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1.
Cell Transplant ; 33: 9636897241248942, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38712762

Recently, we and others generated induced tissue-specific stem/progenitor (iTS/iTP) cells. The advantages of iTS/iTP cells compared with induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are (1) easier generation, (2) efficient differentiation, and (3) no teratomas formation. In this study, we generated mouse induced pancreatic stem cells (iTS-P cells) by the plasmid vector expressing Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP). The iTS-P YAP9 cells expressed Foxa2 (endoderm marker) and Pdx1 (pancreatic marker) while the expressions of Oct3/4 and Nanog (marker of embryonic stem [ES] cells) in iTS-P YAP9 cells was significantly lower compared with those in ES cells. The iTS-P YAP9 cells efficiently differentiated into insulin-expressing cells compared with ES cells. The ability to generate autologous iTS cells may be applied to diverse applications of regenerative medicine.


Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing , Cell Differentiation , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , YAP-Signaling Proteins , Animals , Mice , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Pancreas/cytology , Pancreas/metabolism , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics , Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism , Homeodomain Proteins/genetics , Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 3-beta/metabolism , Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 3-beta/genetics , Phosphoproteins/metabolism , Phosphoproteins/genetics , Octamer Transcription Factor-3/metabolism , Octamer Transcription Factor-3/genetics
2.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0301082, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38722977

Branching morphogenesis is a complex process shared by many organs including the lungs, kidney, prostate, as well as several exocrine organs including the salivary, mammary and lacrimal glands. This critical developmental program ensures the expansion of an organ's surface area thereby maximizing processes of cellular secretion or absorption. It is guided by reciprocal signaling from the epithelial and mesenchymal cells. While signaling pathways driving salivary gland branching morphogenesis have been relatively well-studied, our understanding of the underlying transcriptional regulatory mechanisms directing this program, is limited. Here, we performed in vivo and ex vivo studies of the embryonic mouse submandibular gland to determine the function of the transcription factor ΔNp63, in directing branching morphogenesis. Our studies show that loss of ΔNp63 results in alterations in the differentiation program of the ductal cells which is accompanied by a dramatic reduction in branching morphogenesis that is mediated by dysregulation of WNT signaling. We show that ΔNp63 modulates WNT signaling to promote branching morphogenesis by directly regulating Sfrp1 expression. Collectively, our findings have revealed a novel role for ΔNp63 in the regulation of this critical process and offers a better understanding of the transcriptional networks involved in branching morphogenesis.


Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Membrane Proteins , Morphogenesis , Animals , Mice , Morphogenesis/genetics , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/genetics , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Salivary Glands/metabolism , Salivary Glands/embryology , Wnt Signaling Pathway , Submandibular Gland/metabolism , Submandibular Gland/embryology , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics , Cell Differentiation
3.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(9)2024 Apr 23.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38731828

HLA-DR-positive NK cells, found in both healthy individuals and patients with different inflammatory diseases, are characterized as activated cells. However, data on their capacity for IFNγ production or cytotoxic response vary between studies. Thus, more precise investigation is needed of the mechanisms related to the induction of HLA-DR expression in NK cells, their associations with NK cell differentiation stage, and functional or metabolic state. In this work, HLA-DR-expressing NK cell subsets were investigated using transcriptomic analysis, metabolic activity assays, and analysis of intercellular signaling cascades. We demonstrated that HLA-DR+CD56bright NK cells were characterized by a proliferative phenotype, while HLA-DR+CD56dim NK cells exhibited features of adaptive cells and loss of inhibitory receptors with increased expression of MHC class II trans-activator CIITA. The activated state of HLA-DR-expressing NK cells was confirmed by higher levels of ATP and mitochondrial mass observed in this subset compared to HLA-DR- cells, both ex vivo and after stimulation in culture. We showed that HLA-DR expression in NK cells in vitro can be induced both through stimulation by exogenous IL-2 and IL-21, as well as through auto-stimulation by NK-cell-produced IFNγ. At the intracellular level, HLA-DR expression depended on the activation of STAT3- and ERK1/2-mediated pathways, with subsequent activation of isoform 3 of the transcription factor CIITA. The obtained results broaden the knowledge about HLA-DR-positive NK cell appearance, diversity, and functions, which might be useful in terms of understanding the role of this subset in innate immunity and assessing their possible implications in NK cell-based therapy.


Cell Differentiation , HLA-DR Antigens , Interferon-gamma , Killer Cells, Natural , Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism , Killer Cells, Natural/immunology , Humans , HLA-DR Antigens/metabolism , HLA-DR Antigens/genetics , Interferon-gamma/metabolism , CD56 Antigen/metabolism , Lymphocyte Activation/immunology , Interleukin-2/metabolism , Interleukin-2/pharmacology , Cells, Cultured , Nuclear Proteins , Trans-Activators
4.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 121(20): e2321919121, 2024 May 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38713625

Successful regeneration of missing tissues requires seamless integration of positional information along the body axes. Planarians, which regenerate from almost any injury, use conserved, developmentally important signaling pathways to pattern the body axes. However, the molecular mechanisms which facilitate cross talk between these signaling pathways to integrate positional information remain poorly understood. Here, we report a p21-activated kinase (smed-pak1) which functionally integrates the anterior-posterior (AP) and the medio-lateral (ML) axes. pak1 inhibits WNT/ß-catenin signaling along the AP axis and, functions synergistically with the ß-catenin-independent WNT signaling of the ML axis. Furthermore, this functional integration is dependent on warts and merlin-the components of the Hippo/Yorkie (YKI) pathway. Hippo/YKI pathway is a critical regulator of body size in flies and mice, but our data suggest the pathway regulates body axes patterning in planarians. Our study provides a signaling network integrating positional information which can mediate coordinated growth and patterning during planarian regeneration.


Body Patterning , Planarians , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , Regeneration , Wnt Signaling Pathway , p21-Activated Kinases , Animals , Regeneration/physiology , Planarians/physiology , Planarians/genetics , Planarians/metabolism , p21-Activated Kinases/metabolism , p21-Activated Kinases/genetics , Wnt Signaling Pathway/physiology , Body Patterning/genetics , Body Patterning/physiology , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Nuclear Proteins/genetics
5.
Sci Signal ; 17(835): eadj0032, 2024 May 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38713765

Serum response factor (SRF) is an essential transcription factor for brain development and function. Here, we explored how an SRF cofactor, the actin monomer-sensing myocardin-related transcription factor MRTF, is regulated in mouse cortical neurons. We found that MRTF-dependent SRF activity in vitro and in vivo was repressed by cyclase-associated protein CAP1. Inactivation of the actin-binding protein CAP1 reduced the amount of actin monomers in the cytoplasm, which promoted nuclear MRTF translocation and MRTF-SRF activation. This function was independent of cofilin1 and actin-depolymerizing factor, and CAP1 loss of function in cortical neurons was not compensated by endogenous CAP2. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of cerebral cortex lysates from wild-type and Cap1 knockout mice supported the role of CAP1 in repressing MRTF-SRF-dependent signaling in vivo. Bioinformatic analysis identified likely MRTF-SRF target genes, which aligned with the transcriptomic and proteomic results. Together with our previous studies that implicated CAP1 in axonal growth cone function as well as the morphology and plasticity of excitatory synapses, our findings establish CAP1 as a crucial actin regulator in the brain relevant for formation of neuronal networks.


Actins , Carrier Proteins , Cerebral Cortex , Mice, Knockout , Serum Response Factor , Trans-Activators , Animals , Cerebral Cortex/metabolism , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics , Serum Response Factor/metabolism , Serum Response Factor/genetics , Mice , Actins/metabolism , Actins/genetics , Neurons/metabolism , Microfilament Proteins/metabolism , Microfilament Proteins/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation , Signal Transduction
6.
Genes Chromosomes Cancer ; 63(5): e23244, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38747338

We describe a case of a pleomorphic adenoma (PA) arising from the para-tracheal accessory salivary gland in a 44-year-old male harboring a novel WWTR1::NCOA2 gene fusion. To our knowledge, this novel gene fusion has not been described previously in salivary gland tumors. The patient presented with hoarseness of voice. The radiological exam revealed a mass in the upper third of the trachea involving the larynx. Histologically, the tumor consisted of bland-looking monocellular eosinophilic epithelial cells arranged in cords and sheets separated by thin fibrous stroma, focally forming a pseudo-tubular pattern. In immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells demonstrated positivity for CK7, PS100, SOX10, and HMGA2; and negativity for CK5/6, p40 p63, and PLAG1. In addition, the clustering analysis clearly demonstrates a clustering of tumors within the PA group. In addition to reporting this novel fusion in the PA spectrum, we discuss the relevant differential diagnoses and briefly review of NCOA2 and WWTR1 gene functions in normal and neoplastic contexts.


HMGA2 Protein , Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 2 , Trans-Activators , Humans , Male , Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 2/genetics , Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 2/metabolism , Adult , HMGA2 Protein/genetics , HMGA2 Protein/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics , Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Proteins , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Salivary Gland Neoplasms/metabolism , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Myoepithelioma/genetics , Myoepithelioma/pathology , Myoepithelioma/metabolism
7.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4052, 2024 May 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38744820

Obesity has emerged as a prominent risk factor for the development of malignant tumors. However, the existing literature on the role of adipocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to elucidate the correlation between obesity and cancer remains insufficient. Here, we aim to investigate the formation of cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs) and their contribution to tumor growth using mouse models harboring dysfunctional adipocytes. Specifically, we employ adipocyte-specific BECN1 KO (BaKO) mice, which exhibit lipodystrophy due to dysfunctional adipocytes. Our results reveal the activation of YAP/TAZ signaling in both CAAs and BECN1-deficient adipocytes, inducing adipocyte dedifferentiation and formation of a malignant TME. The additional deletion of YAP/TAZ from BaKO mice significantly restores the lipodystrophy and inflammatory phenotypes, leading to tumor regression. Furthermore, mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) exhibit decreased BECN1 and increased YAP/TAZ expression in their adipose tissues. Treatment with the YAP/TAZ inhibitor, verteporfin, suppresses tumor progression in BaKO and HFD-fed mice, highlighting its efficacy against mice with metabolic dysregulation. Overall, our findings provide insights into the key mediators of CAA and their significance in developing a TME, thereby suggesting a viable approach targeting adipocyte homeostasis to suppress cancer growth.


Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing , Adipocytes , Diet, High-Fat , Mice, Knockout , Tumor Microenvironment , YAP-Signaling Proteins , Animals , YAP-Signaling Proteins/metabolism , Adipocytes/metabolism , Adipocytes/pathology , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics , Mice , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Transcription Factors/genetics , Obesity/metabolism , Obesity/pathology , Humans , Verteporfin/pharmacology , Signal Transduction , Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Proteins , Disease Progression , Male , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology , Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasms/genetics , Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism , Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Lipodystrophy/metabolism , Lipodystrophy/pathology , Lipodystrophy/genetics , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics
8.
BMC Cancer ; 24(1): 587, 2024 May 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38741073

YAP and TAZ, the Hippo pathway terminal transcriptional activators, are frequently upregulated in cancers. In tumor cells, they have been mainly associated with increased tumorigenesis controlling different aspects from cell cycle regulation, stemness, or resistance to chemotherapies. In fewer cases, they have also been shown to oppose cancer progression, including by promoting cell death through the action of the p73/YAP transcriptional complex, in particular after chemotherapeutic drug exposure. Using HCT116 cells, we show here that oxaliplatin treatment led to core Hippo pathway down-regulation and nuclear accumulation of TAZ. We further show that TAZ was required for the increased sensitivity of HCT116 cells to oxaliplatin, an effect that appeared independent of p73, but which required the nuclear relocalization of TAZ. Accordingly, Verteporfin and CA3, two drugs affecting the activity of YAP and TAZ, showed antagonistic effects with oxaliplatin in co-treatments. Importantly, using several colorectal cell lines, we show that the sensitizing action of TAZ to oxaliplatin is dependent on the p53 status of the cells. Our results support thus an early action of TAZ to sensitize cells to oxaliplatin, consistent with a model in which nuclear TAZ in the context of DNA damage and p53 activity pushes cells towards apoptosis.


Antineoplastic Agents , Colonic Neoplasms , Hippo Signaling Pathway , Organoplatinum Compounds , Oxaliplatin , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , Signal Transduction , Trans-Activators , Transcription Factors , Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Proteins , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 , Humans , Oxaliplatin/pharmacology , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics , Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Colonic Neoplasms/metabolism , Colonic Neoplasms/pathology , Colonic Neoplasms/genetics , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Transcription Factors/genetics , HCT116 Cells , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics , Organoplatinum Compounds/pharmacology , Organoplatinum Compounds/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics , Verteporfin/pharmacology , Verteporfin/therapeutic use , Cell Line, Tumor , Tumor Protein p73/metabolism , Tumor Protein p73/genetics , YAP-Signaling Proteins/metabolism , Porphyrins/pharmacology , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects , Apoptosis/drug effects
10.
FASEB J ; 38(9): e23637, 2024 May 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720403

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plasticity is fundamental in uterine spiral artery remodeling during placentation in Eutherian mammals. Our previous work showed that the invasion of trophoblast cells into uterine myometrium coincides with a phenotypic change of VSMCs. Here, we elucidate the mechanism by which trophoblast cells confer VSMC plasticity. Analysis of genetic markers on E13.5, E16.5, and E19.5 in the rat metrial gland, the entry point of uterine arteries, revealed that trophoblast invasion is associated with downregulation of MYOCARDIN, α-smooth muscle actin, and calponin1, and concomitant upregulation of Smemb in VSMCs. Myocardin overexpression or knockdown in VSMCs led to upregulation or downregulation of contractile markers, respectively. Co-culture of trophoblast cells with VSMCs decreased MYOCARDIN expression along with compromised expression of contractile markers in VSMCs. However, co-culture of trophoblast cells with VSMCs overexpressing MYOCARDIN inhibited their change in phenotype, whereas, overexpression of transactivation domain deleted MYOCARDIN failed to elicit this response. Furthermore, the co-culture of trophoblast cells with VSMCs led to the activation of NFκß signaling. Interestingly, despite producing IL-1ß, trophoblast cells possess only the decoy receptor, whereas, VSMCs possess the IL-1ß signaling receptor. Treatment of VSMCs with exogenous IL-1ß led to a decrease in MYOCARDIN and an increase in phosphorylation of NFκß. The effect of trophoblast cells in the downregulation of MYOCARDIN in VSMCs was reversed by blocking NFκß translocation to the nucleus. Together, these data highlight that trophoblast cells direct VSMC plasticity, and trophoblast-derived IL-1ß is a key player in downregulating MYOCARDIN via the NFκß signaling pathway.


Interleukin-1beta , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , NF-kappa B , Nuclear Proteins , Signal Transduction , Trans-Activators , Trophoblasts , Animals , Trophoblasts/metabolism , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics , Rats , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Signal Transduction/physiology , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Female , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism , Interleukin-1beta/metabolism , Pregnancy , Coculture Techniques , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Cells, Cultured , Cell Plasticity/physiology , Calponins
11.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3729, 2024 May 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38702330

The unique virus-cell interaction in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignancies implies targeting the viral latent-lytic switch is a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the lack of specific and efficient therapeutic agents to induce lytic cycle in these cancers is a major challenge facing clinical implementation. We develop a synthetic transcriptional activator that specifically activates endogenous BZLF1 and efficiently induces lytic reactivation in EBV-positive cancer cells. A lipid nanoparticle encapsulating nucleoside-modified mRNA which encodes a BZLF1-specific transcriptional activator (mTZ3-LNP) is synthesized for EBV-targeted therapy. Compared with conventional chemical inducers, mTZ3-LNP more efficiently activates EBV lytic gene expression in EBV-associated epithelial cancers. Here we show the potency and safety of treatment with mTZ3-LNP to suppress tumor growth in EBV-positive cancer models. The combination of mTZ3-LNP and ganciclovir yields highly selective cytotoxic effects of mRNA-based lytic induction therapy against EBV-positive tumor cells, indicating the potential of mRNA nanomedicine in the treatment of EBV-associated epithelial cancers.


Epstein-Barr Virus Infections , Herpesvirus 4, Human , Liposomes , Nanoparticles , Trans-Activators , Humans , Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/virology , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/drug therapy , Animals , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Cell Line, Tumor , Mice , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Virus Activation/drug effects , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays , Gene Expression Regulation, Viral/drug effects , Mice, Nude , Female
12.
BMC Genomics ; 25(1): 441, 2024 May 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38702600

BACKGROUND: Quorum sensing (QS) is a sophisticated cell-to-cell signalling mechanism that allows the coordination of important processes in microbial populations. The AI-1 and AI-2 autoinducer systems are among the best characterized bacterial QS systems at the genetic level. RESULTS: In this study, we present data derived from in silico screening of QS proteins from bacterial genomes available in public databases. Sequence analyses allowed identifying candidate sequences of known QS systems that were used to build phylogenetic trees. Eight categories were established according to the number of genes from the two major QS systems present in each genome, revealing a correlation with specific taxa, lifestyles or metabolic traits. Many species had incomplete QS systems, encoding the receptor protein but not the biosynthesis of the quorum sensing molecule (QSMs). Reconstruction of the evolutionary history of the LuxR family and prediction of the 3D structure of the ancestral protein suggested their monomeric configuration in the absence of the signal molecule and the presence of a cavity for its binding. CONCLUSIONS: Here we correlate the taxonomic affiliation and lifestyle of bacteria from different genera with the QS systems encoded in their genomes. Moreover, we present the first ancestral reconstruction of the LuxR QS receptors, providing further insight in their evolutionary history.


Bacteria , Bacterial Proteins , Evolution, Molecular , Phylogeny , Quorum Sensing , Quorum Sensing/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Bacteria/genetics , Bacteria/metabolism , Genome, Bacterial , Trans-Activators/genetics , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/chemistry , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Repressor Proteins/metabolism
13.
Breast Cancer Res ; 26(1): 74, 2024 May 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38702730

The transcription factor TRPS1 is a context-dependent oncogene in breast cancer. In the mammary gland, TRPS1 activity is restricted to the luminal population and is critical during puberty and pregnancy. Its function in the resting state remains however unclear. To evaluate whether it could be a target for cancer therapy, we investigated TRPS1 function in the healthy adult mammary gland using a conditional ubiquitous depletion mouse model where long-term depletion does not affect fitness. Using transcriptomic approaches, flow cytometry and functional assays, we show that TRPS1 activity is essential to maintain a functional luminal progenitor compartment. This requires the repression of both YAP/TAZ and SRF/MRTF activities. TRPS1 represses SRF/MRTF activity indirectly by modulating RhoA activity. Our work uncovers a hitherto undisclosed function of TRPS1 in luminal progenitors intrinsically linked to mechanotransduction in the mammary gland. It may also provide new insights into the oncogenic functions of TRPS1 as luminal progenitors are likely the cells of origin of many breast cancers.


Mammary Glands, Animal , Repressor Proteins , Serum Response Factor , Stem Cells , Transcription Factors , Animals , Female , Mice , Mammary Glands, Animal/metabolism , Mammary Glands, Animal/cytology , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Transcription Factors/genetics , Stem Cells/metabolism , Repressor Proteins/metabolism , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Serum Response Factor/metabolism , Serum Response Factor/genetics , Humans , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics
14.
FASEB J ; 38(9): e23633, 2024 May 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38690712

Recent reports suggest that the Hippo signaling pathway regulates testis development, though its exact roles in Sertoli cell differentiation remain unknown. Here, we examined the functions of the main Hippo pathway kinases, large tumor suppressor homolog kinases 1 and 2 (Lats1 and Lats2) in developing mouse Sertoli cells. Conditional inactivation of Lats1/2 in Sertoli cells resulted in the disorganization and overgrowth of the testis cords, the induction of a testicular inflammatory response and germ cell apoptosis. Stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (STRA8) expression in germ cells additionally suggested that germ cells may have been preparing to enter meiosis prior to their loss. Gene expression analyses of the developing testes of conditional knockout animals further suggested impaired Sertoli cell differentiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and the induction of a specific set of genes associated with Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ)-mediated integrin signaling. Finally, the involvement of YAP/TAZ in Sertoli cell differentiation was confirmed by concomitantly inactivating Yap/Taz in Lats1/2 conditional knockout model, which resulted in a partial rescue of the testicular phenotypic changes. Taken together, these results identify Hippo signaling as a crucial pathway for Sertoli cell development and provide novel insight into Sertoli cell fate maintenance.


Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing , Cell Differentiation , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , Sertoli Cells , Tumor Suppressor Proteins , YAP-Signaling Proteins , Animals , Sertoli Cells/metabolism , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics , Male , Mice , YAP-Signaling Proteins/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics , Cell Differentiation/physiology , Mice, Knockout , Signal Transduction , Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism , Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Testis/metabolism , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/physiology , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Transcription Factors/genetics , Acyltransferases/genetics , Acyltransferases/metabolism , Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Proteins/metabolism , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics
15.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3996, 2024 May 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38734693

SPI1 was recently reported as a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in large-scale genome-wide association studies. However, it is unknown whether SPI1 should be downregulated or increased to have therapeutic benefits. To investigate the effect of modulating SPI1 levels on AD pathogenesis, we performed extensive biochemical, histological, and transcriptomic analyses using both Spi1-knockdown and Spi1-overexpression mouse models. Here, we show that the knockdown of Spi1 expression significantly exacerbates insoluble amyloid-ß (Aß) levels, amyloid plaque deposition, and gliosis. Conversely, overexpression of Spi1 significantly ameliorates these phenotypes and dystrophic neurites. Further mechanistic studies using targeted and single-cell transcriptomics approaches demonstrate that altered Spi1 expression modulates several pathways, such as immune response pathways and complement system. Our data suggest that transcriptional reprogramming by targeting transcription factors, like Spi1, might hold promise as a therapeutic strategy. This approach could potentially expand the current landscape of druggable targets for AD.


Alzheimer Disease , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Amyloidosis , Disease Models, Animal , Proto-Oncogene Proteins , Transcriptome , Animals , Alzheimer Disease/genetics , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Alzheimer Disease/pathology , Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism , Mice , Amyloidosis/genetics , Amyloidosis/metabolism , Amyloidosis/pathology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Phenotype , Mice, Transgenic , Plaque, Amyloid/metabolism , Plaque, Amyloid/pathology , Plaque, Amyloid/genetics , Humans , Male , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Gene Expression Profiling , Gene Knockdown Techniques , Trans-Activators
16.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(9)2024 May 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38732219

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus etiologically associated with benign and malignant diseases. Since the pathogenic mechanisms of EBV are not fully understood, understanding EBV genetic diversity is an ongoing goal. Therefore, the present work describes the genetic diversity of the lytic gene BZLF1 in a sampling of 70 EBV-positive cases from southeastern Brazil. Additionally, together with the genetic regions previously characterized, the aim of the present study was to determine the impact of viral genetic factors that may influence EBV genetic diversity. Accordingly, the phylogenetic analysis of the BZLF1 indicated two main clades with high support, BZ-A and BZ-B (PP > 0.85). Thus, the BZ-A clade was the most diverse clade associated with the main polymorphisms investigated, including the haplotype Type 1 + V3 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the multigene phylogenetic analysis (MLA) between BZLF1 and the oncogene LMP1 showed specific clusters, revealing haplotypic segregation that previous single-gene phylogenies from both genes failed to demonstrate. Surprisingly, the LMP1 Raji-related variant clusters were shown to be more diverse, associated with BZ-A/B and the Type 2/1 + V3 haplotypes. Finally, due to the high haplotypic diversity of the Raji-related variants, the number of DNA recombination-inducing motifs (DRIMs) was evaluated within the different clusters defined by the MLA. Similarly, the haplotype BZ-A + Raji was shown to harbor a greater number of DRIMs (p < 0.001). These results call attention to the high haplotype diversity of EBV in southeast Brazil and strengthen the hypothesis of the recombinant potential of South American Raji-related variants via the LMP1 oncogene.


Epstein-Barr Virus Infections , Genetic Variation , Herpesvirus 4, Human , Phylogeny , Recombination, Genetic , Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics , Humans , Brazil , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/virology , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/genetics , Trans-Activators/genetics , Male , Female , Haplotypes/genetics , Adult , Viral Matrix Proteins/genetics , Child , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Virus Latency/genetics , Child, Preschool , Young Adult
17.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(9)2024 May 06.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38732268

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important staple foods worldwide. However, rice blast disease, caused by the ascomycete fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, seriously affects the yield and quality of rice. Calmodulin-binding transcriptional activators (CAMTAs) play vital roles in the response to biotic stresses. In this study, we showed that OsCAMTA3 and CAMTA PROTEIN LIKE (OsCAMTAPL), an OsCAMTA3 homolog that lacks the DNA-binding domain, functioned together in negatively regulating disease resistance in rice. OsCAMTA3 associated with OsCAMTAPL. The oscamta3 and oscamtapl mutants showed enhanced resistance compared to wild-type plants, and oscamta3/pl double mutants showed more robust resistance to M. oryzae than oscamta3 or oscamtapl. An RNA-Seq analysis revealed that 59 and 73 genes, respectively, were differentially expressed in wild-type plants and oscamta3 before and after inoculation with M. oryzae, including OsALDH2B1, an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase that negatively regulates plant immunity. OsCAMTA3 could directly bind to the promoter of OsALDH2B1, and OsALDH2B1 expression was decreased in oscamta3, oscamtapl, and oscamta3/pl mutants. In conclusion, OsCAMTA3 associates with OsCAMTAPL to regulate disease resistance by binding and activating the expression of OsALDH2B1 in rice, which reveals a strategy by which rice controls rice blast disease and provides important genes for resistance breeding holding a certain positive impact on ensuring food security.


Disease Resistance , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Oryza , Plant Diseases , Plant Proteins , Oryza/microbiology , Oryza/genetics , Oryza/immunology , Disease Resistance/genetics , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Plant Diseases/microbiology , Plant Diseases/genetics , Plant Diseases/immunology , Ascomycota/pathogenicity , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Magnaporthe/pathogenicity , Trans-Activators/genetics , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Mutation
18.
Diagn Pathol ; 19(1): 68, 2024 May 13.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38741104

INTRODUCTION: Primary malignant hepatic vascular tumors with various malignant potentials include epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) and angiosarcoma (AS), which may overlap pathologically. This study aimed to compare the pathological findings of hepatic EHE with those of AS, in association with patient outcomes. METHODS: Fifty-nine histologically confirmed patients with 34 EHE and 25 AS were admitted to a tertiary hospital from 2003 to 2020. Their EHE and AS pathological features were compared. Immunohistochemistry for CD31, ERG, CAMTA-1, TFE3, P53, and Ki-67 labeling was performed on paraffin-embedded blocks. Markers, along with histological findings, were analyzed for the purposes of diagnostic and prognostic significance by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: CAMTA-1 was 91.2% positive in EHE, but negative in AS (p = < 0.001). AS was significantly correlated to an aberrant p53 expression, high Ki-67 labeling, and high mitotic activity, compared to EHE (all, p = < 0.001). EHE can be classified as low grade (LG) and high grade (HG) using the prognostic values of mitotic activity and ki-67 labeling (sensitivity = 1, specificity = 1). Low grade-EHE showed significantly better overall survival than high grade-EHE (p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Immunohistochemistry for CAMTA-1, P53, and Ki-67 labeling may help distinguish EHE and AS in histologically ambiguous cases, especially small biopsied tissue. Moreover, the combination of mitotic activity and Ki-67 labeling can be a prognostic factor for EHE with various clinical features.


Biomarkers, Tumor , Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid , Hemangiosarcoma , Liver Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/mortality , Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis , Liver Neoplasms/metabolism , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid/pathology , Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid/diagnosis , Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid/mortality , Prognosis , Adult , Aged , Hemangiosarcoma/pathology , Hemangiosarcoma/mortality , Hemangiosarcoma/diagnosis , Immunohistochemistry , Ki-67 Antigen/analysis , Young Adult , Calcium-Binding Proteins , Trans-Activators
19.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3681, 2024 May 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38693155

Defining genetic factors impacting chemotherapy failure can help to better predict response and identify drug resistance mechanisms. However, there is limited understanding of the contribution of inherited noncoding genetic variation on inter-individual differences in chemotherapy response in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Here we map inherited noncoding variants associated with treatment outcome and/or chemotherapeutic drug resistance to ALL cis-regulatory elements and investigate their gene regulatory potential and target gene connectivity using massively parallel reporter assays and three-dimensional chromatin looping assays, respectively. We identify 54 variants with transcriptional effects and high-confidence gene connectivity. Additionally, functional interrogation of the top variant, rs1247117, reveals changes in chromatin accessibility, PU.1 binding affinity and gene expression, and deletion of the genomic interval containing rs1247117 sensitizes cells to vincristine. Together, these data demonstrate that noncoding regulatory variants associated with diverse pharmacological traits harbor significant effects on allele-specific transcriptional activity and impact sensitivity to antileukemic agents.


Pharmacogenetics , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma , Proto-Oncogene Proteins , Humans , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/drug therapy , Child , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics , Genetic Variation , Cell Line, Tumor , Vincristine/therapeutic use , Vincristine/pharmacology , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Alleles , Chromatin/metabolism , Chromatin/genetics , Trans-Activators/genetics , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects
20.
Pathol Res Pract ; 257: 155286, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38599044

In spite of the decrease in breast cancer (BC) death rates, it has remained a significant public health concern. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway contributes to breast cancer development and progression by enhancing cancerous cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and migration. Investigating the connection between specific lncRNAs (SNHG15, HCP5, and LINC01433) and YAP and WWTR1, and the impact of these lncRNAs on the expression of YAP and WWTR1 proteins in the Hippo pathway, may offer valuable understanding for BC diagnosis and treatment. Forty BC tissue samples were acquired from the Tumor Bank and utilized for RNA and protein extraction. Real-time PCR and western blotting techniques were performed to assess the gene and protein expressions, respectively. Correlations between variables and their associations with clinicopathological features in BC were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U or Student's t-test. Additionally, the analysis of the GEO database was utilized to validate the findings. In cancerous tissue, the up-regulation of YAP, WWTR1, HCP5, SNHG15, and Linc01433 at both the mRNA and protein levels corresponds to the findings in GEO datasets. A significant association was found between YAP and histological grade, while WWTR1 showed a correlation with family history and HER-2. The distinct and notable expression of YAP, WWTR1, SNHG15, HCP5, and Linc01433 in BC tissues, together with the results of combined ROC curve analysis derived from our finding and GEO database suggest that a combined panel of these 5 RNAs may have great potential in predicting of BC and its management.


Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing , Breast Neoplasms , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , RNA, Long Noncoding , Transcription Factors , Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Proteins , YAP-Signaling Proteins , Humans , RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Breast Neoplasms/metabolism , Female , YAP-Signaling Proteins/genetics , YAP-Signaling Proteins/metabolism , Transcription Factors/genetics , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Middle Aged , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/genetics , Trans-Activators/genetics , Adult , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Aged
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