scholarly journals A polycomb-independent role of EZH2 in TGFβ1-damaged epithelium triggers a fibrotic cascade with mesenchymal cells

Author(s):  
Huy Quang Le ◽  
Matthew Alexander Hill ◽  
Ines Kollak ◽  
Wioletta Skronska-Wasek ◽  
Victoria Schroeder ◽  
...  

AbstractTo restore organ homeostasis, a myriad of cell types need to activate rapid and transient programs to adjust cell fate decisions and elicit a collective behaviour. Characterisation of such programs are imperative to elucidate an organ’s regenerative capacity and its aberrant repair in disease. By modelling epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk, we provide direct evidence for transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-damaged epithelium initiating a bi-directional fibrotic cascade with the mesenchyme. Strikingly, TGFβ1-damaged epithelia facilitates the release of Enhancer of Zester Homolog 2 (EZH2) from Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) to establish a novel fibrotic transcriptional complex of EZH2, RNA-polymerase II (POL2) and nuclear actin. Perturbing this complex by disrupting epithelial EZH2 or actomyosin remodelling abrogates the fibrotic crosstalk. The liberation of EZH2 from PRC2 is accompanied by an EZH2-EZH1 switch to preserve global H3K27me3 occupancy. Our results reveal an important non-canonical function of EZH2, paving the way for therapeutic interventions in fibrotic disease.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shubham Haribhau Mehatre ◽  
Irene Mariam Roy ◽  
Atreyi Biswas ◽  
Devila Prit ◽  
Sarah Schouteden ◽  
...  

AbstractOutside-in integrin signaling regulates cell fate decisions in a variety of cell types, including hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Our earlier published studies showed that interruption of Periostin (POSTN) and Integrin-αv (ITGAV) interaction induces faster proliferation in HSCs with developmental stage dependent functional effects. Here, we examined the role of POSTN-ITGAV axis in lympho-hematopoietic activity in spleen that hosts rare population of HSCs, the functional regulation of which is not clearly known. Vav-iCre mediated deletion of Itgav in hematopoietic system led to higher proliferation rates, resulting in increased frequency of primitive HSCs in adult spleen. However, in vitro CFU-C assays demonstrated a poorer differentiation potential following Itgav deletion. This also led to a decrease in the white pulp area with a significant decline in the B-cell numbers. Systemic deletion of its ligand, POSTN, phenocopied the effects noted in Vav-Itgav−/− mice. Histological examination of Postn deficient spleen also showed increase in the spleen trabecular areas. Surprisingly, these were the myofibroblasts of the trabecular and capsular areas that expressed high levels of POSTN within the spleen tissue. In addition, vascular smooth muscle cells also expressed POSTN. Through CFU-S12 assays, we showed that hematopoietic support potential of stroma in Postn deficient splenic hematopoietic niche was defective. Overall, we demonstrate that POSTN-ITGAV interaction plays important role in spleen lympho-hematopoiesis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Mohammad N. Qasim ◽  
Ashley Valle Arevalo ◽  
Clarissa J. Nobile ◽  
Aaron D. Hernday

Candida albicans, a diploid polymorphic fungus, has evolved a unique heritable epigenetic program that enables reversible phenotypic switching between two cell types, referred to as “white” and “opaque”. These cell types are established and maintained by distinct transcriptional programs that lead to differences in metabolic preferences, mating competencies, cellular morphologies, responses to environmental signals, interactions with the host innate immune system, and expression of approximately 20% of genes in the genome. Transcription factors (defined as sequence specific DNA-binding proteins) that regulate the establishment and heritable maintenance of the white and opaque cell types have been a primary focus of investigation in the field; however, other factors that impact chromatin accessibility, such as histone modifying enzymes, chromatin remodelers, and histone chaperone complexes, also modulate the dynamics of the white-opaque switch and have been much less studied to date. Overall, the white-opaque switch represents an attractive and relatively “simple” model system for understanding the logic and regulatory mechanisms by which heritable cell fate decisions are determined in higher eukaryotes. Here we review recent discoveries on the roles of chromatin accessibility in regulating the C. albicans white-opaque phenotypic switch.


2018 ◽  
Vol 97 (8) ◽  
pp. 859-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Liu ◽  
Y. Sun ◽  
Q. Zhang

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as nanometer-scale particles, include exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. EVs are released by most cell types, such as bone marrow stem cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and immune cells. In bone-remodeling microenvironments, EVs deliver specific proteins (e.g., tenascin C and Sema4D), microRNAs (e.g., miR-214-3p, miR-183-5p, and miR-196a), and other growth factors (e.g., bone morphogenetic protein 1 to 7 and transforming growth factor β1) to osteoblasts and regulate bone formation. In addition, EVs can deliver cytokines, such as RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB) and RANKL (RANK ligand), and microRNAs, such as miR-218 and miR-148a, to modulate osteoclast differentiation during bone resorption. EVs also transfer bioactive molecules and have targeted therapies in bone-related diseases. Moreover, bioactive molecules in EVs are biomarkers in bone-related diseases. We highlight the emerging role of EVs in bone remodeling during physiologic and pathologic conditions and summarize the role of EVs in tooth development and regeneration. At the end of this review, we discuss the challenges of EV application in the treatment of bone diseases.


Development ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 128 (5) ◽  
pp. 711-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.E. Rusten ◽  
R. Cantera ◽  
J. Urban ◽  
G. Technau ◽  
F.C. Kafatos ◽  
...  

Genes of the spalt family encode nuclear zinc finger proteins. In Drosophila melanogaster, they are necessary for the establishment of head/trunk identity, correct tracheal migration and patterning of the wing imaginal disc. Spalt proteins display a predominant pattern of expression in the nervous system, not only in Drosophila but also in species of fish, mouse, frog and human, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved role for these proteins in nervous system development. Here we show that Spalt works as a cell fate switch between two EGFR-induced cell types, the oenocytes and the precursors of the pentascolopodial organ in the embryonic peripheral nervous system. We show that removal of spalt increases the number of scolopodia, as a result of extra secondary recruitment of precursor cells at the expense of the oenocytes. In addition, the absence of spalt causes defects in the normal migration of the pentascolopodial organ. The dual function of spalt in the development of this organ, recruitment of precursors and migration, is reminiscent of its role in tracheal formation and of the role of a spalt homologue, sem-4, in the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system.


Development ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 127 (17) ◽  
pp. 3865-3876
Author(s):  
M.S. Rones ◽  
K.A. McLaughlin ◽  
M. Raffin ◽  
M. Mercola

Notch signaling mediates numerous developmental cell fate decisions in organisms ranging from flies to humans, resulting in the generation of multiple cell types from equipotential precursors. In this paper, we present evidence that activation of Notch by its ligand Serrate apportions myogenic and non-myogenic cell fates within the early Xenopus heart field. The crescent-shaped field of heart mesoderm is specified initially as cardiomyogenic. While the ventral region of the field forms the myocardial tube, the dorsolateral portions lose myogenic potency and form the dorsal mesocardium and pericardial roof (Raffin, M., Leong, L. M., Rones, M. S., Sparrow, D., Mohun, T. and Mercola, M. (2000) Dev. Biol., 218, 326–340). The local interactions that establish or maintain the distinct myocardial and non-myocardial domains have never been described. Here we show that Xenopus Notch1 (Xotch) and Serrate1 are expressed in overlapping patterns in the early heart field. Conditional activation or inhibition of the Notch pathway with inducible dominant negative or active forms of the RBP-J/Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)] transcription factor indicated that activation of Notch feeds back on Serrate1 gene expression to localize transcripts more dorsolaterally than those of Notch1, with overlap in the region of the developing mesocardium. Moreover, Notch pathway activation decreased myocardial gene expression and increased expression of a marker of the mesocardium and pericardial roof, whereas inhibition of Notch signaling had the opposite effect. Activation or inhibition of Notch also regulated contribution of individual cells to the myocardium. Importantly, expression of Nkx2. 5 and Gata4 remained largely unaffected, indicating that Notch signaling functions downstream of heart field specification. We conclude that Notch signaling through Su(H) suppresses cardiomyogenesis and that this activity is essential for the correct specification of myocardial and non-myocardial cell fates.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 3638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Nakajima ◽  
Charles F. Shuler ◽  
Alexander Gulka ◽  
Jun-ichi Hanai

Signaling by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plays an important role in development, including in palatogenesis. The dynamic morphological process of palatal fusion occurs to achieve separation of the nasal and oral cavities. Critically and specifically important in palatal fusion are the medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells, which are initially present at the palatal midline seam and over the course of the palate fusion process are lost from the seam, due to cell migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and/or programed cell death. In order to define the role of TGF-β signaling during this process, several approaches have been utilized, including a small interfering RNA (siRNA) strategy targeting TGF-β receptors in an organ culture context, the use of genetically engineered mice, such as Wnt1-cre/R26R double transgenic mice, and a cell fate tracing through utilization of cell lineage markers. These approaches have permitted investigators to distinguish some specific traits of well-defined cell populations throughout the palatogenic events. In this paper, we summarize the current understanding on the role of TGF-β signaling, and specifically its association with MEE cell fate during palatal fusion. TGF-β is highly regulated both temporally and spatially, with TGF-β3 and Smad2 being the preferentially expressed signaling molecules in the critical cells of the fusion processes. Interestingly, the accessory receptor, TGF-β type 3 receptor, is also critical for palatal fusion, with evidence for its significance provided by Cre-lox systems and siRNA approaches. This suggests the high demand of ligand for this fine-tuned signaling process. We discuss the new insights in the fate of MEE cells in the midline epithelial seam (MES) during the palate fusion process, with a particular focus on the role of TGF-β signaling.


2020 ◽  
Vol 217 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolaos G. Frangogiannis

TGF-β is extensively implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In fibrotic lesions, spatially restricted generation of bioactive TGF-β from latent stores requires the cooperation of proteases, integrins, and specialized extracellular matrix molecules. Although fibroblasts are major targets of TGF-β, some fibrogenic actions may reflect activation of other cell types, including macrophages, epithelial cells, and vascular cells. TGF-β–driven fibrosis is mediated through Smad-dependent or non-Smad pathways and is modulated by coreceptors and by interacting networks. This review discusses the role of TGF-β in fibrosis, highlighting mechanisms of TGF-β activation and signaling, the cellular targets of TGF-β actions, and the challenges of therapeutic translation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentin Platel ◽  
Sébastien Faure ◽  
Isabelle Corre ◽  
Nicolas Clere

Cancer cells evolve in a very complex tumor microenvironment, composed of several cell types, among which the endothelial cells are the major actors of the tumor angiogenesis. Today, these cells are also characterized for their plasticity, as endothelial cells have demonstrated their potential to modify their phenotype to differentiate into mesenchymal cells through the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). This cellular plasticity is mediated by various stimuli including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and is modulated dependently of experimental conditions. Recently, emerging evidences have shown that EndoMT is involved in the development and dissemination of cancer and also in cancer cell to escape from therapeutic treatment. In this review, we summarize current updates on EndoMT and its main induction pathways. In addition, we discuss the role of EndoMT in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and its potential implication in cancer therapy resistance.


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