scholarly journals Versican G1 Fragment Establishes a Strongly Stabilized Interaction with Hyaluronan-Rich Expanding Matrix during Oocyte Maturation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Nagyova ◽  
Antonietta Salustri ◽  
Lucie Nemcova ◽  
Sona Scsukova ◽  
Jaroslav Kalous ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Positive Form ◽  
And Function

In the mammalian ovary, the hyaluronan (HA)-rich cumulus extracellular matrix (ECM) organized during the gonadotropin-induced process of oocyte maturation is essential for ovulation of the oocyte-cumulus complex (OCC) and fertilization. Versican is an HA-binding proteoglycan that regulates cell function and ECM assembly. Versican cleavage and function remain to be determined in ovarian follicle. We investigated versican expression in porcine ovarian follicles by real-time (RT)-PCR and western blotting. The aims of the present work were to determine whether 1) versican was produced and cleaved by porcine OCCs during gonadotropin stimulation; 2) these processes were autonomous or required the participation of mural granulosa cells (MGCs); and 3) versican cleavage was involved in the formation or degradation of expanded cumulus ECM. We demonstrate two cleavage products of G1 domain of versican (V1) accumulated in the HA-rich cumulus ECM. One of them, a G1-DPEAAE N-terminal fragment (VG1) of ~70 kDa, was generated from V1 during organization of HA in in vivo and in vitro expanded porcine OCCs. Second, the V1-cleaved DPEAAE-positive form of ~65 kDa was the only species detected in MGCs. No versican cleavage products were detected in OCCs cultured without follicular fluid. In summary, porcine OCCs are autonomous in producing and cleaving V1; the cleaved fragment of ~70 kDa VG1 is specific for formation of the expanded cumulus HA-rich ECM.

The extracellular matrix of the developing cornea: diversity, deposition and function*

Development ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 103 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 195-205
Author(s):  
J. B. L. Bard ◽  
M. K. Bansal ◽  
A. S. A. Ross
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Chondroitin Sulphate ◽  
Corneal Stroma ◽  
Experimental System ◽  
Collagen I ◽  
And Function ◽  
20 Nm

This paper examines the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the development of the cornea. After a brief summary of the corneal structure and ECM, we describe evidence suggesting that the differentiation of neural crest (NC) cells into endothelium and fibroblasts is under the control of ocular ECM. We then examine the role of collagen I in stromal morphogenesis by comparing normal corneas with those of homozygous Movl3 mice which do not make collagen I. We report that, in spite of this absence, the cellular morphology of the Movl3 eye is indistinguishable from that of the wild type. In the 16-day mutant stroma, however, the remaining collagens form small amounts of disorganized, thin fibrils rather than orthogonally organized 20 nm-diameter fibrils; a result implying that collagen I plays only a structural role and that its absence is not compensated for. It also suggests that, because these remaining collagens will not form the normal fibrils that they will in vitro, fibrillogenesis in the corneal stroma differs from that elsewhere. The latter part of the paper describes our current work on chick stromal deposition using corneal epithelia isolated with an intact basal lamina that lay down in vitro ∼3μm-thick stromas of organized fibrils similar to that seen in vivo. This experimental system has yielded two unexpected results. First, the amount of collagen and proteoglycans produced by such epithelia is not dependent on whether its substratum is collagenous and we therefore conclude that stromal production by the intact epithelium is more autonomous than hitherto thought. Second, chondroitin sulphate (CS), the predominant proteoglycan, appears to play no role in stromal morphogenesis: epithelia cultured in testicular hyaluronidase, which degrades CS, lay down stromas whose organization and fibrildiameter distribution are indistinguishable from controls. One possible role for CS, however, is as a lubricant which facilitates corneal growth: it could allow fibrils to move over one another without deforming their orthogonal organization. Finally, we have examined the processes of fibrillogenesis in the corneal stroma and conclude that they are different from those elsewhere in the embryo and in vitro, perhaps because there is in the primary stroma an unidentified, highly hydrated ECM macromolecule that embeds the fibrils and that may mediate their morphogenesis.

P0658MATRIX AND FLOW MODULATE GENE EXPRESSION IN A 3D VASCULARISED TUBULE MODEL

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Williams ◽  
Sanlin Robinson ◽  
Babak Alaei ◽  
Kimberly Homan ◽  
Maryam Clausen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Impact Analysis ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Drug Uptake ◽  
Shear Stresses ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
And Function

Abstract Background and Aims Questions abound regarding the translation of in vitro 2D cell culture systems to the human setting. This is especially true of the kidney in which there is a complex hierarchical structure and a multitude of cell types. While it is well accepted that extracellular matrix plays a large part in directing cellular physiology emerging research has highlighted the importance of shear stresses and flow rates too. To fully recapitulate the normal gene expression and function of a particular renal cell type how important is it to completely reconstitute their in vivo surroundings? Method To answer this question, we have cultured proximal tubular (PT) epithelial cells in a 3-dimensional channel embedded within an engineered extracellular matrix (ECM) under physiological flow that is colocalised with an adjacent channel lined with renal microvascular endothelial cells that mimic a peritubular capillary. Modifications to the system were made to allow up to 12 chips to be run in parallel in an easily handleable form. After a period of maturation under continuous flow, both cell types were harvested for RNAseq analyses. RNA expression data was compared with cells cultured under static 2-dimensional conditions on plastic or the engineered ECM. Additionally, the perfusion of glucose through this 3D vascularised PT model has been investigated in the presence and absence of known diabetes modulating agents. Results PCA of RNAseq data showed that a) static non-coated, b) static matrix-coated and c) flow matrix-coated conditions separated into 3 distinct groups, while cell co-culture had less impact. Analysis of transcriptomic signatures showed that many genes were modulated by the matrix with additional genes influenced under flow conditions. Several of these genes, classified as transporters, are of particular importance when using this model to assess drug uptake and safety implications. Co-culture regulated some interesting genes, but fewer than anticipated. Preliminary experiments are underway to monitor glucose uptake and transport between tubules under different conditions. Conclusion We have developed a medium throughput system in which matrix and flow modulate gene expression. This system can be used to study the physiology of molecular cross-talk between cells. Ongoing analysis will further consider relevance to human physiology.

Colchicine attenuates inflammatory cell infiltration and extracellular matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy

2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (1) ◽  
pp. F200-F209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Ji Li ◽  
Sun Ha Lee ◽  
Dong Ki Kim ◽  
Ri Jin ◽  
Dong-Sub Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Diabetic Nephropathy ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Inflammatory Cell ◽  
Renal Tissue ◽  
Inflammatory Cell Infiltration ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Matrix Accumulation

Recent studies have demonstrated that an inflammatory mechanism contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). It is also known that colchicine (Col) can prevent various renal injuries via its anti-inflammatory action. However, the effect of colchicine on DN has never been explored. This study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of colchicine on inflammation and extracellular matrix accumulation in DN. In vivo, 64 rats were injected with diluent (C; n = 32) or streptozotocin intraperitoneally (DM, n = 32). Sixteen rats from each group were treated with Col. In vitro, rat mesangial cells and NRK-52E cells were cultured in media with 5.6 mM glucose (NG) or 30 mM glucose (HG) with or without 10−8M Col. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and the levels of MCP-1 in renal tissue and culture media were measured by ELISA. RT-PCR and Western blotting were also performed for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and fibronectin (FN) mRNA and protein expression, respectively, and immunohistochemical staining (IHC) for ICAM-1, FN, and ED-1 with renal tissue. Twenty-four-hour urinary albumin excretion at 6 wk and 3 mo were significantly higher in DM compared with C rats ( P < 0.05), and colchicine treatment significantly reduced albuminuria in DM rats ( P < 0.05). Col significantly inhibited the increase in MCP-1 mRNA expression and protein levels under diabetic conditions both in vivo and in vitro. ICAM-1 and FN expression showed a similar pattern to the expression of MCP-1. IHC revealed that the number of ED-1(+) cells were significantly higher in DM compared with C kidney ( P < 0.005), and this increase was significantly attenuated by Col treatment ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, Col prevents not only inflammatory cell infiltration via inhibition of enhanced MCP-1 and ICAM-1 expression but also ECM accumulation in DN. These findings provide a new perspective on the renoprotective effects of Col in DN.

scholarly journals PRMT5 Is Upregulated in Activated T Cells and Is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Acute Gvhd

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2034-2034
Author(s):  
Parvathi Ranganathan ◽  
Katiri Snyder ◽  
Nina Zizter ◽  
Hannah K. Choe ◽  
Robert A Baiocchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
T Cell Proliferation ◽  
Activated T Cells ◽  
And Function

Abstract Introduction: Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), a T cell-mediated immunological disorder is the leading cause of non-relapse mortality in patients receiving allogeneic bone marrow transplants. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) catalyzes symmetric dimethylation (me2s) of arginine (R) residues on histones (primarily H3R8 and H3R4) and other proteins. PRMT5 is overexpressed in many leukemias and lymphomas, and epigenetic changes driven by PRMT5 lead to repression of tumor suppressors and promote growth and survival of cancer cells. Recently it was shown that T cells are sensitive to R-methylation and PRMT5 promotes activation of memory T helper cells. Here we investigate: 1) mechanisms by which PRMT5 regulates T cell function; and 2) PRMT5 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for aGVHD. Materials and Methods: Splenic T cells were isolated from lethally irradiated B6D2F1 mice that received either T cell depleted bone marrow (TCD-BM) or TCD-BM with C57/BL6 (B6) allogeneic splenocytes on day 21 post-transplant. In vitro activation of B6 T cells was achieved with CD3/CD28 Dynabeads or co-culture with allogeneic BM-derived dendritic cells. PRMT5 expression (RT-PCR, western blot) and function (H3R8me2s western blot) were evaluated. PRT220, a novel inhibitor of PRMT5, was used to evaluate PRMT5 inhibition on T cell function in vitro and in vivo. We assessed T cell proliferation (Cell Trace Violet, Ki67), apoptosis (Annexin V), cytokine secretion (ELISA, flow cytometry), cell cycle (PI incorporation), and cell signaling (western blot). Lethally irradiated F1 recipients received TCD-BM only (10x106 cells) or TCD-BM + B6 splenocytes (20 x 106). Recipients of allogeneic splenocytes were treated with PRT220 (2mg/kg) or vehicle by oral gavage once weekly starting day 7 post-transplant. Mice were monitored for survival and clinical aGVHD scores. Results: PRMT5 expression and function is upregulated following T cell activation. Inhibition of PRMT5 reduces T cell proliferation and IFN-g secretion. PRMT5 inhibition in CD3/CD28 stimulated T cells results in disruption of multiple histone epigenetic marks, cell-cycle progression (via G1 arrest) and perturbation of ERK-MAPK signaling cascades. Finally, administration of PRT220 resulted in significantly prolonging the survival of allo-transplanted recipient mice (median survival, PRT220 vs. vehicle, 36.5 vs. 26 days, p=0.01). PRT220-treated recipients also exhibited significant lower aGVHD clinical (p<0.05), pathological scores (p<0.05) and lower serum TNF-a (p<0.05) and IFN-g (p<0.05) than vehicle-treated recipients. Conclusions: PRMT5 expression and function are upregulated in activated T cells. Inhibition of PRMT5 function using a novel and specific small-molecule inhibitor, PRT220, down-regulates T cells proliferative and effector response, induces cell-cycle arrest and perturbs signaling pathways. PRT220 shows potent biological activity in vivo by reducing aGVHD clinical severity and significantly prolonging survival in mouse models of aGVHD. Therefore, PRMT5 is a novel and druggable target for aGVHD. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Exhausted CD8+ T cells exhibit low and strongly inhibited TCR signaling during chronic LCMV infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioana Sandu ◽  
Dario Cerletti ◽  
Manfred Claassen ◽  
Annette Oxenius
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
And Function

Abstract Chronic viral infections are often associated with impaired CD8+ T cell function, referred to as exhaustion. Although the molecular and cellular circuits involved in CD8+ T cell exhaustion are well defined, with sustained presence of antigen being one important parameter, how much T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is actually ongoing in vivo during established chronic infection is unclear. Here, we characterize the in vivo TCR signaling of virus-specific exhausted CD8+ T cells in a mouse model, leveraging TCR signaling reporter mice in combination with transcriptomics. In vivo signaling in exhausted cells is low, in contrast to their in vitro signaling potential, and despite antigen being abundantly present. Both checkpoint blockade and adoptive transfer of naïve target cells increase TCR signaling, demonstrating that engagement of co-inhibitory receptors curtails CD8+ T cell signaling and function in vivo.

scholarly journals RGD-modified injectable hydrogel maintains islet beta-cell survival and function

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 228080002096347
Author(s):  
Tianshu Lan ◽  
Jingyi Guo ◽  
Xiaoming Bai ◽  
Zengjiong Huang ◽  
Zhimin Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Islet Transplantation ◽  
Pancreatic Beta Cells ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Β Cells ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
And Function

Objective: A potential solution for islet transplantation and drug discovery vis-à-vis treating diabetes is the production of functional islets in a three-dimensional extracellular matrix. Although several scaffold materials have been reported as viable candidates, a clinically applicable one that is injectable and can maintain long-term functionality and survival of islet pancreatic beta-cells (β-cells) is far from being established. Results: In the current study, we evaluated a ready-to-use and injectable hydrogel’s impact on β-cells’ function and viability, both in vitro and in vivo. We found that β-cells in high concentration with hydrogels functionalized via Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) demonstrated better viability and insulin secretory capacity in vitro. Moreover, it is a biocompatible hydrogel that can maintain β-cell proliferation and vascularization without stimulating inflammation after subcutaneous injection. Meanwhile, modifying the hydrogel with RGD can maintain β-cells’ secretion of insulin, regulating the blood glucose levels of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Conclusions: Thus, these preliminary results indicate that this RGD-modified hydrogel is a potential extracellular matrix for islet transplantation at extrahepatic sites, and they also provide a reference for future tissue engineering study.

Glycosaminoglycan-bound and free inter-α-trypsin inhibitor components of follicular fluid

Zygote ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars Ødum ◽  
Torben E. Jessen ◽  
Claus Yding Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Trypsin Inhibitor ◽  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Normal Female ◽  
Heavy Chains ◽  
Rate Limiting Step ◽  
Fluid Concentration ◽  
Rate Limiting

The proteinase inhibitor inter-α trypsin inhibitor (ITI) is a blood-derived protein necessary for normal female fertility. Absence of ITI leads to ovulation of naked oocytes that cannot fertilise. ITI consists of two heavy chains (ITI-HC) and bikunin linked by a chrondroitin sulphate. By binding to hyaluronate, ITI-HC stabilises the extracellular matrix, but ITI-HC also binds to proteoglycans in follicular fluid. In vivo concentrations of ITI components in preovulatory follicular fluid, free as well as bound to hyaluronate or proteoglycan, are unknown. In order to quantify these components, 58 follicular fluids and 13 blood samples were collected in connection with in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer treatment of 13 women. Quantitation of glycosaminoglycan-bound ITI-HC was performed after separation from free ITI in agarose gel. ITI components were determined by immunoelectrophoresis and hyaluronate by an ELISA method. The follicular fluid concentration of ITI was on average 70% of that in plasma and the concentration of hyaluronate remained low despite follicular production, suggesting that the production of hyaluronate is the rate-limiting step in the formation of the extracellular matrix of the oocyte-cumulus complex. In follicular fluid, the concentration of free ITI-HC was higher than that of glycosaminoglycan-bound ITI-HC. Addition of exogeneous hyaluronate doubled the amount of hyaluronate-bound ITI-HC, further supporting the notion that ITI in follicular fluid is not rate-limiting for cumulus expansion in vivo.

scholarly journals Myeloid-derived suppressor cell subtypes differentially influence T-cell function, T-helper subset differentiation, and clinical course in CLL

Leukemia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo Ferrer ◽  
Byeongho Jung ◽  
Pui Yan Chiu ◽  
Rukhsana Aslam ◽  
Florencia Palacios ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Suppressor Cells ◽  
Suppressor Cell ◽  
Cancer Pathogenesis ◽  
Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cell ◽  
And Function

AbstractCancer pathogenesis involves the interplay of tumor- and microenvironment-derived stimuli. Here we focused on the influence of an immunomodulatory cell type, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and their lineage-related subtypes on autologous T lymphocytes. Although MDSCs as a group correlated with an immunosuppressive Th repertoire and worse clinical course, MDSC subtypes (polymorphonuclear, PMN-MDSC, and monocytic, M-MDSCs) were often functionally discordant. In vivo, PMN-MDSCs existed in higher numbers, correlated with different Th-subsets, and more strongly associated with poor clinical course than M-MDSCs. In vitro, PMN-MDSCs were more efficient at blocking T-cell growth and promoted Th17 differentiation. Conversely, in vitro M-MDSCs varied in their ability to suppress T-cell proliferation, due to the action of TNFα, and promoted a more immunostimulatory Th compartment. Ibrutinib therapy impacted MDSCs differentially as well, since after initiating therapy, PMN-MDSC numbers progressively declined, whereas M-MDSC numbers were unaffected, leading to a set of less immunosuppressive Th cells. Consistent with this, clinical improvement based on decreasing CLL-cell numbers correlated with the decrease in PMN-MDSCs. Collectively, the data support a balance between PMN-MDSC and M-MDSC numbers and function influencing CLL disease course.

Role of follicle wall in meiosis reinitiation induced by insulin in Rana pipiens oocytes

1981 ◽  
Vol 241 (1) ◽  
pp. E51-E56 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Lessman ◽  
A. W. Schuetz
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Rana Pipiens ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Insulin Dose ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Complete Removal ◽  
Germinal Vesicle Breakdown ◽  
Maturation In Vitro

The involvement of the ovarian follicle wall in insulin induction of Rana pipiens oocyte maturation in vitro was examined. Complete removal of the follicle wall significantly decreased, but did not obliterate, oocyte maturation (i.e., germinal vesicle breakdown, GVBD) induced by insulin. Dose-response studies of GVBD induction revealed that oocytes within intact follicles were at least 100 times more sensitive to insulin than denuded oocytes. Addition of cyanoketone, a steroid biosynthesis inhibitor, to intact follicles also suppressed insulin-induced GVBD. Inhibitory effects of either follicle wall removal or cyanoketone were not observed when denuded oocytes were treated with progesterone. Addition of either progesterone or pregnenolone to insulin-treated denuded oocytes augmented the oocyte GVBD response compared to either steroid alone and essentially replaced the effect of the follicle wall. In summary, steroidogenesis in the follicle wall appears to be a major factor contributing to the ability of insulin to induce GVBD. However, whether insulin stimulates follicle wall steroidogenesis or simply augments the biological activity of endogenous basal steroid levels is unresolved. The in vitro results show that oocyte maturation can be modulated by the combined actions of several hormones. Such steroid-insulin interactions may also be relevant to understanding the control of oocyte maturation in amphibians and other vertebrates, including mammals, under physiological conditions in vivo.

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