Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Identifies WARS1+ Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Enhanced Immunomodulatory Capacity and Improved Therapeutic Efficacy.

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disorder with no cure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory properties for psoriasis, but the therapeutic efficacies varied, and the molecular mechanisms were unknown. In this study, we improved the efficacy by enhancing the immunomodulatory effects of umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs). UC-MSCs stimulated by TNF-α and IFN-γ exhibited a better therapeutic effect in a mouse model of psoriasis. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that the stimulated UC-MSCs overrepresented a subpopulation expressing high tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (WARS1). WARS1-overexpressed UC-MSCs treat psoriasis-like skin inflammation more efficiently than control UC-MSCs by restraining the proinflammatory macrophages. Mechanistically, WARS1 maintained a RhoA-Akt axis and governed the immunomodulatory properties of UC-MSCs. Together, we identify WARS1 as a master regulator of UC-MSCs with enhanced immunomodulatory capacities, which paves the way for the directed modification of UC-MSCs for escalated therapeutic efficacy.

Improved performance of a fiber-optic hydrogen sensor based on a controllable optical heating technology.

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, and compact fiber-optic hydrogen sensor based on light intensity demodulation and controllable optical heating technology is proposed and experimentally investigated. This system employs three photodetectors for optic signal transformation. The first PD is used to receive a little fraction of the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) for calibration, and the second PD is utilized to detect optic signal reflected by a single mode fiber deposited with WO3-Pd2Pt-Pt composite film. The last PD is utilized to receive the optical power reflected by the short fiber Bragg grating (SFBG) with a central wavelength located in a steep wavelength range (the intensity decreases approximately linearly with the increase of the wavelength) of the ASE light source. A 980 nm laser and proportion integration differentiation (PID) controller were employed to ensure the hydrogen sensitive film working at an operating temperature of 60°C. This sensing system can display a quick response time of 0.4 s toward 10,000 ppm hydrogen in air. In addition, the detection limit of 5 ppm in air can be achieved with this sensing system. The stability of this sensor can be greatly enhanced with a controllable optical heating system, which can greatly promote its potential application in various fields.

Liver cancer initiation requires translational activation by an oncofetal regulon involving LIN28 proteins.

It is unknown which posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms are required for oncogenic competence. Here, we show that the LIN28 family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which facilitate posttranscriptional RNA metabolism within ribonucleoprotein networks, is essential for the initiation of diverse oncotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In HCC models driven by NRASG12V/Tp53, CTNNB1/YAP/Tp53, or AKT/Tp53, mice without Lin28a and Lin28b were markedly impaired in cancer initiation. We biochemically defined an oncofetal regulon of 15 factors connected to LIN28 through direct mRNA and protein interactions. Interestingly, all were RBPs and only 1 of 15 was a Let-7 target. Polysome profiling and reporter assays showed that LIN28B directly increased the translation of 8 of these 15 RBPs. As expected, overexpression of LIN28B and IGFBP1-3 was able to genetically rescue cancer initiation. Using this platform to probe components downstream of LIN28, we found that 8 target RBPs were able to restore NRASG12V/Tp53 cancer formation in Lin28a/Lin28b-deficient mice. Furthermore, these LIN28B targets promote cancer initiation through an increase in protein synthesis. LIN28B, central to an RNP regulon that increases translation of RBPs, is important for tumor initiation in the liver.

ZFYVE19 deficiency: a ciliopathy involving failure of cell division, with cell death.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Variants in ZFYVE19 underlie a disorder characterised by progressive portal fibrosis, portal hypertension and eventual liver decompensation. We aim to create an animal model to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism. METHODS: Zfyve19 knockout (Zfyve19-/- ) mice were generated and exposed to different liver toxins. Their livers were characterised at the tissue, cellular and molecular levels. Findings were compared with those in wild-type mice and in ZFYVE19-deficient patients. ZFYVE19 knockout and knockdown retinal pigment epithelial-1 cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts were generated to study cell division and cell death. RESULTS: The Zfyve19-/- mice were normal overall, particularly with respect to hepatobiliary features. However, when challenged with α-naphthyl isothiocyanate, Zfyve19-/- mice developed changes resembling those in ZFYVE19-deficient patients, including elevated serum liver injury markers, increased numbers of bile duct profiles with abnormal cholangiocyte polarity and biliary fibrosis. Failure of cell division, centriole and cilia abnormalities, and increased cell death were observed in knockdown/knockout cells. Increased cell death and altered mRNA expression of cell death-related signalling pathways was demonstrated in livers from Zfyve19-/- mice and patients. Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and Janus kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (JAK-STAT3) signalling pathways were upregulated in vivo, as were chemokines such as C-X-C motif ligands 1, 10 and 12. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that ZFYVE19 deficiency is a ciliopathy with novel histological features. Failure of cell division with ciliary abnormalities and cell death activates macrophages and may thus lead to biliary fibrosis via TGF-ß pathway in the disease.

The chromatin remodeling factor Arid1a cooperates with Jun/Fos to promote osteoclastogenesis by epigenetically upregulating Siglec15 expression.

Osteoporosis is characterized by an imbalance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-related bone formation, particularly increased osteoclastogenesis. However, the mechanisms by which epigenetic factors regulate osteoclast precursor differentiation during osteoclastogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the specific knockout of the chromatin remodeling factor Arid1a in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) results in increased bone mass. The loss of Arid1a in BMDM inhibits cell-cell fusion and maturation of osteoclast precursors, thereby suppressing osteoclast differentiation. Mechanistically, Arid1a increases the chromatin access in the gene promoter region of sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 15 (Siglec15) by transcription factor Jun/Fos, which results in the upregulation of Siglec15 and promotion of osteoclast differentiation. However, the loss of Arid1a reprograms the chromatin structure to restrict Siglec15 expression in osteoclast precursors, thereby inhibiting BMDM differentiation into mature osteoclasts. Deleting Arid1a after ovariectomy (a model for postmenopausal bone loss) alleviated bone loss and maintained bone mass. In summary, epigenetic reprogramming mediated by Arid1a loss suppresses osteoclast differentiation and may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating bone loss diseases.

Osteoporosis is a common disease, usually diagnosed by decreased bone density and increased fragility. The people with osteoporosis has higher risk of fractures. Nearly one-third of the aged people will suffer from osteoporosis-related fractures and even lose their lives because of this. Therefore, there is an urgent need for early intervention and effective treatment options for osteoporosis in the aging population. Bone tissue is a highly dynamic tissue that undergoes continuous remodeling throughout an individual's entire life. The balance of remodeling depends on the bone formation mediated by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. When this balance is disrupted, osteoporosis occurs. Thus, the aim of our research is to explore the behind mechanism of this imbalance. Here, we demonstrate that the loss of Arid1a, a chromatin remodeler, leads to chromatin reprogramming that restricts access to promoters by transcription factors such as Jun/Fos, thereby suppressing osteoclast activation and bone resorption. Our findings offer insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying osteoporosis and suggest potential strategies for its prevention and treatment.

Discovery of Podofilox as a Potent cGAMP-STING Signaling Enhancer with Antitumor Activity.

Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) is a second messenger that activates the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) innate immune pathway to induce the expression of type I IFNs and other cytokines. Pharmacologic activation of STING is considered a potent therapeutic strategy in cancer. In this study, we used a cell-based phenotypic screen and identified podophyllotoxin (podofilox), a microtubule destabilizer, as a robust enhancer of the cGAMP-STING signaling pathway. We found that podofilox enhanced the cGAMP-mediated immune response by increasing STING-containing membrane puncta and the extent of STING oligomerization. Furthermore, podofilox changed the trafficking pattern of STING and delayed trafficking-mediated STING degradation. Importantly, the combination of cGAMP and podofilox had profound antitumor effects on mice by activating the immune response through host STING signaling. Together, these data provide insights into the regulation of cGAMP-STING pathway activation and demonstrate what we believe to be a novel approach for modulating this pathway and thereby promoting antitumor immunity.

MoS2 nanosheets on plasma-nitrogen-doped carbon cloth for high-performance flexible supercapacitors.

With the surging demand for flexible and portable electronic devices featuring high energy and power density, the development of next-generation lightweight, flexible energy storage devices is crucial. However, achieving the expected energy and power density of supercapacitors remains a great challenge. This work reports a facile plasma-enabled method for preparing supercapacitor electrodes made of MoS2 nanosheets grown on flexible and lightweight N-doped carbon cloth (NCC). The MoS2/NCC presents an outstanding specific capacitance of 3834.28 mF/cm2 at 1 mA/cm2 and energy density of 260.94 µWh/cm2 at a power density of 354.48 µW/cm2. An aqueous symmetric supercapacitor fitted with two MoS2/NCC electrodes achieved the maximum energy density of 138.12 µWh/cm2 and the highest power density of 7,417.33 µW/cm2, along with the excellent cycling stability of 83.3 % retention over 10,000 cycles. The high-performance energy storage ASSSs (all-solid-state supercapacitors) are demonstrated to power devices in both rigid and flexible operation modes. This work provides a new perspective for fabricating high-performance all-solid-state flexible supercapacitors for clean energy storage.

Arid1a loss potentiates pancreatic ß-cell regeneration through activation of EGF signaling.

The dynamic regulation of ß-cell abundance is poorly understood. Since chromatin remodeling plays critical roles in liver regeneration, these mechanisms could be generally important for regeneration in other tissues. Here, we show that the ARID1A mammalian SWI/SNF complex subunit is a critical regulator of ß-cell regeneration. Arid1a is highly expressed in quiescent ß-cells but is physiologically suppressed when ß-cells proliferate during pregnancy or after pancreas resection. Whole-body Arid1a knockout mice are protected against streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Cell-type and temporally specific genetic dissection show that ß-cell-specific Arid1a deletion can potentiate ß-cell regeneration in multiple contexts. Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of mutant islets reveal increased neuregulin-ERBB-NR4A signaling. Chemical inhibition of ERBB or NR4A1 blocks increased regeneration associated with Arid1a loss. Mammalian SWI/SNF (mSWI/SNF) complex activity is a barrier to ß-cell regeneration in physiologic and disease states.

LL-37 transports immunoreactive cGAMP to activate STING signaling and enhance interferon-mediated host antiviral immunity.

Cyclic 2',3'-GMP-AMP (cGAMP) binds to and activates stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which then induces interferons to drive immune responses against tumors and pathogens. Exogenous cGAMP produced by infected and malignant cells and synthetic cGAMP used in immunotherapy must traverse the cell membrane to activate STING in target cells. However, as an anionic hydrophilic molecule, cGAMP is not inherently membrane permeable. Here, we show that LL-37, a human host defense peptide, can function as a transporter of cGAMP. LL-37 specifically binds cGAMP and efficiently delivers cGAMP into target cells. cGAMP transferred by LL-37 activates robust interferon responses and host antiviral immunity in a STING-dependent manner. Furthermore, we report that LL-37 inducers vitamin D3 and sodium butyrate promote host immunity by enhancing endogenous LL-37 expression and its mediated cGAMP immune response. Collectively, our data uncover an essential role of LL-37 in innate immune activation and suggest new strategies for immunotherapy.

SENP3 loss promotes M2 macrophage polarization and breast cancer progression.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play a crucial role in promoting cancer progression. Upon cytokine stimulation, TAM preferentially polarize to the anti-inflammatory and pro-tumor M2 subtype. The mechanism underlying such preferential polarization remains elusive. Here, we report that macrophage-specific deletion of the SUMO-specific protease Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 3 promotes macrophage polarization towards M2 in bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) induced by interleukin 4 (IL-4)/IL-13 and in an ex vivo model (murine Py8119 cell line), as well as in a mouse orthotopic tumor model. Notably, Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 3 (SENP3) loss in macrophages accelerated breast cancer malignancy in ex vivo and in vivo models. Mechanistically, we identified Akt Serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt1) as the substrate of SENP3 and found that the enhanced Akt1 SUMOylation upon SENP3 loss resulted in Akt1 hyper-phosphorylation and activation, which facilitates M2 polarization. Analysis of clinical data showed that a lower level of SENP3 in TAM has a strong negative correlation with the level of the M2 marker CD206, as well as with a worse clinical outcome. Thus, increased Akt1 SUMOylation as a result of SENP3 deficiency modulates polarization of macrophages to the M2 subtype within a breast cancer microenvironment, which in turn promotes tumor progression.

Assessment of SENP3-interacting proteins in hepatocytes treated with diethylnitrosamine by BioID assay.

SUMOylation of proteins regulates cell behaviors and is reversibly removed by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-specific proteases (SENPs). The SENP family member SENP3 is involved in SUMO2/3 deconjugation and has been reported to sense cell stress and accumulate in several human cancer cells and macrophages. We previously reported that Senp3-knockout heterozygous mice showed smaller liver, but the pertinent mechanisms of SENP3 and SUMOylated substrates remain unclear. Thus, in this study, we investigated the interacting proteins with SENP3 and the alteration in hepatocytes treated with the xenobiotic diethylnitrosamine (DEN), which is specifically transformed in the liver and induces DNA double-strand breaks. Our data revealed that a certain amount of SENP3 was present in normal, untreated hepatocytes; however, DEN treatment promoted rapid SENP3 accumulation. SENP3 was mainly localized in the nuclei, and its level was significantly increased in the cytoplasm after 2 h of DEN treatment. The application of the recent proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) method led to the identification of 310 SENP3-interacting proteins that were involved in not only gene transcription but also RNA splicing, protein folding, and metabolism. Furthermore, after DEN exposure for a short duration, ribosomal proteins as well as proteins associated with mitochondrial ATP synthesis, membrane transport, and bile acid synthesis, rather than DNA repair proteins, were identified. This study provides insights into the diverse regulatory roles of SENP3, and the BioID method seems to be efficient for identifying physiologically relevant insoluble proteins.

A redox probe screens MTHFD1 as a determinant of gemcitabine chemoresistance in cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of solid tumor derived from the bile duct epithelium that features universal gemcitabine resistance. Here, we utilized a gene-encoded ROS biosensor probe (HyPer3 probe) to sort subpopulations with different redox statuses from CCA cells. The isolated HyPer-low subpopulation CCA cells, which exhibited relatively lower cellular ROS levels, exhibited higher chemoresistance to gemcitabine than HyPer-high subpopulation CCA cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, increased expression of MTHFD1 was found in HyPer-low cells. Knocking down MTHFD1 in HyPer-low cells enhanced cellular ROS and restored sensitivity to gemcitabine. Furthermore, the MTHFD1 inhibitor antifolate compound methotrexate (MTX) increased cellular ROS, and combining gemcitabine with MTX effectively suppressed cholangiocarcinoma cell growth. In summary, the MTHFD1 level mediated the heterogeneous cellular redox status in CCA, which resulted in chemoresistance to gemcitabine. Our data suggest a novel strategy for CCA chemotherapy.

SENP3 Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis by De-conjugating SUMO2/3 from IRF8 in Bone Marrow-Derived Monocytes.

Bone metabolism depends on the balance between osteoclast-driven bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone formation. Diseases like osteoporosis are characterized by increased bone destruction due to partially enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Here, we report that the post-translational SUMO modification is critical for regulating osteoclastogenesis. The expression of the SUMO-specific protease SENP3 is downregulated in osteoclast precursors during osteoclast differentiation. Mice with SENP3 deficiency in bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDMs) exhibit more severe bone loss due to over-activation of osteoclasts after ovariectomy. Deleting SENP3 in BMDMs promotes osteoclast differentiation. Mechanistically, loss of SENP3 increases interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) SUMO3 modification at the K310 amino acid site, which upregulates expression of the nuclear factor of activated T cell c1 (NFATc1) and osteoclastogenesis. In summary, IRF8 de-SUMO modification mediated by SENP3 suppresses osteoclast differentiation and suggests strategies to treat bone loss diseases.

Dual ARID1A/ARID1B loss leads to rapid carcinogenesis and disruptive redistribution of BAF complexes.

SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers play critical roles in development and cancer. The causal links between SWI/SNF complex disassembly and carcinogenesis are obscured by redundancy between paralogous components. Canonical cBAF-specific paralogs ARID1A and ARID1B are synthetic lethal in some contexts, but simultaneous mutations in both ARID1s are prevalent in cancer. To understand if and how cBAF abrogation causes cancer, we examined the physiologic and biochemical consequences of ARID1A/ARID1B loss. In double knockout liver and skin, aggressive carcinogenesis followed de-differentiation and hyperproliferation. In double mutant endometrial cancer, add-back of either induced senescence. Biochemically, residual cBAF subcomplexes resulting from loss of ARID1 scaffolding were unexpectedly found to disrupt polybromo containing pBAF function. 37 of 69 mutations in the conserved scaffolding domains of ARID1 proteins observed in human cancer caused complex disassembly, partially explaining their mutation spectra. ARID1-less, cBAF-less states promote carcinogenesis across tissues, and suggest caution against paralog-directed therapies for ARID1-mutant cancer.

Arid1a Loss Drives Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice Through Epigenetic Dysregulation of Hepatic Lipogenesis and Fatty Acid Oxidation.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a rapidly growing cause of chronic liver damage, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. How fatty liver pathogenesis is subject to epigenetic regulation is unknown. We hypothesized that chromatin remodeling is important for the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease. AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A), a DNA-binding component of the SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable adenosine triphosphate-dependent chromatin-remodeling complex, contributes to nucleosome repositioning and access by transcriptional regulators. Liver-specific deletion of Arid1a (Arid1a liver knockout [LKO]) caused the development of age-dependent fatty liver disease in mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed up-regulation of lipogenesis and down-regulation of fatty acid oxidation genes. As evidence of direct regulation, ARID1A demonstrated direct binding to the promoters of many of these differentially regulated genes. Additionally, Arid1a LKO mice were more susceptible to high-fat diet-induced liver steatosis and fibrosis. We deleted Pten in combination with Arid1a to synergistically drive fatty liver progression. Inhibition of lipogenesis using CAT-2003, a potent sterol regulatory element-binding protein inhibitor, mediated improvements in markers of fatty liver disease progression in this Arid1a/Pten double knockout model. Conclusion: ARID1A plays a role in the epigenetic regulation of hepatic lipid homeostasis, and its suppression contributes to fatty liver pathogenesis. Combined Arid1a and Pten deletion shows accelerated fatty liver disease progression and is a useful mouse model for studying therapeutic strategies for NASH.

SWI/SNF component ARID1A restrains pancreatic neoplasia formation.

OBJECTIVE: ARID1A is commonly mutated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but the functional effects of ARID1A mutations in the pancreas are unclear. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive PDAC formation may lead to novel therapies. DESIGN: Concurrent conditional Arid1a deletion and Kras activation mutations were modelled in mice. Small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and CRISPR/Cas9 were used to abrogate ARID1A in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. RESULTS: We found that pancreas-specific Arid1a loss in mice was sufficient to induce inflammation, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and mucinous cysts. Concurrent Kras activation accelerated the development of cysts that resembled intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Lineage-specific Arid1a deletion confirmed compartment-specific tumour-suppressive effects. Duct-specific Arid1a loss promoted dilated ducts with occasional cyst and PDAC formation. Heterozygous acinar-specific Arid1a loss resulted in accelerated PanIN and PDAC formation with worse survival. RNA-seq showed that Arid1a loss induced gene networks associated with Myc activity and protein translation. ARID1A knockdown in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells induced increased MYC expression and protein synthesis that was abrogated with MYC knockdown. ChIP-seq against H3K27ac demonstrated an increase in activated enhancers/promoters. CONCLUSIONS: Arid1a suppresses pancreatic neoplasia in a compartment-specific manner. In duct cells, this process appears to be associated with MYC-facilitated protein synthesis.

Arid1a Has Context-Dependent Oncogenic and Tumor Suppressor Functions in Liver Cancer.

ARID1A, an SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling gene, is commonly mutated in cancer and hypothesized to be tumor suppressive. In some hepatocellular carcinoma patients, ARID1A was highly expressed in primary tumors but not in metastatic lesions, suggesting that ARID1A can be lost after initiation. Mice with liver-specific homozygous or heterozygous Arid1a loss were resistant to tumor initiation while ARID1A overexpression accelerated initiation. In contrast, homozygous or heterozygous Arid1a loss in established tumors accelerated progression and metastasis. Mechanistically, gain of Arid1a function promoted initiation by increasing CYP450-mediated oxidative stress, while loss of Arid1a within tumors decreased chromatin accessibility and reduced transcription of genes associated with migration, invasion, and metastasis. In summary, ARID1A has context-dependent tumor-suppressive and oncogenic roles in cancer.

Arid1b haploinsufficient mice reveal neuropsychiatric phenotypes and reversible causes of growth impairment.

Sequencing studies have implicated haploinsufficiency of ARID1B, a SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling subunit, in short stature (Yu et al., 2015), autism spectrum disorder (O'Roak et al., 2012), intellectual disability (Deciphering Developmental Disorders Study, 2015), and corpus callosum agenesis (Halgren et al., 2012). In addition, ARID1B is the most common cause of Coffin-Siris syndrome, a developmental delay syndrome characterized by some of the above abnormalities (Santen et al., 2012; Tsurusaki et al., 2012; Wieczorek et al., 2013). We generated Arid1b heterozygous mice, which showed social behavior impairment, altered vocalization, anxiety-like behavior, neuroanatomical abnormalities, and growth impairment. In the brain, Arid1b haploinsufficiency resulted in changes in the expression of SWI/SNF-regulated genes implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. A focus on reversible mechanisms identified Insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) deficiency with inadequate compensation by Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and Growth hormone (GH), underappreciated findings in ARID1B patients. Therapeutically, GH supplementation was able to correct growth retardation and muscle weakness. This model functionally validates the involvement of ARID1B in human disorders, and allows mechanistic dissection of neurodevelopmental diseases linked to chromatin-remodeling.