Estradiol-mediated enhancement of the human ectocervical epithelial barrier correlates with desmoglein-1 expression in the follicular menstrual phase.

Background: The cervicovaginal epithelial barrier is crucial for defending the female reproductive tract against sexually transmitted infections. Hormones, specifically estradiol and progesterone, along with their respective receptor expressions, play an important role in modulating this barrier. However, the influence of estradiol and progesterone on gene and protein expression in the ectocervical mucosa of naturally cycling women is not well understood. Methods: Mucosal and blood samples were collected from Kenyan female sex workers at high risk of sexually transmitted infections. All samples were obtained at two time points, separated by two weeks, aiming for the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Ectocervical tissue biopsies were analyzed by RNA-sequencing and in situ immunofluorescence staining, cervicovaginal lavage samples (CVL) were evaluated using protein profiling, and plasma samples were analyzed for hormone levels. Results: Unsupervised clustering of RNA-sequencing data was performed using Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). In the follicular phase, estradiol levels positively correlated with a gene module representing epithelial structure and function, and negatively correlated with a gene module representing cell cycle regulation. These correlations were confirmed using regression analysis including adjustment for bacterial vaginosis status. Using WGCNA, no gene module correlated with progesterone levels in the follicular phase. In the luteal phase, no gene module correlated with either estradiol or progesterone levels. Protein profiling on CVL revealed that higher levels of estradiol during the follicular phase correlated with increased expression of epithelial barrier integrity markers, including DSG1. This contrasted to the limited correlations of protein expression with estradiol levels in the luteal phase. In situ imaging analysis confirmed that higher estradiol levels during the follicular phase correlated with increased DSG1 expression. Conclusion: We demonstrate that estradiol levels positively correlate with specific markers of ectocervical epithelial structure and function, particularly DSG1, during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Neither progesterone levels during the follicular phase nor estradiol and progesterone levels during the luteal phase correlated with any specific sets of gene markers. These findings align with the expression of estradiol and progesterone receptors in the ectocervical epithelium during these menstrual phases.

A comprehensive analysis of mRNA expression profiles of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma reveals downregulation of Desmoglein 1 and crucial genomic targets.

AIM: Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) is a histological subtype of esophageal cancer that begins in the squamous cells in the esophagus. In only 19% of the ESCC-diagnosed patients, a five-year survival rate has been seen. This necessitates the identification of high-confidence biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets for the mitigation of ESCC. METHOD: We performed a meta-analysis of 10 mRNA datasets and identified consistently perturbed genes across the studies. Then, integrated with ESCC ATLAS to segregate 'core' genes to identify consequences of primary gene perturbation events leading to gene-gene interactions and dysregulated molecular signaling pathways. Further, by integrating with toxicogenomics data, inferences were drawn for gene interaction with environmental exposures, trace elements, chemical carcinogens, and drug chemicals. We also deduce the clinical outcomes of candidate genes based on survival analysis using the ESCC related dataset in The Cancer Genome Atlas. RESULT: We identified 237 known and 18 novel perturbed candidate genes. Desmoglein 1 (DSG1) is one such gene that we found significantly downregulated (Fold Change =-1.89, p-value = 8.2e-06) in ESCC across six different datasets. Further, we identified 31 'core' genes (that either harbor genetic variants or are regulated by epigenetic modifications) and found regulating key biological pathways via adjoining genes in gene-gene interaction networks. Functional enrichment analysis showed dysregulated biological processes and pathways including "Extracellular matrix", "Collagen trimmer" and "HPV infection" are significantly overrepresented in our candidate genes. Based on the toxicogenomic inferences from Comparative Toxicogenomics Database we report the key genes that interacted with risk factors such as tobacco smoking, zinc, nitroso benzylmethylamine, and drug chemicals such as cisplatin, Fluorouracil, and Mitomycin in relation to ESCC. We also point to the STC2 gene that shows a high risk for mortality in ESCC patients. CONCLUSION: We identified novel perturbed genes in relation to ESCC and explored their interaction network. DSG1 is one such gene, its association with microbiota and a clinical presentation seen commonly with ESCC hints that it is a good candidate for early diagnostic marker. Besides, in this study we highlight candidate genes and their molecular connections to risk factors, biological pathways, drug chemicals, and the survival probability of ESCC patients.

Melanoma cells repress Desmoglein 1 in keratinocytes to promote tumor cell migration.

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer typically arising from transformation of melanocytes residing in the basal layer of the epidermis, where they are in direct contact with surrounding keratinocytes. The role of keratinocytes in shaping the melanoma tumor microenvironment remains understudied. We previously showed that temporary loss of the keratinocyte-specific cadherin, Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), controls paracrine signaling between normal melanocytes and keratinocytes to stimulate the protective tanning response. Here, we provide evidence that melanoma cells hijack this intercellular communication by secreting factors that keep Dsg1 expression low in the surrounding keratinocytes, which in turn generate their own paracrine signals that enhance melanoma spread through CXCL1/CXCR2 signaling. Evidence suggests a model whereby paracrine signaling from melanoma cells increases levels of the transcriptional repressor Slug, and consequently decreases expression of the Dsg1 transcriptional activator Grhl1. Together, these data support the idea that paracrine crosstalk between melanoma cells and keratinocytes resulting in chronic keratinocyte Dsg1 reduction contributes to melanoma cell movement associated with tumor progression.

miRNA implication in the pathogenesis and the outcome of Tunisian endemic pemphigus foliaceus.

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a bullous autoimmune skin disease diagnosed through sera and skin analyses. PF severity is associated with maintained anti-Dsg1 sera levels and its prognosis is unpredictable. MicroRNA (miRNA), dynamic regulators of immune function, have been identified as potential biomarkers for some autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to assess the miRNA expression of miR-17-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p and miR-338-3p using quantitative real-time PCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and lesional skin samples from untreated and treated PF patients (both remittent and chronic) over 3 months. Overall, miRNA expression was significantly higher in PBMC than in biopsy samples. Blood miR-21 expression was increased in untreated patients compared to controls and had a diagnostic value with an AUC of 0.78. After 6 weeks, it decreased significantly, similar to anti-Dsg1 antibodies and the PDAI score. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between cutaneous miR-21 expression and the disease activity score. Conversely, cutaneous expressions of miR-17, miR-146a and miR-155 were significantly higher in treated chronic patients compared to remittent ones. The cutaneous level of miR-155 positively correlated with pemphigus activity, making it a potential predictive marker for patients' clinical stratification with an AUC of 0.86.These findings suggest that blood miR-21 and cutaneous miR-155 can be used as supplemental markers for PF diagnosis and activity, respectively in addition to classical parameters.

Desmoglein-Specific B-Cell-Targeted Single-Cell Analysis Revealing Unique Gene Regulation in Patients with Pemphigus.

Autoreactive B cells are assumed to play a critical role in pemphigus; however, the characteristics of these cells are not yet fully understood. In this study, 23 pemphigus vulgaris or pemphigus foliaceus samples were used to isolate circulating desmoglein (DSG)-specific B cells. Transcriptome analysis of the samples was performed at the single-cell level to detect genes involved in disease activity. DSG1- or DSG3-specific B cells from three patients' differentially expressed genes related to T cell costimulation (CD137L) as well as B-cell differentiation (CD9, BATF, TIMP1) and inflammation (S100A8, S100A9, CCR3), compared with nonspecific B cells from the same patients. When the DSG1-specific B cells before and after treatment transcriptomes of the patient with pemphigus foliaceus were compared, there were changes in several B-cell activation pathways not detected in non-DSG1-specific B cells. This study clarifies the transcriptomic profile of autoreactive B cells in patients with pemphigus and documents the gene expression related to disease activity. Our approach can be applied to other autoimmune diseases and has the potential for future detection of disease-specific autoimmune cells.

Translational implications of Th17-skewed inflammation due to genetic deficiency of a cadherin stress sensor.

Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) is a cadherin restricted to stratified tissues of terrestrial vertebrates, which serve as essential physical and immune barriers. Dsg1 loss-of-function mutations in humans result in skin lesions and multiple allergies, and isolated patient keratinocytes exhibit increased proallergic cytokine expression. However, the mechanism by which genetic deficiency of Dsg1 causes chronic inflammation is unknown. To determine the systemic response to Dsg1 loss, we deleted the 3 tandem Dsg1 genes in mice. Whole transcriptome analysis of embryonic Dsg1-/- skin showed a delay in expression of adhesion/differentiation/keratinization genes at E17.5, a subset of which recovered or increased by E18.5. Comparing epidermal transcriptomes from Dsg1-deficient mice and humans revealed a shared IL-17-skewed inflammatory signature. Although the impaired intercellular adhesion observed in Dsg1-/- mice resembles that resulting from anti-Dsg1 pemphigus foliaceus antibodies, pemphigus skin lesions exhibit a weaker IL-17 signature. Consistent with the clinical importance of these findings, treatment of 2 Dsg1-deficient patients with an IL-12/IL-23 antagonist originally developed for psoriasis resulted in improvement of skin lesions. Thus, beyond impairing the physical barrier, loss of Dsg1 function through gene mutation results in a psoriatic-like inflammatory signature before birth, and treatment with a targeted therapy significantly improved skin lesions in patients.

Decreased FABP5 and DSG1 protein expression following PAX6 knockdown of differentiated human limbal epithelial cells.

PAX6 haploinsufficiency related aniridia is characterized by disorder of limbal epithelial cells (LECs) and aniridia related keratopathy. In the limbal epithelial cells of aniridia patients, deregulated retinoic acid (RA) signaling components were identified. We aimed to visualize differentiation marker and RA signaling component expression in LECs, combining a differentiation triggering growth condition with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) based aniridia cell model (PAX6 knock down). Primary LECs were isolated from corneoscleral rims of healthy donors and cultured in serum free low Ca2+ medium (KSFM) and in KSFM supplemented with 0.9 mmol/L Ca2+. In addition, LECs were treated with siRNA against PAX6. DSG1, PAX6, KRT12, KRT 3, ADH7, RDH10, ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, STRA6, CYP1B1, RBP1, CRABP2, FABP5, PPARG, VEGFA and ELOVL7 expression was determined using qPCR and western blot. DSG1, FABP5, ADH7, ALDH1A1, RBP1, CRABP2 and PAX6 mRNA and FABP5 protein expression increased (p ≤ 0.03), PPARG, CYP1B1 mRNA expression decreased (p ≤ 0.0003) and DSG1 protein expression was only visible after Ca2+ supplementation. After PAX6 knock down and Ca2+ supplementation, ADH7 and ALDH1A1 mRNA and DSG1 and FABP5 protein expression decreased (p ≤ 0.04), compared to Ca2+ supplementation alone. Using our cell model, with Ca2+ supplementation and PAX6 knockdown with siRNA treatment against PAX6, we provide evidence that haploinsufficiency of the master regulatory gene PAX6 contributes to differentiation defect in the corneal epithelium through alterations of RA signalling. Upon PAX6 knockdown, DSG1 differentiation marker and FABP5 RA signaling component mRNA expression decreases. A similar effect becomes apparent at protein level though differentiation triggering Ca2+ supplementation in the siRNA-based aniridia cell model. Expression data from this cell model and from our siRNA aniridia cell model strongly indicate that FABP5 expression is PAX6 dependent. These new findings may lead to a better understanding of differentiation processes in LECs and are able to explain the insufficient cell function in AAK.

Messages from Mutant Desmosomes.

Single gene disorders are ideally suited to establish robust genotype‒phenotype correlations and provide excellent opportunities to understand molecular pathomechanisms with relevance to complex disorders. The observation that patients diagnosed with the same causative mutation can present with phenotypic disease variability illustrates the significant role of disease modifiers and warns against oversimplification. In a new article in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Zimmer et al. (2021) analyze two mutations located in the desmoglein (DSG) 1 transmembrane domain (TMD) and find that both mutants fail to assemble into desmosomes owing to reduced membrane trafficking and lipid raft targeting. One mutation maintained normal protein expression levels and turnover relative to those of wild-type (WT) DSG1, and behaved as a dominant negative. The second mutant showed reduced stability and increased turnover compared with WT DSG1 as well as reduced desmosome size and abundance. A full understanding of the TMD of DSG1 requires cell biological approaches, underscoring the value of cell biology in biomedical research in general.

Differential Pathomechanisms of Desmoglein 1 Transmembrane Domain Mutations in Skin Disease.

Dominant and recessive mutations in the desmosomal cadherin, desmoglein (DSG) 1, cause the skin diseases palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) and severe dermatitis, multiple allergies, and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome, respectively. In this study, we compare two dominant missense mutations in the DSG1 transmembrane domain (TMD), G557R and G562R, causing PPK (DSG1PPK-TMD) and SAM syndrome (DSG1SAM-TMD), respectively, to determine the differing pathomechanisms of these mutants. Expressing the DSG1TMD mutants in a DSG-null background, we use cellular and biochemical assays to reveal the differences in the mechanistic behavior of each mutant. Super-resolution microscopy and functional assays showed a failure by both mutants to assemble desmosomes due to reduced membrane trafficking and lipid raft targeting. DSG1SAM-TMD maintained normal expression levels and turnover relative to wildtype DSG1, but DSG1PPK-TMD lacked stability, leading to increased turnover through lysosomal and proteasomal pathways and reduced expression levels. These results differentiate the underlying pathomechanisms of these disorders, suggesting that DSG1SAM-TMD acts dominant negatively, whereas DSG1PPK-TMD is a loss-of-function mutation causing the milder PPK disease phenotype. These mutants portray the importance of the DSG TMD in desmosome function and suggest that a greater understanding of the desmosomal cadherin TMDs will further our understanding of the role that desmosomes play in epidermal pathophysiology.

Deep-intronic and frameshift DSG1 variants associated with atypical severe dermatitis, multiple allergies and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome in a Chinese family.

BACKGROUND: Severe dermatitis, multiple allergies and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome comprise a rare genodermatosis associated with biallelic (homozygous or compound heterozygous) mutations in the DSG1 (desmoglein-1) gene, or heterozygous mutations in the DSP (desmoplakin) gene. To date, while many patients with SAM syndrome have been described, the number of cases with SAM syndrome with deep-intronic variants, together its genetic aetiology, remain limited. OBJECTIVES: We report the case of a five-year-old Chinese boy with atypical SAM syndrome. MATERIALS & METHODS: Relevant blood specimens from the family were collected. DNA isolation, RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis, and next-generation sequencing using a multi-gene panel were applied to verify the pathogenic gene. To test the functional consequences and pathogenic mechanism of the deep-intronic mutation in vitro, a mini gene strategy was constructed. RESULTS: A heterozygous DSG1 deletion (c.2437_2450delACCTATCCCTCGGG: p.Tyr814Trpfs*6) and a deep-intronic (c.1688-30A > T) variant were identified. The identified intronic variant was shown to create an alternative splice site, leading to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay of the aberrant transcript. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to demonstrate a causal role for a deep-intronic DSG1 mutation in a patient with SAM syndrome. Our findings underline the need to analyse the intronic regions of DSG1 in patients with SAM syndrome. Improved diagnosis and a better understanding of prognosis will lead to clearer a picture of the concept of atypical SAM syndrome.

Discovery and validation of novel biomarkers for detection of cervical cancer.

AIMS: To investigate novel biomarker for diagnosis of cervical cancer, we analyzed the datasets in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and confirmed the candidate biomarker in patient sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected major datasets of cervical cancer in GEO, and analyzed the differential expression of normal and cancer samples online with GEO2R and tested the differences, then focus on the GSE63514 to screen the target genes in different histological grades by using the R-Bioconductor package and R-heatmap. Then human specimens from the cervix in different histological grades were used to confirm the top 8 genes expression by immunohistochemical staining using Ki67 as a standard control. RESULTS: We identified genes differentially expressed in normal and cervical cancer, 274 upregulated genes and 206 downregulated genes. After intersection with GSE63514, we found the obvious tendency in different histological grades. Then we screened the top 24 genes, and confirmed the top 8 genes in human cervix tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) results confirmed that keratin 17 (KRT17) was not expressed in normal cervical tissues and was over-expressed in cervical cancer. Cysteine-rich secretory protein-2 (CRISP2) was less expressed in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) than in other histological grades. CONCLUSION: For the good repeatability and consistency of KRT17 and CRISP2, they may be good candidate biomarkers. Combined analysis of KRT17, CRISP2 expression at both genetic and protein levels can determine different histological grades of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Such combined analysis is capable of improving diagnostic accuracy of cervical cancer.

Restricted Water Intake Adversely Affects Rat Vocal Fold Biology.

OBJECTIVES: A holistic understanding of the many ways that systemic dehydration affects vocal fold biology is still evolving. There are also myriad physiologically relevant methodologies to induce systemic dehydration. To untangle the effects of systemic dehydration on vocal fold biology, we need to utilize realistic, clinically translatable paradigms of systemic dehydration in lab animals. Restricted access to water accommodates clinical translation. We investigated whether systemic dehydration via reduced water intake would negatively affect vocal fold biology. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, in vivo study design. METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats (N = 13) were provided 4 mL/100 g of water/day for 5 days, whereas male control rats (N = 8) were given ad lib access to water. Following euthanasia, tissues were processed for histological staining, gene expression, and protein assays. RESULTS: Renin gene expression level in kidneys increased significantly (P ≤ .05), validating dehydration. Dehydration induced by restricted water access downregulated the gene expression of interleukin-1α and desmoglein-1 (P ≤ .05). Hyaluronidase-2 gene expression increased after dehydration (P ≤ .05). The protein level of desmoglein-1 decreased after dehydration (P ≤ .05). Histological analyses suggested decreased hyaluronan (P ≤ .05) in the water-restricted rat vocal fold. CONCLUSION: Reduced daily water intake for just 5 days impairs vocal fold biology by disrupting inflammatory cytokine release, reducing plasma membrane integrity, and disrupting the hyaluronan network. This is the first study investigating the dehydrating effects of restricted water intake on vocal fold tissue in an in vivo model. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA (prospective animal study). Laryngoscope, 131:839-845, 2021.

Identification of a primary antigenic target of epitope spreading in endemic pemphigus foliaceus.

Epitope spreading is an important mechanism for the development of autoantibodies (autoAbs) in autoimmune diseases. The study of epitope spreading in human autoimmune diseases is limited due to the major challenge of identifying the initial/primary target epitopes on autoantigens in autoimmune diseases. We have been studying the development of autoAbs in an endemic human autoimmune disease, Brazilian pemphigus foliaceus (or Fogo Selvagem (FS)). Our previous findings demonstrated that patients before (i.e. preclinical) and at the onset of FS have antibody (Ab) responses against other keratinocyte adhesion molecules in addition to the main target autoantigen of FS, desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), and anti-Dsg1 monoclonal Abs (mAbs) cross-reacted with an environmental antigen LJM11, a sand fly saliva protein. Since sand fly is prevalent in FS endemic regions, individuals in these regions could develop Abs against LJM11. The anti-LJM11 Abs could recognize different epitopes on LJM11, including an epitope that shares the structure similarity with an epitope on Dsg1 autoantigen. Thus, Ab response against this epitope on LJM11 could be the initial autoAb response detected in individuals in FS endemic regions, including those who eventually developed FS. Accordingly, this LJM11 and Dsg1 cross-reactive epitope on Dsg1 could be the primary target of the autoimmune response in FS. This investigation aimed to determine whether the autoAb responses against keratinocyte adhesion molecules are linked and originate from the immune response to LJM11. The anti-Dsg1 mAbs from preclinical FS and FS individuals were employed to determine their specificity or cross-reactivity to LJM11 and keratinocyte adhesion molecules. The cross-reactive epitopes on autoantigens were mapped. Our results indicate that all tested mAbs cross-reacted with LJM11 and keratinocyte adhesion molecules, and we identified an epitope on these keratinocyte adhesion molecules which is mimicked by LJM11. Thus, the cross-reactivity could be the mechanism by which the immune response against an environmental antigen triggers the initial autoAb responses. Epitope spreading leads to the pathogenic autoAb development and ensuing FS among genetically susceptible individuals.

A DSG1 Frameshift Variant in a Rottweiler Dog with Footpad Hyperkeratosis.

A single male Rottweiler dog with severe footpad hyperkeratosis starting at an age of eight weeks was investigated. The hyperkeratosis was initially restricted to the footpads. The footpad lesions caused severe discomfort to the dog and had to be trimmed under anesthesia every 8-10 weeks. Histologically, the epidermis showed papillated villous projections of dense keratin in the stratum corneum. Starting at eight months of age, the patient additionally developed signs consistent with atopic dermatitis and recurrent bacterial skin and ear infections. Crusted hyperkeratotic plaques developed at sites of infection. We sequenced the genome of the affected dog and compared the data to 655 control genomes. A search for variants in 32 candidate genes associated with human palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) revealed a single private protein-changing variant in the affected dog. This was located in the DSG1 gene encoding desmoglein 1. Heterozygous monoallelic DSG1 variants have been reported in human patients with striate palmoplantar keratoderma I (SPPK1), while biallelic DSG1 loss of function variants in humans lead to a more pronounced condition termed severe dermatitis, multiple allergies, and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome. The identified canine variant, DSG1:c.2541_2545delGGGCT, leads to a frameshift and truncates about 20% of the coding sequence. The affected dog was homozygous for the mutant allele. The comparative data on desmoglein 1 function in humans suggest that the identified DSG1 variant may have caused the footpad hyperkeratosis and predisposition for allergies and skin infections in the affected dog.

The Role of Desmoglein 1 in Gap Junction Turnover Revealed through the Study of SAM Syndrome.

An effective epidermal barrier requires structural and functional integration of adherens junctions, tight junctions, gap junctions (GJ), and desmosomes. Desmosomes govern epidermal integrity while GJs facilitate small molecule transfer across cell membranes. Some patients with severe dermatitis, multiple allergies, and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome, caused by biallelic desmoglein 1 (DSG1) mutations, exhibit skin lesions reminiscent of erythrokeratodermia variabilis, caused by mutations in connexin (Cx) genes. We, therefore, examined whether SAM syndrome-causing DSG1 mutations interfere with Cx expression and GJ function. Lesional skin biopsies from SAM syndrome patients (n = 7) revealed decreased Dsg1 and Cx43 plasma membrane localization compared with control and nonlesional skin. Cultured keratinocytes and organotypic skin equivalents depleted of Dsg1 exhibited reduced Cx43 expression, rescued upon re-introduction of wild-type Dsg1, but not Dsg1 constructs modeling SAM syndrome-causing mutations. Ectopic Dsg1 expression increased cell-cell dye transfer, which Cx43 silencing inhibited, suggesting that Dsg1 promotes GJ function through Cx43. As GJA1 gene expression was not decreased upon Dsg1 loss, we hypothesized that Cx43 reduction was due to enhanced protein degradation. Supporting this, PKC-dependent Cx43 S368 phosphorylation, which signals Cx43 turnover, increased after Dsg1 depletion, while lysosomal inhibition restored Cx43 levels. These data reveal a role for Dsg1 in regulating epidermal Cx43 turnover.