scholarly journals Human kidney clonal proliferation disclose lineage-restricted precursor characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cohen-Zontag Osnat ◽  
Gershon Rotem ◽  
Harari-Steinberg Orit ◽  
Kanter Itamar ◽  
Omer Dorit ◽  
...  

AbstractIn-vivo single cell clonal analysis in the adult mouse kidney has previously shown lineage-restricted clonal proliferation within varying nephron segments as a mechanism responsible for cell replacement and local regeneration. To analyze ex-vivo clonal growth, we now preformed limiting dilution to generate genuine clonal cultures from one single human renal epithelial cell, which can give rise to up to 3.4 * 106 cells, and analyzed their characteristics using transcriptomics. A comparison between clonal cultures revealed restriction to either proximal or distal kidney sub-lineages with distinct cellular and molecular characteristics; rapidly amplifying de-differentiated clones and a stably proliferating cuboidal epithelial-appearing clones, respectively. Furthermore, each showed distinct molecular features including cell-cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, oxidative phosphorylation, BMP signaling pathway and cell surface markers. In addition, analysis of clonal versus bulk cultures show early clones to be more quiescent, with elevated expression of renal developmental genes and overall reduction in renal identity markers, but with an overlapping expression of nephron segment identifiers and multiple identity. Thus, ex-vivo clonal growth mimics the in-vivo situation displaying lineage-restricted precursor characteristics of mature renal cells. These data suggest that for reconstruction of varying renal lineages with human adult kidney based organoid technology and kidney regeneration ex-vivo, use of multiple heterogeneous precursors is warranted.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cohen-Zontag Osnat ◽  
Gershon Rotem ◽  
Harari-Steinberg Orit ◽  
Kanter Itamar ◽  
Omer Dorit ◽  
...  

AbstractThe adult kidney replaces its parenchyma in vivo in steady state and during regeneration by segment-specific clonal cell proliferation.To understand human adult kidney clonal cell growth, we derived tissue from human nephrectomies and performed limiting dilution to establish genuine clonal cultures from one single cell.Clonal efficiency of the human kidney was x%. Remarkably, a single renal cell could give rise to up to 3.3*10(6) cells. Phenotypically, two types of clonal cultures were apparent; a stably proliferating cuboidal epithelial-like appearing (EL) and a rapidly proliferating fibroblast-like appearing (FL). RNA sequencing of all clonal cultures separated FL from EL cultures according to proximal-distal/collecting renal epithelial tubular identity, respectively. Moreover, distinct molecular features in respect to cell-cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, oxidative phosphorylation, BMP signaling pathway and cell surface markers were observed for each clone type. Surprisingly, clonal expansion (>3 months) was sustained in EL clones harboring markers of mature kidney epithelia (high CD24, CDH1, EpCAM, EMA) in contrast to de-differentiated FL clones (high NCAM1, serpine1), which showed fast lineage amplification and exhausted in a few weeks.Thus, the human adult kidney harbors progenitor cell function in which segment identity and the level of epithelial differentiation dictate clonal characteristics.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik D. Anderson ◽  
Mohammadali E. Alishahedani ◽  
Ian A. Myles

Atopic diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, and allergic rhinitis (AR) share a common pathogenesis of inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process where epithelial cells take on a migratory mesenchymal phenotype and is essential for normal tissue repair and signal through multiple inflammatory pathways. However, while links between EMT and both asthma and AR have been demonstrated, as we outline in this mini-review, the literature investigating AD and EMT is far less well-elucidated. Furthermore, current studies on EMT and atopy are mostly animal models or ex vivo studies on cell cultures or tissue biopsies. The literature covered in this mini-review on EMT-related barrier dysfunction as a contributor to AD as well as the related (perhaps resultant) atopic diseases indicates a potential for therapeutic targeting and carry treatment implications for topical steroid use and environmental exposure assessments. Further research, particularly in vivo studies, may greatly advance the field and translate into benefit for patients and families.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Gerard Quigley ◽  
Katja Steiger ◽  
Frauke Richter ◽  
Wilko Weichert ◽  
Sebastian Hoberück ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose As a major activator of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), the RGD receptor αvβ8-integrin is involved in pathogenic processes related to TGF-β dysregulation, such as tumor growth, invasion, and radiochemoresistance, metastasis and tumor cell stemness, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceutical Ga-68-Triveoctin for in vivo mapping of αvβ8-integrin expression might enhance the prognosis of certain tumor entities, as well as support and augment TGF-β-targeted therapeutic approaches. Methods Monomeric and trimeric conjugates of cyclo(GLRGDLp(NMe)K(pent-4-ynoic amide)) were synthesized by click chemistry (CuAAC), labeled with Ga-68, and evaluated in MeWo (human melanoma) xenografted SCID mice by means of PET and ex-vivo biodistribution. αvβ8-integrin expression in murine tissues was determined by β8-IHC. A human subject received a single injection of 173 MBq of Ga-68-Triveoctin and underwent 3 subsequent PET/CT scans at 25, 45, and 90 min p.i.. Results The trimer Ga-68-Triveoctin exhibits a 6.7-fold higher αvβ8-integrin affinity than the monomer (IC50 of 5.7 vs. 38 nM, respectively). Accordingly, biodistribution showed a higher tumor uptake (1.9 vs. 1.0%IA/g, respectively) but a similar baseline upon blockade (0.25%IA/g for both). IHC showed an intermediate β8-expression in the tumor while most organs and tissues were found β8-negative. Low non-target tissue uptakes (< 0.4%IA/g) confirmed a low degree of unspecific binding. Due to its hydrophilicity (log D = − 3.1), Ga-68-Triveoctin is excreted renally and shows favorable tumor/tissue ratios in mice (t/blood: 6.7; t/liver: 6.8; t/muscle: 29). A high kidney uptake in mice (kidney-to-blood and -to-muscle ratios of 126 and 505, respectively) is not reflected by human PET (corresponding values are 15 and 30, respectively), which furthermore showed notable uptakes in coeliac and choroid plexus (SUVmean 6.1 and 9.7, respectively, 90 min p.i.). Conclusion Ga-68-Triveoctin enables sensitive in-vivo imaging αvβ8-integrin expression in murine tumor xenografts. PET in a human subject confirmed a favorable biodistribution, underscoring the potential of Ga-68-Triveoctin for mapping of αvβ8-integrin expression in a clinical setting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sijia Liu ◽  
Lina Gu ◽  
Nan Wu ◽  
Jiayu Song ◽  
Jiazhuo Yan ◽  
...  

AbstractCervical adenocarcinoma is an important disease that affects young women and it has a high mortality and poor prognosis. Denticleless E3 ubiquitin protein ligase homolog (DTL) gene with oncogenic function has been evaluated in several cancers. Through this study, we aimed to clarify the clinical and molecular characteristics of cervical adenocarcinoma involving overexpression of DTL and elucidate its molecular mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis was performed through multiple databases. RNA sequencing was used to obtain differentially expressed genes after DTL was overexpressed in cells. The role of DTL in cervical adenocarcinoma was explored through in vitro and in vivo experiments. We found that DTL has an unfavorable prognostic implication for patients with cervical adenocarcinoma. Overexpression of DTL induced the migration and invasion of tumor cells in vitro and promoted intra-pulmonary metastasis in vivo. In addition, DTL activated JNK through RAC1 and upregulated FOXO1 to induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and the migration and invasion of tumor cells. Therefore, we conclude that overexpression of DTL enhanced cell motility and promoted tumor metastasis of cervical adenocarcinoma by regulating the RAC1-JNK-FOXO1 axis. These results suggest that DTL may become a potential therapeutic target for antitumor metastasis of cervical adenocarcinoma.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julianna Maria Santos ◽  
Fazle Hussain

Background: Reduced levels of magnesium can cause several diseases and increase cancer risk. Motivated by magnesium chloride’s (MgCl2) non-toxicity, physiological importance, and beneficial clinical applications, we studied its action mechanism and possible mechanical, molecular, and physiological effects in prostate cancer with different metastatic potentials.Methods: We examined the effects of MgCl2, after 24 and 48 hours, on apoptosis, cell migration, expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and V-H+-ATPase, myosin II (NMII) and the transcription factor NF Kappa B (NFkB) expressions.Results: MgCl2 induces apoptosis, and significantly decreases migration speed in cancer cells with different metastatic potentials.  MgCl2 reduces the expression of V-H+-ATPase and myosin II that facilitates invasion and metastasis, suppresses the expression of vimentin and increases expression of E-cadherin, suggesting a role of MgCl2 in reversing the EMT. MgCl2 also significantly increases the chromatin condensation and decreases NFkB expression.Conclusions: These results suggest a promising preventive and therapeutic role of MgCl2 for prostate cancer. Further studies should explore extending MgCl2 therapy to in vivo studies and other cancer types.Keywords: Magnesium chloride, prostate cancer, migration speed, V-H+-ATPase, and EMT.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 739
Author(s):  
Taeju Park

Crk and CrkL are cellular counterparts of the viral oncoprotein v-Crk. Crk and CrkL are overexpressed in many types of human cancer, correlating with poor prognosis. Furthermore, gene knockdown and knockout of Crk and CrkL in tumor cell lines suppress tumor cell functions, including cell proliferation, transformation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, resistance to chemotherapy drugs, and in vivo tumor growth and metastasis. Conversely, overexpression of tumor cells with Crk or CrkL enhances tumor cell functions. Therefore, Crk and CrkL have been proposed as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. However, it is unclear whether Crk and CrkL make distinct or overlapping contributions to tumor cell functions in various cancer types because Crk or CrkL have been examined independently in most studies. Two recent studies using colorectal cancer and glioblastoma cells clearly demonstrated that Crk and CrkL need to be ablated individually and combined to understand distinct and overlapping roles of the two proteins in cancer. A comprehensive understanding of individual and overlapping roles of Crk and CrkL in tumor cell functions is necessary to develop effective therapeutic strategies. This review systematically discusses crucial functions of Crk and CrkL in tumor cell functions and provides new perspectives on targeting Crk and CrkL in cancer therapy.


Oncogenesis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaname Sakamoto ◽  
Kaori Endo ◽  
Kei Sakamoto ◽  
Kou Kayamori ◽  
Shogo Ehata ◽  
...  

AbstractETS homologous factor (EHF) belongs to the epithelium-specific subfamily of the E26 transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factor family. Currently, little is known about EHF’s function in cancer. We previously reported that ETS1 induces expression of the ZEB family proteins ZEB1/δEF1 and ZEB2/SIP1, which are key regulators of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), by activating the ZEB1 promoters. We have found that EHF gene produces two transcript variants, namely a long form variant that includes exon 1 (EHF-LF) and a short form variant that excludes exon 1 (EHF-SF). Only EHF-SF abrogates ETS1-mediated activation of the ZEB1 promoter by promoting degradation of ETS1 proteins, thereby inhibiting the EMT phenotypes of cancer cells. Most importantly, we identified a novel point mutation within the conserved ETS domain of EHF, and found that EHF mutations abolish its original function while causing the EHF protein to act as a potential dominant negative, thereby enhancing metastasis in vivo. Therefore, we suggest that EHF acts as an anti-EMT factor by inhibiting the expression of ZEBs, and that EHF mutations exacerbate cancer progression.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongli Li ◽  
Junxiu Zhang ◽  
Zijia Liu ◽  
Yuanyuan Gong ◽  
Zhi Zheng

Abstract Background and aim Subretinal fibrosis resulting from neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is one of the major causes of serious and irreversible vision loss worldwide, and no definite and effective treatment exists currently. Retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells are crucial in maintaining the visual function of normal eyes and its epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis. Stem cell-derived exosomes have been reported to play a crucial role in tissue fibrosis by transferring their molecular contents. This study aimed to explore the effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (hucMSC-Exo) on subretinal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro and to investigate the anti-fibrotic mechanism of action of hucMSC-Exo. Methods In this study, human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) were successfully cultured and identified, and exosomes were isolated from the supernatant by ultracentrifugation. A laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and subretinal fibrosis model indicated that the intravitreal administration of hucMSC-Exo effectively alleviated subretinal fibrosis in vivo. Furthermore, hucMSC-Exo could efficaciously suppress the migration of retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells and promote the mesenchymal–epithelial transition by delivering miR-27b-3p. The latent binding of miR-27b-3p to homeobox protein Hox-C6 (HOXC6) was analyzed by bioinformatics prediction and luciferase reporter assays. Results This study showed that the intravitreal injection of hucMSC-Exo effectively ameliorated laser-induced CNV and subretinal fibrosis via the suppression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, hucMSC-Exo containing miR-27b repressed the EMT process in RPE cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) via inhibiting HOXC6 expression. Conclusions The present study showed that HucMSC-derived exosomal miR-27b could reverse the process of EMT induced by TGF-β2 via inhibiting HOXC6, indicating that the exosomal miR-27b/HOXC6 axis might play a vital role in ameliorating subretinal fibrosis. The present study proposed a promising therapeutic agent for treating ocular fibrotic diseases and provided insights into the mechanism of action of hucMSC-Exo on subretinal fibrosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anqi Xu ◽  
Xizhao Wang ◽  
Jie Luo ◽  
Mingfeng Zhou ◽  
Renhui Yi ◽  
...  

AbstractThe homeobox protein cut-like 1 (CUX1) comprises three isoforms and has been shown to be involved in the development of various types of malignancies. However, the expression and role of the CUX1 isoforms in glioma remain unclear. Herein, we first identified that P75CUX1 isoform exhibited consistent expression among three isoforms in glioma with specifically designed antibodies to identify all CUX1 isoforms. Moreover, a significantly higher expression of P75CUX1 was found in glioma compared with non-tumor brain (NB) tissues, analyzed with western blot and immunohistochemistry, and the expression level of P75CUX1 was positively associated with tumor grade. In addition, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that P75CUX1 could serve as an independent prognostic indicator to identify glioma patients with poor overall survival. Furthermore, CUX1 knockdown suppressed migration and invasion of glioma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, this study found that P75CUX1 regulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process mediated via β-catenin, and CUX1/β-catenin/EMT is a novel signaling cascade mediating the infiltration of glioma. Besides, CUX1 was verified to promote the progression of glioma via multiple other signaling pathways, such as Hippo and PI3K/AKT. In conclusion, we suggested that P75CUX1 could serve as a potential prognostic indicator as well as a novel treatment target in malignant glioma.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Wang ◽  
Zhiwei He ◽  
Jian Xu ◽  
Peng Chen ◽  
Jianxin Jiang

AbstractAn accumulation of evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs are involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer (PC). In this study, we investigated the functions and molecular mechanism of action of LINC00941 in PC. Quantitative PCR was used to examine the expression of LINC00941 and miR-335-5p in PC tissues and cell lines, and to investigate the correlation between LINC00941 expression and clinicopathological features. Plasmid vectors or lentiviruses were used to manipulate the expression of LINC00941, miR-335-5p, and ROCK1 in PC cell lines. Gain or loss-of-function assays and mechanistic assays were employed to verify the roles of LINC00941, miR-335-5p, and ROCK1 in PC cell growth and metastasis, both in vivo and in vitro. LINC00941 and ROCK1 were found to be highly expressed in PC, while miR-335-5p exhibited low expression. High LINC00941 expression was strongly associated with larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis. Functional experiments revealed that LINC00941 silencing significantly suppressed PC cell growth, metastasis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. LINC00941 functioned as a molecular sponge for miR-335-5p, and a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for ROCK1, promoting ROCK1 upregulation, and LIMK1/Cofilin-1 pathway activation. Our observations lead us to conclude that LINC00941 functions as an oncogene in PC progression, behaving as a ceRNA for miR-335-5p binding. LINC00941 may therefore have potential utility as a diagnostic and treatment target in this disease.


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