| 1. |
- Muus, Christoph, et al.
(författare)
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Single-cell meta-analysis of SARS-CoV-2 entry genes across tissues and demographics
- 2021
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Ingår i: Nature Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1078-8956 .- 1546-170X. ; 27:3, s. 546-559
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and accessory proteases (TMPRSS2 and CTSL) are needed for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cellular entry, and their expression may shed light on viral tropism and impact across the body. We assessed the cell-type-specific expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and CTSL across 107 single-cell RNA-sequencing studies from different tissues. ACE2, TMPRSS2 and CTSL are coexpressed in specific subsets of respiratory epithelial cells in the nasal passages, airways and alveoli, and in cells from other organs associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission or pathology. We performed a meta-analysis of 31 lung single-cell RNA-sequencing studies with 1,320,896 cells from 377 nasal, airway and lung parenchyma samples from 228 individuals. This revealed cell-type-specific associations of age, sex and smoking with expression levels of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and CTSL. Expression of entry factors increased with age and in males, including in airway secretory cells and alveolar type 2 cells. Expression programs shared by ACE2(+)TMPRSS2(+) cells in nasal, lung and gut tissues included genes that may mediate viral entry, key immune functions and epithelial-macrophage cross-talk, such as genes involved in the interleukin-6, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor and complement pathways. Cell-type-specific expression patterns may contribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19, and our work highlights putative molecular pathways for therapeutic intervention. An integrated analysis of over 100 single-cell and single-nucleus transcriptomics studies illustrates severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral entry gene coexpression patterns across different human tissues, and shows association of age, smoking status and sex with viral entry gene expression in respiratory cell populations.
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| 2. |
- Saddala, Madhu Sudhana, et al.
(författare)
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Transcriptome-wide analysis of differentially expressed chemokine receptors, SNPs, and SSRs in the age-related macular degeneration
- 2019
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Ingår i: Human Genomics. - : BMC. - 1473-9542 .- 1479-7364. ; 13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common, progressive, and polygenic cause of irreversible visual impairment in the world. The molecular pathogenesis of the primary events of AMD is poorly understood. We have investigated a transcriptome-wide analysis of differential gene expression, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), indels, and simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in datasets of the human peripheral retina and RPE-choroid-sclera control and AMD.Methods and resultsAdaptors and unbiased components were removed and checked to ensure the quality of the data sets. Molecular function, biological process, cellular component, and pathway analyses were performed on differentially expressed genes. Analysis of the gene expression datasets identified 5011 upregulated genes, 11,800 downregulated genes, 42,016 SNPs, 1141 indels, and 6668 SRRs between healthy controls and AMD donor material. Enrichment categories for gene ontology included chemokine activity, cytokine activity, cytokine receptor binding, immune system process, and signal transduction respectively. A functional pathways analysis identified that chemokine receptors bind chemokines, complement cascade genes, and create cytokine signaling in immune system pathway genes (p value amp;lt;0.001). Finally, allele-specific expression was found to be significant for Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) 2, 3, 4, 13, 19, 21; C-C chemokine receptor (CCR) 1, 5; chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) 9, 10, 16; C-X-C chemokine receptor type (CXCR) 6; as well as atypical chemokine receptor (ACKR) 3,4 and pro-platelet basic protein (PPBP).ConclusionsOur results improve our overall understanding of the chemokine receptors signaling pathway in AMD conditions, which may lead to potential new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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| 3. |
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- 2019
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 4. |
- Atsawawaranunt, Kamolphat, et al.
(författare)
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The SISAL database : a global resource to document oxygen and carbon isotope records from speleothems
- 2018
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Ingår i: Earth System Science Data. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1866-3508 .- 1866-3516. ; 10:3, s. 1687-1713
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Stable isotope records from speleothems provide information on past climate changes, most particularly information that can be used to reconstruct past changes in precipitation and atmospheric circulation. These records are increasingly being used to provide "out-of-sample" evaluations of isotope-enabled climate models. SISAL (Speleothem Isotope Synthesis and Analysis) is an international working group of the Past Global Changes (PAGES) project. The working group aims to provide a comprehensive compilation of speleothem isotope records for climate reconstruction and model evaluation. The SISAL database contains data for individual speleothems, grouped by cave system. Stable isotopes of oxygen and carbon (delta O-18, delta C-13) measurements are referenced by distance from the top or bottom of the speleothem. Additional tables provide information on dating, including information on the dates used to construct the original age model and sufficient information to assess the quality of each data set and to erect a standardized chronology across different speleothems. The metadata table provides location information, information on the full range of measurements carried out on each speleothem and information on the cave system that is relevant to the interpretation of the records, as well as citations for both publications and archived data.
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| 5. |
- Aydin, Ebru, et al.
(författare)
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A hypomorphic Cbx3 allele causes prenatal growth restriction and perinatal energy homeostasis defects
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Biosciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0250-5991 .- 0973-7138. ; 40:2, s. 325-338
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mammals have three HP1 protein isotypes HP1 beta (CBX1), HPl gamma (CBX3) and HP1 alpha (CBX5) that are encoded by the corresponding genes Cbx1, Cbx3 and Cbx5. Recent work has shown that reduction of CBX3 protein in homozygotes for a hypomorphic allele (Cbx3(hypo)) causes a severe postnatal mortality with around 99% of the homozygotes dying before weaning. It is not known what the causes of the postnatal mortality are. Here we show that Cbx3(hypo/hypo) conceptuses are significantly reduced in size and the placentas exhibit a haplo-insufficiency. Late gestation Cbx3(hypo/hypo) placentas have reduced mRNA transcripts for genes involved in growth regulation, amino acid and glucose transport. Blood vessels within the Cbx3(hypo/hypo) placental labyrinth are narrower than wild-type. Newborn Cbx3(hypo/hypo) pups are hypoglycemic, the livers are depleted of glycogen reserves and there is almost complete loss of stored lipid in brown adipose tissue (BAT). There is a 10-fold reduction in expression of the BAT-specific Ucp1 gene, whose product is responsible for non-shivering themogenesis. We suggest that it is the small size of the ChX3(hypo/hypo) neonates, a likely consequence of placental growth and transport defects, combined with a possible inability to thermoregulate that causes the severe postnatal mortality.
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| 6. |
- Braun, Emelie, et al.
(författare)
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Comprehensive cell atlas of the first-trimester developing human brain
- 2023
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Ingår i: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 382:6667, s. 172-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The adult human brain comprises more than a thousand distinct neuronal and glial cell types, a diversity that emerges during early brain development. To reveal the precise sequence of events during early brain development, we used single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics and uncovered cell states and trajectories in human brains at 5 to 14 postconceptional weeks (pcw). We identified 12 major classes that are organized as ~600 distinct cell states, which map to precise spatial anatomical domains at 5 pcw. We described detailed differentiation trajectories of the human forebrain and midbrain and found a large number of region-specific glioblasts that mature into distinct pre-astrocytes and pre–oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Our findings reveal the establishment of cell types during the first trimester of human brain development.
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| 7. |
- Cheng, Hai, et al.
(författare)
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Milankovitch theory and monsoon
- 2022
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Ingår i: The Innovation. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-6758. ; 3:6
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The widely accepted “Milankovitch theory” explains insolation-induced waxing and waning of the ice sheets and their effect on the global climate on orbital timescales. In the past half century, however, the theory has often come under scrutiny, especially regarding its “100-ka problem.” Another drawback, but the one that has received less attention, is the “monsoon problem,” which pertains to the exclusion of monsoon dynamics in classic Milankovitch theory even though the monsoon prevails over the vast low-latitude (∼30° N to ∼30° S) region that covers half of the Earth's surface and receives the bulk of solar radiation. In this review, we discuss the major issues with the current form of Milankovitch theory and the progress made at the research forefront. We suggest shifting the emphasis from the ultimate outcomes of the ice volume to the causal relationship between changes in northern high-latitude insolation and ice age termination events (or ice sheet melting rate) to help reconcile the classic “100-ka problem.” We discuss the discrepancies associated with the characterization of monsoon dynamics, particularly the so-called “sea-land precession-phase paradox” and the “Chinese 100-ka problem.” We suggest that many of these discrepancies are superficial and can be resolved by applying a holistic “monsoon system science” approach. Finally, we propose blending the conventional Kutzbach orbital monsoon hypothesis, which calls for summer insolation forcing of monsoons, with Milankovitch theory to formulate a combined “Milankovitch-Kutzbach hypothesis” that can potentially explain the dual nature of orbital hydrodynamics of the ice sheet and monsoon systems, as well as their interplays and respective relationships with the northern high-latitude insolation and inter-tropical insolation differential.
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| 8. |
- Comas-Bru, Laia, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluating model outputs using integrated global speleothem records of climate change since the last glacial
- 2019
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Ingår i: Climate of the Past. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1814-9324 .- 1814-9332. ; 15:4, s. 1557-1579
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although quantitative isotope data from speleothems has been used to evaluate isotope-enabled model simulations, currently no consensus exists regarding the most appropriate methodology through which to achieve this. A number of modelling groups will be running isotope-enabled palaeoclimate simulations in the framework of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6, so it is timely to evaluate different approaches to using the speleothem data for data-model comparisons. Here, we illustrate this using 456 globally distributed speleothem delta O-18 records from an updated version of the Speleothem Isotopes Synthesis and Analysis (SISAL) database and palaeoclimate simulations generated using the ECHAM5-wiso isotope-enabled atmospheric circulation model. We show that the SISAL records reproduce the first-order spatial patterns of isotopic variability in the modern day, strongly supporting the application of this dataset for evaluating model-derived isotope variability into the past. However, the discontinuous nature of many speleothem records complicates the process of procuring large numbers of records if data-model comparisons are made using the traditional approach of comparing anomalies between a control period and a given palaeoclimate experiment. To circumvent this issue, we illustrate techniques through which the absolute isotope values during any time period could be used for model evaluation. Specifically, we show that speleothem isotope records allow an assessment of a model's ability to simulate spatial isotopic trends. Our analyses provide a protocol for using speleothem isotope data for model evaluation, including screening the observations to take into account the impact of speleothem mineralogy on delta O-18 values, the optimum period for the modern observational baseline and the selection of an appropriate time window for creating means of the isotope data for palaeo-time-slices.
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| 9. |
- Forsman, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Development of broadly targeted human endogenous gammaretroviralpol-based real time PCRs Quantitation of RNA expression in human tissues
- 2005
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Ingår i: Journal of Virological Methods. - : Elsevier BV. - 0166-0934 .- 1879-0984. ; 129:1, s. 16-30
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Endogenous retroviral sequences (ERVs) are dynamic genomic components with profound influences on gene expression and genomic structure. Their extent of expression is not well known. Several broadly targeted real-time reverse transcription PCR (QPCRs) systems for surveillance of RNA expression of the major groups of human gammaretroviral ERVs were constructed. The highly conserved reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) domains of the pol gene were used as targets for the PCRs, which were both probe-based (TaqMan) and probe-less (SYBR Green). Different levels of primer and probe degeneracy, with or without inosine, were tested. Several of the PCRs had sensitivities of a few HERV nucleic acid copies per PCR reaction. Specificities were approximately as expected from the fit of primers and probes. Gammaretroviral HERV RNA expression was studied in different human tissues. Each HERV group had a specific pattern of expression. HERV-E was highly expressed in testis, HERV-I/T in brain and testis, HERV-H in brain and testis, while HERV-W was highly expressed in placenta. Gammaretroviral RNA was not detected in plasma from 50 blood donors in saliva from 20 persons. In conclusion, a set of tools for investigation of gammaretroviral HERV RNA expression was created.
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| 10. |
- Hu, Lijuan, et al.
(författare)
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Adamts1 is highly induced in rachitic bones of FGF23 transgenic mice and participates in degradation of non-mineralized bone matrix collagen
- 2013
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Ingår i: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications - BBRC. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-291X .- 1090-2104. ; 430:3, s. 901-906
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Transgenic mice overexpressing fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in osteoblasts have a rachitic bone phenotype. These mice display hypomineralized bones, increased expression of osteoblast markers, but osteoclast numbers are unaltered or slightly reduced. Paradoxically, they show increased serum levels of the bone resorption marker CTX, a type I collagen degradation fragment. Here we analyzed a matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) like secreted protease, Adamts1, that has previously been associated with osteoblastic type I collagen breakdown in vitro. Bones from FGF23 transgenic (tg) mice displayed increased Adamts1 protein upon both immunohistological staining and Western blotting. We further found Adamts1 protein together with excessively degraded type I collagen in the non-mineralized bone fraction of FGF23 tg mice. A similar degradation pattern of type I collagen was noticed upon forced expression of Adamts1 in osteoblastic cells in vitro. Importantly, these Adamts1-expressing osteoblastic cells exhibited increased release of CTX fragments when cultured on demineralized bone discs. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time that Adamts1 can be highly induced in bone tissue and that this MMP-like protease can increase osteoblastic release of CTX fragments from non-mineralized bone. Thus, Adamts1 potentially contributes to the increased serum levels of CTX in rickets/osteomalacia.
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| 11. |
- Hu, Lijuan, et al.
(författare)
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Dynamic and selective HERV RNA expression in neuroblastoma cells subjected to variation in oxygen tension and demethylation
- 2016
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Ingår i: Acta Pathologica, Microbiologica et Immunologica Scandinavica (APMIS). - : Wiley. - 0903-4641 .- 1600-0463. ; 124:1-2, s. 140-149
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We studied HERV expression in cell lines after hypoxia, mitogenic stimulation, and demethylation, to better understand if hypoxia may play a role in ERV activation also within the nervous system, as represented by neuroblastoma cell lines. The level of RNA of four human ERV groups (HERVs) (HERVE, I/T, H, and W), and three housekeeping genes, of different cell lines including A549, COS-1, Namalwa, RD-L and Vero-E6, as well as human neuroblastoma cell lines SH-SY5Y, SK-N-DZ, and SK-N-AS were studied using reverse transcription and real-time quantitative PCR (QPCR). During the course of recovery from hypoxia a pronounced and selective activation of RNA expression of HERVW-like sequences, but not of HERVE, I/T, H, and three housekeeping genes, was found in the neuroblastoma cell lines, most pronounced in SK-N-DZ. In the SK-N-DZ cell line, we also tested the expression of HERVs after chemical treatments. HERVW-like sequences were selectively upregulated by 5-azacytidine, a demethylating agent. Some HERVW loci seem especially responsive to hypoxia and demethylation. HERV expression in neuroblastoma cells is selectively and profoundly influenced by some physiological and chemical stimuli.
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| 12. |
- Hu, Lijuan, 1972-
(författare)
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Endogenous Retroviral RNA Expression in Humans
- 2007
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) constitute about 8% of the human genome. There are around 4000 pol-containing retroviral integrations in the human genome, which makes it impractical to measure each of them separately. Therefore we developed a set of degenerate real time PCRs to detect major groups bearing sequence similarities to gammaretroviruses, one of the largest groups of human endogenous retrovirus, and betaretroviruses, some of which have integrated into the human genome most recently and which remain the most intact. It was found that, although both gammaretroviral and betaretroviral RNAs were broadly expressed in various healthy tissues including reproductive tissues and brain, a differential expression pattern was observed. My work further revealed that HERVE and HERVW, two gammaretroviral sequences, were ubiquitously and highly expressed in pathologic and normal female reproductive tissues with tissue specific patterns. Expression of HERVE was higher in endometriotic tissue than in normal endometrium. HERVE and HERVW RNAs were higher in normal ovarian tissue than in ovarian cancer. Besides these tissue- and neoplasia-related differences, there were wide differences in HERV expression among individuals. Next, a selective pattern of HERVW upregulation was demonstrated in SK-N-DZ, a neuroblastoma cell line, upon re-oxygenation after a period of hypoxia or with 5-azacytidine, a demethylating agent. Furthermore, broad and high expressions of gammaretrovirus-like transcripts in different brain areas analyzed were identified. The expression levels were variable among different donors. In conclusion a ubiquitous HERV expression was observed in tissues and cell lines, with various patterns. At this stage the data are not sufficient to conclude whether HERV has any physiological or pathological roles in humans. However, their differential expression patterns are compatible with functional roles of HERV in humans.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Hu, Lijuan, et al.
(författare)
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Over-expression of Adamts1 in mice alters bone mineral density
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0914-8779 .- 1435-5604. ; 30:3, s. 304-311
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ADAMTS1, a secreted multifunctional metalloproteinase with disintegrin and thrombospondin motifs, is an early response gene of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in osteoblasts. Mice engineered to lack Adamts1 are smaller compared to wild-type (WT) mice and ADAMTS1 metalloproteinase activity has been shown to increase osteoblastic growth in collagen gels. However, there are no reports investigating the consequence of Adamts1 over-expression on bone tissue in vivo. Here, we analyze bones of female and male transgenic (TG) mice over-expressing mouse Adamts1 using peripheral quantitative computed tomography to evaluate its effect on bone shape and mineral density. Western blotting of protein extracts and immunohistochemistry of bone sections reveal increased presence of Adamts1 protein in TG bones compared to WT bones. Phenotypic analyses of femur show that female TG mice have reduced metaphyseal total density, trabecular bone mineral density and trabecular mineral content. In contrast, male TG mice which were without changes in the metaphysis showed increased total density and cortical density at the mid-diaphysis cortical site. Female TG mice showed no significant changes at the cortical site compared to WT mice. Furthermore, diaphyseal endosteal compartment was only affected in male TG mice. Along these lines, Adamts1 increased blood levels of PTH only in females whereas it reduced osteocalcin levels only in males. These results reveal that Adamts1 has an impact on bone mineral density and thus further confirm Adamts1 as a potent regulator of bone remodeling.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Hu, Lijuan, et al.
(författare)
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Retinoic acid increases proliferation of human osteoclast progenitors and inhibits RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation by suppressing RANK
- 2010
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 5:10, s. e13305-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- It has been shown that high vitamin A intake is associated with bone fragility and fractures in both animals and humans. However, the mechanism by which vitamin A affects bones is unclear. In the present study, the direct effects of retinoic acid (RA) on human and murine osteoclastogenesis were evaluated using cultured peripheral blood CD14(+) monocytes and RAW264.7 cells. Both the activity of the osteoclast marker tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in culture supernatant and the expression of the genes involved in osteoclast differentiation together with bone resorption were measured. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the effects of RA on human osteoclast progenitors and mature osteoclasts have been studied in vitro. RA stimulated proliferation of osteoclast progenitors both from humans and mice. In contrast, RA inhibited differentiation of the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis of human and murine osteoclast progenitors via retinoic acid receptors (RARs). We also show that the mRNA levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK), the key initiating factor and osteoclast associated receptor for RANKL, were potently suppressed by RA in osteoclast progenitors. More importantly, RA abolished the RANK protein in osteoclast progenitors. This inhibition could be partially reversed by a RAR pan-antagonist. Furthermore, RA treatment suppressed the expression of the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and increased the expression of interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF-8) in osteoclast progenitors via RARs. Also, RA demonstrated differential effects depending on the material supporting the cell culture. RA did not affect TRAP activity in the culture supernatant in the bone slice culture system, but inhibited the release of TRAP activity if cells were cultured on plastic. In conclusion, our results suggest that retinoic acid increases proliferation of human osteoclast progenitors and that it inhibits RANK-stimulated osteoclast differentiation by suppressing RANK.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Huang, Hu, et al.
(författare)
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RNA-Seq reveals placental growth factor regulates the human retinal endothelial cell barrier integrity by transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) signaling
- 2020
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Ingår i: Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. - : SPRINGER. - 0300-8177 .- 1573-4919. ; 475, s. 93-106
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Placental growth factor (PlGF or PGF) is a member of the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) family. It plays a pathological role in inflammation, vascular permeability, and pathological angiogenesis. The molecular signaling by which PlGF mediates its effects in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains elusive. This study aims to characterize the transcriptome changes of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) with the presence and the absence of PlGF signaling. Primary HRECs were treated with the PlGF antibody (ab) to block its activity. The total RNA was isolated and subjected to deep sequencing to quantify the transcripts and their changes in both groups. We performed transcriptome-wide analysis, gene ontology, pathway enrichment, and gene-gene network analyses. The results showed that a total of 3760 genes were significantly differentially expressed and were categorized into cell adhesion molecules, cell junction proteins, chaperone, calcium-binding proteins, and membrane traffic proteins. Functional pathway analyses revealed that the TGF-beta pathway, pentose phosphate pathway, and cell adhesion pathway play pivotal roles in the blood-retina barrier and antioxidant defense system. Collectively, the data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of PlGFs biological functions in HRECs relevant to DR and diabetic macular edema (DME). The newly identified genes and pathways may act as disease markers and target molecules for therapeutic interventions for the patients with DR and DME refractory to the current anti-VEGF therapy.
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| 20. |
- Lee, Chunsik, et al.
(författare)
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VEGF-B prevents excessive angiogenesis by inhibiting FGF2/FGFR1 pathway
- 2023
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Ingår i: SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY. - : SPRINGERNATURE. - 2095-9907 .- 2059-3635. ; 8:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although VEGF-B was discovered as a VEGF-A homolog a long time ago, the angiogenic effect of VEGF-B remains poorly understood with limited and diverse findings from different groups. Notwithstanding, drugs that inhibit VEGF-B together with other VEGF family members are being used to treat patients with various neovascular diseases. It is therefore critical to have a better understanding of the angiogenic effect of VEGF-B and the underlying mechanisms. Using comprehensive in vitro and in vivo methods and models, we reveal here for the first time an unexpected and surprising function of VEGF-B as an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis by inhibiting the FGF2/FGFR1 pathway when the latter is abundantly expressed. Mechanistically, we unveil that VEGF-B binds to FGFR1, induces FGFR1/VEGFR1 complex formation, and suppresses FGF2-induced Erk activation, and inhibits FGF2-driven angiogenesis and tumor growth. Our work uncovers a previously unrecognized novel function of VEGF-B in tethering the FGF2/FGFR1 pathway. Given the anti-angiogenic nature of VEGF-B under conditions of high FGF2/FGFR1 levels, caution is warranted when modulating VEGF-B activity to treat neovascular diseases.
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| 21. |
- Lennikov, Anton, et al.
(författare)
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Synergistic interactions of PlGF and VEGF contribute to blood-retinal barrier breakdown through canonical NF kappa B activation
- 2020
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Ingår i: Experimental Cell Research. - : ELSEVIER INC. - 0014-4827 .- 1090-2422. ; 397:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To investigate the role of placental growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (PlGF-VEGF) hetemdimers are involved in the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown and the associated mechanism, human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were treated with recombinant human (rh)PlGF-VEGF hetemdimers and rhPlGF and studied in normal and high-glucose conditions. HREC barrier function was evaluated by the measurement of trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Adeno-Associated Virus Type 5 (AAV5) vectors overexpressed PlGF in the retina by intravitreal injection into the C57BL6 mouse eye. AAV5-GFP vector and naive animals were used as controls. Immunofluorescence (IF) and western blots examined the protein expression of PlGF-VEGF hetemdimers, VEGF, PlGF, NF kappa B, p-I kappa B alpha, ZO-1, and VE-cadherin in HREC and mouse retina. PlGF-VEGF heterodimers were detected predominantly in the HREC cell nuclei based on IF and cytoplasmic and nuclear fractionation experiments. High glucose treatment increased PlGF-VEGF nuclear abundance. Dot immunoblotting demonstrated a strong affinity of the 5D11D4 antibody to PlGF-VEGF heterodimers. rhPlGF-VEGF disrupted the barrier function of HREC, which was prevented by the neutralization of PlGF-VEGF by the 5D11D4 antibody. Stimulation of HRECs with rhPlGF also led to an increase in the nuclear signals for PlGF-VEGF, p-I kappa B alpha, and colocalization of NF kappa B p65 and PlGF-VEGF in the nuclei. The selective IKK2 inhibitor IMD0354 disrupted the nuclear colocalization. Treatment with IMD0354 restored the barrier function of HREC, as indicated by the ZO-1 and VE-cadherin expression. In the mouse retinas, P1GF overexpression by AAV5 vector reduced ZO-1 expression and increased abundance of pI kappa B alpha. PIGF/VEGF heterodimers mediate BRB breakdown potentially through the canonical NF kappa B activation.
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| 22. |
- Li, Xiaofei, et al.
(författare)
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Profiling spatiotemporal gene expression of the developing human spinal cord and implications for ependymoma origin
- 2023
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Ingår i: Nature Neuroscience. - : Springer Nature. - 1097-6256 .- 1546-1726. ; 26:5, s. 891-901
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The authors created a comprehensive developmental cell atlas for spatiotemporal gene expression of the human spinal cord, revealed species-specific regulation during development and used the atlas to infer novel markers for pediatric ependymomas. The spatiotemporal regulation of cell fate specification in the human developing spinal cord remains largely unknown. In this study, by performing integrated analysis of single-cell and spatial multi-omics data, we used 16 prenatal human samples to create a comprehensive developmental cell atlas of the spinal cord during post-conceptional weeks 5-12. This revealed how the cell fate commitment of neural progenitor cells and their spatial positioning are spatiotemporally regulated by specific gene sets. We identified unique events in human spinal cord development relative to rodents, including earlier quiescence of active neural stem cells, differential regulation of cell differentiation and distinct spatiotemporal genetic regulation of cell fate choices. In addition, by integrating our atlas with pediatric ependymomas data, we identified specific molecular signatures and lineage-specific genes of cancer stem cells during progression. Thus, we delineate spatiotemporal genetic regulation of human spinal cord development and leverage these data to gain disease insight.
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| 23. |
- Lind, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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High dietary intake of retinol leads to bone marrow hypoxia and diaphyseal endosteal mineralization in rats
- 2011
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Ingår i: Bone. - : Elsevier BV. - 8756-3282 .- 1873-2763. ; 48:3, s. 496-506
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Vitamin A (retinol) is the only molecule known to induce spontaneous fractures in laboratory animals and we have identified retinol as a risk factor for fracture in humans. Since subsequent observational studies in humans and old animal data both show that high retinol intake appears to only have small effects on bone mineral density (BMD) we undertook a mechanistic study of how excess retinol reduces bone diameter while leaving BMD essentially unaffected. We fed growing rats high doses of retinol for only 1week. Bone analysis involved antibody-based methods, histology, pQCT, biomechanics and bone compartment-specific PCR together with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of bone mineral. Excess dietary retinol induced weakening of bones with little apparent effect on BMD. Periosteal osteoclasts increased but unexpectedly endosteal osteoclasts disappeared and there was a reduction of osteoclastic serum markers. There was also a lack of capillary erythrocytes, endothelial cells and serum retinol transport protein in the endosteal/marrow compartment. A further indication of reduced endosteal/marrow blood flow was the increased expression of hypoxia-associated genes. Also, in contrast to the inhibitory effects in vitro, the marrow of retinol-treated rats showed increased expression of osteogenic genes. Finally, we show that hypervitaminotic bones have a higher degree of mineralization, which is in line with biomechanical data of preserved stiffness in spite of thinner bones. Together these novel findings suggest that a rapid primary effect of excess retinol on bone tissue is the impairment of endosteal/marrow blood flow leading to hypoxia and pathological endosteal mineralization.
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| 24. |
- Lind, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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Increased Bone Mass in Female Mice Lacking Mast Cell Chymase
- 2016
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 11:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Here we addressed the potential impact of chymase, a mast-cell restricted protease, on mouse bone phenotype. We show that female mice lacking the chymase Mcpt4 acquired a persistent expansion of diaphyseal bone in comparison with wild type controls, reaching a 15% larger diaphyseal cross sectional area at 12 months of age. Mcpt4(-/-) mice also showed increased levels of a bone anabolic serum marker and higher periosteal bone formation rate. However, they were not protected from experimental osteoporosis, suggesting that chymase regulates normal bone homeostasis rather than the course of osteoporosis. Further, the absence of Mcpt4(-/-) resulted in age-dependent upregulation of numerous genes important for bone formation but no effects on osteoclast activity. In spite of the latter, Mcpt4(-/-) bones had increased cortical porosity and reduced endocortical mineralization. Mast cells were found periosteally and, notably, bone-proximal mast cells in Mcpt4(-/-) mice were degranulated to a larger extent than in wild type mice. Hence, chymase regulates degranulation of bone mast cells, which could affect the release of mast cell-derived factors influencing bone remodelling. Together, these findings reveal a functional impact of mast cell chymase on bone. Further studies exploring the possibility of using chymase inhibitors as a strategy to increase bone volume may be warranted.
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| 25. |
- Lind, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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Microarray Profiling of Diaphyseal Bone of Rats Suffering from Hypervitaminosis A
- 2012
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Ingår i: Calcified Tissue International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0171-967X .- 1432-0827. ; 90:3, s. 219-229
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Vitamin A is the only known compound that produces spontaneous fractures in rats. In an effort to resolve the molecular mechanism behind this effect, we fed young male rats high doses of vitamin A and performed microarray analysis of diaphyseal bone with and without marrow after 1 week, i.e., just before the first fractures appeared. Of the differentially expressed genes in cortical bone, including marrow, 98% were upregulated. In contrast, hypervitaminotic cortical bone without marrow showed reduced expression of 37% of differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that only samples containing bone marrow were associated with a GO term, which principally represented extracellular matrix. This is consistent with the histological findings of increased endosteal/marrow osteoblast number. Fourteen genes, including Cyp26b1, which is known to be upregulated by vitamin A, were selected and verified by real-time PCR. In addition, immunohistochemical staining of bone sections confirmed that the bone-specific molecule osteoadherin was upregulated. Further analysis of the major gene-expression changes revealed apparent augmented Wnt signaling in the sample containing bone marrow but reduced Wnt signaling in cortical bone. Moreover, induced expression of hypoxia-associated genes was found only in samples containing bone marrow. Together, these results highlight the importance of compartment-specific analysis of bone and corroborate previous observations of compartment-specific effects of vitamin A, with reduced activity in cortical bone but increased activity in the endosteal/marrow compartment. We specifically identify potential key osteoblast-, Wnt signaling-, and hypoxia-associated genes in the processes leading to spontaneous fractures.
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| 26. |
- Lind, Thomas, Docent, 1965-, et al.
(författare)
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Studies of indirect and direct effects of hypervitaminosis A on rat bone by comparing free access to food and pair-feeding.
- 2018
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Ingår i: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Uppsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 123:2, s. 82-85
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The most prominent features of hypervitaminosis A in rats are spontaneous fractures and anorexia. Since caloric restriction induces alterations in bone, some effects could be secondary to loss of appetite. To clarify the mechanisms behind vitamin A-induced bone fragility it is necessary to distinguish between direct and indirect effects.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study we compared rats fed high doses of vitamin A both with pair-fed controls, which were fed the same amount of chow as that consumed by the vitamin A group to keep food intake the same, and to controls with free access to food.RESULTS: In contrast to the pair-fed animals, rats in the free access group fed high doses of vitamin A for 7 days had 13% lower food intake, 15% lower body weight, and 2.7% shorter femurs compared with controls. In addition, serum biomarkers of bone turnover were reduced. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the femurs showed that the bone mineral content, cross sectional area, and periosteal circumference were similarly reduced in the pair-fed and free access groups. However, bone mineral density (BMD) and cortical parameters were only significantly decreased in the free access group.CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the major direct short-term effect of high doses of vitamin A on rat bone is a reduced bone diameter, whereas the effects on bone length, serum biomarkers of bone turnover, BMD, and bone cortex appear to be mainly indirect, caused by a systemic toxicity with loss of appetite, reduced food intake, and general effects on growth.
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| 27. |
- Muradrasoli, Shaman, et al.
(författare)
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Development of real-time PCRs for detection and quantitation of human MMTV-Iike (HML) sequences HML expression in human tissues
- 2006
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Ingår i: Journal of Virological Methods. - : Elsevier BV. - 0166-0934 .- 1879-0984. ; 136:1-2, s. 83-92
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The human genome contains around 1000 betaretrovirus-like copies, human mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV)-like (HML) groups 1 - 10, also referred to as human endogenous retroviruts "HERV-K". Despite many efforts, it is not established whether betaretroviruses, exo- or endogenous, are involved in the etiology of breast cancer, or other cancer diseases, in humans. Quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) TaqMan((R))-based assays for HML groups 1-7, targeting the conserved reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) domains of the pol gene were designed. Plasmids containing the entire pol gene of HML 1-7 were used as standards. The RT and IN based QPCRs could detect 10(0)-10(3) copies per PCR reaction of the plasmids. However, not all plasmids gave a signal in both RT and IN QPCRs, probably due to mismatches. Furthermore, RT and IN based HML6 specific QPCRs were developed. They were specific for amplification of transcripts for the whole HML6 group. The methods allow the monitoring in body fluids and tissues of expression of a wide range of betaretrovirus-like sequences. Betaretrovirus-like RNA was studied in normal human tissues and of HML6 in brains of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Brain, adrenal gland and testis had a high betaretrovirus-like expression. Multiple sclerosis plaques contained the same HML6 RNA concentration as control tissue. These assays are expected to enhance studies on involvement of betaretroviruses in physiology and disease.
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| 28. |
- Sountoulidis, Alexandros, et al.
(författare)
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A topographic atlas defines developmental origins of cell heterogeneity in the human embryonic lung
- 2023
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Ingår i: Nature Cell Biology. - : Springer Nature. - 1465-7392 .- 1476-4679.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sountoulidis et al. provide a spatial gene expression atlas of human embryonic lung during the first trimester of gestation and identify 83 cell identities corresponding to stable cell types or transitional states. The lung contains numerous specialized cell types with distinct roles in tissue function and integrity. To clarify the origins and mechanisms generating cell heterogeneity, we created a comprehensive topographic atlas of early human lung development. Here we report 83 cell states and several spatially resolved developmental trajectories and predict cell interactions within defined tissue niches. We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and spatially resolved transcriptomics into a web-based, open platform for interactive exploration. We show distinct gene expression programmes, accompanying sequential events of cell differentiation and maturation of the secretory and neuroendocrine cell types in proximal epithelium. We define the origin of airway fibroblasts associated with airway smooth muscle in bronchovascular bundles and describe a trajectory of Schwann cell progenitors to intrinsic parasympathetic neurons controlling bronchoconstriction. Our atlas provides a rich resource for further research and a reference for defining deviations from homeostatic and repair mechanisms leading to pulmonary diseases.
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| 29. |
- Tian, Ye, et al.
(författare)
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Holocene climate change in southern Oman deciphered by speleothem records and climate model simulations
- 2023
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Ingår i: Nature Communications. - 2041-1723. ; 14:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Qunf Cave oxygen isotope (& delta;O-18(c)) record from southern Oman is one of the most significant of few Holocene Indian summer monsoon cave records. However, the interpretation of the Qunf & delta;O-18(c) remains in dispute. Here we provide a multi-proxy record from Qunf Cave and climate model simulations to reconstruct the Holocene local and regional hydroclimate changes. The results indicate that besides the Indian summer monsoon, the North African summer monsoon also contributes water vapor to southern Oman during the early to middle Holocene. In principle, Qunf & delta;O-18(c) values reflect integrated oxygen-isotope fractionations over a broad moisture transport swath from moisture sources to the cave site, rather than local precipitation amount alone, and thus the Qunf & delta;O-18(c) record characterizes primary changes in the Afro-Asian monsoon regime across the Holocene. In contrast, local climate proxies appear to suggest an overall slightly increased or unchanged wetness over the Holocene at the cave site. Southern Oman speleothem oxygen isotope and multi-proxy data reveal diverse changes in the Afro-Indian summer monsoon circulations and local hydroclimate conditions during the Holocene, confirming climate model simulations.
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| 30. |
- Wei, Guohui, et al.
(författare)
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Photothermal catalytic activity and mechanism of LaNixCo1-xO3(0 <= x <= 1) perovskites for CO2 reduction to CH4 and CH3OH with H2O
- 2019
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Ingår i: Materials Research Express. - : IOP Publishing. - 2053-1591. ; 6:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A series of LaNixCo1-xO3 perovskites were synthesized by sol-gel combustion method, the photothermal catalysis of CO2 and H2O into CH4 and CH3OH was investigated systematically. The crystal structure, surface area, oxygen vacancies, band structures and catalytic performance of LaNixCo1-xO3 perovskites were characterized thoroughly in order to understand the design principle of the material for such a photothermal catalysis of CO2 and H2O. With the change of x value, the best catalytic performance was achieved at x = 0.4 and the accumulated yield of CH4 and CH3OH can reach 678.57, 20.83 mu molg(-1) in 6 h, which were 3.4 and 3.8, 1.9 and 2.2 times of that of two end composition, LaCoO3 and LaNiO3 under the same condition. For LaNi0.4Co0.6O3, the surface area reached a maximum concentration of oxygen vacancy while the band gap reached a minimum of 1.42 eV. It is evident that the formation of solid solution between LaMO3 (M = transition metals) compounds can be a general strategy for the new catalyst design.
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| 31. |
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