Primary cilium projects from cells to provide a communication platform with neighboring cells and the surrounding environment. This is ensured by the selective entry of membrane receptors and signaling molecules, producing fine-tuned and effective responses to the extracellular cues. In this study, we focused on one family of signaling molecules, the fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), their residence within cilia, and its role in FGFR signaling. We show that FGFR1 and FGFR2, but not FGFR3 and FGFR4, localize to primary cilia of the developing mouse tissues and in vitro cells. For FGFR2, we demonstrate that the ciliary residence is necessary for its signaling and expression of target morphogenic genes. We also show that the pathogenic FGFR2 variants have minimal cilium presence, which can be rescued for the p.P253R variant associated with the Apert syndrome by using the RLY-4008 kinase inhibitor. Finally, we determine the molecular regulators of FGFR2 trafficking to cilia, including IFT144, BBS1, and the conserved T429V430 motif within FGFR2.
- MeSH
- cilie * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- epitelové buňky * metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- receptor fibroblastových růstových faktorů, typ 1 metabolismus genetika MeSH
- receptor fibroblastových růstových faktorů, typ 2 * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- signální transdukce * MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- FGFR2 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
- Fgfr2 protein, mouse MeSH Prohlížeč
- receptor fibroblastových růstových faktorů, typ 1 MeSH
- receptor fibroblastových růstových faktorů, typ 2 * MeSH
For the treatment of bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), cell therapy with transplantation of cultivated oral mucosa epithelial cells (COMET) is a promising alternative. Although not yet established, current protocols on the cultivation of oral mucosal epithelial cell (OMECs) sheets are based mainly on substrates and xenobiotic additives that may lead to variable outcomes and undesirable immune responses by the patient. The aim of this study was to characterize OMECs cultivated in xenobiotic-free media (XF) seeded on fibrin gel, in comparison to conventional complex (COM) medium. Oral mucosal biopsies were retrieved from 31 donors. After cultivation in COM or XF medium, OMECs were compared based on growth kinetics, morphology, cell size and viability. Using immunofluorescence and gene expression analyses, the degree of stemness, proliferation and differentiation was evaluated in OMEC cultures. Our findings showed that although OMECs showed a similar morphology and viability, and comparable growth kinetics, immunofluorescence revealed the preservation of stemness (p63 + p40 positivity in cells ≤11 μm) and proliferation in both COM and XF. Gene expression analyses showed that keratin (K)13 and K15 expression levels were significantly higher in XF (adj. p < 0.001), but otherwise COM and XF-treated OMECs had comparable transcriptional profiles in a panel of stemness, proliferation and differentiation genes. These results demonstrate the feasibility of culturing OMECs on fibrin gel without xenogeneic additives, while maintaining their undifferentiated state and preserving stemness. In conclusion, both in terms of results and methodology, the procedures presented here are suitable for implementation in clinical practice.
- Klíčová slova
- Advanced therapy medicinal products, Cell culture, Fibrin glue substrate, Limbal stem cell deficiency, Oral mucosal epithelial cells, Stemness,
- MeSH
- buněčná diferenciace MeSH
- buněčné kultury * MeSH
- deficit limbálních kmenových buněk MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- epitelové buňky * metabolismus účinky léků MeSH
- fibrin * MeSH
- gely MeSH
- kmenové buňky * metabolismus cytologie MeSH
- kultivační média MeSH
- kultivované buňky MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- limbus corneae * cytologie patologie metabolismus MeSH
- nemoci rohovky patologie farmakoterapie metabolismus MeSH
- proliferace buněk účinky léků MeSH
- rohovkový epitel metabolismus cytologie účinky léků patologie MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- transplantace kmenových buněk metody MeSH
- ústní sliznice * cytologie MeSH
- viabilita buněk MeSH
- xenobiotika farmakologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- fibrin * MeSH
- gely MeSH
- kultivační média MeSH
- xenobiotika MeSH
Concerns regarding chronic injuries (e.g., fibrosis and carcinogenesis) induced by nanoparticles raised public health concerns and need to be rapidly assessed in hazard identification. Although in silico analysis is commonly used for risk assessment of chemicals, predicting chronic in vivo nanotoxicity remains challenging due to the intricate interactions at multiple interfaces like nano-biofluids and nano-subcellular organelles. Herein, we develop a multimodal feature fusion analysis framework to predict the fibrogenic potential of metal oxide nanoparticles (MeONPs) in female mice. Treating each nano-bio interface as an independent entity, eighty-seven features derived from MeONP-lung interactions are used to develop a machine learning-based predictive framework for lung fibrosis. We identify cell damage and cytokine (IL-1β and TGF-β1) production in macrophages and epithelial cells as key events closely associated with particle size, surface charge, and lysosome interactions. Experimental validations show that the developed in silico model has 85% accuracy. Our findings demonstrate the potential usefulness of this predictive model for risk assessment of nanomaterials and in assisting regulatory decision-making. While the model is developed based on 52 MeONPs, further validation using a larger nanoparticle library is necessary to confirm its broader applicability.
- MeSH
- epitelové buňky účinky léků metabolismus patologie MeSH
- hodnocení rizik metody MeSH
- interleukin-1beta metabolismus MeSH
- kovové nanočástice * toxicita chemie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- lyzozomy metabolismus účinky léků MeSH
- makrofágy účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
- myši MeSH
- plíce patologie účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- plicní fibróza chemicky indukované patologie metabolismus MeSH
- počítačová simulace MeSH
- strojové učení * MeSH
- transformující růstový faktor beta1 metabolismus MeSH
- velikost částic MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- interleukin-1beta MeSH
- transformující růstový faktor beta1 MeSH
Fluorescent biosensors offer a powerful tool for tracking and quantifying protein activity in living systems with high temporospatial resolution. However, the expression of genetically encoded fluorescent proteins can interfere with endogenous signaling pathways, potentially leading to developmental and physiological abnormalities. The EKAREV-NLS mouse model, which carries a FRET-based biosensor for monitoring extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity, has been widely utilized both in vivo and in vitro across various cell types and organs. In this study, we report a significant defect in mammary epithelial development in EKAREV-NLS C57BL/6J female mice. Our findings reveal that these mice exhibit severely impaired mammary epithelial outgrowth, linked to systemic defects including disrupted estrous cycling, impaired ovarian follicle maturation, anovulation, and reduced reproductive fitness. Notably, estrogen supplementation was sufficient to enhance mammary epithelial growth in the EKAREV-NLS C57BL/6J females. Furthermore, outcrossing to the ICR genetic background fully restored normal mammary epithelial outgrowth, indicating that the observed phenotype is dependent on genetic background. We also confirmed the functional performance of the biosensor in hormone-supplemented and outcrossed tissues through time-lapse imaging of primary mammary epithelial cells. Our results underscore the critical need for thorough characterization of biosensor-carrying models before their application in specific research contexts. Additionally, this work highlights the influence of hormonal and genetic factors on mammary gland development and emphasizes the importance of careful consideration when selecting biosensor strains for mammary studies.
- Klíčová slova
- Biosensor, EKAREV–NLS mouse, ERK signaling, Estradiol supplementation, Genetic background, Hormonal imbalance, Mammary epithelium,
- MeSH
- biosenzitivní techniky * metody MeSH
- epitelové buňky metabolismus účinky léků MeSH
- estrogeny * metabolismus MeSH
- extracelulárním signálem regulované MAP kinasy metabolismus MeSH
- genetické pozadí MeSH
- mléčné žlázy zvířat * růst a vývoj účinky léků MeSH
- myši inbrední C57BL * MeSH
- myši inbrední ICR MeSH
- myši transgenní * MeSH
- myši MeSH
- rezonanční přenos fluorescenční energie metody MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- myši MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- estrogeny * MeSH
- extracelulárním signálem regulované MAP kinasy MeSH
Epithelia are multicellular sheets that form barriers defining the internal and external environments. The constant stresses acting at this interface require that epithelial sheets are mechanically robust and provide a selective barrier to the hostile exterior. These properties are mediated by cellular junctions which are physically linked with heavily crosslinked cytoskeletal networks. Such hardwiring is facilitated by plakins, a family of giant modular proteins which serve as 'molecular bridges' between different cytoskeletal filaments and multiprotein adhesion complexes. Dysfunction of cytoskeletal crosslinking compromises epithelial biomechanics and structural integrity. Subsequent loss of barrier function leads to disturbed tissue homeostasis and pathological consequences such as skin blistering or intestinal inflammation. In this article, we highlight the importance of the cytolinker protein plectin for the functional organization of epithelial cytoskeletal networks. In particular, we focus on the ability of plectin to act as an integrator of the epithelial cytoarchitecture that defines the biomechanics of the whole tissue. Finally, we also discuss the role of cytoskeletal crosslinking in emerging aspects of epithelial mechanobiology that are critical for the maintenance of epithelial homeostasis.
- Klíčová slova
- cytoskeletal crosstalk, epithelia, mechanobiology, plectin,
- MeSH
- biomechanika MeSH
- cytoskelet * metabolismus MeSH
- epitelové buňky metabolismus cytologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- plektin * metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Názvy látek
- plektin * MeSH
In this study, we tested a method for long-term storage of oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECs) so that the cells could be expanded in vitro after cryopreservation and used for the treatment of bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency. The ability of suspended primary OMECs to proliferate in vitro after cryopreservation was compared to that of OMEC cultures that had undergone the same process. Both were preserved in standard complex medium (COM) with or without cryoprotective agents (CPAs) (gly-cerol at 5 % or 10 % or dimethyl sulphoxide at 10 %). We found that after cryopreservation, primary OMECs could form a confluent cell sheet only in a few samples after 22 ± 2.9 (mean ± SD) days of cultivation with 72.4 % ± 12.9 % overall viability. Instead, all ex vivo OMEC cultures could re-expand after cryopreservation with a comparable viability of 78.6 ± 13.8 %, like primary OMECs, but with significantly faster growth rate (adj. P < 001), forming a confluent cell sheet at 13.7 ± 3.9 days. Gene expression analyses of the ex vivo expansion of OMEC cultures showed that the stemness, proliferation and differentiation-related gene expression was similar before and after cryopreservation, except for KRT13 expres-sion, which significantly decreased after the second passage (adj. P < 0.05). The addition of CPAs had no effect on these outcomes. In conclusion, the optimal strategy for OMEC preservation is to freeze the cells that have been previously cultured, in order to maintain cell viability and the capacity to create a sizable graft even without CPAs.
- Klíčová slova
- cell culture, cryopreservation, cryoprotectives, limbal stem cell deficiency, oral mucosal epithelial cells, stemness,
- MeSH
- buněčná diferenciace účinky léků MeSH
- časové faktory MeSH
- epitelové buňky * účinky léků cytologie metabolismus MeSH
- kmenové buňky * účinky léků cytologie metabolismus MeSH
- kryoprezervace * metody MeSH
- kryoprotektivní látky * farmakologie MeSH
- kultivované buňky MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- proliferace buněk * účinky léků MeSH
- regulace genové exprese účinky léků MeSH
- ústní sliznice * cytologie účinky léků MeSH
- viabilita buněk účinky léků MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- kryoprotektivní látky * MeSH
TP73 is a member of the TP53 gene family and produces N- and C-terminal protein isoforms through alternative promoters, alternative translation initiation and alternative splicing. Most notably, p73 protein isoforms may either contain a p53-like transactivation domain (TAp73 isoforms) or lack this domain (ΔTAp73 isoforms) and these variants have opposing or independent functions. To date, there is a lack of well-characterised isoform-specific p73 antibodies. Here, we produced polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to N-terminal p73 variants and the C-terminal p73α isoform, the most common variant in human tissues. These reagents show that TAp73 is a marker of multiciliated epithelial cells, while ΔTAp73 is a marker of non-proliferative basal/reserve cells in squamous epithelium. We were unable to detect ΔNp73 variant proteins, in keeping with recent data that this is a minor form in human tissues. Most cervical squamous cell carcinomas (79%) express p73α, and the distribution of staining in basal cells correlated with lower tumour grade. TAp73 was found in 17% of these tumours, with a random distribution and no association with clinicopathological features. These data indicate roles for ΔTAp73 in maintaining a non-proliferative state of undifferentiated squamous epithelial cells and for TAp73 in the production of differentiated multiciliated cells.
- Klíčová slova
- Cervical cancer, Endometrium, Fallopian tube, Multiciliated cells, Squamous epithelial stem cells, p73 isoforms,
- MeSH
- epitelové buňky metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- monoklonální protilátky MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádory děložního čípku metabolismus patologie genetika MeSH
- nádory metabolismus patologie genetika MeSH
- protein - isoformy * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- protein p73 * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- spinocelulární karcinom metabolismus patologie genetika MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- delta Np73 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
- monoklonální protilátky MeSH
- protein - isoformy * MeSH
- protein p73 * MeSH
- TP73 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
Escherichia coli A0 34/86 (EcO83) is a probiotic strain used in newborns to prevent nosocomial infections and diarrhoea. This bacterium stimulates both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production and its intranasal administration reduces allergic airway inflammation in mice. Despite its benefits, there are concerns about the use of live probiotic bacteria due to potential systemic infections and gene transfer. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from EcO83 (EcO83-EVs) might offer a safer alternative to live bacteria. This study characterizes EcO83-EVs and investigates their interaction with host cells, highlighting their potential as postbiotic therapeutics. EcO83-EVs were isolated, purified, and characterised following the Minimal Information of Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV) guidelines. Ex vivo studies conducted in human nasal epithelial cells showed that EcO83-EVs increased the expression of proteins linked to oxidative stress and inflammation, indicating an effective interaction between EVs and the host cells. Further in vivo studies in mice demonstrated that EcO83-EVs interact with nasal-associated lymphoid tissue, are internalised by airway macrophages, and stimulate neutrophil recruitment in the lung. Mechanistically, EcO83-EVs activate the NF-κΒ signalling pathway, resulting in the nitric oxide production. EcO83-EVs demonstrate significant potential as a postbiotic alternative to live bacteria, offering a safer option for therapeutic applications. Further research is required to explore their clinical use, particularly in mucosal vaccination and targeted immunotherapy strategies.
- Klíčová slova
- EVs, Ec083, NF‐κΒ signalling, bacterial extracellular vesicles, macrophage, nitric oxide, postbiotics, probiotic,
- MeSH
- aplikace intranazální * MeSH
- epitelové buňky metabolismus MeSH
- Escherichia coli * metabolismus MeSH
- extracelulární vezikuly * metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- lymfoidní tkáň metabolismus MeSH
- makrofágy metabolismus MeSH
- myši MeSH
- NF-kappa B metabolismus MeSH
- oxidační stres MeSH
- plíce mikrobiologie metabolismus MeSH
- probiotika * aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- NF-kappa B MeSH
Calpain2 is a conventional member of the non-lysosomal calpain protease family that has been shown to affect the dynamics of focal and cell-cell adhesions by proteolyzing the components of adhesion complexes. Here, we inactivated calpain2 using CRISPR/Cas9 in epithelial MDCK cells. We show that depletion of calpain2 has multiple effects on cell morphology and function. Calpain2-depleted cells develop epithelial shape, however, they cover a smaller area, and cell clusters are more compact. Inactivation of calpain2 enhanced restoration of transepithelial electrical resistance after calcium switch, decreased cell migration, and delayed cell scattering induced by HGF/SF. In addition, calpain2 depletion prevented morphological changes induced by ERK2 overexpression. Interestingly, proteolysis of several calpain2 targets, including E-cadherin, β-catenin, talin, FAK, and paxillin, was not discernibly affected by calpain2 depletion. Taken together, these data suggest that calpain2 regulates the stability of cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesions indirectly without affecting the proteolysis of these adhesion complexes.
- Klíčová slova
- Actin, Adherens junctions, Calpains, Cell scattering, ERK, Epithelial polarity, Focal adhesions, HGF/SF, Migration, Proteases, Tight junctions, Transepithelial electrical resistance,
- MeSH
- beta-katenin metabolismus MeSH
- buněčná adheze * MeSH
- buňky MDCK MeSH
- CRISPR-Cas systémy MeSH
- epitelové buňky * metabolismus cytologie MeSH
- hepatocytární růstový faktor metabolismus MeSH
- kadheriny metabolismus MeSH
- kalpain * metabolismus MeSH
- mitogenem aktivovaná proteinkinasa 1 metabolismus MeSH
- pohyb buněk MeSH
- proteolýza MeSH
- psi MeSH
- vápník metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- psi MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- beta-katenin MeSH
- hepatocytární růstový faktor MeSH
- kadheriny MeSH
- kalpain * MeSH
- mitogenem aktivovaná proteinkinasa 1 MeSH
- vápník MeSH
Aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATC) is the first committed step in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in eukaryotes and plants. A potent transition state analog of human ATCase (PALA) has previously been assessed in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer, but was ultimately unsuccessful. Additionally, inhibition of this pathway has been proposed to be a target to suppress cell proliferation in E. coli, the malarial parasite and tuberculosis. In this manuscript we screened a 70-member library of ATC inhibitors developed against the malarial and tubercular ATCases for inhibitors of the human ATC. Four compounds showed low nanomolar inhibition (IC50 30-120 nM) in an in vitro activity assay. These compounds significantly outperform PALA, which has a triphasic inhibition response under identical conditions, in which significant activity remains at PALA concentrations above 10 μM. Evidence for a druggable allosteric pocket in human ATC is provided by both in vitro enzyme kinetic, homology modeling and in silico docking. These compounds also suppress the proliferation of U2OS osteoblastoma cells by promoting cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. This report provides the first evidence for an allosteric pocket in human ATC, which greatly enhances its druggability and demonstrates the potential of this series in cancer therapy.
- Klíčová slova
- Aspartate Transcarbamoylase, Molecular Docking, Non-competitive Inhibition, Osteosarcoma, Pyrimidine Biosynthesis,
- MeSH
- alosterická regulace účinky léků MeSH
- aspartátkarbamoyltransferasa * antagonisté a inhibitory metabolismus chemie MeSH
- epitelové buňky účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- inhibitory enzymů * farmakologie chemie chemická syntéza MeSH
- knihovny malých molekul chemie farmakologie chemická syntéza MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- molekulární struktura MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádory kostí farmakoterapie patologie metabolismus MeSH
- osteosarkom * farmakoterapie patologie metabolismus MeSH
- proliferace buněk * účinky léků MeSH
- protinádorové látky farmakologie chemie chemická syntéza MeSH
- screeningové testy protinádorových léčiv MeSH
- simulace molekulového dockingu MeSH
- vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
- vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- aspartátkarbamoyltransferasa * MeSH
- inhibitory enzymů * MeSH
- knihovny malých molekul MeSH
- protinádorové látky MeSH