Real-Time PCR.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent cancer with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Late diagnosis is a significant contributor to low survival rates in a minority of cases. The study aimed to perform a robust pipeline using integrated bioinformatics tools that will enable us to identify potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for early detection of CRC by exploring differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In addition to, testing the capability of replacing chemotherapy with plant extract in CRC treatment by validating it using real-time PCR. RNA-seq data from cancerous and adjacent normal tissues were pre-processed and analyzed using various tools such as FastQC, Kallisto, DESeq@ R package, g:Profiler, GNEMANIA-CytoScape and CytoHubba, resulting in the identification of 1641 DEGs enriched in various signaling routes. MMP7, TCF21, and VEGFD were found to be promising diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. An in vitro experiment was conducted to examine the potential anticancer properties of 5-fluorouracile, Withania somnifera extract, and their combination. The extract was found to exhibit a positive trend in gene expression and potential therapeutic value by targeting the three genes; however, further trials are required to regulate the methylation promoter. Molecular docking tests supported the findings by revealing a stable ligand-receptor complex. In conclusion, the study's analysis workflow is precise and robust in identifying DEGs in CRC that may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the identified DEGs can be used in future research with larger sample sizes to analyze CRC survival.

Intrapericardial long non-coding RNA-Tcf21 antisense RNA inducing demethylation administration promotes cardiac repair.

AIMS: Epicardium and epicardium-derived cells are critical players in myocardial fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been studied for cardiac repair to improve cardiac remodelling, but the actual mechanisms remain elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of EV therapy for improving cardiac remodelling and develop a promising treatment addressing myocardial fibrosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Extracellular vesicles were intrapericardially injected for mice myocardial infarction treatment. RNA-seq, in vitro gain- and loss-of-function experiments, and in vivo studies were performed to identify targets that can be used for myocardial fibrosis treatment. Afterward, a lipid nanoparticle-based long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) therapy was prepared for mouse and porcine models of myocardial infarction treatment. Intrapericardial injection of EVs improved adverse myocardial remodelling in mouse models of myocardial infarction. Mechanistically, Tcf21 was identified as a potential target to improve cardiac remodelling. Loss of Tcf21 function in epicardium-derived cells caused increased myofibroblast differentiation, whereas forced Tcf21 overexpression suppressed transforming growth factor-ß signalling and myofibroblast differentiation. LncRNA-Tcf21 antisense RNA inducing demethylation (TARID) that enriched in EVs was identified to up-regulate Tcf21 expression. Formulated lncRNA-TARID-laden lipid nanoparticles up-regulated Tcf21 expression in epicardium-derived cells and improved cardiac function and histology in mouse and porcine models of myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: This study identified Tcf21 as a critical target for improving cardiac fibrosis. Up-regulating Tcf21 by using lncRNA-TARID-laden lipid nanoparticles could be a promising way to treat myocardial fibrosis. This study established novel mechanisms underlying EV therapy for improving adverse remodelling and proposed a lncRNA therapy for cardiac fibrosis.

Nestin identifies a subpopulation of rat ventricular fibroblasts and participates in cell migration.

Fibroblast progenitor cells migrate to the endocardial region during cardiogenesis, and the migration of ventricular fibroblasts to the ischemically damaged region of the infarcted adult heart is a seminal event of reparative fibrosis. The intermediate filament protein nestin is implicated in cell migration and expression identified in a subpopulation of scar-derived myofibroblasts. The present study tested the hypothesis that fibroblast progenitor cells express nestin, and the intermediate filament protein drives the migratory phenotype of ventricular fibroblasts. Transcription factor 21 (Tcf21)- and Wilms tumor 1 (WT1)-fibroblast progenitor cells identified in the epicardial/endocardial regions of the E12.5- to E13.5-day embryonic mouse heart predominantly expressed nestin. Nuclear Tcf21/WT1 staining was identified in neonatal rat ventricular fibroblasts (NNVFbs), and a subpopulation coexpressed nestin. Nuclear Tcf21/WT1 expression persisted in adult rat ventricular fibroblasts, whereas nestin protein levels were downregulated. Nestin-expressing NNVFbs exhibited a unique phenotype as the subpopulation was refractory to cell cycle reentry in response to selective stimuli. Nestin(-)- and nestin(+)-scar-derived rat myofibroblasts plated in Matrigel unmasked a migratory phenotype characterized by the de novo formation of lumen-like structures. The elongated membrane projections emanating from scar myofibroblasts delineating the boundary of lumen-like structures expressed nestin. Lentiviral short-hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated nestin depletion inhibited the in vitro migratory response of NNVFbs as the wound radius was significantly larger compared with NNVFbs infected with the empty lentivirus. Thus, nestin represents a marker of embryonic Tcf21/WT1(+)-fibroblast progenitor cells. The neonatal rat heart contains a distinct subpopulation of nestin-immunoreactive Tcf21/WT1(+) fibroblasts refractory to cell cycle reentry, and the intermediate filament protein may preferentially facilitate ventricular fibroblast migration during physiological/pathological remodeling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Tcf21/WT1(+)-fibroblast progenitor cells of the embryonic mouse heart predominantly express the intermediate filament protein nestin. A subpopulation of Tcf21/WT1(+)-neonatal rat ventricular fibroblasts express nestin and are refractory to selective stimuli influencing cell cycle reentry. Scar-derived myofibroblasts plated in Matrigel elicit the formation of lumen-like structures characterized by the appearance of nestin(+)-membrane projections. Lentiviral shRNA-mediated nestin depletion in a subpopulation of neonatal rat ventricular fibroblasts suppressed the migratory response following the in vitro scratch assay.

DNMT3a-mediated methylation of TCF21/hnRNPA1 aggravates hepatic fibrosis by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Hepatic fibrosis is caused by liver damage as a consequence of wound healing response. Recent studies have shown that hepatic fibrosis could be effectively reversed, partly through regression of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Transcription factor 21 (TCF21), a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in various diseases. However, the mechanism by which TCF21 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in hepatic fibrosis has not been elucidated. In this research, we found that hnRNPA1, the downstream binding protein of TCF21, accelerates hepatic fibrosis reversal by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, the combination of DNMT3a with TCF21 promoter results in TCF21 hypermethylation. Our results suggest that DNMT3a regulation of TCF21 is a significant event in reversing hepatic fibrosis. In conclusion, this research identifies a novel signaling axis, DNMT3a-TCF21-hnRNPA1, that regulates HSCs activation and hepatic fibrosis reversal, providing a novel treatment strategy for hepatic fibrosis. The clinical trial was registered in the Research Registry (researchregistry9079).

Transcription factor 21 accelerates vascular calcification in mice by activating the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and the interplay between VSMCs and ECs.

Vascular calcification is caused by the deposition of calcium salts in the intimal or tunica media layer of the aorta, which increases the risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. However, the mechanisms underlying vascular calcification are not fully clarified. Recently it has been shown that transcription factor 21 (TCF21) is highly expressed in human and mouse atherosclerotic plaques. In this study we investigated the role of TCF21 in vascular calcification and the underlying mechanisms. In carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques collected from 6 patients, we found that TCF21 expression was upregulated in calcific areas. We further demonstrated TCF21 expression was increased in an in vitro vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) osteogenesis model. TCF21 overexpression promoted osteogenic differentiation of VSMC, whereas TCF21 knockdown in VSMC attenuated the calcification. Similar results were observed in ex vivo mouse thoracic aorta rings. Previous reports showed that TCF21 bound to myocardin (MYOCD) to inhibit the transcriptional activity of serum response factor (SRF)-MYOCD complex. We found that SRF overexpression significantly attenuated TCF21-induced VSMC and aortic ring calcification. Overexpression of SRF, but not MYOCD, reversed TCF21-inhibited expression of contractile genes SMA and SM22. More importantly, under high inorganic phosphate (3 mM) condition, SRF overexpression reduced TCF21-induced expression of calcification-related genes (BMP2 and RUNX2) as well as vascular calcification. Moreover, TCF21 overexpression enhanced IL-6 expression and downstream STAT3 activation to facilitate vascular calcification. Both LPS and STAT3 could induce TCF21 expression, suggesting that the inflammation and TCF21 might form a positive feedback loop to amplify the activation of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. On the other hand, TCF21 induced production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-6 in endothelial cells (ECs) to promote VSMC osteogenesis. In EC-specific TCF21 knockout (TCF21ECKO) mice, VD3 and nicotine-induced vascular calcification was significantly reduced. Our results suggest that TCF21 aggravates vascular calcification by activating IL-6/STAT3 signaling and interplay between VSMC and EC, which provides new insights into the pathogenesis of vascular calcification. TCF21 enhances vascular calcification by activating the IL-6-STAT3 signaling pathway. TCF21 inhibition may be a new potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of vascular calcification.

[Effects of microRNA-106b on migration and invasion of human malignant pleural mesothelioma cell NCI-H2452].

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect of microRNA-106b in the process of migration and invasion of human malignant pleural mesothelioma cell NCI-H2452. Methods: In April 2017, the expression level of miRNA-106b in malignant pleural mesothelioma cells (NCI-H2452, MSTO-211H, NCI-H2052) and normal mesothelial cells MeT-5A was detected and analyzed. Using NCI-H2452 cells as a model, the NCI-H2452 cell model with miRNA-106b overexpression was established by transfecting miRNA-106b mimics. The expression level of miRNA-106b in the cells was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The effect of miRNA-106b on the migration and invasion ability of NCI-H2452 cells was analyzed. The gene expression data of malignant mesothelioma and the downstream target gene data of miRNA-106b in public databases were analyzed to screen the downstream target genes of miRNA-106b in mesothelioma cells that affect cell migration and invasion ability, and to verify the expression of this gene in NCI-H2452 cells with miRNA-106b overexpression. Results: The expression of miRNA-106b in three MPM cells was decreased compared with MeT-5A cells (P<0.001) . The expression level of miRNA-106b was significantly increased after transfection of miRNA-106b mimics (P<0.001) . The scratch migration levels of the experimental group were 28.45%±4.37%, 38.12%±4.82% and 50.06%±8.92% at 24h, 31h and 48h, respectively. Compared with the control group, the migration level decreased by 37.48%±2.65%, 49.21%±3.45% and 68.14%±3.81% (P<0.01) . The number of cell migration and invasion decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group (P<0.001) . Public databases were used to screen and analyze the possibility that TCF21 gene, as a downstream target gene, could affect the migration and invasion ability of MPM cells. The expression level of TCF21 gene was increased after transfection of miRNA-106b mimics in NCI-H2452 cells (P=0.009) . Conclusion: MiRNA-106b can inhibit the migration and invasion of NCI-H2452 cells and increase the expression of TCF21 gene.

Genome-wide survey and functional analysis reveal TCF21 promotes chicken preadipocyte differentiation by directly upregulating HTR2A.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Previously, we showed that transcription factor 21 (TCF21) promotes chicken preadipocyte differentiation. However, the genome-wide TCF21 binding sites and its downstream target genes in chicken adipogenesis were unknown. METHODS: ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq were used to screen candidate targets of TCF21. qPCR and luciferase reporter assay were applied to verify the sequencing results. Western blotting, oil red-O staining and pharmacological treatments were performed to investigate the function of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), one of the bonafide direct downstream binding targets of TCF21. RESULTS: A total of 94 candidate target genes of TCF21 were identified. ChIP-qPCR, RT-qPCR, and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that HTR2A is one of the bonafide direct downstream binding targets of TCF21. HTR2A expression in adipose tissue was upregulated in fat line broilers. Also, the abundance of HTR2A gradually increased during the adipogenesis process. Interestingly, pharmacological enhancement or inhibition of HTR2A promoted or attenuated the differentiation of preadipocytes, respectively. Furthermore, HTR2A inhibition impaired the TCF21 promoted adipogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: We profiled the genome-wide TCF21 binding sites in chicken differentiated preadipocytes revealing HTR2A as the direct downstream target of TCF21 in adipogenesis.

CircMEMO1 modulates the promoter methylation and expression of TCF21 to regulate hepatocellular carcinoma progression and sorafenib treatment sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Cirrhosis is a recognized risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Few studies have reported the expression profile of circRNAs in HCC samples compared to paratumour dysplastic nodule (DN) samples. METHODS: The Arraystar Human circRNA Array combined with laser capture microdissection (LCM) was used to analyse the expression profile of circRNAs in HCC samples compared to paratumour DN samples. Then, both in vitro and in vivo HCC models were used to determine the role and mechanism of key circRNA in HCC progression and treatment sensitivity. RESULTS: We found that circMEMO1 was significantly downregulated in HCC samples and that the level of circMEMO1 was closely related to the OS and disease-free survival (DFS) of HCC patients. Mechanistic analysis revealed that circMEMO1 can modulate the promoter methylation and gene expression of TCF21 to regulate HCC progression by acting as a sponge for miR-106b-5p, which targets the TET family of genes and increases the 5hmC level. More importantly, circMEMO1 can increase the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib treatment. CONCLUSION: Our study determined that circMEMO1 can promote the demethylation and expression of TCF21 and can be considered a crucial epigenetic modifier in HCC progression.

Studies on the Role of the Transcription Factor Tcf21 in the Transdifferentiation of Parietal Epithelial Cells into Podocyte-Like Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Podocyte differentiation is essential for proper blood filtration in the kidney. It is well known that transcription factors play an essential role to maintain the differentiation of podocytes. The present study is focused on the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Tcf21 (Pod1) which is essential for the development of podocytes in vivo. Since parietal epithelial cells (PECs) are still under debate to be progenitor cells which can differentiate into podocytes, we wanted to find out whether the expression of Tcf21 induces a transition of PECs into podocytes. METHODS: We transfected PECs with Tcf21-GFP and analyzed the expression of PEC- and podocyte-specific markers. Furthermore, we performed ChIP-Seq analysis to identify new putative interaction partners and target genes of Tcf21. RESULTS: By gene arrays analysis, we found that podocytes express high levels of Tcf21 in vivo in contrast to cultured podocytes and parietal epithelial cells (PECs) in vitro. After the expression of Tcf21 in PECs, we observed a downregulation of specific PEC markers like caveolin­1, ß-catenin and Pax2. Additionally, we found that the upregulation of Tcf21 induced multi-lobulation of cell nuclei, budding and a formation of micronuclei (MBM). Furthermore, a high number of PECs showed a tetraploid set of chromosomes. By qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, we revealed that the transcription factor YY1 is downregulated by Tcf21. Interestingly, co-expression of YY1 and Tcf21 rescues MBM and reduced tetraploidy. By ChIP-Seq analysis, we identified a genome-wide Tcf21-binding site (CAGCTG), which matched the CANNTG sequence, a common E-box binding motif used by bHLH transcription factors. Using this technique, we identified additional Tcf21 targets genes that are involved in the regulation of the cell cycle (e.g. Mdm2, Cdc45, Cyclin D1, Cyclin D2), on the stability of microtubules (e.g. Mapt) as well as chromosome segregation. CONCLUSION: Taken together, we demonstrate that Tcf21 inhibits the expression of PEC-specific markers and of the transcription factor YY1, induces MBM as well as regulates the cell cycle suggesting that Tcf21 might be important for PEC differentiation into podocyte-like cells.

Increased SUMOylation of TCF21 improves its stability and function in human endometriotic stromal cells†.

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. Our previous study demonstrated that elevated levels of transcription factor 21 (TCF21) in endometriotic tissues enhanced steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and estrogen receptor ß (ERß) expression by forming a heterodimer with upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2), allowing these TCF21/USF2 complexes to bind to the promoters of SF-1 and ERß. Furthermore, TCF21 contributed to the increased proliferation of endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs), suggesting that TCF21 may play a vital role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. SUMOylation is a posttranslational modification that has emerged as a crucial molecular regulatory mechanism. However, the mechanism regulating TCF21 SUMOylation in endometriosis is incompletely characterized. Thus, this study aimed to explore the effect of TCF21 SUMOylation on its expression and regulation in ovarian endometriosis. We found that the levels of SUMOylated TCF21 were increased in endometriotic tissues and stromal cells compared with eutopic endometrial tissues and stromal cells and enhanced by estrogen. Treatment with the SUMOylation inhibitor ginkgolic acid and the results of a protein half-life assay demonstrated that SUMOylation can stabilize the TCF21 protein. A coimmunoprecipitation assay showed that SUMOylation probably increased its interaction with USF2. Further analyses elucidated that SUMOylation of TCF21 significantly increased the binding activity of USF2 to the SF-1 and ERß promoters. Moreover, the SUMOylation motifs in TCF21 affected the proliferation ability of ESCs. The results of this study suggest that SUMOylation plays a critical role in mediating the high expression of TCF21 in ESCs and may participate in the development of endometriosis.

Role of microRNA-92a in metastasis of osteosarcoma cells in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting expression of TCF21 with the transmission of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the role of microRNA-92a (miR-92a) in metastasis of osteosarcoma (OS) cells in vivo and in vitro by regulatingTCF21 with the transmission of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS: BMSCs were isolated, purified and cultured from healthy adult bone marrow tissues. The successfully identified BMSCs were co-cultured with OS cells, and the effects of BMSCs on the growth metastasis of OS cells in vitro and in vivo were determined. qRT-PCR and western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of miR-92a and TCF21 in OS cells and OS cells co-cultured with BMSCs. Proliferation, invasion and migration of OS cells transfected with miR-92a mimics and miR-92a inhibitors was determined, and the tumorigenesis and metastasis of OS cells in nude mice were observed. Expression of miR-92a and TCF21 mRNA in tissue specimens as well as the relationship between the expression of miR-92a and the clinicopathological features of OS was analyzed. RESULTS: BMSCs promoted proliferation, invasion and migration of OS cells in vitro together with promoted the growth and metastasis of OS cells in vivo. Besides, high expression of miR-92a was found in OS cells co-cultured with BMSCs. Meanwhile, overexpression of miR-92a promoted proliferation, invasion and migration of OS cells in vitro as well as promoted growth and metastasis of OS cells in vivo. The expression of miR-92a increased significantly, and the expression of TCF21 mRNA and protein decreased significantly in OS tissues. Expression of miR-92a was related to Ennecking staging and distant metastasis in OS patients. CONCLUSION: Collectively, this study demonstrates that the expression of miR-92a is high in OS and BMSCs transfers miR-92a to inhibit TCF21 and promotes growth and metastasis of OS in vitro and in vivo.

Dysregulation of ß-catenin, WISP1 and TCF21 predicts disease-specific survival and primary response against radio(chemo)therapy in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic and predictive impact of ß-catenin, TCF21 and WISP1 expression in patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck who underwent primary radiotherapy or concomitant chemoradiotherapy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Protein expression profiles of ß-catenin, TCF21, WISP1 and p16 were determined by immunohistochemical analyses in tissue samples of 59 untreated patients. Expression was correlated with different outcome parameters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Impact of TNM classification, grading, sex, age, gender, type of therapy, response to therapy and p16 status on disease-specific (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Patients with high expression of TCF21 were associated with significantly worse disease-specific survival (P = 0.005). In a multivariable analysis, TCF21 was a significant determinant of disease-specific survival. (HR 3.01; P = 0.036). Conversely, low expression of ß-catenin (P = 0.025) and WISP1 (P = 0.037) revealed a better response to radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Since data show that TCF21 is a prognostic factor for disease-specific survival and WISP1 and ß-catenin are predictive factors for clinical outcome after definitive radiotherapy, further studies are warranted to prove these preliminary but very promising findings.

Down-regulation of TCF21 by hypermethylation induces cell proliferation, migration and invasion in colorectal cancer.

Epigenetic alteration induced loss function of the transcription factor 21 (TCF21) has been associated with different types of human cancers. However, the epigenetic regulation and molecular functions of TCF21 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unknown. In this study, TCF21 expression levels and methylation status of its promoter region in CRC cell lines (n = 5) and CRC tissues (n = 151) as well as normal colorectal mucosa (n = 30) were assessed by RTq-PCR and methylation analysis (methylation specific PCR, MSP and bisulfite sequencing PCR, BSP), respectively. The cellular functions of TCF21 on CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration were investigated in vitro. Our data revealed that TCF21 was frequently silenced by promoter hypermethylation in both tested CRC cell lines and primary CRC, and correlation analysis between methylation status and clinicopathologic parameters found that TCF21 methylation was significantly correlated with lymph node invasion (P = 0.013), while no significant correlation was found in other parameters. In addition, demethylation treatment resulted in re-expression of TCF21 in CRC cell lines, and cellular function experiments revealed that restoration of TCF21 inhibited CRC cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis and suppressed cell invasion and migration, suggesting that TCF21 may function as a tumor suppressor gene, which is downregulated through promoter hypermethylation in CRC development.

Tcf21 regulates the specification and maturation of proepicardial cells.

The epicardium is a mesothelial cell layer essential for vertebrate heart development and pertinent for cardiac repair post-injury in the adult. The epicardium initially forms from a dynamic precursor structure, the proepicardial organ, from which cells migrate onto the heart surface. During the initial stage of epicardial development crucial epicardial-derived cell lineages are thought to be determined. Here, we define an essential requirement for transcription factor Tcf21 during early stages of epicardial development in Xenopus, and show that depletion of Tcf21 results in a disruption in proepicardial cell specification and failure to form a mature epithelial epicardium. Using a mass spectrometry-based approach we defined Tcf21 interactions and established its association with proteins that function as transcriptional co-repressors. Furthermore, using an in vivo systems-based approach, we identified a panel of previously unreported proepicardial precursor genes that are persistently expressed in the epicardial layer upon Tcf21 depletion, thereby confirming a primary role for Tcf21 in the correct determination of the proepicardial lineage. Collectively, these studies lead us to propose that Tcf21 functions as a transcriptional repressor to regulate proepicardial cell specification and the correct formation of a mature epithelial epicardium.

Clinicopathological significance and biological role of TCF21 mRNA in breast cancer.

TCF21 is known to function as a tumor suppressor and deregulated in several types of cancers; however, its role in breast cancer remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of TCF21 messenger RNA (mRNA) in breast cancer and evaluate its clinical significance and biological role in tumor progression. TCF21 mRNA expression was analyzed in breast cancer cell lines and tissues by qRT-PCR. Overexpression approach was used to investigate the biological functions of TCF21 mRNA in breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231). A notably lower level of TCF21 mRNA expression was found in breast cancer cell lines and tissues. Furthermore, the low expression of TCF21 mRNA was associated with large tumor size and positive lymph node metastasis. Functional analysis showed that overexpression of TCF21 mRNA inhibited cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MDA-MB-231. In conclusion, our data provided the first evidence that TCF21 mRNA is significantly downregulated in breast cancer cell lines and tissues and regulates breast cancer cell proliferation and EMT. Thus, TCF21 may act as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer intervention.

Aberrant TCF21 upregulation in adenomyosis impairs endometrial decidualization by increasing PDE4C expression.

BACKGROUND: Impaired decidualization is a major cause of infertility in patients with adenomyosis (AM). However, the effect of transcription factor 21 (TCF21) on AM and the underlying mechanism of associated-impaired decidualization remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of TCF21 in endometrial tissues of AM patients and the specific mechanisms by which it impairs the decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs), with a view to improving the reproductive outcome of AM infertile patients. METHODS: We compared gene expressions via transcriptomics between the control and AM-associated recurrent implantation failure (RIF) groups. qRT-PCR, western blot, and IHC were performed to confirm the expression and location of TCF21 in the endometrium. Furthermore, we confirmed that high expression of TCF21 impairs decidualization by qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot. RNA-seq following overexpression of TCF21 in HESCs was conducted to identify TCF21-related molecular changes during in vitro decidualization. Then we performed ChIP-seq/qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay to explore the exact interaction between TCF21 and PDE4C. The related downstream mechanisms were further proved using IHC, qRT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA. RESULTS: According to the RNA-seq analysis, TCF21 expression was remarkably higher in the endometrium of the AM-related RIF group compared to the control group. We confirmed the same results using samples from patients with AM and controls. TCF21 overexpression in HESCs impaired decidualization through suppression of decidual markers and cytoskeleton alterations. The mechanistic analysis revealed that TCF21 inhibited intracellular cAMP levels by directly increasing PDE4C expression and suppressing FOXO1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: TCF21 compromises decidualization in patients with AM via the PDE4C/cAMP-FOXO1 axis, which offers valuable insights on the pathology of decidualization-related infertility and indicates a potential treatment to improve endometrial receptivity in AM.

Differential expression of embryonic epicardial progenitor markers and localization of cardiac fibrosis in adult ischemic injury and hypertensive heart disease.

During embryonic heart development, the transcription factors Tcf21, Wt1, and Tbx18 regulate activation and differentiation of epicardium-derived cells, including fibroblast lineages. Expression of these epicardial progenitor factors and localization of cardiac fibrosis were examined in mouse models of cardiovascular disease and in human diseased hearts. Following ischemic injury in mice, epicardial fibrosis is apparent in the thickened layer of subepicardial cells that express Wt1, Tbx18, and Tcf21. Perivascular fibrosis with predominant expression of Tcf21, but not Wt1 or Tbx18, occurs in mouse models of pressure overload or hypertensive heart disease, but not following ischemic injury. Areas of interstitial fibrosis in ischemic and hypertensive hearts actively express Tcf21, Wt1, and Tbx18. In all areas of fibrosis, cells that express epicardial progenitor factors are distinct from CD45-positive immune cells. In human diseased hearts, differential expression of Tcf21, Wt1, and Tbx18 also is detected with epicardial, perivascular, and interstitial fibrosis, indicating conservation of reactivated developmental mechanisms in cardiac fibrosis in mice and humans. Together, these data provide evidence for distinct fibrogenic mechanisms that include Tcf21, separate from Wt1 and Tbx18, in different fibroblast populations in response to specific types of cardiac injury.

Single cell G-protein coupled receptor profiling of activated kidney fibroblasts expressing transcription factor 21.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Activated fibroblasts deposit fibrotic matrix in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most druggable therapeutic targets. Here, we set out to establish a transcriptional profile that identifies activated kidney fibroblasts and the GPCRs that they express. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: RNA sequencing and single cell qRT-PCR were performed on mouse kidneys after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Candidate expression was evaluated in mice with UUO or diabetes or injected with adriamycin or folic acid. Intervention studies were conducted in mice with diabetes or UUO. Correlative histology was performed in human kidney tissue. KEY RESULTS: Transcription factor 21 (Tcf21)+ cells that expressed 2 or 3 of Postn, Acta2 and Pdgfra were highly enriched for fibrogenic genes and were defined as activated kidney fibroblasts. Tcf21+ α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)+ interstitial cells accumulated in kidneys of mice with UUO or diabetes or injected with adriamycin or folic acid, whereas renin-angiotensin system blockade attenuated increases in Tcf21 in diabetic mice. Fifty-six GPCRs were up-regulated in single Tcf21+ kidney fibroblasts, the most up-regulated being Adgra2 and S1pr3. Adenosine receptors, Adora2a/2b, were up-regulated in Tcf21+ fibroblasts and the adenosine receptor antagonist, caffeine decreased Tcf21 upregulation and kidney fibrosis in UUO mice. TCF21, ADGRA2, S1PR3 and ADORA2A/2B were each detectable in α-SMA+ interstitial cells in human kidney samples. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Tcf21 is a marker of kidney fibroblasts that are enriched for fibrogenic genes in CKD. Further analysis of the GPCRs expressed by these cells may identify new targets for treating CKD. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Advances in Fibrosis as a Therapeutic Target. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.22/issuetoc.

Induction of Senescence by Loss of Gata4 in Cardiac Fibroblasts.

Cardiac fibroblasts are a major source of cardiac fibrosis during heart repair processes in various heart diseases. Although it has been shown that cardiac fibroblasts become senescent in response to heart injury, it is unknown how the senescence of cardiac fibroblasts is regulated in vivo. Gata4, a cardiogenic transcription factor essential for heart development, is also expressed in cardiac fibroblasts. However, it remains elusive about the role of Gata4 in cardiac fibroblasts. To define the role of Gata4 in cardiac fibroblasts, we generated cardiac fibroblast-specific Gata4 knockout mice by cross-breeding Tcf21-MerCreMer mice with Gata4fl/fl mice. Using this mouse model, we could genetically ablate Gata4 in Tcf21 positive cardiac fibroblasts in an inducible manner upon tamoxifen administration. We found that cardiac fibroblast-specific deletion of Gata4 spontaneously induces senescence in cardiac fibroblasts in vivo and in vitro. We also found that Gata4 expression in both cardiomyocytes and non-myocytes significantly decreases in the aged heart. Interestingly, when αMHC-MerCreMer mice were bred with Gata4fl/fl mice to generate cardiomyocyte-specific Gata4 knockout mice, no senescent cells were detected in the hearts. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Gata4 deficiency in cardiac fibroblasts activates a program of cellular senescence, suggesting a novel molecular mechanism of cardiac fibroblast senescence.