RESUMEN

With the rapid development of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, gene editing has become a powerful tool for studying gene function. Specifically, in the study of the mechanisms by which natural immune responses combat viral infections, gene knockout mouse models have provided an indispensable platform. This article describes a detailed protocol for constructing gene knockout mice using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. This field focuses on the design of single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting the antiviral immune gene cGAS, embryo microinjection, and screening and verification of gene editing outcomes. Furthermore, this study provides methods for using cGAS gene knockout mice to analyze the role of specific genes in natural immune responses. Through this protocol, researchers can efficiently generate specific gene knockout mouse models, which not only helps in understanding the functions of the immune system but also offers a powerful experimental tool for exploring the mechanisms of antiviral innate immunity.

Asunto(s)

Sistemas CRISPR-Cas , Edición Génica , Inmunidad Innata , Ratones Noqueados , ARN Guía de Sistemas CRISPR-Cas , Animales , Inmunidad Innata/genética , Ratones , ARN Guía de Sistemas CRISPR-Cas/genética , Edición Génica/métodos , Técnicas de Inactivación de Genes/métodos , Nucleotidiltransferasas/genética , Nucleotidiltransferasas/metabolismo , Virosis/inmunología , Virosis/genética

RESUMEN

Adenosine receptor-mediated signaling, especially adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) signaling, has been implicated in wound healing. However, the role of endothelial cells (ECs) in A2AR-mediated wound healing and the mechanism underlying this effect are still unclear. Here, we showed that the expression of A2AR substantially increased after wounding and was especially prominent in granulation tissue. The delaying effects of A2AR knockout (KO) on wound healing are due mainly to the effect of A2AR on endothelial cells, as shown with A2AR-KO and EC-A2AR-KO mice. Moreover, the expression of c-Ski, which is especially prominent in CD31-positive cells in granulation tissue, increased after wounding and was decreased by both EC-A2AR KO and A2AR KO. In human microvascular ECs (HMECs), A2AR activation induced EC proliferation, migration, tubule formation and c-Ski expression, whereas c-Ski depletion by RNAi abolished these effects. Mechanistically, A2AR activation promotes the expression of c-Ski through an ERK/CREB-dependent pathway. Thus, A2AR-mediated angiogenesis plays a critical role in wound healing, and c-Ski is involved mainly in the regulation of angiogenesis by A2AR via the ERK/CREB pathway. These findings identify A2AR as a therapeutic target in wound repair and other angiogenesis-dependent tissue repair processes.

Asunto(s)

Proteína de Unión a Elemento de Respuesta al AMP Cíclico , Ratones Noqueados , Receptor de Adenosina A2A , Cicatrización de Heridas , Cicatrización de Heridas/fisiología , Cicatrización de Heridas/genética , Animales , Receptor de Adenosina A2A/metabolismo , Receptor de Adenosina A2A/genética , Ratones , Humanos , Proteína de Unión a Elemento de Respuesta al AMP Cíclico/metabolismo , Células Endoteliales/metabolismo , Neovascularización Fisiológica , Transducción de Señal , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas/fisiología , Proliferación Celular/genética , Movimiento Celular/genética , Angiogénesis

RESUMEN

The cell-intrinsic mechanisms underlying the decision of a stem/progenitor cell to either proliferate or differentiate remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify the transmembrane protein Lrig1 as a physiological homeostatic regulator of FGF2-driven proliferation and self-renewal of neural progenitors at early-to-mid embryonic stages of cortical development. We show that Lrig1 is expressed in cortical progenitors (CPs), and its ablation caused expansion and increased proliferation of radial/apical progenitors and of neurogenic transit-amplifying Tbr2+ intermediate progenitors. Notably, our findings identify a previously unreported EGF-independent mechanism through which Lrig1 negatively regulates neural progenitor proliferation by modulating the FGF2-induced IL6/Jak2/Stat3 pathway, a molecular cascade that plays a pivotal role in the generation and maintenance of CPs. Consistently, Lrig1 knockout mice showed a significant increase in the density of pyramidal glutamatergic neurons placed in superficial layers 2 and 3 of the postnatal neocortex. Together, these results support a model in which Lrig1 regulates cortical neurogenesis by influencing the cycling activity of a set of progenitors that are temporally specified to produce upper layer glutamatergic neurons.

Asunto(s)

Janus Quinasa 2 , Glicoproteínas de Membrana , Ratones Noqueados , Células-Madre Neurales , Neurogénesis , Neuronas , Factor de Transcripción STAT3 , Transducción de Señal , Animales , Factor de Transcripción STAT3/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción STAT3/genética , Janus Quinasa 2/metabolismo , Células-Madre Neurales/metabolismo , Células-Madre Neurales/citología , Ratones , Neurogénesis/genética , Neuronas/metabolismo , Neuronas/citología , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/genética , Proliferación Celular , Corteza Cerebral/metabolismo , Corteza Cerebral/citología , Corteza Cerebral/embriología , Diferenciación Celular , Factores de Crecimiento de Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Proteínas del Tejido Nervioso

RESUMEN

BACKGROUNDS: Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor-like molecule with diverse roles in homeostatic and pathogenic processes including the control of immune and inflammatory responses. Pathogenic inflammation is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and elevated serum levels of PGRN has been evaluated as a biomarker of disease activity in SLE. However, the role of PGRN in SLE has not been fully investigated. This study is aimed to determine the potential involvements of PGRN in SLE. METHODS: Wild type (WT) and PGRN knockout (PGRN-/-) C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injection of pristane for induction of a murine model of SLE. Sera were collected every biweekly and levels of anti-dsDNA antibody, IgG, and inflammatory factors were measured. Mice were sacrificed 5 months later and the renal lesions, as well as the proportions of T cell subtypes in the spleen were analyzed. RESULTS: Following exposure to pristane, PGRN-/- mice generated significantly lower levels of anti-dsDNA antibody and IgG relative to WT mice. PGRN-/- mouse kidneys had less IgG and collagen deposition compared with WT mice after pristane injection. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that PGRN participates in inflammatory response and renal damage in pristane induced SLE models, suggesting that PGRN mediates the onset of SLE.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antinucleares , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Inmunoglobulina G , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intercelular , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Progranulinas , Terpenos , Animales , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Ratones , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Anticuerpos Antinucleares/sangre , Riñón/metabolismo , Riñón/inmunología , Bazo/inmunología , Bazo/metabolismo , Colágeno

RESUMEN

The symptoms of fragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by a single gene mutation to Fmr1, have been increasingly linked to disordered astrocyte signalling within the cerebral cortex. We have recently demonstrated that the purinergic signalling pathway, which utilizes nucleoside triphosphates and their metabolites to facilitate bidirectional glial and glial-neuronal interactions, is upregulated in cortical astrocytes derived from the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS. Heightened Fmr1 KO P2Y purinergic receptor levels were correlated with prolonged intracellular calcium release, elevated synaptogenic protein secretion, and hyperactivity of developing circuits. However, due to the relative lack of sensitive and reproducible quantification methods available for measuring purines and pyrimidines, determining the abundance of these factors in Fmr1 KO astrocytes was limited. We therefore developed a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography protocol coupled with mass spectrometry to compare the abundance of intracellular and extracellular purinergic molecules between wildtype and Fmr1 KO mouse astrocytes. Significant differences in the concentrations of UDP, ATP, AMP, and adenosine intracellular stores were found within Fmr1 KO astrocytes relative to WT. The extracellular level of adenosine was also significantly elevated in Fmr1 KO astrocyte-conditioned media in comparison to media collected from WT astrocytes. Glycosylation of the astrocyte membrane-bound CD39 ectonucleotidase, which facilitates ligand breakdown following synaptic release, was also elevated in Fmr1 KO astrocyte cultures. Together, these differences demonstrated further dysregulation of the purinergic signalling system within Fmr1 KO cortical astrocytes, potentially leading to significant alterations in FXS purinergic receptor activation and cellular pathology.

Asunto(s)

Astrocitos , Corteza Cerebral , Proteína de la Discapacidad Intelectual del Síndrome del Cromosoma X Frágil , Síndrome del Cromosoma X Frágil , Ratones Noqueados , Transducción de Señal , Animales , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Ratones , Síndrome del Cromosoma X Frágil/genética , Síndrome del Cromosoma X Frágil/metabolismo , Proteína de la Discapacidad Intelectual del Síndrome del Cromosoma X Frágil/genética , Proteína de la Discapacidad Intelectual del Síndrome del Cromosoma X Frágil/metabolismo , Corteza Cerebral/metabolismo , Corteza Cerebral/citología , Apirasa/genética , Apirasa/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Adenosina Trifosfato/metabolismo , Medios de Cultivo Condicionados , Adenosina/metabolismo , Adenosina/análogos & derivados , Receptores Purinérgicos P2Y/metabolismo , Receptores Purinérgicos P2Y/genética , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Antígenos CD

RESUMEN

Detection of cytosolic DNA by the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway provides immune defense against pathogens and cancer but can also cause autoimmunity when overactivated. The exonuclease three prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) degrades DNA in the cytosol and prevents cGAS activation by self-DNA. Loss-of-function mutations of the TREX1 gene are linked to autoimmune diseases such as Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, and mice deficient in TREX1 develop lethal inflammation in a cGAS-dependent manner. In order to determine the type of cells in which cGAS activation drives autoinflammation, we generated conditional cGAS knockout mice on the Trex1-/- background. Here, we show that genetic ablation of the cGAS gene in classical dendritic cells (cDCs), but not in macrophages, was sufficient to rescue Trex1-/- mice from all observed disease phenotypes including lethality, T cell activation, tissue inflammation, and production of antinuclear antibodies and interferon-stimulated genes. These results show that cGAS activation in cDC causes autoinflammation in response to self-DNA accumulated in the absence of TREX1.

Asunto(s)

Autoinmunidad , Células Dendríticas , Exodesoxirribonucleasas , Ratones Noqueados , Nucleotidiltransferasas , Fosfoproteínas , Animales , Exodesoxirribonucleasas/genética , Exodesoxirribonucleasas/deficiencia , Exodesoxirribonucleasas/metabolismo , Nucleotidiltransferasas/genética , Nucleotidiltransferasas/metabolismo , Nucleotidiltransferasas/deficiencia , Células Dendríticas/inmunología , Fosfoproteínas/genética , Fosfoproteínas/metabolismo , Fosfoproteínas/inmunología , Ratones , Autoinmunidad/inmunología , Malformaciones del Sistema Nervioso/genética , Malformaciones del Sistema Nervioso/inmunología , Enfermedades Autoinmunes del Sistema Nervioso/inmunología , Enfermedades Autoinmunes del Sistema Nervioso/genética , Enfermedades Autoinmunes del Sistema Nervioso/patología , Inflamación/inmunología , Inflamación/genética , Macrófagos/inmunología , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/inmunología , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/genética

RESUMEN

The function of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 12 (HSD17B12) in lipid metabolism is poorly understood. To study this further, we created mice with hepatocyte-specific knockout of HSD17B12 (LiB12cKO). From 2 months on, these mice showed significant fat accumulation in their liver. As they aged, they also had a reduced whole-body fat percentage. Interestingly, the liver fat accumulation did not result in the typical formation of large lipid droplets (LD); instead, small droplets were more prevalent. Thus, LiB12KO liver did not show increased macrovesicular steatosis with the increasing fat content, while microvesicular steatosis was the predominant feature in the liver. This indicates a failure in the LD expansion. This was associated with liver damage, presumably due to lipotoxicity. Notably, the lipidomics data did not support an essential role of HSD17B12 in fatty acid (FA) elongation. However, we did observe a decrease in the quantity of specific lipid species that contain FAs with carbon chain lengths of 18 and 20 atoms, including oleic acid. Of these, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine have been shown to play a key role in LD formation, and a limited amount of these lipids could be part of the mechanism leading to the dysfunction in LD expansion. The increase in the Cidec expression further supported the deficiency in LD expansion in the LiB12cKO liver. This protein is crucial for the fusion and growth of LDs, along with the downregulation of several members of the major urinary protein family of proteins, which have recently been shown to be altered during endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Asunto(s)

Hígado Graso , Hepatocitos , Gotas Lipídicas , Ratones Noqueados , Animales , Ratones , Gotas Lipídicas/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Hígado Graso/metabolismo , Hígado Graso/patología , Hígado Graso/genética , 17-Hidroxiesteroide Deshidrogenasas/metabolismo , 17-Hidroxiesteroide Deshidrogenasas/genética , Metabolismo de los Lípidos , Peso Corporal , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ácidos Grasos/metabolismo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tumor response to radiation is thought to depend on the direct killing of tumor cells. Our laboratory has called this into question. Firstly, we showed that the biology of the host, specifically the endothelial expression of acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase), was critical in determining tumor radiocurability. Secondly, we have shown that the immune system can enhance radiation response by allowing a complete tumor control in hemi-irradiated tumors. In this paper, we focus on the integration of these two findings. METHODS: We used Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) cells, injected in the flank of either: (i) ASMase knockout or (ii) WT of matched background (sv129xBl/6) or (iii) C57Bl/6 mice. Radiation therapy (RT) was delivered to 50% or 100% of the LLC tumor volume. Tumor response, immune infiltration (CD8+ T cells), ICAM-1, and STING activation were measured. Radiotherapy was also combined with methyl-cyclodextrin, to inhibit the ASMase-mediated formation of ceramide-enriched lipid rafts. RESULTS: We recapitulated our previous finding, namely that tumor hemi-irradiation was sufficient for tumor control in the LLC/C57Bl/6 model. However, in ASMase KO mice hemi-irradiation was ineffective. Likewise, pharmacological inhibition of ASMase significantly reduced the tumor response to hemi-irradiation. Further, we demonstrated elevated ICAM-1 expression, increased levels of CD8+ T cells, ICAM-1, and STING activation in tumors growing in C57Bl/6 mice, as well as the ASMase WT strain. However, no such changes were seen in tumors growing in ASMase KO mice. CONCLUSION: ASMase and ceramide generation are necessary to mediate a radiation-induced anti-tumor immune response via STING activation.

Asunto(s)

Linfocitos T CD8-positivos , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Lewis , Molécula 1 de Adhesión Intercelular , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Esfingomielina Fosfodiesterasa , Animales , Esfingomielina Fosfodiesterasa/metabolismo , Esfingomielina Fosfodiesterasa/genética , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Lewis/inmunología , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Lewis/patología , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Lewis/radioterapia , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Lewis/genética , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Lewis/metabolismo , Ratones , Molécula 1 de Adhesión Intercelular/metabolismo , Molécula 1 de Adhesión Intercelular/genética , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/efectos de la radiación , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/metabolismo , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Ceramidas/metabolismo , Microdominios de Membrana/metabolismo , Línea Celular Tumoral

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To study the biological role and related mechanism of autophagy in acute lung injury (ALI) of hemorrhagic shock mice. METHODS: According to random number table method, wild-type male C57BL/6 mice were divided into control group, ALI group, rapamycin group and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) group, with 8 mice in each group. Light chain 3 (LC3) gene knockout mice with C57BL/6 background were divided into LC3 knockout group and LC3 knockout+ALI group, with 8 mice in each group. Control group, ALI group, LC3 knockout group, LC3 knockout+ALI group were intraperitoneally injected with 2 mL/kg normal saline, rapamycin group was intraperitoneally injected with 3 mg/kg autophagy activator rapamycin, 3-MA group was intraperitoneally injected with 15 mg/kg autophagy inhibitor 3-MA, all of which were given for 3 consecutive days. 2 hours after the last administration, the hemorrhagic shock induced ALI model was established. 24 hours after modeling, the lung index was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue and lung injury score was performed. The expressions of autophagy genes LC3- II/LC3- I and Beclin-1 in lung tissue were detected by Western blotting. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tissue were detected according to the steps of the kit. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the lung tissue structure was destroyed and exudation increased, lung index, lung injury score, the expressions of LC3- II/LC3- I, Beclin-1, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA in lung tissue significantly increased in the ALI group. Compared with the ALI group, the structural damage and exudation of lung tissue were reduced in the rapamycin group, lung index, lung injury score and the contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA in lung tissue decreased, while the expressions of LC3- II/LC3- I and Beclin-1 in lung tissue increased [lung index: (7.56±0.39)% vs. (9.12±0.59)%, lung injury score: 3.04±0.58 vs. 9.32±2.14, TNF-α (ng/mg): 1.85±0.32 vs. 3.51±0.62, IL-6 (ng/mg): 1.61±0.32 vs. 2.52±0.44, MDA (nmol/mg): 1.03±0.16 vs. 1.88±0.24, LC3- II/LC3- I: 1.21±0.12 vs. 0.39±0.05, Beclin-1/ß-actin: 1.10±0.12 vs. 0.58±0.06, all P < 0.05], while lung tissue structure damage was aggravated and exudation was further increased in the 3-MA group, lung index, lung injury score and the contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA in lung tissue increased, the expressions of LC3- II/LC3- I and Beclin-1 in lung tissue decreased [lung index: (10.44±0.62)% vs. (9.12±0.59)%, lung injury score: 11.59±2.28 vs. 9.32±2.14, TNF-α (ng/mg): 4.77±0.71 vs. 3.51±0.62, IL-6 (ng/mg): 3.44±0.52 vs. 2.52±0.44, MDA (nmol/mg): 2.71±0.42 vs. 1.88±0.24, LC3- II/LC3- I: 0.25±0.04 vs. 0.39±0.05, Beclin-1/ß-actin: 0.21±0.03 vs. 0.58±0.06, all P < 0.05]. Lung index, lung injury score and the contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA in lung tissue of LC3 knockout ALI mice were higher than those of wild-type ALI mice [lung index: (10.44±0.75)% vs. (9.12±0.59)%, lung injury score: 12.41±2.86 vs. 9.32±2.14, TNF-α (ng/mg): 4.85±0.72 vs. 3.51±0.62, IL-6 (ng/mg): 3.28±0.51 vs. 2.52±0.44, MDA (nmol/mg): 2.75±0.41 vs. 1.88±0.24, all P < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: Autophagy plays a protective role in ALI of hemorrhagic shock mice, and the related molecular mechanism is the inhibition of inflammatory response and oxidative stress response.

Asunto(s)

Lesión Pulmonar Aguda , Autofagia , Interleucina-6 , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Choque Hemorrágico , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa , Animales , Lesión Pulmonar Aguda/metabolismo , Masculino , Choque Hemorrágico/metabolismo , Choque Hemorrágico/complicaciones , Ratones , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Pulmón/metabolismo , Pulmón/patología , Proteínas Asociadas a Microtúbulos/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The pathogenesis of acute lung injury is complex. Studies have demonstrated the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the process of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the regulation of Nrf2 in the formation of NETs, which was pathogenic in LPS-induced ALI, was identified by analyzing the levels of Cit-H3, lung function, lung tissue pathology, lung wet/dry ratio, the inflammatory cells, cytokines and proteins in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and in addition, the activity of lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) was also measured. Results showed that the levels of Cit-H3 measured by western blot in Nrf2-knockout (KO) mice were higher compared with the WT mice after LPS stimulation. To further investigate the NETs formation was pathogenic during LPS-induced ALI, the Nrf2-KO mice were treated with DNase I. Results showed that DNase I improved lung function and lung tissue pathology and significantly reduced lung wet/dry ratio and proteins in the BALF. Besides, DNase I also attenuated the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß) production in the BALF and the activity of lung MPO. Therefore, these results together indicate that Nrf2 may intervene in the release of NETs during LPS-induced ALI in mice.

Asunto(s)

Lesión Pulmonar Aguda , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar , Trampas Extracelulares , Lipopolisacáridos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2 , Animales , Lesión Pulmonar Aguda/metabolismo , Lesión Pulmonar Aguda/inducido químicamente , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Ratones , Trampas Extracelulares/metabolismo , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar/química , Masculino , Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Neutrófilos/metabolismo , Pulmón/metabolismo , Pulmón/patología , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Desoxirribonucleasa I/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Western Blotting

RESUMEN

Rationale: Regulatory processes of transcription factors (TFs) shape heart development and influence the adult heart's response to stress, contributing to cardiac disorders. Despite their significance, the precise mechanisms underpinning TF-mediated regulation remain elusive. Here, we identify that EBF1, as a TF, is highly expressed in human heart tissues. EBF1 is reported to be associated with human cardiovascular disease, but its roles are unclear in heart. In this study, we investigated EBF1 function in cardiac system. Methods: RNA-seq was utilized to profile EBF1 expression patterns. CRISPR/Cas9 was utilized to knock out EBF1 to investigate its effects. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) differentiated into cardiac lineages were used to mimic cardiac development. Cardiac function was evaluated on mouse model with Ebf1 knockout by using techniques such as echocardiography. RNA-seq was conducted to analyze transcriptional perturbations. ChIP-seq was employed to elucidate EBF1-bound genes and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Results: EBF1 was expressed in some human and mouse cardiomyocyte. Knockout of EBF1 inhibited cardiac development. ChIP-seq indicated EBF1's binding on promoters of cardiogenic TFs pivotal to cardiac development, facilitating their transcriptional expression and promoting cardiac development. In mouse, Ebf1 depletion triggered transcriptional perturbations of genes, resulting in cardiac remodeling. Mechanistically, we found that EBF1 directly bound to upstream chromatin regions of cardiac hypertrophy-inducing genes, contributing to cardiac hypertrophy. Conclusions: We uncover the mechanisms underlying EBF1-mediated regulatory processes, shedding light on cardiac development, and the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling. These findings emphasize EBF1's critical role in orchestrating diverse aspects of cardiac processes and provide a promising therapeutic intervention for cardiomyopathy.

Asunto(s)

Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Miocitos Cardíacos , Transactivadores , Animales , Humanos , Ratones , Transactivadores/genética , Transactivadores/metabolismo , Miocitos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Diferenciación Celular/genética , Corazón/fisiopatología , Ratones Noqueados , Células Madre Pluripotentes/metabolismo , Transcriptoma/genética , Sistemas CRISPR-Cas/genética

RESUMEN

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury exacerbates cellular damage upon restoring blood flow to ischemic cardiac tissue, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This study investigates Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), for its cardioprotective effects. Administering NR to mice before I/R injury and evaluating heart function via echocardiography showed that NR significantly improved heart function, increased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (FS), and reduced left ventricular end-diastolic (LVDd) and end-systolic diameters (LVSd). NR also restored E/A and E/e' ratios. It reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro, inhibiting elevated caspase-3 activity and returning Bax protein levels to normal. In vitro, NR reduced the apoptotic rate in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated HL-1 cells from 30% to 10%. Mechanistically, NR modulated the SIRT3/mtROS/JNK pathway, reversing H2O2-induced SIRT3 downregulation, reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), and inhibiting JNK activation. Using SIRT3-knockout (SIRT3-KO) mice, we confirmed that NR's cardioprotective effects depend on SIRT3. Echocardiography showed that NR's benefits were abrogated in SIRT3-KO mice. In conclusion, NR provides significant cardioprotection against myocardial I/R injury by enhancing NAD+ levels and modulating the SIRT3/mtROS/JNK pathway, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for ischemic heart diseases, meriting further clinical research.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Ratones Noqueados , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica , Niacinamida , Compuestos de Piridinio , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno , Sirtuina 3 , Animales , Sirtuina 3/metabolismo , Sirtuina 3/genética , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica/tratamiento farmacológico , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica/metabolismo , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica/patología , Niacinamida/análogos & derivados , Niacinamida/farmacología , Niacinamida/uso terapéutico , Ratones , Compuestos de Piridinio/farmacología , Compuestos de Piridinio/administración & dosificación , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Miocitos Cardíacos/efectos de los fármacos , Miocitos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Miocitos Cardíacos/patología , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Cardiotónicos/farmacología , Cardiotónicos/uso terapéutico , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Mitocondrias/efectos de los fármacos , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Centromere pairing is crucial for synapsis in meiosis. This study delves into the Skp1-Cullin1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, specifically focusing on F-box protein 47 (FBXO47), in mouse meiosis. Here, we revealed that FBXO47 is localized at the centromere and it regulates centromere pairing cooperatively with SKP1 to ensure proper synapsis in pachynema. The absence of FBXO47 causes defective centromeres, resulting in incomplete centromere pairing, which leads to corruption of SC at centromeric ends and along chromosome axes, triggering premature dissociation of chromosomes and pachytene arrest. FBXO47 deficient pachytene spermatocytes exhibited drastically reduced SKP1 expression at centromeres and chromosomes. Additionally, FBXO47 stabilizes SKP1 by down-regulating its ubiquitination in HEK293T cells. In essence, we propose that FBXO47 collaborates with SKP1 to facilitate centromeric SCF formation in spermatocytes. In summary, we posit that the centromeric SCF E3 ligase complex regulates centromere pairing for pachynema progression in mice.

Asunto(s)

Centrómero , Emparejamiento Cromosómico , Proteínas F-Box , Espermatocitos , Animales , Masculino , Centrómero/metabolismo , Centrómero/genética , Ratones , Espermatocitos/metabolismo , Proteínas F-Box/metabolismo , Proteínas F-Box/genética , Humanos , Células HEK293 , Proteínas Ligasas SKP Cullina F-box/metabolismo , Proteínas Ligasas SKP Cullina F-box/genética , Meiosis , Ratones Noqueados , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/metabolismo , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/genética , Ubiquitinación , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL

RESUMEN

The structural integrity of the sperm flagellum is essential for proper sperm function. Flagellar defects can result in male infertility, yet the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood. CCDC181, a coiled-coil domain-containing protein, is known to localize on sperm flagella and at the basal regions of motile cilia. Despite this knowledge, the specific functions of CCDC181 in flagellum biogenesis remain unclear. In this study, Ccdc181 knockout mice were generated. The absence of CCDC181 led to defective sperm head shaping and flagellum formation. Furthermore, the Ccdc181 knockout mice exhibited extremely low sperm counts, grossly aberrant sperm morphologies, markedly diminished sperm motility, and typical multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF). Additionally, an interaction between CCDC181 and the MMAF-related protein LRRC46 was identified, with CCDC181 regulating the localization of LRRC46 within sperm flagella. These findings suggest that CCDC181 plays a crucial role in both manchette formation and sperm flagellum biogenesis.

Asunto(s)

Ratones Noqueados , Proteínas de Microtúbulos , Cola del Espermatozoide , Animales , Masculino , Ratones , Fertilidad/fisiología , Flagelos/metabolismo , Flagelos/fisiología , Motilidad Espermática , Cola del Espermatozoide/metabolismo , Cola del Espermatozoide/fisiología , Espermatozoides/fisiología , Proteínas de Microtúbulos/genética , Proteínas de Microtúbulos/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Cisplatin-induced renal tubular injury largely restricts the wide-spread usage of cisplatin in the treatment of malignancies. Identifying the key signaling pathways that regulate cisplatin-induced renal tubular injury is thus clinically important. PARVB, a focal adhesion protein, plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis. However, the function of PARVB in kidney disease is largely unknown. To investigate whether and how PARVB contributes to cisplatin-induced renal tubular injury, a mouse model (PARVB cKO) was generated in which PARVB gene was specifically deleted from proximal tubular epithelial cells using the Cre-LoxP system. In this study, we found depletion of PARVB in proximal tubular epithelial cells significantly attenuates cisplatin-induced renal tubular injury, including tubular cell death and inflammation. Mechanistically, PARVB associates with transforming growth factor-ß-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), a central regulator of cell survival and inflammation that is critically involved in mediating cisplatin-induced renal tubular injury. Depletion of PARVB promotes cisplatin-induced TAK1 degradation, inhibits TAK1 downstream signaling, and ultimately alleviates cisplatin-induced tubular cell damage. Restoration of PARVB or TAK1 in PARVB-deficient cells aggravates cisplatin-induced tubular cell injury. Finally, we demonstrated that PARVB regulates TAK1 protein expression through an E3 ligase ITCH-dependent pathway. PARVB prevents ITCH association with TAK1 to block its ubiquitination. Our study reveals that PARVB deficiency protects against cisplatin-induced tubular injury through regulation of TAK1 signaling and indicates targeting this pathway may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to alleviate cisplatin-induced kidney damage.

Asunto(s)

Cisplatino , Quinasas Quinasa Quinasa PAM , Ratones Noqueados , Transducción de Señal , Cisplatino/efectos adversos , Cisplatino/toxicidad , Animales , Quinasas Quinasa Quinasa PAM/metabolismo , Quinasas Quinasa Quinasa PAM/genética , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Túbulos Renales Proximales/metabolismo , Túbulos Renales Proximales/patología , Túbulos Renales Proximales/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Células Epiteliales/metabolismo , Células Epiteliales/efectos de los fármacos , Células Epiteliales/patología , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/metabolismo , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/genética , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/efectos adversos , Túbulos Renales/patología , Túbulos Renales/metabolismo , Túbulos Renales/efectos de los fármacos , Proteínas Adaptadoras Transductoras de Señales

RESUMEN

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV-3) can cause severe respiratory tract infections. There are no convenient small-animal infection models. Here, we show viral replication in the upper and lower airways of AG129 mice (double IFNα/ß and IFNγ receptor knockout mice) upon intranasal inoculation. By multiplex fluorescence RNAscope and immunohistochemistry followed by confocal microscopy, we demonstrate viral tropism to ciliated cells and club cells of the bronchiolar epithelium. HPIV-3 causes a marked lung pathology. No virus transmission of the virus was observed by cohousing HPIV-3-infected AG129 mice with other mice. Oral treatment with GS-441524, the parent nucleoside of remdesivir, reduced infectious virus titers in the lung, with a relatively normal histology. Intranasal treatment also affords an antiviral effect. Thus, AG129 mice serve as a robust preclinical model for developing therapeutic and prophylactic strategies against HPIV-3. We suggest further investigation of GS-441524 and its prodrug forms to treat HPIV-3 infection in humans.

Asunto(s)

Antivirales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Pulmón , Ratones Noqueados , Virus de la Parainfluenza 3 Humana , Infecciones por Respirovirus , Animales , Pulmón/virología , Pulmón/patología , Pulmón/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Virus de la Parainfluenza 3 Humana/efectos de los fármacos , Virus de la Parainfluenza 3 Humana/fisiología , Antivirales/farmacología , Infecciones por Respirovirus/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por Respirovirus/virología , Humanos , Replicación Viral/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Receptor de Interferón alfa y beta/genética , Receptor de Interferón alfa y beta/metabolismo , Receptor de Interferón alfa y beta/deficiencia , Adenosina/análogos & derivados , Adenosina/farmacología , Tropismo Viral , Benzamidas , Ftalimidas

RESUMEN

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection poses risks to newborns, necessitating effective therapies. Given that the damage includes both viral infection of brain cells and immune system-related damage, here we investigate the involvement of cellular prion protein (PrP), which plays vital roles in neuroprotection and immune regulation. Using a murine model, we show the role of PrP in tempering neonatal T cell immunity during CMV infection. PrP-null mice exhibit enhanced viral control through elevated virus-specific CD8 T cell responses, leading to reduced viral titers and pathology. We further unravel the molecular mechanisms by showing CMV-induced upregulation followed by release of PrP via the metalloproteinase ADAM10, impairing CD8 T cell response specifically in neonates. Additionally, we confirm PrP downregulation in human CMV (HCMV)-infected fibroblasts, underscoring the broader relevance of our observations beyond the murine model. Furthermore, our study highlights how PrP, under the stress of viral pathogenesis, reveals its impact on neonatal immune modulation.

Asunto(s)

Animales Recién Nacidos , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus , Citomegalovirus , Ratones Noqueados , Animales , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/inmunología , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/virología , Citomegalovirus/inmunología , Humanos , Ratones , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología , Femenino , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Fibroblastos/virología , Proteínas Priónicas/metabolismo , Proteínas Priónicas/genética , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Proteína ADAM10/metabolismo , Proteína ADAM10/genética

RESUMEN

T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing molecule 3 (TIM-3) exhibits unique, cell type- and context-dependent characteristics and functions. Here, we report that TIM-3 on myeloid cells plays essential roles in modulating lung inflammation. We found that myeloid cell-specific TIM-3 knock-in (FSF-TIM3/LysM-Cre+) mice have lower body weight and shorter lifespan than WT mice. Intriguingly, the lungs of FSF-TIM3/LysM-Cre+ mice display excessive inflammation and features of disease-associated pathology. We further revealed that galectin-3 levels are notably elevated in TIM-3-overexpressing lung-derived myeloid cells. Furthermore, both TIM-3 blockade and GB1107, a galectin-3 inhibitor, ameliorated lung inflammation in FSF-TIM3/LysM-Cre+/- mice. Using an LPS-induced lung inflammation model with myeloid cell-specific TIM-3 knock-out mice, we demonstrated the association of TIM-3 with both lung inflammation and galectin-3. Collectively, our findings suggest that myeloid TIM-3 is an important regulator in the lungs and that modulation of TIM-3 and galectin-3 could offer therapeutic benefits for inflammation-associated lung diseases.

Asunto(s)

Galectina 3 , Receptor 2 Celular del Virus de la Hepatitis A , Células Mieloides , Neumonía , Animales , Receptor 2 Celular del Virus de la Hepatitis A/metabolismo , Receptor 2 Celular del Virus de la Hepatitis A/genética , Galectina 3/metabolismo , Galectina 3/genética , Células Mieloides/metabolismo , Ratones , Neumonía/metabolismo , Neumonía/patología , Neumonía/genética , Ratones Noqueados , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Galectinas/metabolismo , Galectinas/genética , Pulmón/patología , Pulmón/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Lysine-specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1), which demethylates mono- or di- methylated histone H3 on lysine 4 (H3K4me1/2), is essential for early embryogenesis and development. Here we show that LSD1 is dispensable for mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal but is required for mouse ESC growth and differentiation. Reintroduction of a catalytically-impaired LSD1 (LSD1MUT) recovers the proliferation capability of mouse ESCs, yet the enzymatic activity of LSD1 is essential to ensure proper differentiation. Indeed, increased H3K4me1 in Lsd1 knockout (KO) mouse ESCs does not lead to major changes in global gene expression programs related to stemness. However, ablation of LSD1 but not LSD1MUT results in decreased DNMT1 and UHRF1 proteins coupled to global hypomethylation. We show that both LSD1 and LSD1MUT control protein stability of UHRF1 and DNMT1 through interaction with HDAC1 and the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 7 (USP7), consequently, facilitating the deacetylation and deubiquitination of DNMT1 and UHRF1. Our studies elucidate a mechanism by which LSD1 controls DNA methylation in mouse ESCs, independently of its lysine demethylase activity.

Asunto(s)

Proteínas Potenciadoras de Unión a CCAAT , Diferenciación Celular , ADN (Citosina-5-)-Metiltransferasa 1 , Metilación de ADN , Histona Demetilasas , Ratones Noqueados , Células Madre Embrionarias de Ratones , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas , Animales , Histona Demetilasas/metabolismo , Histona Demetilasas/genética , Ratones , ADN (Citosina-5-)-Metiltransferasa 1/metabolismo , ADN (Citosina-5-)-Metiltransferasa 1/genética , Células Madre Embrionarias de Ratones/metabolismo , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/metabolismo , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/genética , Proteínas Potenciadoras de Unión a CCAAT/metabolismo , Proteínas Potenciadoras de Unión a CCAAT/genética , Histona Desacetilasa 1/metabolismo , Histona Desacetilasa 1/genética , Histonas/metabolismo , Proliferación Celular , Ubiquitinación

RESUMEN

G9a is a histone methyltransferase that catalyzes the methylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9), which is involved in the regulation of gene expression. We had previously reported that G9a is expressed in developing tendons in vivo and in vitro and that G9a-deficient tenocytes show impaired proliferation and differentiation in vitro. In this study, we investigated the functions of G9a in tendon development in vivo by using G9a conditional knockout (G9a cKO) mice. We crossed Sox9Cre/+ mice with G9afl/fl mice to generate G9afl/fl; Sox9Cre/+ mice. The G9a cKO mice showed hypoplastic tendon formation at 3 weeks of age. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling on embryonic day 16.5 (E16.5) revealed decreased cell proliferation in the tenocytes of G9a cKO mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed decreased expression levels of G9a and its substrate, H3K9me2, in the vertebral tendons of G9a cKO mice. The tendon tissue of the vertebrae and limbs of G9a cKO mice showed reduced expression of a tendon marker, tenomodulin (Tnmd), and col1a1 genes, suggesting that tenocyte differentiation was suppressed. Overexpression of G9a resulted in enhancement of Tnmd and col1a1 expression in tenocytes in vitro. These results suggest that G9a regulates the proliferation and differentiation of tendon progenitor cells during tendon development. Thus, our results suggest that G9a plays an essential role in tendon development.

Asunto(s)

Diferenciación Celular , Proliferación Celular , N-Metiltransferasa de Histona-Lisina , Ratones Noqueados , Tendones , Animales , N-Metiltransferasa de Histona-Lisina/metabolismo , N-Metiltransferasa de Histona-Lisina/genética , Tendones/metabolismo , Tendones/embriología , Ratones , Tenocitos/metabolismo , Histonas/metabolismo , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Cadena alfa 1 del Colágeno Tipo I/metabolismo , Colágeno Tipo I/metabolismo , Colágeno Tipo I/genética , Regulación del Desarrollo de la Expresión Génica , Factor de Transcripción SOX9/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción SOX9/genética